The best things to do in South Africa it gives thrilling safaris, vibrant cities, and off beaten nature view. Johnny Africa / Unsplash
20 Best Things to Do in South Africa
South Africa is a land of striking contrasts and endless wonders, where vast savannas meet dramatic coastlines and ancient mountains rise beside bustling cities.
If you’re seeking thrilling safaris to spot the iconic Big Five, exploring vibrant cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, or immersing yourself in history and local traditions, this beautiful nation has something unforgettable to offer.
With its world-famous natural wonders like Table Mountain, the Garden Route, and Blyde River Canyon, as well as unique cultural experiences such as township tours and traditional cuisine, South Africa promises an enriching journey full of discovery and excitement.
Here’s a curated list of the 20 best things to do in South Africa to help you make the most of your visit to this incredible destination.
Experience thrilling wildlife encounters on a safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Annakate Auten / Unsplash
1. Go on a Safari in Kruger National Park
Going on a safari in Kruger National Park is one of the most iconic and best experiences in South Africa. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, this vast wilderness is one of Africa’s largest and most renowned game reserves.
It’s home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the famous Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—a term originally coined by hunters to describe the most difficult animals to track on foot and now a bucket-list goal for wildlife enthusiasts.
Kruger gives both guided game drives and self-drive safaris, allowing visitors to explore its diverse landscapes ranging from savannas and forests to riverbeds and rocky outcrops. With a well-developed infrastructure of rest camps, lodges, and picnic spots, you can experience the raw beauty of the African bush without sacrificing comfort.
Whether it’s watching a pride of lions lounging in the golden grass, spotting a shy leopard slinking through the trees, or hearing elephants trumpet in the distance, a safari in Kruger delivers thrilling encounters and lifelong memories.
The Garden Route is a scenic coastal drive featuring forests, beaches, and charming town. Trey Smith / Unsplash
2. Drive the Garden Route
A road trip on the Garden Route is a beautiful journey through some of South Africa’s most scenic and varied places. Stretching for about 300 kilometers between Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and Storms River in the Eastern Cape, this coastal road winds through a breathtaking mix of landscapes, from emerald-green forests and tranquil lakes to golden beaches and rugged cliffs.
Along the way, you’ll discover charming towns like Knysna, famous for its oysters and lagoon views; Plettenberg Bay, known for its pristine beaches and dolphin sightings; and Wilderness, a peaceful haven of rivers, forests, and birdlife.
Adventure seekers can hike in Tsitsikamma National Park, go bungee jumping from Bloukrans Bridge (the highest commercial bridge jump in the world), or kayak through lush river gorges. For those who prefer a relaxed pace, there are countless opportunities to enjoy wine tastings, art galleries, and cozy coastal cafés.
Climb Table Mountain in Cape Town for best views of the city and ocean below. Dannii Coughlan / Unsplash
3. Climb Table Mountain in Cape Town
Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s most iconic landmarks and climbing it is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure with stunning views from the top. Adventurous travelers can choose from several scenic hiking trails, such as Platteklip Gorge, Skeleton Gorge, or India Venster, each offering unique landscapes ranging from lush forests to rocky ridges.
For those who prefer a quicker route, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway provides a smooth and thrilling ride to the summit in just a few minutes, with rotating floors that give you 360-degree views on the way up. At the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic vistas of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island, the Cape Peninsula, and even the distant Hottentots-Holland Mountains on a clear day.
The flat summit also features walking paths, a café, and opportunities to spot wildlife like rock hyraxes (locally called dassies). Whether you’re climbing under the golden light of sunrise or enjoying a cable car ride at sunset, a visit to Table Mountain is an unforgettable highlight of any South African journey.
Robben Island is a historic prison where Nelson Mandela was held during apartheid. Arka Pudota / Unsplash
4. Visit Robben Island
Visiting Robben Island is a powerful and emotional experience, especially when you learn about its role in South Africa’s history. This small island, just off the coast of Cape Town, is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years behind bars during apartheid.
You can take a short ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront, and once you arrive, former political prisoners often guide the tours, sharing their personal stories. Walking through the old prison buildings, including Mandela’s tiny cell, gives you a real sense of the struggle for freedom and the harsh reality of life under apartheid.
Blyde River Canyon is a lush, scenic gorge with stunning panoramic views. Thibaut Tiberghien / Unsplash
5. Explore the Blyde River Canyon
Exploring the Blyde River Canyon is like stepping into a hidden world full of natural beauty and peaceful views. It’s one of the largest green canyons in the world and is covered with lush vegetation, which makes it stand out from other rocky canyons.
As you drive or walk through the area, you’ll come across breathtaking viewpoints like God’s Window, Three Rondavels, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, each offering incredible views of cliffs, valleys, and waterfalls.
You can also hike, go boating, or just sit and take in the fresh mountain air. Whether you’re into photography, adventure, or just enjoying nature, the Blyde River Canyon is a peaceful and unforgettable place to explore.
6. Relax on the Beaches of Durban
Relaxing on the beaches of Durban is the perfect way to unwind and soak up the coastal vibes of South Africa. The city sits along the warm Indian Ocean, so the water is best for swimming all year round. Whether you’re lying on the golden sand, trying your hand at surfing, or just dipping your feet in the waves, Durban’s beaches are full of energy and fun.
Places like North Beach and uShaka Beach are popular spots where you can also find cool beachfront markets, local snacks, and people roller-skating or playing volleyball. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, soak in the ocean breeze, and experience the laid-back vibe that Durban is known for.
7. Tour the Winelands near Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Touring the Winelands near Stellenbosch and Franschhoek is a peaceful and enjoyable experience, especially if you love wine, nature, or just relaxing in beautiful places. These two charming towns are surrounded by rolling hills and endless vineyards, making them some of the most famous wine regions in South Africa.
You can visit local wine estates, taste different types of wine from crisp whites to bold reds, and even pair them with cheese or chocolate. The scenery is absolutely stunning, with mountain backdrops, historic buildings, and quiet countryside roads.
Some wine farms also offer cellar tours, picnics, or outdoor restaurants with vineyard views. Whether you’re a wine expert or just curious, this is the best way to enjoy South Africa’s natural beauty and world-class wines all at once.
8. Visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg
Visiting the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is a moving and eye-opening experience that helps you understand the difficult history of apartheid in South Africa.
The museum uses powerful exhibits, photos, videos, and personal stories to show how the system of racial segregation affected millions of people. Walking through the museum, you get a sense of the struggles, injustices, and resilience of those who lived through those times.
It’s not just about learning facts; it’s about feeling the impact of this history and appreciating the hard-fought journey toward freedom and equality. The museum offers a chance to reflect on South Africa’s past and the ongoing hope for a more just future.
9. Go Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai
Gansbaai is known as the “Great White Shark Capital of the World” and is a popular destination for shark cage diving.
During this activity, specially designed cages are used to safely lower participants into the ocean, allowing them to observe great white sharks up close in their natural environment.
This experience offers a unique opportunity to study and appreciate these apex predators while ensuring safety for both humans and sharks.
10. Drive the Panorama Route
Driving the Panorama Route is the best way to explore some of South Africa’s most beautiful natural sights all in one trip. This scenic route takes you through mountain passes and valleys filled with stunning views.
Along the way, you’ll stop at incredible places like God’s Window, where you can look out over a vast, green landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see. You’ll also visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes, unique rock formations shaped by swirling water over thousands of years, which make for the best photo spots.
The route is full of waterfalls, forests, and dramatic cliffs, giving you a chance to connect with nature and enjoy peaceful moments in breathtaking surroundings. It’s a perfect day trip for anyone wanting to experience the wild beauty of South Africa’s Lowveld region.
11. Experience uShaka Marine World in Durban
A trip to uShaka Marine World in Durban is a lively and action-packed experience, perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to enjoy marine life and water adventures in one place. It’s one of the biggest marine theme parks in Africa and has so much to offer in one place. You can explore a huge aquarium built inside a shipwreck, where you’ll see sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish swimming in giant tanks.
There’s also a water park with thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones that are perfect for cooling off. One of the highlights is the dolphin and seal shows, where you can watch these amazing animals perform and interact with trainers. Whether you’re into marine life, water rides, or just want to relax by the beach, uShaka has something for everyone.
12. Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains
Hiking in the Drakensberg Mountains is the best way to connect with nature and take in some of South Africa’s most breathtaking scenery. This mountain range, which stretches across parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, is full of rugged cliffs, green valleys, and peaceful trails. If you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are plenty of routes to choose from, some short and easy, others more challenging and rewarding.
Along the way, you might come across waterfalls, wildflowers, and even ancient San rock art painted on the cave walls, telling stories from thousands of years ago. The air is fresh, the views are wide open, and it’s a perfect place to escape into nature and enjoy the quiet beauty of the mountains.
13. Visit Addo Elephant National Park
Visiting Addo Elephant National Park is the best way to see elephants up close in their natural environment without worrying about malaria. Located near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, this park is home to over 600 elephants, making it one of the best places in South Africa to watch these gentle giants roam freely.
You can drive through the park in your car or join a guided safari to spot not just elephants, but also lions, buffalo, zebras, and more. The scenery is beautiful, with open plains, thick bush, and peaceful watering holes where animals gather. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly safari experience that gives you a real feel for South Africa’s wildlife and natural beauty.
14. Explore the Cape Winelands
Exploring the Cape Winelands is about more than just tasting the best wine; it’s a full experience of beauty, culture, and relaxation. The area includes picturesque towns like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, all set against a backdrop of majestic mountains, sweeping vineyards, and a peaceful countryside vibe.
While wine tasting is definitely a highlight, you’ll also find amazing gourmet food, cozy cafes, and top-rated restaurants that serve everything from farm-style meals to fine dining.
You can stroll through local markets, take a bike ride through the vineyards, or simply sit back and enjoy the peaceful countryside views. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for slowing down and enjoying the good things in life: delicious wine, delicious food, and beautiful surroundings.
15. Discover Johannesburg’s Maboneng Precinct
Exploring the Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg is like stepping into the creative heart of the city. Once an old industrial area, it’s now one of the coolest and most colorful neighborhoods in Joburg, filled with street art, quirky shops, and a buzzing vibe.
You can walk around and find art galleries, design studios, and stylish cafes, all packed into a few walkable blocks. There are also rooftop bars, live music spots, and weekend markets where local artists and food vendors show off their work. It’s the best place to soak up South Africa’s modern culture, meet creative people, and enjoy the lively energy of the city.
16. Go Whale Watching in Hermanus
Going whale watching in Hermanus is one of the most magical things you can do along South Africa’s coast. This small seaside town is one of the best places in the world to see southern right whales, especially during the winter and spring months (from June to November).
What’s incredible is that you don’t even need a boat; you can spot these massive, gentle creatures right from the shore as they swim close to land, sometimes breaching or waving their tails.
There are also guided boat tours if you want a closer look. With beautiful ocean views, fresh sea air, and the chance to see whales in their natural habitat, Hermanus offers a peaceful yet exciting experience that’s perfect for nature lovers.
17. Explore the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn
Visiting the Valley of Desolation in Camdeboo National Park feels like stepping into another world. Located near the town of Graaff-Reinet, this spot is famous for its towering rock columns that rise straight out of the landscape.
These dramatic stone formations were shaped by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years, and they stand high above the vast Karoo semi-desert.
When you reach the viewpoint, the wide, open view takes your breath away with endless plains stretching out below and a real sense of quiet, untouched nature. It’s the perfect place for photography, peaceful reflection, or just taking in the raw beauty of South Africa’s unique geology.
18. Visit the Valley of Desolation in Camdeboo National Park
As you wander its narrow, shaded streets lined with mudbrick houses, you’ll see intricate wooden lintels inscribed with Islamic calligraphy and colorful painted walls that reflect the village’s rich cultural heritage.
Once a medieval Islamic settlement, Al-Qasr still preserves centuries-old structures like mosques, schools, and homes built using traditional desert architecture. It shows how people in the desert lived comfortably by using natural materials and clever building methods.
Fact: The village’s wooden doors were crafted from repurposed palm trunks and inscribed with Quranic verses, some of which date back over 800 years, making them some of the oldest surviving Islamic wooden carvings in Egypt.
19. Take a Township Tour in Soweto
Taking a township tour in Soweto is a powerful and eye-opening way to learn more about South Africa’s culture, history, and everyday life. Soweto, short for “Southwestern Townships,” is one of the most well-known townships in the country and played a big role in the fight against apartheid.
On a guided tour, you can walk or ride through the vibrant streets, meet local people, and hear stories about the community’s past and present. You’ll visit notable spots such as Vilakazi Street, the unique street where both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, once called home.
Beyond the history, you’ll also get a feel for the energy, music, food, and spirit of Soweto today. It’s an experience that’s both educational and deeply meaningful.
20. Try Local Foods and Street Markets
Sampling local dishes and visiting street markets is a fantastic way to dive into South Africa’s vibrant culture and unique tastes. You can enjoy specialties like bunny chow, which is bread filled with spicy curry; boerewors, a tasty traditional sausage; and chakalaka, a flavorful and spicy vegetable relish.
You’ll often find these dishes at bustling street markets and food stalls, particularly in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town. These markets are vibrant and lively, filled with vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, handcrafted goods, traditional clothing, and local music.
Wandering through these vibrant spots gives you a real taste of the local lifestyle and a chance to connect with the friendly people behind the food.
The official website for exploring the best things to do in South Africa is South African Tourism. This government-run platform offers comprehensive travel guides, activity suggestions, and trip planning resources tailored for various interests, including adventure, culture, wildlife, and relaxation.
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