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

August 11, 2021 Phylicia Berquist

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

1. Chapman's Peak Drive

Hout Bay Road Between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, 7872 South Africa +27 21 791 8220 http://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,126 reviews

Chapman's Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive toll road winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa. Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Chapman’s Peak Drive is affectionately known as #Chappies.

Reviewed By Loolew - Nice, France

The drive takes you up the side of Chapman's Peak. It's well secured from falling rocks now. The view of Hout Bay Karbonkelberg and round the corner, Noordhoek and it's beach are just stunning. Don't miss it

2. Klipkraal Hiking Trail

Near Heidelberg, Gauteng South Africa +27 16 372 1432 http://www.footprint.co.za/klipkraal.htm
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Klipkraal Hiking Trail

3. Waterford Estate

Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch 7600 South Africa +27 21 880 5300 [email protected] http://www.waterfordestate.co.za/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 719 reviews

Waterford Estate

Waterford Estate is situated in one of the world's most visually arresting pockets of paradise. Nestled in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world renowned Stellenbosch region, this 120 hectare property owned by Jeremy and Leigh Ord and managed by partner and Cellar master Kevin Arnold. The Estate boasts old citrus groves, rolling lawns, water features and fragrant lavender and rosemary beds. You'd be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of Provence or the Spanish countryside, with your first glimpse of this enchanting realm. However, we are immensely proud of our uniquely South African location and the rich diversity of our indigenous flora and fauna. The winery was styled along the engaging terracotta design and was the result of winemaker Kevin Arnold and architect Alex Walker teaming up to create the home of Waterford Estate wines. The centre piece of the magnificent courtyard is the Waterford Estate fountain. This feature has been immortalized in the Waterford Estate label and represents a fundamental component of our philosophy. We believe in the old adage of 'less is more'. There is nothing pretentious or ostentatious about the estate, rather the visual impact is one of a seamless whole, which complements rather than detracts from the surrounding natural beauty. Welcome to our world, a world where the passing of time and the change in seasons only add rich layers of character and charm to the scene.

Reviewed By Richardreynolds1 - London, United Kingdom

On not a very South African day, more Somerset than Somerset West with low mist and drizzle, we were superbly looked after by head guide and budding oenologist Devon, a very engaging and enthusiastic host. It's a beautiful, Florentine styled, estate to visit - but that does not make it different from several others in the region. What does is the wine safari, an imaginative way to take visitors around the vineyards, normally tasting and eating very moreish tapa type food among the vines. Kevin Arnold is an ambitious wine maker and the estate's top wine, The Jem, compares very favourably to other top New World wines at a fraction of their price. Buy before the rest of the world wakes up! The estate also does a chocolate and wine pairing, very much enjoyed by most.

4. Apartheid Museum

Northern Park Way and Gold Reef Rd, Johannesburg 2001 South Africa +27 11 309 4700 [email protected] http://www.apartheidmuseum.org/
Excellent
65%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,284 reviews

Apartheid Museum

This museum is architecturally interesting and packed with thoughtful, often brutal, reminders of South Africa’s history.

Reviewed By 208anjav - Sydney, Australia

What an interesting experience.. So much information about the history and issues in South Africa and so well put together. Visiting the apartheid museum, really makes you realise how difficult life would have been for some groups in society and a nice touch is the entrance; one side for whites (blankes) and one side for non-whites !

5. uShaka Marine World

1 King Shaka Avenue Point, Durban 4001 South Africa +27 31 328 8000 [email protected] http://www.ushakamarineworld.co.za/
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,292 reviews

uShaka Marine World

uShaka Marine World is a 16-hectare theme park in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It comprises 8 attractions: uShaka Sea World, uShaka Wet 'n Wild, uShaka Sea Animal Encounters Island, uShaka Beach, uShaka Village Walk, uShaka Kids World, uShaka Dangerous Creatures and Chimp & Zee. uShaka Sea World is the fifth largest aquarium in the world. uShaka Wet 'n Wild water park has the highest slide in Africa.

Reviewed By AbelThompson - Paarl, South Africa

i loved to watch the Seal and the dolphin shows at shaka marine, i also enjoyed the park walk, i loved the food and the sea creatures in the old Marine etc

6. 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!!!

7. Knysna Heads

Coney Glen Road, Knysna 6571 South Africa +27 44 384 0933 [email protected] http://www.eastheadcafe.co.za
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,546 reviews

Knysna Heads

Reviewed By Geert_De_Belie - Merchtem, Belgium

Best view at Coney rd view point if you have a car. Fantastic view on the Heads and the ocean breaking on the rocks. Two small beaches and shell collection.

8. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

Tafelberg Road Lower Cable Station, Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa +27 21 424 8181 [email protected] http://tablemountain.net/
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16,942 reviews

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

The best views of Cape Town are seen from the top of Table Mountain. The Cableway takes you to the summit in under 5 minutes and the cable car's rotating floor ensure that all visitors get a 360 degree aerial view of the city. The 65-passenger cable car runs from Tafelberg Road to the top of Table Mountain. To date the Cableway has transported more than 28 million visitors to the summit. A million visitors from all over the world use the Cableway annually.

Reviewed By xabrahamali - Nairobi, Kenya

The people we met kept saying these interesting things about the Cape town's weather, you can have all four seasons in one day the officer at the passport control said with a smile, the airport shuttle service driver laughed and said enjoy cape town and the weather too if its sunny enjoy when the cold and rain come enjoy its cape town's winter after all. This is very important if you plan to go up table mountain budget for extra time or even alternative days in case the wind speeds pick up or the rains descend. The Aerial cableway is a fantastic way to view the mountain and the world around, it has an even more fascinating system inside the capsule (Cable car), the floor rotates and gives the passengers a 360º view while the capsule goes up and when it makes its way down. It is an exhilarating ride. Great to take pictures too, we found a good way to save yourself a bit of time is to book your ticket early - we used the City Sightseeing - Hop On - Hop Off service and bought the tickets early, so when the bus got to the station we went straight to the cable car boarding wait area. They have helpful staff who guide you through the station and when its time to board the capsule, they are kind to let the nerves settle before a quick brief. They are really good even for those with fear of heights they are very reassuring. At the end of the line, you jump off and then voila! you are at the top of the mountain, its a wonderful feeling and the truth is everyone will enjoy it differently, walk slowly taking in the sights, smells, the signboards some are small and easily overlooked. there are some small animals to see too, the plants' varieties are in the hundreds, the rock formations almost from another world. Plan well with some extra time in case the cable car trip is cancelled due to bad weather as you will enjoy a walk down the mountain. When walking remember to pause and look around, I recommend good sturdy walking shoes for this trip.

9. Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Nelmapious Drive Centurian, Pretoria South Africa +27 12 358 1810 http://rietvlei-reserve.co.za
Excellent
41%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 739 reviews

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Reviewed By ryamarim - Roodepoort, South Africa

Rietvlei is ideal for a daytrip, with well maintained roads, various hides and a picnic spot, the family can spend quality time here It's a place where you can slow down and enjoy nature

10. Kragga Kamma Game Park

Kragga Kamma Road Theesecombe, Port Elizabeth 6000 South Africa +27 83 410 2883 [email protected] http://www.kraggakamma.co.za
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 702 reviews

Kragga Kamma Game Park

Lush coastal forest and grassland is home to vast herds of African game, including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Bontebok, Lechwe and many more species. All the animals roam freely, unrestricted in natural surroundings. This owner operated animal friendly park, where no hunting or other disturbance of the game is permitted, means that you always get close up views and great photo opportunities. Take a drive in your own vehicle through the park on the well-maintained roads and enjoy viewing the game in any weather conditions from the comfort of your car. For those really close encounters, choose the 2 hour guided tour in an open Landrover with a professional guide providing you with interesting information on the animals and the historical background to the area.

Reviewed By mrtoerien - Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Recent I spent two nights at this amazing venue,with two friends,to celebrate a special birthday and a reunion of our hitch-hiking experience in Europe in the 70's. One friend travelled from Jbg; the other from East London.We checked into the fully-equipped Giraffe Cottage, after waiting for ten minutes, while one of eight giraffes blocked the road, as it browsed lazily from the bushes. What a welcome! The facilities in the spotlessly -clean cottage are amazing. With very comfortable accommodation, beautiful views and every conceivable piece of kitchen equipment one would need,it was home from home! The park itself is beautifully maintained. Pleasantly rugged, well-marked roads, litter-free foliage, ample water-holes and plentiful game, make a visit to the Kragga Kamma reserve an amazing experience. Having had close encounters with all the various species, we were left with only the rhinos to track down on our last morning. No need! Right there, on the grass, outside our chalet, five spectacular rhino CAME TO VISIT US!! What a treat! We enjoyed a braai in the convenient barbecue area, had a hearty breakfast in the restaurant and made some excellent purchases in the gift shop. All in all, an unforgettable visit.

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