Rich in history, culture, and wildlife, South Africa has no shortage of unforgettable activities. From the Franschhoek wineries and family-friendly amusement parks to safari tours showcasing the astounding beauty of Africa’s wildlife, travelers of all ages can find something to enjoy. South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind astounds with the world’s largest collection of human ancestor fossils. Meanwhile, places like the Kgalagadi and Kruger parks give guests a glimpse of the country’s amazing wildlife with elephants, lions, and wildebeests.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park gives tourists the quintessential safari experience. Adventurers can feast their eyes on the astounding beauty of Africa’s wildlife in this enormous park, containing of 2 million hectares of land. Visitors view a full range of indigenous wildlife in this peaceful paradise, including the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhinoceros elephant, and Cape buffalo). As home to close to 500 species of birds, 100 species of reptiles, nearly 150 species of mammals, a multitude of archaeological sites, and a resplendent diversity of trees and flowers, this wildlife experience ranks as one of the best in Africa. Accommodations include a campsite, bungalows, and private game lodges.
643 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, South Africa, Phone: +27-01-24-28-91-11
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Founded in 1913, Kirstenbosch is the world’s first botanical garden with the ethos of preserving the country’s unique flora. Based at the eastern foot of Table Mountain in Cape Town, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden includes a botanical institute and a large conservatory exhibiting plants from a number of regions. The outdoor area showcases plants native to the Cape region. Trails throughout the grounds give residents and tourists alike a place to explore gardens and mountain slopes. One of the paths climbs up to Skeleton Gorge ravine, a popular route to the summit of Table Mountain.
Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-17-99-87-83
Addo Elephant National Park
Situated 45 miles (72 km) by road from Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park gives guests a chance to see African animals in action. Expert guides take tourists through the grounds housing over 600 elephants and large mammals such as cape buffalos, zebras, hartebeests, lions, and warthogs. Exploring the park, visitors may stumble upon elephants drinking by the watering holes or spot a number of antelope species. Available activities include hiking, game drives, 4x4 trails, horseback riding, and marine eco tours. The park gives a number of different options for accommodations, including secluded rest camps and luxury lodges.
R335 Paterson Road, Addo, South Africa, Phone: +27-04-22-33-86-00
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
A visit to South Africa would not be complete without a chance to view the country’s stunning scenery and impressive variety of wildlife, and the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve makes the perfect place to do just that. The grounds contain a 20-mile-long (33 km) gorge filled with an abundance of breathtaking waterfalls and panoramic views of the third largest canyon in the world. Visitors can stay overnight in private lodges or guesthouses and enjoy a full array of activities like fly fishing, hiking, kloofing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hot air ballooning, biking, and taking guided tours and boat trips at Blyde Dam.
R536, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa, Phone: +27-01-37-59-53-00
Boulder’s Beach
As the home to thousands of endangered African penguins, Boulder’s Beach lets guests get up close and personal to these fascinating animals. During a visit, the annoying squawk of birds makes it easily apparent why this species has received the nickname of the “jackass penguin”. Boulder’s Beach is open to the public, and visitors only have to pay an entrance fee. There they can observe the birds roaming and swimming freely throughout the sheltered beach comprised of inlets reaching between ancient granite boulders. The large boulders block the water from the wind and large waves, making it an ideal location for kids to go swimming.
Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-17-86-23-29
African Bird of Prey Sanctuary
The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is situated on over 60 hectares of scenic valley and provides a safe haven to the greatest variety of indigenous raptors in southern Africa. In this birdwatchers’ paradise, visitors get a glimpse of beautiful birds of prey in a well-maintained, scenic environment. Residents of the sanctuary include show birds, eagles, owls, vultures, falcons, kestrels, hawks, kites, buzzards, and secretary birds. During this interesting outing, aerial displays give an impressive look at different birds in flight. Guests may also get the chance to witness the release of rehabilitated birds.
Lion Park Road, Pietermaritberg, South Africa, Phone: +27-03-17-85-43-82
Apartheid Museum
The Apartheid Museum gives heart-wrenching insight into the rise and fall of the country’s dark era of segregation and oppression. Although a somber, emotional experience, it’s a must-see for those with a sense of humanity looking to understand South Africa’s history through words, pictures, and displays. The museum gives a full view of that period of history, explaining the atrocities that took place. One of the distressing exhibitions contains a small chamber with 131 nooses hanging that represent the 131 government opponents executed under anti-terrorism laws. A tour of the museum takes between 1.5 to 2 hours.
Northern Parkway & Gold Reef Road, Ormonde, South Africa, Phone: +27-01-13-09-47-00
The Big Hole
Reputedly the largest hole excavated by hand, the Big Hole is an open-pit and underground mine in Kimberley, South Africa. The enormous hole started the world’s largest diamond rush in the late 1800s, attracting thousands from around the world to its mines. Today, it has grown to depths of about 700 feet (215 meters), with 40% of the hole filled with turquoise-colored water. Thrill-seekers can take a stroll down the open-air steel platform that juts over the Big Hole down into the chasm. A high security vault contains real diamonds with stones of all shapes, colors, and sizes.
South Circular Road, Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa, Phone: +27-05-38-39-46-00
Bourkes Potholes
Situated within the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, the Bourkes Potholes display a remarkable geological phenomenon formed by water erosion. Although the entrance fee is a bit high, a visit gives amazing views of extraordinary rock formations and waterfalls. Rapid water formed unusual swirls of holes, carving potholes into the river bedrock over thousands of years. A trail takes hikers through a 0.4-mile (700 m) walk to the potholes, where they can explore winding pathways and footbridges overlooking the landscape. Those interested in visiting should bear in mind that the attraction can get overcrowded, with high temperatures during peak season and public holidays.
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Moremela, Mpumalanga, South Africa, Phone: +27-01-37-69-89-26
Cango Caves
Located 18 miles (29 km) from Oudtshoorn at the head of the Congo Valley, the Cango Caves stand out as one of South Africa’s most popular tourist caves. It consists of over 2.5 miles (4 km) of an extensive system of tunnels and chambers with limestone formations. Well-informed guides take guests on an underground adventure exploring large caves, narrow passages, and dripstone caverns. During the tour, travelers marvel at cave paintings and artifacts dating back to the Middle and Later Stone Ages. Visitors hoping to avoid long waits should plan ahead and book in advance, especially during holiday periods.
Cango Valleie Road, Oudtshoorn, South Africa, Phone: +27-04-42-72-74-10
Cape of Good Hope
Common misconception considers the Cape of Good Hope as the southernmost point of the African continent, but in reality, it marks the point where a European ship traveling south began to turn east during the Age of Exploration in the 15th century. The cape played an important role as a stopping point for ships sailing between Europe and the east. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its rich plant life and wildlife. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the cape gannet, the African black oystercatcher, and four species of cormorant, or find the famous feathered residents at the colony of jackass penguins at Boulder’s Beach.
Cape Point, Peninsula, South Africa, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-17-80-92-04
Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope provides a piece of South African colonial history combined with a day of wine tasting and fine dining. Built between 1666 and 1679, the Castle of Good Hope still stands as the oldest surviving building in South Africa and was first built as a quadrangular fortress. The walls inside contain a church, a bakery, living quarters, cells, and a courtyard. Tourists can also explore the military museum and watch military ceremonies like canon demonstrations during their visit. Located in Cape Town, the fort originally stood along the coastline, but is now situated inland following land reclamation.
Darling Street & Buitenkant Street, Foreshore, Cape Town, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-17-87-12-60
Cradle of Humankind
Situated 31 miles (50 km) northwest of Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind represents one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa. It houses the largest collection of hominin fossils, making up about 40% of the world’s human ancestor skeletons. The paleoanthropological site occupies 47,000 hectares (180 square miles) and is made up of complex tunnels of limestone caves with traces of human-like apes. The Sterkfontein Cave alone has over a third of the early hominid fossils ever discovered. That includes “Little Foot,” a nearly complete 3 million year old Australopithecus skeleton. This amazing experience gives an interesting look into the origins of humankind.
Maropeng Visitor Center, R400, Mogale, Gauteng, South Africa, Phone: +27-01-45-77-90-00
District Six Museum
The District Six Museum serves as a memorial to the 60,000 inhabitants of various races forced from their homes in the 1970s during South African apartheid. Set in an old church hall, the museum tells the tragic story of South African apartheid through displays of photos, maps, and personal recollections. A guided tour, sometimes by former residents of the district, gives a full picture of the many lives affected by the event. Past visitors claim this as a must-see when visiting Cape Town in order to get a better idea of the history of the country.
25A Buitenkant Street, Cape Town, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-14-66-72-00
Franschhoek Wine Tram
The Franschhoek Wine Tram takes tourists on a scenic tour of the South African wine country in an air-open bus and open-sided tram. The tram travels between South African wineries around Franschhoek from Cape Town and gives guests a chance to sample everything from robust reds to sparkling whites. The tour stops frequently, giving guests a chance to explore each vineyard with a wine cellar tour, wine tasting, a walk through the grounds, or a chance to grab a bite to eat. The full-day outing also teaches about the history of the French Huguenots who settled this area over three centuries ago.
32 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-13-00-03-38
Gold Reef City
Rides like the High Flying Maverick, Anaconda, Tower of Terror, or Golden Loop take passengers on twists and turns in this thrilling theme park. In between roller coasters and rides, the Raging River Rapids gives the whole family a chance to cool down, floating along a scenic river while encountering caves and waterfalls along the way. This theme park has something for everyone, including a kiddie rides section or a casino for adults looking for their own place to play. Located on an old gold mine, staff wear period costumes of the 1880s, and guests can also take an underground mine tour.
Northern Parkway & Data Crescent, Ormonde, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, Phone: +27-01-14-61-97-44
Groot Costantia
First established in 1685, this provincial heritage site in the suburb of Constantia in Cape Town holds the title of South Africa’s oldest wine producing estate. Groot, which means “great” or “big” in Dutch, describes this historic estate perfectly. Altogether the expansive grounds contain two restaurants, a museum, winery, and wine cellar. Guests can reach the estate by hopping on City Sightseeing’s Wine Bus. After arriving, the Dutch manor showcases South Africa’s natural beauty in the fertile Constantia Valley. Visitors can enjoy world-class cuisine, see the wine and cultural history museum, and top it off with a chocolate and wine pairing.
Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-17-94-51-28
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
This large wildlife preserve in the Kalahari Desert offers a unique view of African wildlife. The terrain features red sand dunes, scarce vegetation, and the dry riverbeds of the Nossob and Auob rivers. Straddling the border between South Africa and Botswana, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park contains two adjacent national parks totaling 15,000 square miles (38,000 square kilometers). During a tour, visitors observe gemsbok (a large desert antelope), black-maned Kalahari lions, wildebeests, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and more than 200 species of birds including vultures and raptors. Accommodations include family cottages, a rest camp, and private game lodges.
Twee Rivieren Restcamp, Highway N10, Botswana, Phone: +27-05-45-61-20-00
Mandela House
Riddled with bullet holes in the walls and scorch marks from Molotov cocktail attacks, this single-story red-brick house tells the story of South African apartheid in the former residence of one of the country’s foremost political leaders and former president, Nelson Mandela. The house served as home to Mandela, who moved there with his first wife in 1946. Mandela and his family lived in the house for decades during their struggle against apartheid, which included repeated imprisonment. Although refurbished, the house, which has been converted into a museum, still maintains the history and trauma it has experienced.
8115 Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, Soweto, South Africa, Phone: +27-01-19-36-77-54
South African National Gallery
While visiting Cape Town, tourists can spend the afternoon escaping the heat while viewing thought-provoking exhibitions demonstrating South Africa’s heritage. The South African National Gallery displays the country’s rich artistic heritage, consisting mostly of works by Dutch, French, British, Flemish, African, and South African artists between the 17th and 19th centuries. The gallery covers a variety of subjects and media and includes lithographs, etchings, paintings, and photography. Art lovers can also view contemporary pieces from local artists along with a collection of sculptures, textiles, architecture, and beadwork. Temporary exhibitions showcase different aspects of local art and culture.
Government Avenue, Company’s Garden, Cape Town, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-14-81-39-70
Sterkfontein Caves
Within the Sterkfontein Caves, adventurers can explore the archaeological marvels that South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind has to offer. Located about a 90 minutes' drive from the Johannesburg city center, the Sterkfontein Caves represent one of eight South African World Heritage Sites, where scientists have discovered hominid and animal fossils dating back over 4 million years. Within the underground tunnels, visitors can marvel at the hominin sites with nearly half of the world’s human ancestor fossils. The caves are home to “Mrs. Pies”, a 2.1 million year old Australopithecus skull, and “Little Foot”, a nearly complete 3 million year old Australopithecus skeleton.
Maropeng Visitor Center, R563 Hekpoort Road, Sterkfontein, South Africa, Phone: +27-08-15-34-50-49
Sunland Baobab
According to carbon-dated studies, the Sunland Baobab tree has lived for more than 1,060 years. The enormous baobab in Sunland Farm blooms in spring and provides a home to owls and other birds. Unfortunately, a part of the tree has fallen in recent years, and only part of it remains standing. Still, large portions of the Sunland Baobab remain alive with growing leaves on the trunks lying on the ground. The nearby jungalows offer a cozy respite, with outdoor bathrooms, a treehouse, and a communal fire pit. Those who still wish to view the impressive tree can drive there in about 1.5 hours from Polokwane.
R36, Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Table Mountain National Park
As South Africa’s most photographed attraction, Table Mountain National Park gives adventurers breathtaking views of the country’s landscape. The mountain provides a home to close to 2,200 species of plants, and tourists can also observe many animals frolicking throughout the park including caracals, rock hyraxes, chacma baboons, and penguins. The land includes the gorgeous conservatories of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens nestled in the eastern foot of the mountain, which showcase plants from all over the world. The national park also contains the famous Cape of Good Hope, a crucial navigation point for European ships during the Age of Exploration.
Cableway, Tafelberg Road, Cape Town, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-14-24-00-15
Tsitsikamma National Park
From blackwater tubing and horseback riding to canopy tours and golfing, Tsitsikamma National Park boasts plenty of activities to keep any adventurer busy. Visitors can go hiking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, and beyond while exploring the lush landscape of this protected area on the Garden Route, which stretches from the Western Cape and to the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Dolphin Trail covers 10.5 miles (17 km) and showcases the unparalleled beauty of Garden Route National Park as it passes past rugged rocks and through indigenous forest up to the banks of the Sandrift River. Quad bike tours lead riders through the untouched forests on an exciting ATV experience.
Tsitsikamma Tourism Association, Oudebosch Farmstall, South Africa, Phone: +27-04-22-85-05-62
Two Oceans Aquarium
Whether looking to peek at penguins or marvel at ragged-tooth sharks, the Two Oceans Aquarium impresses all with its displays of underwater wildlife. The Penguin Exhibit houses a colony of various penguin species. Meanwhile, the Predator Exhibit features sharks along with ocean sunfish, yellowbelly rock cod, and giant kob. Translucent jellies, cryptic fishes, and massive octopus swim in the tanks of the Atlantic Ocean Gallery. The touch pool allows kids and adults alike to feel shells, plants, and animals with their own hands, while the Microscope Exhibit gives an entirely new view of the sea with magnified views of sea creatures.
Dock Road, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa, Phone: +27-02-14-18-38-23
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