Things To Do
in South Africa
South Africa is a country of remarkable contrasts, from dramatic coastlines to golden savannas and winelands. It is home to a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and cuisines that reflect its complex history and vibrant present. The landscape ranges from pristine beaches to rugged mountains and dramatic deserts.
It is a destination for wildlife, adventure, and world-class cuisine, all within a few hours' drive of each other.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and settle into your accommodation with stunning views of Table Mountain. Take some time to refresh and unwind before starting your adventure. Consider a leisurely brunch at a local café to savor traditional South African cuisine.
Explore the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where you can shop for handcrafted goods and enjoy the picturesque harbor views. Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium to marvel at the marine life of both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Engage with local artisans and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir.
Dine at one of the waterfront restaurants, sampling fresh seafood or traditional dishes accompanied by a fine South African wine. Take in the sunset over the ocean as you watch the bustling atmosphere of the waterfront. If you're in the mood, catch a live music performance to immerse yourself in the energetic local culture.
Start your day with a hike up Table Mountain, where the panoramic views of Cape Town will leave you in awe. Alternatively, take the Aerial Cableway for a more leisurely ascent. Spend some time wandering along the summit's paths, soaking in the breathtaking vistas.
Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its exotic flora. Stroll through the gardens' winding paths and enjoy a picnic among the magnificent landscapes. Don't miss the famous Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway for some stunning views.
Head back to Cape Town for a relaxed dinner at one of the city's acclaimed restaurants, focusing on farm-to-table cuisine. Experience the vibrant nightlife by visiting local bars or enjoying street performances in the area. Bask in the lively ambiance as the city comes alive after dark.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🛒Groceries | $40-100/week |
| 🚕Mid-range taxi ride (3–5 miles) | $6-12 |
| 🍺Local beer | $2-4 |
| 🏨Hotel room (mid-range) | $60-120/night |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unmatched biodiversity and wildlife
- Stunning landscapes and coastlines
- Vibrant cultures and cuisines
- World-class safari destinations
- Excellent wine regions (Cape Winelands)
- Long travel times between some regions
- Safety concerns in certain urban areas
- Seasonal crowding in peak months
- Variable infrastructure in rural areas
- "Sawubona" - Hello (Zulu)
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you (Zulu)
- "Môre / Goeie môre" - Good morning (Afrikaans)
- "Goeie middag" - Good afternoon (Afrikaans)
- "Ke a leboha" - I appreciate it (Sesotho)
Places to Visit in South Africa
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic flat-topped mountain with panoramic views of the city and coast.
Colonies of African penguins on a sheltered white-sand cove.
Spectacular coastal cliffs and ocean vistas along a twisting road.
Harbor views with the island as a remote historical backdrop.
Food in South Africa
South Africa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spiced minced meat dish topped with a savory custard, a Cape Malay classic.
Must-Try!
Air-dried cured meat snack, similar to jerky, great as a snack or in dishes.
Spicy vegetable relish often served with braai meats.
Coiled sausage grilled at braais; often served with pap.
Spiced curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread, especially popular in Durban.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market with crafts, street food, and local vibes.
Farm-fresh produce, prepared foods, and great coffee.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Handshake is common; use polite forms and address elders with respect; learning a few local phrases goes a long way.
SA is multilingual and multicultural; show respect for different cultures, avoid sensitive political debates in casual conversations.
Safety
Tipping in South Africa
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants typically expect 10-15% if service is not included; guides and taxi drivers often appreciate rounding up.
Credit/debit cards widely accepted in cities; cash (South African rand) useful in markets and rural areas; mobile wallets and contactless payments are common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days, sea breeze, peak tourist crowds in coastal regions; beach-friendly with water temps in the 20s°C.
Milder temperatures, ideal for wildlife safaris in some areas; rainfall begins in parts of the country.
Cool to mild along the coast; inland areas can be chilly with possible rain; wildlife viewing can be excellent in Kruger and reserves.
Wildflowers bloom in the Western Cape; pleasant temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities.
South Africa at Night
Hiking in South Africa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Classic ascent with rewarding views of Cape Town.
Popular after-work ascent for sunset over the city.
Multi-day hikes in the Drakensberg mountains offering dramatic scenery.
Airports
How to reach South Africa by plane.
Main gateway for Western Cape; strong domestic and some international connections.
Johannesburg's major international hub; connects across Africa and beyond.
Durban gateway with international and domestic options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Largest demographic group with diverse cultures and languages.
People of European descent; multilingual; historical context influences demographics.
Mixed-heritage communities, especially in the Western Cape.
Significant communities, especially in KwaZulu-Natal and urban centers.
Various mixed-heritage communities in cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A national passion with strong club and Test matches.
Popular sport with domestic leagues and the national team.
Widely followed; vibrant leagues and international events.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most dishes can be adapted; look for bean, lentil, chickpea curries, veggie stews; clearly request dairy-free or meat-free options as needed.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting South Africa.