Set out on a colourful journey to the Rainbow Nation, South Africa, which offers changing landscapes, diverse wildlife and vibrant culture. Whether you are looking to enjoy the wilderness, watch the Big Five or set out on an ode of gastronomic delight. On your holiday to this incredible destination, you will never run out of places to visit and things to do, making it a thrilling experience.
We have handpicked some of the best experiences that you can indulge in during your trip to collect some of the best memories. Check out the blog below to learn more about these things to do in South Africa that will help you plan your vacation accordingly.
Weather in South Africa
South Africa enjoys a Mediterranean climate, although the weather around the country varies by region. One can experience four weather patterns in South Africa, namely spring, summer, autumn and winter. The best time to visit South Africa is during the dry season, which prevails between May and September, when the chance of spotting wild animals is higher, with less chance of rainfall and warm weather.
| Season | Months |
| Summer | December to February |
| Autumn | March to May |
| Winter | June to August |
| Spring | September to November |
12 Best Things to Do in South Africa
Add the spice of thrill and adventure to your holiday in South Africa by visiting some of its popular places and enjoying the experiences they have to offer. Here are the 12 best things to do in South Africa on your holiday.
Visit the Iconic Table Mountain of Cape Town
Either drive or go hiking at the flat-topped Table Mountain of Cape Town, situated at a height of 3560 feet, a natural landmark renowned for offering spellbinding views of Cape Town, Robben Island and Table Bay. Moreover, this site has been recognised as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Several trails wind up to the mountain top from valleys, waterfalls and lush green forests, attracting hikers and adventure lovers and is also considered to be one of the most photographed landmarks of Cape Town.
Take a Wild trip to the Kruger National Park
South Africa has gained its fame for its wildlife safaris and spotting of the Big Five (rhinoceros, buffalo, elephants, leopards, and lions). Set out on a wild exploration by taking a safari to Kruger National Park, which has over 140 mammal species. The park is spread over an area of 19,485 square kilometres (approximately), offering you bird watching tours, bush walks and game drives. Besides the vast natural landscape, there are also over 250 archaeological and cultural sites that one can visit, making it one of the best tourist attractions in South Africa.
Enjoy Wine Tasting at Cape Winelands
Take a trip to the Cape Winelands, a unique place to visit in South Africa known for wine tourism, where you can learn about wine-making and also taste some of the finest wines. This winemaking was established 350 years ago, at the time of the Dutch colonisation. Over the years, the art of wine-making has been perfected, which gave birth to Pinotage, the signature red wine of South Africa. At present, the Cape Winelands has grown to be one of the finest wine regions around the globe.
Go Dolphin and Whale Watching
Get fascinated by witnessing 37 different species of dolphins and whales on your trip to South Africa, making it an even more splendid experience. Whale watching and dolphin watching are popular activities around the country that allow one to spot the magnificent creatures of the sea. Some of the popular areas that have gained popularity over the years for spotting whales and dolphins are Hermanus, Gansbaai, Algoa Bay and many more. The best time to spot most of these creatures is between June and November, when these animals migrate.
Learn about the Evolution of Humanity
Step back into time by visiting South Africa’s Cradle of Humankind, one of the most important anthropological and archaeological sites in the world. As you explore the site, you’ll uncover valuable insights into the evolution of humankind over the years. There are about 300 limestone caves that hold extensive animal and human fossils, which also makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will find the skull of Mrs Ples, a 2.1 million-year-old Australopithecus Africanus and Little Foot, an around 3 million-year-old Australopithecus skeleton.
Enjoy the Blue Train Ride
Attain a taste of travel in both style and luxury between Pretoria and Cape Town in the Blue Train. This train can be considered as a five-star hotel on wheels, which started back in the 19th century at the request of the British gold and diamond magnates. Enjoy the best of decor and service, like comfortable leather seating, warm birch panelling and full silver service at a gourmet five-course meal. The beautiful scenery along the route will offer you an excellent travel experience, especially at sunset.
Experience the Gastronomic Culture
Make sure to explore the gastronomic culture of South Africa, which will allow you to come across a vibrant fusion of Asian spices, European influences and indigenous traditions. Flavourful spices, an array of ingredients and hearty dishes highlight the culinary landscape of South Africa. Some of the traditional dishes of South Africa are Biltong, Bobotie, Chakalaka, Vetkoek, Malva pudding and many more. Indulge in a wide variety of flavours and tastes that will help you understand the rich gastronomic cultures and traditions.
Go on a Drive along the Garden Route
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Garden Route, offering you some of the stunning views of South Africa. From misty mountains, glittering beaches, to seaside villages, you get to witness everything throughout your road journey. This scenic road stretches between Mossel Bay and Storm River, with a length of 190 miles (approximately). It is considered one of the hidden gems, boasting beautiful twists and turns that make it one of the unique places to visit in South Africa.
Go to See the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal
Immerse yourself in Zulu history by visiting the Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, which is an area rich with British military history, where the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars took place. With a spectacular backdrop of mountains and blue sky, you can enjoy the walking routes. South Africa has a long history of conflicts between inhabitants and settlers. The Zulus reigned between 1816 and 1897, and were believed to be the largest ethnic group.
Get Sun-Soaked Paradise of Durban’s Golden Mile
Enjoy the playground of Durban’s golden sand beaches, which welcome the bluish Indian Ocean waters. Indulge in various beach activities like leisure walking, sunbathing, surfing and swimming. Immerse yourself in the warm atmosphere that can be found most of the time of the year, offering a lively vacation vibe. The long stretch of land is a fabulous choice among the locals as well as the tourists, catching the sun’s rays.
Awe-Struck at the Natural Beauty of the Wild Coast
Explore the realm of unspoiled rugged natural beauty at the Wild Coast of South Africa, where you can even spot rich cultural heritage, secluded beaches and dramatic cliffs. This 250 km (approximately) long stretch of coastline fronts the Indian Ocean. There are a number of activities that you can indulge in, like sunbathing, surfing, canoeing, horse riding, swimming and hiking. Moreover, this place also holds great historical importance for being the birthplace of the revolutionary leader, Nelson Mandela.
Take a Dive into the Past at the Apartheid Museum
Step back into time by visiting the Apartheid Museum located in Johannesburg. Discover the rich past and historical events through the collection of various exhibits that testify to past incidents. Get to see a vast collection of photographs, documents and other artefacts. There are also museum exhibits, such as the Torture Room and Avenue of Heroes, among others, which help develop an emotional understanding of the past. You will also learn about the rise and fall of apartheid, as well as the events that led to the first free and fair democratic elections in 1994.
Conclusion
It is no wonder that Rainbow has a myriad of experiences to offer its tourists. Start planning and gathering the resources you will need to have an immaculate holiday experience. If you plan to travel during the peak season, book your round-trip flights, accommodations, and activities that require tickets in advance to save time.
In case you find it confusing, we are here to help you. We offer you a wide array of travel packages to help you gain a wonderful holiday experience. From flight to accommodation to private transfers, we cover everything. You can explore our travel packages to South Africa, featuring various deals and discounts. You can also customize your travel itinerary by consulting our travel expert, who will prepare a travel itinerary based on your budget and preferences.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit South Africa?
The best time to visit South Africa is between May and September, when you get clear skies and warm weather, allowing you to indulge in various outdoor activities.
What are some of the popular things to do in South Africa?
Some of the popular things to do in South Africa include enjoying whale and dolphin watching, going on a scenic drive in the Garden Route, and tasting the finest wines, among many other activities.
Where to spot the Big Five in South Africa?
You can spot the Big Five in South Africa at the Kruger National Park.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa?
You do not require a visa to travel to South Africa if you are planning to return within a tenure of 90 days.
