8 Things to do in South Africa During Your Vacation

Traveling to South Africa should be on every person’s bucket list. This beautiful country has a rich history, exotic wildlife, and incredible food.

You can try Cape Malay curry while you sip on a Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet from the famous winelands. Maybe take the family on a wildlife tour and see the Big 5 up close, or visit the spectacular coastline with some of the best beaches in the world!

But, with so much to do there, planning your trip can be overwhelming!

In South Africa, there are some spots that cannot be missed. Start with the must-see’s, and then plan the rest of your vacation around those activities.

Are you going on a vacation and are looking for great tourist attractions? Here are some fun things to do in South Africa that you can’t miss out on.

1. Go on a Safari

Being able to see elephants, cheetahs, and lions in person is a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Going on a safari is number one on our list of things to do in South Africa because it’s one of the most popular things for tourist to do there.

You have plenty of options of where to go and stay for your safari. It’s not just about seeing the wildlife, either.

There are lots of activities that you can tack on to your safari trip.

Take a hot air balloon ride over the amazing wilderness. Have a luxurious dinner in the middle of the bush. Go mountain biking through a nature reserve.

You can have an active excursion or just relax and take in the views. There’s a safari adventure that can suit everyone’s tastes.

2. Visit the Cape Peninsula

The Cape Peninsula is located in bustling Cape Town, South Africa. In Cape Town, there’s incredible nightlife and shopping, but also breathtaking wildlife.

Before you hit the town, spend the day exploring Table Mountain National Park. It’s a truly spectacular spot that is considered one of the “Natural New Seven Wonders of the World.”

Another one of our favorite things to do in South Africa is to check out Boulder’s Beach, which is an African Penguin colony.

There’s a lot of ground to cover at the Cape Peninsula. Consider getting a tour guide who can show you everything.

3. Swim with the Sharks (If You Dare!)

If seeing a lion on your safari wasn’t thrilling enough for you, try swimming with the sharks.

There are plenty of cage-diving tours where you can say hello to a great white shark. South African shores attract these sea creatures because they’re also home to their favorite food– Cape fur seals.

Still not crazy enough for you? You can ditch the cage and go to Aliwal Shore. There you can dive right into the waters and swim with several species of sharks.

4. Enjoy Some Wine Tasting

Need to slow down your heart rate after befriending some great whites? Grab some vino in South Africa’s wine region.

About an hour’s drive from Cape Town you’ll find the Cape Winelands. There are several vineyards for you to enjoy a glass or try a wine-flight.

Of course, you have to drink responsibly. Book a private car to take you from vineyard to vineyard. An even more whimsical idea is to take the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

If you don’t want to travel so far outside Cape Town, you can visit Groot Constantia. Located only 20 minutes outside the city, it’s the oldest wine producing estate in South Africa.

5. Visit iSimangaliso

iSimangaliso is one of South Africa’s UNESCO’s World Heritage Sights. These sights are recognized by the UN as having important cultural or natural significance.

This wetland park starts at the Mozambique border and ends at the province of KwaZulu-Natal. This is definitely the place to go if you’re a nature-lover.

Explore beautiful beaches, do some whale watching or see turtles lay their eggs in the sand. Plan a few nights here and go camping or stay at a lodge.

6. Golf with an Amazing View

South Africa is home to the most beautiful golf courses in the world. You might worry that must mean they’re too exclusive. Actually, they’re pretty affordable!

The Links golf course at the Fancourt Hotel is the 34th best course in the world. There you can play with a magnificent view of the Outeniqua Mountains.

If you haven’t gotten enough of South African wildlife, plan a trip to the Leopard Creek course. Located near Kruger National Park, you might spot a giraffe or hippo as you tee-off.

7. Go Surfing

Surfers of all levels of expertise can find some great waves in South Africa. The most popular surfing beaches are located in Durban.

Professional surfers head to Hout Bay in search of a “Dungeon” wave. These waves can reach up to 60 feet high! For the amateurs, Blouberg Beach is a great place to try the sport for the first time.

Jeffreys Bay, outside of Port Elizabeth is considered South Africa’s surfing capital. For the surfing enthusiast, plan your trip to coincide with their J-Bay Surf Open. There you can see the best of the best surfing pro’s hang ten.

8. Try the World’s Tallest Rope Swing

Cap off your trip by heading to the Moses Mahiba Stadium and taking a turn on the world’s tallest rope swing. Seeing the beautiful stadium itself is worth the trip. It was built in 2010 for the FIFA World Cup.

If you choose to take a swing, they’ll take you 350 feet up to the top of the stadium. After being hooked up to safety lines, you’ll grab the rope and swing over the stadium. What a rush!

There Are So Many Things to Do in South Africa

Whether you want to go thrill seeking, taste amazing wine or experience wildlife, South Africa has something for everyone.

Are you looking for things to do in South Africa? Then the Game Reserve is the place to visit if you want to have the adventure of a lifetime. Contact us with any questions or to plan your stay.