South Africa is one of the countries which you should visit if you are planning to visit Africa the Southern part. You will get to your trip exploring the parks, Islands, towns and cities, embark of exciting adventures and visit different Museums.
No matter your preference you will find something to enjoy in South Africa. You take the wildlife safari top see various wild animals, relaxing at the beach to exploring the Cape Town.
In this blog article we have listed the best things to do in South Africa. As you plan your trip from Dubai, it is important to obtain all necessary travelling documents and most important on is obtaining the South Africa visa from Dubai. With the visa you be allowed to enter the country and try all these things we have detailed.
For a memorable trip in South Africa, here are the best things to consider in adding to your itinerary.
Cape Town is one of those cities which you should not miss to explore when you visit South Africa. It is a modern city known for its melting pot of culture and vibrant streets.
More so, the locals are friendly and easy to interact with. You can learn the rich history of this city by interacting with locals. You can also visit the District Six Museum and get to know the people who spearheaded the fight against the apartheid regime and discover country history.
Among the other things you can do in Cape town is explore the truly beautiful vistas, the beach and watch the adorable penguins.
South Africa is among the country which is known for production of quality wines. If you love wine then you should make a trip to where it is produced in the Cape Winelands. It is will be both enjoyable and educational experience.
You can take this winelands tour from Cape Town; it is 1 hour’s scenic drive and will arrive at the beautiful Franschhoek Valley. You will get to see the oldest and distinguished wine estates in South Africa. They are huge vineyards and most of them have a French Huguenot heritage.
You will get to learn about the winemaking process from the expert guides and also various grape varieties. You will also be given a chance to different taste of wines.
You can go whale watching in Hermanus. It is a popular seaside resort and is known across the world as the best whale watching destination. You will get to see these mammals in their natural habitat.
The best time to visit this destination is July as these mammals get to close to the coast in huge numbers and will get opportunity enjoy as they swim while relaxing in the boat. You can get learn about these amazing marine mammals at the Whale House Museum and Old Harbour Museum.
Founded in 1898, Kruger National Park is the oldest park in South Africa. Its size is five times that of Kent making also the biggest. The park was initially established o control hunting of wild animals.
As of today, it is home to more than 16,000 elephants, plant life, African wild dogs and different bird species. The best time to visit this park is early in the morning up to lunchtime and them from late afternoon to late evening.
Located in the heart of the famous Garden Route and middle of a natural amphitheatre of hills Knysna is among the places to visit in South Africa. This town has grown into a beautiful seaside location from overspill from a gold rush town.
The town is surrounded by ancient forests, waterfalls, and gorges. You can go hiking as you explore the indigenous forests and reserves in the area. Equally, can take relax at the Knysna waterfront or soak in the sun at the beautiful coastline. Another activity you can do in Knysna is kayaking on the Knysna Estuary
You can take a scenic road trip across South Africa by following famous Garden Route. The route is around 125 miles from the Western Cape Mossel Bay to the east Storms River. You will get to pass across the rouged coastlines and mountain.
You will get spectacular views in every places of the trip as the landscape changes every stage. If you keep your eyes open in the southern you may get to spot dolphin whale or white shark.
If you are looking for fun things to do in South Africa, you shroud consider a visit the Boulders African Penguin Colony. It is located at Table Mountain National Park, part of the marine protected area.
You will get to watch Africa’s penguins swimming, waddling between giant boulders and little rock pools. After Penguins watching you can decide to sunbathe at the beaches around.
Claimed to be where all humankind originated, Cradle of Humankind which is situated in Maropeng, near Pretoria is historical place to visit. The claims are due to the large number of hominid fossils that were found in this area.
This attraction is a building which looks like giant burial mound and visitors are taken on a boat ride underground where there are displays on man development and earth’s natural history.
You don’t have to be certified and advanced scuba divers to participate in this activity. Although shark-cage diving is among the activities which require one to be bold and fearless, you don’t need to have any special qualifications to go on this adventure.
You can get ton have up-close encounter with the sharks of South Africa during this adventure. You can also “free swim” snorkel with different shark species.
If you are surfer you can head to the southern and eastern coasts for excellent surfing experience. The local get to pass time surfing in these area because the water is ideal for the activity.
It doesn’t matter if you are experienced or beginner you can found a suitable spot to surf in South Africa. It is important to know there are areas which are reserved for only experienced and advanced surfers.
Although most of the visitors like to visit South Africa for safari, you can also combine with golfing. You can find the top-class golf courses in South Africa and o even hosts international events.
It is easy to find a golfing course near you no matter if you are exploring Cape Town, taking safari at Kruger National Park or road-tripping down the Garden Route
If you are adventure enthusiasts or nature lover, you should include exploring Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal among the best things to do in South African on your list.
It is the highest mountain range in South Africa and from the peak you can get breathtaking scenery. You can also go hiking as you enjoy the views of the diverse flora and fauna.
Other activities you can do at Drakensberg Mountains include rock climbing, and hot air balloon rides. These sights and activities are what make Drakensberg Mountains an ideal place to visit in South African for travelers seeking to enjoy the natural beauty.
Situated near Johannesburg and Pretori, is among the park to visit in South Africa for wildlife experiences. You can enjoy watching wildlife strolling in their natural habitat in serene environment.
Among the animals you can see here include the Big 5, African wild dogs, herds of zebra, and roan antelope. You will get see these animals up-close as you will be driven inside the park.
Other activities you can do in this park include hiking and horseback riding. The park is huge and you can explore it for up to 2 days. There are accommodation options in the park, luxury lodge or stay at the campsite.
Located the east coast KwaZulu-Natal area, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a mosaic of ecosystems. You will get to witness wildlife and diversity of vegetation.
The park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers diverse ecosystem. There is a range of habitant’s coral reefs, savannahs, swamps and coastal dunes. There are also eight interconnected ecosystems offering haven array of wildlife.
Some of the activities you can at this wetland park include safari, marine adventures game drives, snorkeling, and diving. Well you explore the park you should watch out for wildlife animals like rhinos, hippos, and crocodiles.
Blyde River Canyon is the largest canyons in the world. You should include a visit to this canyon on your tour to the Kruger National Park. You will get to catch stunning views at the canyon, see different wildlife and plant species.
For activities, you can enjoy scenic drives, go hiking and also boat trips. This reserve offers visitors both wildlife safari and natural beauty experience.
Fort insight about South Africa poignant and powerful past, you should consider visiting the Robben Island. The Island is situated off the coast of Cape Town, and it is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Island served as Political dissidents and social misfits prison during apartheid. It was the first South Africa Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. But the Island is no longer a prison but was transformed to museum and national monument.
If you are looking forward to wildlife safari when you visit South Africa, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is among the places where you can embark on a game drive. It will be led by experienced local trackers and rangers. During the drive you will get to spot the big 5 and the endangered animals like the African wild dog.
You can stay at the reserve, there are luxurious accommodations. The overall wildlife sightings at bi Sands Game Reserve is unparalleled.
Stretching along the Eastern Cape, South Africa’s Wild Coast is where to visit for east coast experiences. It is not crowded like most part of the coast and features rugged subtropical coastline. You explore the rolling hills, traditional villages, forest and pristine beaches.
If you among travelers who look for authentic experiences Wild coast is the place to consider visiting and experience of South African natural beauty. You also engage into various outdoor activities during the visit among them hiking, horseback riding and surfing.
Situated close to Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park offers a visitors chance to see different wildlife such as elephants African penguins, Cape gannets and The Big 7. There are also marine animals such as southern right whale and great white shark.
It is the perfect place to visit and satisfy your wildlife enthusiast’s dream come. You can also engage into various activities in the park among them guided game drives, horseback riding, and hiking. If you want to have personal encounter with different wildlife this is the park to consider visiting in South Africa.
Madikwe Game Reserve situated North West Province is one of the less crowded game reserve to visit in South Africa. At the reserve you will get a chance to see the African wild dog and big 5.
It is an ideal place to visit away from the crowds especially with your loved one. The scenery is stunning and diverse wildlife. For off-the-beaten-path safari experience visit Madikwe Game Reserve.
Do you know where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet? The two oceans meet at the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. The view is spectacular and you can get to see that view when you visit South Africa.
The over al view of the ocean from the second-oldest lighthouse in South Africa found in Cape Agulhas gives chance to enjoy breathtaking and beauty of the oceans. You should include visiting Cape Agulhas in places to visit in South Africa and witness the forces of nature at work.
Johannesburg and Pretoria are among the cities which to explore in South Africa and learn about the country rich history and culture. They are vibrant cities and can take urban adventure to learn about the locals.
The places to visit in Johannesburg are Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill. You will get to learn how the country fought the apartheid regime, the turbulences and how it became democratic. In Pretoria can visit various landmarks among them Voortrekker Monument and Freedom Park.
These two cities have other attractions you can consider not matter your interest from museums, art galleries, lively nightlife to lively markets. You should also strive to try different South African dishes as you explore these cities.
If you are looking for thrilling experience or you are marine enthusiasts, you should consider cage diving with great white sharks ideal things to do in South Africa. It is adrenaline-pumping adventure and once life time experience.
Some of the locations you can visit for this activity are Cape Town, Durban, and Rocky Bay. You get to have a lasting memory as you encounter the most fearsome predators in the ocean. At first your heart will start racing and your senses get sharp. But it is a safe activity to try.
Addo National Park is the 3rd largest park in South Africa and was founded in 1931. The park sits on 540 square kilometers area. It is home to the largest African elephant’s population in the world.
Other animals which live in this park are “Big 7” of Africa - elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, great white shark, and southern right whale. If you love hiking there are hiking trails in the park. Among the trails is the 2.4 to 8 kilometers long Zuurberg Mountain Trails, 36 kilometers long Alexandria Hiking trail and the 7 kilometers long Tree Dassie Trail.
Known for its beauty and magic, Boulders Beach is an ethereal destination and takes 1 hour drive from Cape Town to get there. The beach is situated in the quaint town of Simon's and is home for over two thousand African Penguins.
Tourists like to visit this place to watch as these marine animals walk across the beach shore. It is lovely scenery to watch as they take the small steps. You can enjoy various water activities at the beach live swimming or soaking in the sun relaxing.
KwaMuhle Museum is among the museums to visit in South Africa and it’s brilliantly architecture, classy arch-lined veranda and copper-clad entrance doors make it stand out. The museum was established to showcase the Durban city urban growth and history.
There are photographic illustrations at the museum about the township lifestyle and it is where to learn the ordinary people have contributed to the growth of the city. The exhibits at the museums include ‘The Durban System’, The Mkhumbane Gallery, The Shadows of the Past, and a community mural.
Opened in 2001, the Apartheid Museum is a pre-prominent historical center on the planet and recognized as the best place to learn about how South African dealt with apartheid regimes and until attained democracy.
At the core of the museum is the politically-sanctioned racial segregation story. It is the first museum of its kind and visitors get to learn the rise and fall of politically-sanctioned racial segregation.
A consortium for structural design, comprising many leading compositional businesses, designed the structure's plan over a seven-hectare area. The gallery presents a remarkable South African experience to the global-local region through an exquisite portrayal of configuration, space, and scene.
Opened August 29, 1947 by Prime Minister Jan Smuts, the South African National Museum of Military History is one of the most significant historical sites in the country.
The museum was founded to preserve South Africa's history related to its involvement in World War II. But in 1975, the museum began preserving all of South Africa's conflicts. The entire museum houses more than 44,000 objects and is divided into 37 sections.
Armoured warfare vehicles, small arms, cemeteries and memorials, edged weapons, medals, and camping and barrack equipment are a few of the museum's significant displays.
The Wits Art Museum is a well-organized museum with an extensive collection of modern and traditional African artworks. The museum houses nearly 9,000 outstanding items of art accumulated over seven decades.
The Wits Art Museum is a popular attraction for art enthusiasts in South Africa, featuring African art from Central, Western, and Southern Africa. The museum houses a diverse collection of traditional artworks, including wooden sculptures, textiles, masks, drums, wirework, beads, and basketry.
Contemporary artwork presentations include watercolor paintings, prints, pictures, and sketches by renowned artists such as Robert Hodgins, William Kentridge, Willem Boshoff, Alan Crump, Penny Siopis, Kendell Geers, and Santu Mofokeng.
Built around the slopes of Table Mountain, which derives its name from its relatively flat top, Cape Town is also known by its original name, Hoerikwaggo, which means "mountain in the sea."
There are various walking ways, but utilizing the cable car is the quickest way to get to the top. Maclear's Beacon, the highest point at 1,086 meters (3,500 ft) above sea level, is just a short walk from the peak.
The region surrounding the station provides better views of the Atlantic, Robben Island, the pointed peak of Lion's Head, and the metropolitan bowl. Be careful that severe weather stops the cable car from operating.
1. What activities do people do in South Africa?
There different activities people do in South Africa among them are climbing Table Mountain, exploring diverse landscapes, wildlife safari, nature walks, road trips, shark cage diving, elephant-back safaris, hot-air ballooning, and whale watching.
2. What is the best time to visit South Africa for wildlife viewing?
Winter season the best time to visit South Africa for wildlife viewing from June to September.
3. What is South Africa most famous for?
South Africa is most famous for wildlife safari experience, great natural beauty, 21 National Parks, varied topography, 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and so much more.
4. What are the best South Africa day and night tour packages you can book with Arooha Tours?
You can book a tour to South African from Dubai with Arooha Tours, contact us to book.
