African Things To Do
South Africa Travel Guide

Things to Do in South Africa

South Africa is the “everything country”: world-class city views, famous safaris, scenic road trips, mountains, beaches, food, wine, and deep history. The best first-time route usually looks like this: Cape Town (iconic views + culture) → Garden Route (coastal drive) → Kruger (Big 5 safari), with an optional add-on for Winelands, Durban, or the Drakensberg.

Cape Town Views Safari (Big 5) Road Trips Food & Wine UNESCO Heritage
Safety note: Use extra caution in cities and while driving. Keep phones and valuables hidden, avoid isolated areas at night, and plan transport carefully.

Top Destinations in South Africa

These are the places most travelers build their South Africa itinerary around.

Cape Town

Table Mountain views, beaches, coastal drives, and one of Africa’s best city experiences.

CityViewsCoast
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Kruger National Park

Iconic safari destination and a flagship wildlife experience in Africa.

SafariBig 5Nature
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Garden Route

Scenic coastal road trip with beaches, lagoons, forests, viewpoints, and charming towns.

Road TripCoastAdventure
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Cape Winelands

Food-and-wine days around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek—easy add-on from Cape Town.

WineFoodRelax
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Johannesburg

Modern city energy and powerful history experiences (especially apartheid-era learning sites).

HistoryCultureCity
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KwaZulu-Natal

Durban’s coastline plus nature highlights like iSimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO).

BeachNatureUNESCO
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Drakensberg Mountains

Big landscapes, hikes, and the Maloti-Drakensberg Park (UNESCO mixed site).

MountainsHikingUNESCO
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Cradle of Humankind

UNESCO-listed fossil and cave sites that tell a major part of the human story.

UNESCOScienceDay Trip
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Cape Town

Cape Town is the perfect start: Table Mountain views, coastal scenery, and excellent restaurants.

  • Best experiences
    Table Mountain, coastline drives, beaches, markets, sunset viewpoints
  • Best for
    First-time visitors and photographers
  • Recommended time
    3–6 days
  • Good to know
    For safety, plan transport and avoid quiet areas at night

Kruger National Park

Kruger is South Africa’s flagship safari—wildlife density, classic game drives, and unforgettable sunrises.

  • Best experiences
    Sunrise game drive, sunset game drive, full-day safari
  • Best for
    Big 5 safari and wildlife lovers
  • Recommended time
    3–5 days
  • Good to know
    Pre-book popular periods and keep your safari pace relaxed

Garden Route

A coastal road trip with beaches, forests, lagoons, and small-town charm—great between Cape Town and safari regions.

  • Best experiences
    Scenic drives, coastal walks, viewpoints, nature reserves
  • Best for
    Couples, families, and road trip fans
  • Recommended time
    2–6 days
  • Good to know
    Avoid driving long distances after dark when possible

Cape Winelands

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are ideal for relaxed food-and-wine days—easy as a day trip or 1–2 nights from Cape Town.

  • Best experiences
    Wine tastings, scenic lunches, countryside views
  • Best for
    Couples, friends, and slow travel
  • Recommended time
    1–3 days
  • Good to know
    Use a driver or arranged transport if tasting

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is the gateway city for many routes—and a powerful place for understanding modern South African history.

  • Best experiences
    History-focused museums and guided city culture experiences
  • Best for
    Culture and history travelers
  • Recommended time
    1–3 days
  • Good to know
    Choose reputable areas and use trusted transport

KwaZulu-Natal (Durban + iSimangaliso)

Beach energy meets nature: Durban for the coast, plus iSimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO) for wildlife and wetlands.

  • Best experiences
    Coastal days, local food, wetlands and nature exploration
  • Best for
    Beach + nature combination
  • Recommended time
    3–6 days
  • Good to know
    Plan a mix of coast and nature so the trip feels balanced

Drakensberg Mountains

For hiking and landscapes, the Drakensberg delivers dramatic scenery and rewarding outdoor days.

  • Best experiences
    Hiking, viewpoints, mountain air, photography
  • Best for
    Active travelers and nature lovers
  • Recommended time
    2–5 days
  • Good to know
    Start hikes early and pack layers for changing weather

Cradle of Humankind (UNESCO)

A UNESCO-listed area connected to major fossil discoveries—ideal as a learning-focused day trip with a good guide.

  • Best experiences
    Caves, museums, guided explanations of discoveries
  • Best for
    Families, students, and culture travelers
  • Recommended time
    Half-day to 1 day
  • Good to know
    Combine with Johannesburg if your route starts there

Top Things To Do in South Africa

If you do only 6–8 “big moments,” these give you the full South Africa story.

  • Ride up (or hike) Table Mountain
    Cape Town’s signature view day
  • Do a Cape Peninsula coastal day
    Ocean scenery, viewpoints, beaches
  • Safari in Kruger
    Early starts = best wildlife activity
  • Drive part of the Garden Route
    Coastal road trip energy
  • Spend a day in the Cape Winelands
    Food and wine in beautiful countryside
  • Do a history day in Johannesburg
    Guided learning experiences
  • Choose one UNESCO nature experience
    iSimangaliso, Drakensberg, or Cape Floral Region
  • Slow down
    South Africa is best when your schedule breathes

Sample South Africa Itineraries

These routes keep travel time realistic and focus on big highlights.

Trip Length Route Idea Best For
5–7 Days Cape Town base + Winelands day + 1–2 coastal days City + scenery
8–10 Days Cape Town + Garden Route (2–3 nights) First-time classic
10–14 Days Cape Town + Garden Route + Kruger safari (3–5 nights) Best balance
14–18 Days Add Johannesburg history + Drakensberg or iSimangaliso extension Full South Africa story

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa

South Africa has 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—here are the most recognized names travelers look for. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

  • Robben Island
    Cape Town area
  • Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa (Cradle of Humankind)
    Gauteng/North West/Limpopo
  • Cape Floral Region Protected Areas
    Western & Eastern Cape
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park – Maputo National Park
    KwaZulu-Natal (expanded transboundary listing)
  • Maloti-Drakensberg Park
    South Africa & Lesotho
  • Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
    Limpopo
  • Vredefort Dome
    Free State / North West
  • Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
    Northern Cape
  • ǂKhomani Cultural Landscape
    Northern Cape
  • Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains
    Mpumalanga
  • Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites
    Multiple locations
  • Khahlamba / Drakensberg-related heritage areas
    Mountain landscapes & culture (UNESCO mixed site via Maloti-Drakensberg)

Note: UNESCO site names can include updates/expansions. For the official list, UNESCO’s South Africa page is the reference. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Best Time to Visit South Africa

South Africa is year-round. Choose timing based on what matters most: city weather, safari visibility, or beach time.

  • For safari
    Cooler/drier periods can make wildlife easier to spot (less thick vegetation)
  • For Cape Town
    Plan for clear view days and pack layers for changing wind/weather
  • For road trips
    Leave buffer time and avoid late-night driving
  • What to pack
    Sun protection, light jacket, comfortable shoes, and a small day bag

South Africa Travel Tips

  • Use extra caution in cities
    Keep valuables hidden; stay aware in busy areas
  • Drive smart
    Avoid leaving bags visible in cars; be alert at traffic lights
  • Choose trusted transport
    Pre-arranged pickups or reputable ride options are best
  • Plan hikes and beaches safely
    Go in groups where possible and avoid isolated places
  • Don’t overpack the itinerary
    Long distances can surprise first-timers
  • Check official travel advice
    Review updates close to your travel date

FAQ – South Africa Tours

How many days do I need in South Africa?

For Cape Town only, 5–7 days works well. For Cape Town + Garden Route + safari, aim for 10–14 days.

Where is the best safari in South Africa?

Kruger National Park is the most famous, with a huge wildlife area and classic game-drive experiences.

Is South Africa safe for tourists?

Many tourists have smooth trips, but crime risk is real. Use extra caution, avoid isolated areas at night, and follow official travel advice.

Plan Your South Africa Trip

Share your travel dates, number of travelers, and your style (Cape Town, safari, road trip, wine, mountains, beaches), and we’ll help you build a strong South Africa itinerary.

Email

info@mtravelandtoursbi.com

Tell us: dates, travelers, and whether you prefer Cape Town + safari, or a full road trip route.

M Travel and Tours Burundi

Official website: https://mtravelandtoursbi.com

African Things To Do is owned and operated by M Travel and Tours Burundi.