10 Free Things to do in South Africa That You Shouldn't Miss

February 10, 2022 Augustus Redeker

in the African Union  (light blue)
Restaurants in South Africa

1. Hermanus Cliff Path

Westcliff Rd, Hermanus, Overstrand 7200 South Africa +27 28 312 2629 http://www.hermanustourism.info/blog/2015/02/walk-along-the-cliffs-in-hermanus
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 606 reviews

Hermanus Cliff Path

Reviewed By 290robertt - Palm Springs, United States

We walked this every day in Hermanus - amazing views of the bay and mountains and if you are fortunate you will see whales in October and November! It is a beautiful pathway or trail along the ocean and used by locals and visitors alike. It will feast your eyes and spirit!

2. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

19 Dock Road, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 408 7600 [email protected] http://www.waterfront.co.za/
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 14,179 reviews

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is a 123-hectare mixed-use destination, and one of Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hubs. Set on the edge of a natural, historic working harbour with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, it offers local and international visitors a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging from leisure, shopping and exclusive entertainment. It also offers prime residential and commercial property. The prime positioning of the V&A Waterfront boasts sweeping views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. Up to 100 000 people visit every day during peak season. Contributing R259.1 billion in nominal terms to the South African economy over the last twelve years, the V&A Waterfront’s cumulative contribution to the provincial GGP since 2002 was over R227 billion. The property also reported a 19% increase in retail trade sales for 2014, marking four consecutive years of consistent growth since 2011. By end 2014, total visitor numbers to the property had grown to 24 million a year. Although the V&A Waterfront remains South Africa’s favourite attraction for international visitors, they account for only 23% of all visitors. Visits by locals increased to 63%, while 14% of visitors were from upcountry. With 22 official landmarks on-site, it is also part of South Africa’s historical legacy. Jointly owned by Growthpoint Properties Limited and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), represented by the Public Investment Corporation Limited (PIC), the V&A Waterfront was developed in 1988 by the state-owned transport corporation, Transnet Limited, while official commercial trading commenced in November 1990.

Reviewed By Hevsy - Egham, United Kingdom

We had 5 days staying at a waterfront hotel. I hadn’t known what to expect but it was much bigger than I thought and had a real buzz to it. I felt very safe there. There was so much to do - boat trips, a huge shopping mall, restaurants galore, interesting buildings, street entertainment, great sculptures, a swing bridge, the ferris wheel and some wonderful African craft shops and stalls. We had trips on 2 days but on the other 2 days we just wandered round the waterfront and there was plenty to do, although be warned, you could eat your weight in calories!!!

3. Durban Botanic Gardens

Sydenham Road, Durban 4001 South Africa +27 31 201 1303 http://www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,204 reviews

Durban Botanic Gardens

Rare plants, exquisite orchids and charity tea parties draw visitors to this botanical garden.

Reviewed By wrmnk001 - Berkhamsted, United Kingdom

I have visited Durban many times and I always head for the botanic gardens as it is the most beautiful place in Durban. There are always an abundance of flowers and the bird life there is amazing especially around the small lake, and of course there are the monkeys! This garden is a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours away from busy Durban and it is free!!

4. Montecasino

Montecasino Boulevard Cnr William Nicol / Witkoppen Roads, Sandton 2021 South Africa +27 11 510 7000 [email protected] http://www.tsogosun.com/montecasino/
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,713 reviews

Montecasino

Award-winning Montecasino - Gauteng’s number one entertainment destination - is ideally located in the heart of Fourways Johannesburg and is a spectacular 24-7 ‘World at Play’ development meticulously designed to replicate an authentic Tuscan Village. A casino, retail entertainment, corporate hospitality and events, three hotels on property and a luxury office park, it is perfectly packaged to offer the very best in stylish entertainment to deliver a unique and memorable experience. Visitors to Montecasino are immediately captivated by the Italian communal theming and vibrant social and entertainment buzz – an atmosphere that keeps them returning again and again. Catering for both the leisure and business markets through the broad range of facilities, entertainment activities, abundant parking and convenient location just off the main commuter routes; it is clear to see why Montecasino attracts over 9.3 million visitors annually. For more information go to our website or "like" us on Facebook.You would be hard pressed to find another location world-wide that churns the number of entertainment options as those found at Montecasino. From theatre productions to concerts, music and sporting festivals, gaming and casino promotions, world-class events, artists appearances and musicians – Montecasino has got it!

Reviewed By sharonbI2963PP - Pretoria, South Africa

6 Things I really like about Monte Casino- Our family really enjoyed the day. It is kitsch and cool and worth a visit- super fun! 1 It transports you, it is fantasy, it's an escape from politics, crime, the economy- the everyday worries that South Africans face. 2 Musical Theatre at Monte Casino- We enjoyed lunch and went on to see Chicago. Polished perfection. A wonderful showcase for our abundant local talent and the excitement of seeing a musical theatre star from abroad added to the experience. 3 There is something for everyone. You do not have to be a gambler to be entertained. 4 Immaculate- it is really sparkling clean. The public restrooms are pristine despite how many people go in and out of them. 5 Food- Casa Bella -questo ristorante è divino ( one must praise them in Italian even if you have to copy and paste, because you aren't)- really Bellissimo-order the pizza. 6 Cherry on top- you buy your parking ticket upon entry and it is only R10.00. That was a pleasant shock- I expected that it would be way more. Recommended for locals and visitors from abroad.

5. Lion's Head

Signal Hill Road, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 81 762 5551 [email protected] http://www.hikecapetown.net/tours/lions-head-hike
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,305 reviews

Lion's Head

Lion's Head in Cape Town is a peak situated at 669 meters above sea level. The hike up Lions Head takes approximately 90 minutes at a moderate pace. Lions Head trail is steep but do-able, while the 5.5km trail packs a punch (Both ways). The views from Lions head are amazing. Take a look around you and see the beauty. Lions Head hike is the preferred route for mountain enthusiasts, the easiest of the routes in Cape Town.

Reviewed By Totravelistobealive - Taastrup, Denmark

Although lesser in height than Table Mountain, it offers a great hike to the top, and unsurpassed views over the city, the bay and Robben Island. If you have the time and energy, you should definitely try to scale it.

6. Signal Hill

Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 80 000 4424 http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/tourism/attractions.php#signalhill
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,856 reviews

Signal Hill

Signal Hill is so named because it was a site for flying flags to communicate weather conditions, thus providing opportune vistas of spectacular views.

Reviewed By craiglS6762DT

Staying in Cape Town, there are a few hikes and signal hill is a must, it's not hard at all. I started the hike at the Noon Gun, from there walk up to Signal Hill and watch the paraguilding, there are a few shops that sell water and ice creams as well. From there you have two choices hike back to Noon Gun or hike towards Lions Head and Table Mountain, just depends where you have your car parked. I took the bus so I continued on towards Lions Head and got the bus from there.

7. Swartberg Pass

192 Buitekant Street, Oudtshoorn 6625 South Africa +27 82 461 8253 http://www.truesouthtravel.co.za.
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,633 reviews

Swartberg Pass

Reviewed By Curiosity28698317309 - Cape Town Central, South Africa

True! one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain passes, once entering from Prince Albert side you enter into a majestic red Canyon inspired by amazing layered strata and majestic Mountain View’s. As you travel along this well maintained gravel road you ascend into the clouds and look down over a gorgeous scenic, fertile valley below. Along the way stop for your favorite cup of aromatic coffee to take in the fresh mountain zephyrs and watch the ever changing cloud formations as they dance along the mountain tops and pour through the valley openings. Have a farm breakfast at Kobus se gat or stop to view the local talents of Rogers art and photography gallery, where you can enjoy a latte while you watch the swallows build their mud homes beneath the eves of this historical building. A must for sight seers or the avid adventurer.

8. Sandton City Shopping Centre

Rivonia Road, Sandton Drive, Alice Lane, Fifth Street, West Street, Sandton 2196 South Africa +27 11 217 6000 [email protected] http://www.sandtoncity.com/index.html
Excellent
49%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 612 reviews

Sandton City Shopping Centre

Reviewed By Wanderlushhhh - St. Andrews, United Kingdom

This is a great mall and its huge. The selection of shops is excellent, from designer to regular stores. A walkway to Mandella square when you are done to hang out.

9. Umhlanga Main Beach

Umhlanga Rocks South Africa
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 945 reviews

Umhlanga Main Beach

Reviewed By nomxolisi2016

I always have a beautiful peaceful time in Umhlanga beach.The beach is clean,not overly crowded,clean restrooms and showers,friendly staff,restuarants on cite,visible and attentive lifeguards.Even though the weather was a bit disappointing the experience at the beach always make you want to come back again.

10. Nederburg Wines

Sonstraal Road Daljosafat, Paarl 7646 South Africa +27 21 877 5178 [email protected] http://www.nederburg.com
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 225 reviews

Nederburg Wines

With a proud history dating back to 1791, the Nederburg winery, set against the imposing Drakenstein Mountains near Paarl, is dynamic, forward-thinking and progressive. A famous South African heritage wine brand, Nederburg is a leading example of the country’s wine excellence and innovation. Nederburg creates hand-crafted micro-cuvées for specialist wine lovers and beautifully balanced and accessible wines for everyday enjoyment, with equal commitment. They offer an exciting taste discovery. When the farm claims a reputation of wine excellence, it's no empty boast. Its recipe? Impeccable quality credentials, an ongoing award-winning track record, and a talented team led by cellar-master Lizelle Gerber, that strongly focuses on continually exploring ways to better their best efforts.

Reviewed By Dleewin - Cape Town, South Africa

My family and I enjoyed the most amazing lunch at The Manor Restaurant. We had the perfect table on the balcony, with the most beautiful views. The food was excellent and we all enjoyed delicious steak, burgers, and a charcuterie platter. We ended off with a really enjoyable wine and hot chocolate tasting. Our waiter took such good care of us - felt as if we were VIPS! One of the best wine farm and restaurant experiences we have enjoyed in Cape Town as a family. Highly recommended!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.