PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH AFRICA

It’s no secret that South Africa is one of the world’s top Big 5 safari destinations.

You could come here only to go on safari and think South Africa was the best country ever. But wait – there’s so much more to this fascinating realm perched at Africa’s southernmost tip.

South Africa’s ethnic and cultural diversity influences its cuisine and art in exciting, unexpected ways. Its scenery is stunning, from wave-crashed shorelines and wildflower-carpeted deserts to wildlife-filled bushveld and tropical forests. The country has cosmopolitan cities, charming wine towns and important cultural traditions. Apartheid’s struggles are faced head-on at several important sights.

You can hike, surf, kayak, fish, whale watch, horseback ride, dive with sharks and crocodiles and stargaze under some of the planet’s darkest skies. The only problem is how to even begin planning a visit to this immensely blessed, multifaceted land. Start planning your trip with this list of the top things to do in South Africa.

PLACES TO VISIT

Walk among the wildflowers of Namaqua

Most of the year, the remote region known as Little Namaqualand is parched, a seemingly sunbaked wasteland in South Africa’s Northern Cape. But for a short period in July, as winter rains begin to fall, the area bursts to life with billions of blooms. Endless carpets of flowers in every hue cover its diverse topography, from deserty plains to fertile valleys to towering mountains.

But what truly sets this spectacle apart is the sheer variety of flowers; more than 3500 species grow here, more than half rare or endemic, meaning they live nowhere else on Earth. The most iconic is the Arctotis, commonly called the African daisy. Gazania glows with hot yellow and orange petals, and Carpobrotus, commonly known as pigface, creeps along the ground.

The best places to take in the ephemeral flowery show are Richtersveld, with a backdrop of yawning canyons and jagged mountains; Skilpad Wildflower Preserve west of Kamieskroon, part of the bigger Namaqua National Park, a fabulous spot to gaze at the famed Nama daisies; and the 14,973-hectare (37,000-acre) Goegap Nature Reserve outside Springbok, with some 600 indigenous plant species.

Planning tip: Accommodations in the park (primarily campsites and chalets) are in high demand during this short blooming season. Either book reservations as soon as they open (usually 11 months in advance), or find places to stay in the nearby towns of Kamieskroon and Garies.

Spot the Big 5 and other wildlife in South Africa’s parks

As the early morning sun rises over the bushveld, a herd of elephants thunders past, a leopard enjoys a snack up in a tree, and a lion stalks its prey. These are the joys of going on safari in South Africa, where you have an excellent chance of spotting the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant) in national parks and wildlife preserves across the country.

Kruger National Park is the prime game park, with 19,485 sq km (7523 sq mi) of bushveld, tropical forests, savannah and mountains teeming with more than 140 mammal species. Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape is the world’s first “Big 7” Conservation Area, home to the traditional Big 5, plus the unique marine additions of the great white shark and southern right whale.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s oldest game reserve. It was founded to conserve and repopulate Africa’s rhinos, so this park is hands down the best place in South Africa to see these one-horned, short-legged megafauna.

In all, South Africa has 19 national parks and countless private game reserves, each offering an unforgettable wildlife experience where no two days are ever the same.

Planning tip: Plan your trip from June to September for optimal wildlife viewing. Animals tend to gather at watering holes during these drier, cooler months.

The views from the top of Table Mountain are unmissable.

Hike or ride up Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain

The flat-topped Table Mountain stands watch over Cape Town, a 1085m (3560ft) natural landmark of sandstone and granite adored for its breathtaking views from the top: glittering Table Bay, historic Robben Island and all of Cape Town’s City Bowl sprawl at your feet.

Dozens of trails wind up Table Mountain’s flanks, opening up valleys of fynbos (the local floral kingdom), shady forests and waterfalls. The most popular (and heavily trafficked) is Platteklip Gorge Trail, a 2.8km (1.8 miles) uphill push that is nature’s answer to the StairMaster, offering view after breathtaking view the higher you go.

Avoid the crowds with 1.5km (0.9-mile) Kloof Corner, a dramatic and somewhat hair-raising trek that rewards with fabulous views of Lion’s Head, the 12 Apostles and the Cape Town City Bowl. The difficult 2.5km (1.5 miles) India Venster Trail follows the route beneath the aerial cable car, up the mountain’s frontal face. Of course, you can just take the cable car, a quick five-minute ride to the top.

Planning tip: Many trails in South Africa limit how many hikers can be on them simultaneously, so book your spot ahead of time and hike with a group for safety (some longer trails actually require that you're not alone).

Learn from South Africa’s apartheid past in Johannesburg

South Africa has made steps in atoning for its apartheid past through education at various sites. Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum is a sobering but enlightening place to start. Exhibits take you through the history of apartheid using videos, documents and photographs.

At the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum in Soweto, spoken testimonies, videos and photographs detail the tragic story of a 12-year-old student who became the first victim of police fire in 1976 when students protested the imposition of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in schools. Nearby, Nelson Mandela lived in a humble, four-room house, which today is the Mandela House Museum, showcasing family photos and personal belongings and providing insight into the beloved anti-apartheid leader who, after 27 years in prison, became South Africa’s first democratically elected president.

The Cape Winelands make up one of the world's most impressive wine regions.

Taste Pinotage in the Cape Winelands

When the Dutch colonized South Africa some 350 years ago, the Dutch East India Company established a provisioning station for its ships. Since these ships needed wine the Company partnered with the French, and soon vineyards draped the valleys in the fertile region now known as the Cape Winelands. Over the years, the art of wine-making has been fine-tuned, including the perfection of Pinotage, South Africa’s signature red wine that’s a rustic cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.

Today, in independent South Africa, the Cape Winelands reigns as one of the world’s finest wine regions. Within it is a patchwork of vineyards and hundreds of wine estates, farm markets, little museums, gastronomic restaurants and three main wine towns dating from the 17th century: Franschhoek, settled by French Huguenots; Stellenbosch, filled with Cape Dutch architecture; and Paarl, colonized by 23 families from Stellenbosch. Excellent places to sample Pinotage include Delheim, on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain outside Stellenbosch, and Lanzerac, established in 1692 near Stellenbosch with stunning views of mountains, vineyards and oak-shaded gardens.

Detour: If you need a break from all the wine tastings, take a drive (or bike ride) outside Paarl on Bainskloof Pass. This scenic mountain pass features almost 30km (19 miles) of unforgettable vistas and a caravan park at its halfway point.

Get lost on the Wild Coast

Sea breezes, crashing waterfalls, emerald valleys and footprint-free, cliff-fringed beaches define the untrammeled realm of the Wild Coast, a fittingly named 250km-long (155-mile) sweep of coastline fronting the Indian Ocean in the Eastern Cape. This is the place to get away from it all, soaking in the solitude of pristine nature, where you’ll see more cows than people. Be warned: the roads are full of potholes, and gas stations are far and few between, but that’s what keeps the less intrepid away.

You can hike, swim, ride horseback, canoe, surf or just catch the rays on your own private beach. The hike to Hole in the Wall along the coast is a three-hour foray across undulating hills and through local villages, ending at the fabled rock arch with its swimming lagoon. The Xhosa River is a canoeing paradise with sparkling clear waters and bright Xhosa huts along its banks. Mirror-smooth Jbay Lagoon draws SUPers, kayakers and canoers. The Xhosa people have lived in this enchanted land for centuries, and you’ll see their turquoise rondavels dotting the lush green hills.

This is also the birthplace of anti-apartheid revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela, and several small museums in Mthatha and Quno are open to visitors.

Detour: Take a hike on one of Dwesa Nature Reserve's walking trails through pristine forests, grasslands and coastline. It's a paradise for a wide variety of wildlife – including around 290 bird species.

Southern right whales can be spotted on their migration from Antarctica.

Go whale watching by land or sea

Some 37 species of whales and dolphins frequent South Africa’s shores, so it’s no wonder whale-watching is a popular activity. You can hop on a boat from plenty of places along the country’s three coastlines to view these behemoths in their watery haunts.

But here’s a twist: in some places, you don’t even have to step on a boat to see a whale – you can see them up close from the shore. Watch whales from the shore in Lambert’s Bay, Yzerfontein and Plettenberg Bay, but the most celebrated land-based viewing spot is Hermanus, about 100km (62 miles) east of Cape Town. Between June and November, southern right whales stop by on their annual migration from Antarctica, and right off the coast, they splash, breach and lobtail (slap their flippers and tail against the water). The town even has a whale crier who blows a kelp horn when whales approach the shore.

Immerse yourself in Zulu history

The Zulus reigned between 1816 and 1897 in much of present-day KwaZulu-Natal as one of Africa’s most prominent empires. Despite their fierce fighting abilities, the British defeated them in the 1870s, and their kingdom was integrated into the Union of South Africa. But their culture remains strong – they are South Africa’s largest ethnic group – and the Zulu royal family is still active, reigning (but not ruling) in KwaZulu-Natal.

You can experience Zulu culture by visiting the Battlefields Region in the province’s northwest, where the Zulus fought 63 battles against a succession of invading forces. Monuments and museums such as Blood River and Isandlwana commemorate these clashes.

Bask in the sun on Durban's Golden Mile

With more than 320 sunny days a year, Durban is a much-loved playground of golden-sand beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean’s azure waters. An expanse of sun-soaked paradise dubbed the Golden Mile (although it’s more like four miles) runs from uShaka Beach in the south to Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in the north and offers beaches and beachy activities for everyone.

Beginners can surf from South and Addington beaches, and fishers can drop a line at Bay of Plenty Beach. Other stretches of sand, such as Umhlanga Rocks just slightly north of the Golden Mile, have a lively vacation vibe. If you want to picnic or just hang out with your travel companions, Blue Lagoon is a fabulous choice. A promenade runs along much of the Golden Mile, with Zulu artisans selling their wares and runners, walkers, cyclists and skateboarders catching the rays.

Explore the evolution of humanity

Deep beneath Gauteng’s highveld (high plateau), 20th-century researchers discovered two distant relatives of all humankind in the region’s labyrinthine limestone caves: Mrs Ples, the 2.1-million-year-old skull of an Australopithecus Africanus (a precursor to the genus Homo) and Little Foot, a nearly complete, three-million-year-old Australopithecus skeleton. Then, in 2015, a new species of human relative was uncovered, Homo naledi, whose placement in the evolutionary chain is still unknown.

Ride the Blue Train

Sit back and soak in the golden age of travel aboard the Blue Train, a five-star hotel-on-wheels ranked as one of the world’s great rail journeys. Since this train came about during colonial times, when 19th-century British diamond and gold magnates demanded luxury, expect warm birch paneling, plush leather seating and full silver service at gourmet five-course meals.

The Blue Train travels between Pretoria and Cape Town, with two nights onboard. While you’ll enjoy the best of service and decor, it’s the scenery outside the windows that will dazzle the most: cactus-dotted desert, rocky mountains, vineyard-dotted hills, lush valleys and a front-row seat for Africa’s famous sunsets. Meals, drinks, Monte Cristo cigars and even a personal butler come with the hefty price.

Planning tip: Book your Blue Train ride during the low season (Nov–Aug) for significantly lower fares.

PLACES ALSO TO VISIT

Follow the enchanting Garden Route

Take a scenic road trip through seaside villages, glittering beaches and misty mountains along the Garden Route, which some call the Garden of Eden. You can drive the 200km (125 miles) straight through, from Mossel Bay to Storms River, but this is one to take your time dipping into. Scuba dive to see Knysna seahorses, surf crashing waves, hike shadowy forests, see elephants in the wild, bungee jump into a plunging gorge, or simply plunk down on an empty beach. Good bases are Plettenberg Bay and Knysna. A minimum of four days is recommended, though you could seriously spend weeks here.

Detour: Make a Saturday morning pit stop at Wild Oats Community Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, breakfast and more, just 1.5km (1 mile) east of Sedgefield. The market is a beloved Garden Route stop.

Stop at Boulders Beach on your way to Cape Point to see African penguins.

Drive from Cape Town to Africa’s southwesternmost point

The Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge at historic Cape Point – aka the Cape of Good Hope – about 65km (40 miles) south of Cape Town. It’s thrilling to stand on this wind-blown, jagged landmass jutting into the sea, the southwesternmost point in Africa, observing the roiling waves and indigo waters as far as the eye can see. These treacherous waves have been the bane of seafarers for centuries, causing hundreds of shipwrecks. For spectacular views, jump on the Flying Dutchman Funicular or walk the steps to the 86m (285ft) lighthouse-topped summit.

Planning tip: Don’t rush your journey here. A drive from Cape Town reveals along the way dazzling beaches, cliffside vistas, fishing villages, and miles and miles of remote bushveld inhabited by zebras, ostriches and baboons. The African penguin colony at Boulders Beach is one of only two land-based penguin colonies in the world.

Sample Cape Town’s culinary heritage

Throughout Cape Town’s long history of colonization and immigration, a parade of cultures has taken root, each contributing its unique traditions and customs. The most obvious – and cherished – result is the city’s diverse, innovative cuisine. Many call Cape Town the foodie capital of South Africa. You’ll find dishes influenced by the British, French, Indians, Dutch, Asians, Africans and more.

The Cape Malay, for example, is a community influenced by southern African, Asian (especially Indonesian) and Dutch cultures; they’re known for their variety of spice-infused bredies (stews), curries, savory snacks and porrings (a warm pudding). Braai – derived from the Dutch word braden, meaning "to roast" – has become ubiquitous throughout the country. But braai is much more than barbecuing meat: it’s a social event where friends and family gather. Many township tours offer a traditional braai experience. Local chefs are taking note of this rich cultural heritage. Chef Luke Dale-Roberts’ three award-winning Cape Town restaurants – Test Kitchen, Pot Luck Club and Shortmarket Club – are prime examples, with their innovative twists on traditional fare.

Planning tip: Making restaurant and hotel reservations will be much easier if you avoid traveling during the peak Christmas and Easter seasons.

Go on a sky safari in the Karoo

The Karoo’s sparsely populated landscapes are immense by day, and its skies are just as vast by night. In this magical semi-desert realm – encompassing nearly 500,000 sq km (1.9 million sq miles) within Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and the Free State – the stars pierce some of the Earth’s darkest, cleanest skies, seemingly so close you can reach out and touch them.

It’s no wonder that the South African Astronomical Observatory, the southern hemisphere’s largest, is found here. You can take a guided tour by day, but the nighttime stargazing safaris are the major draw.

Planning tip: The charming, historic town of Prince Albert is a good stargazing base.

The Ultimate South Africa - Amazing Places to Visit

Go on a Self-Drive Safari in Kruger National Park

When I hear travellers talking about Kruger National Park, their eyes get all dreamy, and the excitement starts to bubble out of them. Before you know it, you’ll be stuck in a conversation about all the incredible wildlife sightings they’ve had, the best roads to see the Big 5 and where they once spotted an elusive pack of wild dogs.

Serving up 20,000 square kilometres, and a high density of game, Kruger National Park is a great all-round safari destination. But if you want to make it easier on yourself to spot wildlife, plan your trip to South Africa over the winter months.

Besides the excellent day drive, the adventure potential here is limitless. Sign up for a guided walking safari to see all the things you’d normally miss from your car or spend a night sleeping in one of the hides!

Read More: Visiting Kruger National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Hike Up Table Mountain

Table Mountain is probably one of the world’s most photographed Seven Wonders. With the city of Cape Town nestled around its base, the mountain is an iconic sight of South Africa.

While most people take the cable car up to the top for sunset, I encourage you to hike up Table Mountain.

Yes, your glutes will be on fire, and your quads will be screaming bloody murder, but once you make it to the top, all that pain will be a distant memory.

My favourite hiking trail up Table Mountain is Kasteelport. There is this cool rock that looks like a surfboard, and you can sit in it!

If that’s a bit too out of your comfort zone, you can get the same adrenaline rush by tackling some rock climbing routes or abseiling off the mountain!

Read More: 12 Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town With Jaw-Dropping Views

Hike Lion’s Head for Sunrise or Sunset

Lion’s Head is Cape Town’s most popular hike and for a good reason. Once you conquer the chain ladders, the steep incline and scramble over some rocks, you’ll have an epic 360-view of the city below.

To escape the crowds, summit the mountain for sunrise (especially if you’re visiting in the busy summer months!)

I also highly recommend using the Windy App to check if there will be cloud cover. I’ve completed the hike only to summit into a cloud with zero views. Don’t make the same mistakes.

For a sunset Lion’s Head hike in summer, you’ll need to get up pretty early to grab a spot. It’s one of the best spots for a sundowner, and the summit will be busy.

Another thing to do in Cape Town is the full moon hike up Lion’s Head. You’ll need a headlamp to get safely back down, but watching the moon rise over the Mother City is spectacular!

Read More: Lion’s Head Hike in Cape Town: Full Hiking Guide

Top Places to Stay in South Africa

Karoo Desert Lodge in the Freestate
Old Mac Daddy Airstream Trailers in Elgin
Teniqua Treetops in Knysna
Nima Lodge in Wilderness

Drive the Panorama Route

Known as one of the most incredible road trips in South Africa, the Panorama Route deserves a spot at the top of your bucket list. It’s where you’ll find iconic natural wonders like the Blyde River Canyon – the largest green canyon in the world!

Other highlights include Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window where you can see all the way to Mozambique on a clear day and tons of waterfalls. My personal favourite is Lison Falls.

It’s the most impressive waterfall in South Africa and the hike down was 100% worth getting bitten by ants.

Read More: The Best of the Panorama Route South Africa: 2-Day Itinerary

Get Day Drunk in the Cape Winelands

For all you wine addicts out there, the Cape Winelands requires no introduction. South Africa is the 10th largest producer of wine and produces 3.4% of the world’s favourite alcoholic beverage.

With many of the best wines made in the Cape Winelands, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a bad glass of vino.

So what’s the best way to get day drunk appreciate South Africa’s wine heritage? With the Franschhoek Wine Tram!

All you need to do is pick a route, and you’ll make your way around the valley. You can also opt for the door-to-door transfer from Cape Town so you can get as lit appreciate the vintages as much as you want without the responsibility of operating a car.

Some of my favourite wine farms in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are Boschendal (a beautiful place to stay as well), Neetherlingshof (try the Caracal, it’s life-changing) and Babylonstoren (home to the most Instagrammable garden).

Fun fact to help you win the next quiz night: Pinotage is the only grape unique to South Africa. It’s a hybrid of pinot noir and cinsault and was invented at Stellenbosch University in 1925.

Conquer the Otter Trail

As a raging fangirl of hiking adventures and swoon-worthy nature, the Otter Trail is at the top of my South Africa bucket list. With a waiting list of 12 months and all the best spots selling out faster than boerie rolls on a hot summer’s day, I am beyond excited that I finally got a spot for January 2019!

The Otter Trail is the best multi-day hike in South Africa. It’s also the oldest trail in the country and the most popular (hence the year-long wait).

To tackle the trail, you’ll need to clear out five days in your schedule to complete the 45km. You can also try your luck by regularly checking for cancellations if you’re the type that hates planning things in advance.

Visit the Colourful Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood

The Bo-Kaap (formerly known as the Malay Quarter) is the oldest residential area in Cape Town. The neighbourhood is famous for its colourful houses, cobbled streets, and Cape Malay culture.

It’s also one of the most Instagrammable places in Cape Town.

While you’re there, stop by the Bo-Kaap Museum. You’ll learn about the area’s fascinating history, and how many of the residents (who are descendants of slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia, and other parts of Africa) ended up in Cape Town during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Go to Hole in the Wall

One of my favourite gems along South Africa’s East Coast is the hippy paradise of Coffee Bay. Not only does it have a rad name (just don’t expect to find good coffee here), but it’s home to Hole-in-the-Wall.

Local Xhosa legend says that the unique geological feature is a gateway to their ancestors. The story goes that a beautiful girl fell in love with one of the sea people. However, her father wasn’t too happy about the union and forbade her from seeing him again.

So like most teen romcoms, the sea people used a giant fish to ram a hole through the cliff, and the girl joined her man in the ocean, never to be seen again.

If you want to explore rural South Africa at its finest, make sure you pack a spare tyre. The roads in Coffee Bay aren’t great, and the chances of you getting a puncture are high.

Jump Off The Highest Bungee Bridge in the World

Bloukrans is the highest commercial bungee jump in the world. It’s 216 meters high!

I’m not sure I could ever do it. I’m an Earth sign, and I’m fond of my feet being on the ground 24/7. But if this is the kind of adrenaline rush you’re looking for, it’s one of the best places to visit in South Africa!

It’s definitely one of the best things to do along the Garden Route. Plus, you get a certificate to show everyone that you have bigger balls than me.

Tsitsikamma National Park

Tsitsikamma National Park captured my imagination the minute I saw a picture of its suspension bridges for the first time on Instagram.

“What?! This place is in South Africa!? Take me there right now!“

It’s without a shadow of a doubt my favourite place along the Garden Route and needs to be on your South Africa bucket list. Get here as early as possible to have the bridges to yourself, and don’t leave without hiking the first 6KM of the Otter Trail – it’s breathtaking!

Read More: The Ultimate South Africa Travel Guide

Valley of Desolation

Smack dab in the centre (sort of) is one of South Africa’s most impressive natural wonders, the Valley of Desolation. Located in Camdeboo National Park, the Dolerite columns rise 120 metres from the valley floor are the result of volcanic and erosive forces.

Getting here is a bit off the beaten track, but it’s one of the must-see places in South Africa. You can stay over in Graaf Reinet and use it as 3h detour from Oudtshoorn if you’re planning a Garden Route road trip.

Get here as the gates open to catch the end of the sunrise or stop by for sunset. It’s an absolute dream!

Swim With Penguins at Boulders Beach

Yip. You read that right.

You can swim with penguins in South Africa!

Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is home to a large colony of African penguins and is home to a small yet insanely beautiful beach in South Africa.

If you can handle the freezing Atlantic waters, you can spend an afternoon swimming with some new animal friends. Just don’t touch these guys. They can and will bite!

For those like me that can’t swim, shower or bath in water temperatures that aren’t close to boiling, you can sit on the beach and relax. Or climb some boulders and take a selfie or two with a sunbathing penguin.

This is what dreams are made of!

Explore Cape Point

Every time I come back from a day at Cape Point, I’m an overwhelmed mess. It’s one of the most beautiful places in South Africa, and I could easily geek out for hours about how much I love this place.

Firstly, there is SO much to see and do:

• Hike up to the lighthouse (or use the Flying Dutchman funicular)
• Discover the historical monuments to Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias
• Spot migrating whales (June to October)
• Walk the shipwreck trail to view some of the 26 shipwrecks around Cape Point
• Relax on the gorgeous beaches

Secondly, there are two overnight hiking trails that I’m hoping to cross off my South Africa bucket list in the next couple of months. You don’t have to ask me twice to hike through the smallest but richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms!

Hike Tugela Falls – Africa’s Highest Waterfall

Tugela Falls is the highest waterfall in Africa and the second highest in the world! It’s one of my favourite hikes in the Drakensberg and is easily doable as a day hike.

If you want to get the most out of the experience, camp on top of the falls. I did this for the first time in February 2019, and waking up to the sunrise on Tugela Falls and seeing the Drakensberg Amphitheatre was nothing short of incredible.

The viewpoint at Magwa Falls!

See the Epic Magwa Falls

Don’t limit your waterfall chasing in South Africa to Tugela Falls. If you’re planning a road trip around the country, stop by the impressive Magwa Falls.

It’s the second-highest waterfall in South Africa and is taller than Victoria Falls!

While a trip to the falls is doable self-guided, you can also sign up for a tour. You’ll get to see Magwa Falls, Frasier and Angel Falls, the largest tea plantation in Africa and visit the cultural village of Mbotyi.

You can also sign up for an overnight experience that includes horse riding trips to Waterfall Bluff and Cathedral Rock.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Kirstenbosch is one of the most beautiful gardens in Africa and one of the great botanical gardens in the world. With a title like that, you know it won’t disappoint!

Set against the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the UNESCO World Heritage Site sprawls across 528 hectares. It’s home to 125 bird species and 7000 species of plants from southern Africa!

One of the byproducts of being one of the best things to do in Cape Town is that the gardens are incredibly easy to reach, even if you don’t have a car. You can call an Uber, sign up for hop-on-hop-off bus tours or use the public Golden Arrow buses.

If you’re in Cape Town for the summer, don’t miss out on the Kirstenbosch summer concerts! The gardens play host to some of the biggest names in the South African music industry, and it’s always a jol*!

*South African slang for a lit party

Drive-Up Sani Pass

Want to go on a 4×4 adventure like no other? Put your driving skills to the test and drive to the top of Sani Pass.

It’s not called the mother of Southern Africa mountain passes for nothing.

The hairpin turns are terrifying and had me questioning why I didn’t have a will drawn up. Can you tell I’m a wee bit dramatic?

Once you make it to the top, you’ll be in Lesotho (don’t forget your passport) and at a summit altitude of 2876m!

While you’re in Lesotho, you might as well stay at Sani Lodge Backpackers and wake up to an unforgettable sunrise.

Go Whale Watching in Hermanus

Hermanus is one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. So it’s not surprising that it’s one of the top things to do in South Africa if you happen to be around from June to October.

Book a whale-watching boat tour that will get you as close and personal as possible to these gentle giants. Or you can wander around the Hermanus Cliff Path.

The whales come into the bay, and I’ve seen quite a few from the shore without my binoculars!

AfrikaBurn

At the end of April, the desolate desert landscape of Tankwa, Karoo is transformed into the setting of AfrikaBurn. People from all over the country and the world arrive dressed in their most outrageous, creative and awe-inspiring outfits.

Epic art installations are put up, and some of the wildest installations come to life before the gigantic structures light up the night sky.

You can also expect mutant vehicles that look they belong in a Mad Max film!

Rocking the Daisies

Rocking the Daisies is one of South Africa’s biggest and best music festivals. It brings out international headliners and features South African musicians from a variety of genres.

The best way that I can describe this festival is that it’s South Africa’s version of Coachella.

Visit Addo National Park and See the Big 7

Addo National Park has a special place in my heart. It’s the third-largest park in South Africa and boasts one of the largest elephant populations in the world.

But what I love most about the park is that it’s expanded its boundaries to become the only park in the world where you can find the Big 7 – elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and the great white shark!

Stay at Kagga Kamma

Kagga Kamma is one of the best places to stay in South Africa. Situated in the awe-inspiring Cederberg, the property’s claim to fame are its incredible open-air star suites and cave rooms.

I’ve gushed about Kagga Kamma on my romantic getaways in South Africa roundup, and I tell everyone I know about it, but I have yet to visit. I’m hoping to change that before the end of 2019 because I need to go to sleep with the milky way above me.

The star suites have no ceiling (I don’t know how my insectophobia is going to maintain its cool), and there’s a gorgeous outdoor bath. It’s the ultimate destination if you’re into astrophotography or seeing how many shooting stars you can count in a single night.

Flower Season in West Coast National Park

While Provence in France has lavender fields that have taken over the Internet, Cape Town has West Coast National Park. During August and September, the park opens up its Postberg region to visitors.

Here you’ll find fields upon fields of gorgeous wildflowers in a mesmerising rainbow of colours.

While I haven’t managed to get my timing perfectly right (last year I made it to the West Coast when only a handful of flowers were still blooming), I dream of the moment when I can frolic in these fields.

Visit Namaqualand

One of my dream destinations that I have yet to cross off my South Africa bucket list is Namaqualand. It’s the creme-de-la-creme of the country’s wildflower season.

Located 6 hours from Cape Town and 12 hours from Johannesburg, Namaqua’s semi-desert landscape transforms into a carpet of colours during springtime.

Fun Fact: It’s estimated that over 3,500 species of plants live here, and 1,000 are found nowhere else on Earth! Oh, and keep an eye out for the world’s smallest species of tortoise – the Namaqualand speckled padloper (s’cute!)

Try South African Food

South Africa is home to an abundance of delicious food experiences. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or you eat anything that moves, you’ll find something delicious that you’ll be dreaming about for years.

Some of the best South African dishes you should include on your gastronomy bucket list include:

• Bunny Chow
• Biltong
• Vetkoek
• Koeksisters
• Melktart
• Pap
• Mopani Worms
• Bobotie
• Potjiekos
• Chakalaka

And, of course, no trip to South Africa is complete without at least ONE traditional South African braai.

Eat at One of the Top Restaurants in the World

Cape Town is known worldwide as South Africa’s premier foodie destination. The Mother City is where you’ll find incredible fine dining experiences by some of the top chefs in the country.

One of the most popular restaurants is The Test Kitchen in Woodstock. It’s run by chef Luke Dale-Roberts and is considered one of the best restaurants in the world!

Bookings fill up months in advance so if you want to indulge your tastebuds, plan ahead!

Another gastronomic experience you don’t want to miss out on is La Colombe. It’s also on the list of top global restaurants and pairs its dishes with excellent wines while overlooking the Silvermist Wine Estate.

Hang Out in Muizenberg

Busy and vibrant, Muizenberg is a seaside town that’s packed with fun, adventure and gorgeous photo ops. A visit to Cape Town’s east coast is a must, all the better if you combine it with a trip to its neighbours, Kalk Bay and St James.

As for activities, you can spend your day joining the hordes of beachgoers sunbathing on Muizenberg Beach. Or you can learn how to surf (Muizies is one of the best spots in Cape Town for beginners), or you can snap up a storm in front of the colourful beach houses.

From there, you can take the train down the coast and visit the quirky boutiques of Kalk Bay, sip on cocktails at Cape 2 Cuba and indulge in some delicious ice cream from The Ice Cafe.

Go Surfing at Jeffreys Bay

When I was a kid, I spent a large portion of my pocket money buying Salt Water Girl magazine. As a landlocked Joburger, I dreamed of catching a wave, looking hot in a wet suit and attracting all the surfer dudes to my yard.

Flash forward a decade later, and my surfing attempts have yielded nothing short of a disaster. But there is something alluring about Jeffreys Bay that makes me forget about how bad my previous wipeouts were, and I somehow end up with a surfboard back in my hand.

Home to the best righthand surf break in the world, there’s no better place to catch a wave in South Africa. International surfers flock here in droves to ride the legendary waves and live out their ultimate Blue Crush dreams.

Track Cheetahs on Foot

Without a doubt, one of the coolest things I’ve done in South Africa is tracking wild cheetahs on foot.

Your first thought reading that sentence was either: “This bisch is crazy” or “OMFG!! Where do I sign up!?”

If you’re the latter, you can follow in my footsteps by visiting Samara Private Game Reserve. Situated in the heart of the Great Karoo in the Eastern Cape, it’s within easy driving distance of the Garden Route and the Cape Winelands.

The cheetahs are 100% wild. Guests do not get to touch any of the animals on the reserve, and the Big Cats don’t go under any training.