South Africa is famous for its stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, award-winning vineyards, beautiful beaches and bustling cosmopolitan cities. I have been to the country twice and I always leave wishing for more. There is something deeply special about this place.
Stretching over more than 2,800 kilometers and numbering more than 56 million people, you could easily spend months here without seeing all this. Heck, a simple trip from one end of the country to the other would take a few days.
Although there are hundreds of things to see and do in South Africa, here is a list of what I think you should see and do here:
1. Go to the Safari
Most people come to South Africa for a Safari, and for good reasons. Some of the best hunting tours in the world are organized here and you will want to spend at least a few nights in one of the hundreds of national parks. In fact, there is nothing like it.
The most famous Safari destination is the Kruger National Park, which presents an incredible variety and a multitude of incredible wild animals, including the Big Five (Cape lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes).
I went to see Kruger a few years ago and it was everything I had hoped for, and even more. Although you can walk around the park, I actually recommend using a guide because they will be much better able to spot the animals and give you a lot of information about them, their habitat and the park itself. Since this is one of those experiences that happen “once in a lifetime”, it is worth spending money to get qualified advice.
While Kruger is the most well-known Safari destination, there are dozens of other options in South Africa. Here are some that I recommend:
Hluhluwe and imfolozi National Park: Located in the east of the country and known for its rhinoceros populations.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: on the border with Botswana to the north, it is known for its black-maned lions.
Addo Elephant National Park: Near Port Elizabeth, on the South coast, this is a great option for a self-guided Safari.
Pilanesburg National Park and Reserve: this is where the Big Five resides, and if you are short on time, a day trip from Johannesburg is possible.
Safaris are so common in South Africa that almost all prices and budgets are covered. Accommodation options range from inexpensive campsites to guest houses and luxury resorts.
2. Visit Cape Town.
Cape Town is the most popular place in South Africa, and for good reasons. It is a lively and multicultural city with lively bars, delicious food, good weather, rich nature and hiking trails nearby. In addition to the stunning beaches of the city, there is also a lot to do on the seafront.
3. Surf.
The Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean coast in South Africa offer world-class surfing. Geoffrey Bay, on the South coast, near Port Elizabeth, is the most famous surfing destination in South Africa, offering big waves and many breaks.
There are also some good surf spots near Cape Town, including the dungeons of Hout Bay and others further south in the west of Cape Town, such as Long Beach.
If you are a beginner, Durban is a great choice for surfing because of the robust waves and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Expect to pay around 500 ZAR per person for a 2-3 hour course.
4. Learn more about apartheid.
You cannot visit South Africa without having learned the horrors of apartheid (institutionalized racial segregation system) which cast a shadow over the country from the 1940s to the 1990s. Opened in 2001, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg perfectly highlights the history and heritage of apartheid.
During your stay in Johannesburg, visit the Constitutional Court. It is located on the site of an old political cage and you can visit some of the ruins of the cage and learn about the many political delinquent who have been unjustly detained here.
In addition, be sure to visit the Museum of the Sixth District of Cape Town. It is a monument to the people who lived in the area in the 1970s and were forced to move to allow white citizens to move. It is sobering and illuminating at the same time.
Leave a Reply