Best time to visit
56 things to do in South Africa
Garden Route
The most picturesque route in South Africa is filled with vibrant fauna and flora, and runs between the ocean and mountain ranges
West Coast Wildflowers
Every spring, arid valleys along South Africa's western coastline burst into a colourful bloom
Rock Climbing
South Africa offers the best rock climbing in the entire African continent, with some spots being among the best in the world
Red Sunsets
The South African sunset is a colourful riot of blood-red, pink, gold, and auburn
Fishing Season
Whether it's deep sea fishing or flyfishing in a mountain stream, expect a good catch
Table Mountain Hiking
Reach the flat peak to have a look at the beautiful city panorama through the cloudy tablecloth
Hiking in Drakensberg
South Africa's top hiking destination may be discovered in two different conditions: either green, rainy, and foggy, or dry, clear, and cold
Jacarandas in Pretoria
It's not a mere coincidence that Pretoria is called Jacaranda City—during the blooming season, the city turns purple with 70,000 blooming trees
Knysna Oysters
In peak season, thousands of people head to the coast and to Knysna Oyster Festival to try the best seafood
Rocking the Daisies
An open-air music party is the best way to kick off the South African summer season
Zulu Reed Dance
Tens of thousands of bare-breasted maidens dance and sing, bringing reeds to their King
Splashy Fen Festival
The longest-running music festival in SA and the ultimate outdoor experience
Ultra South Africa
You don't have to be in Miami to feel the vibes of the world's best electronic music festival—it has already reached South Africa
National Arts Festival
Don't miss one of the greatest cultural events of the African continent—the best occasion to discover current SA performances, music, and art
Phutu (Umphokoqo)
Traditional South African crumbly pap dressed with sour milk is popular during the hot summer months
Mobola Plum
Try this local indigenous fruit raw, cooked in porridge, or fermented into beer
Transvaal Red Milkwood
Sweet and high in vitamin C, this native South African fruit is favoured by all local residents—even monkeys and baboons!
Smiley, a Sheep's Head
A plate of sheep's head with a grotesque grin is an element of traditional cuisine
Roasted Termites
Close your eyes and you'll think you're eating pretzels or popcorn
Comrades Marathon
The ultimate human race is the pinnacle of any ultra-marathoner's running career
Big Five Marathon
Combine an excellent marathon experience with big-five game viewing
Oudtshoorn Ostriches
Have you ever ridden an ostrich? Trying to curb this bird might turn out to be more challenging than you think. Otherwise, simply learn about the life of these magnificent birds
Birdwatching
Come in season to spot local endemics and near-endemics along with migrants from Europe and north Africa
Turtle Nesting
If you've never seen a turtle that weights 400 kg, you should visit South Africa
Augrabies Falls National Park
Discover why indigenous people called this area the place of great noise
Blyde River Canyon
Nature designed this trek for those who love epic views
Cango Caves
Discover the fascinating maze of stalagmite and stalactite chambers that appeared on earth millions of years ago
Land-Based Whale Watching
South Africa is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen from the shore
Playful Penguins Watching
Penguins love to hang out on the Boulders beach a lot, but in summer they are exceptionally playful
Rim of Africa
Rugged hilly path coloured with wild fynbos is often said to be more than just a trail, as it passes through a range of private lands
Namaqualand Flowers
The only site in the whole world where a vast dry area annually transforms into a lush orange flowerbed, but only for a few short weeks
Meerkat Wonder at Sunrise
Cute by appearance, but far from being innocent—meerkat hunt in gangs of 20 to 50, and there is always someone on patrol
The Army of Ducks
If you think ducks can't work in the wine-making business, visit South Africa and see for yourself
AfrikaBurn
Join the art community for an unforgettable annual meeting and be prepared to find the new worlds!
Croc Cage Diving
The snapping jaws and gnarly teeth just a few centimetres from your face—this personal encounter is to become a memorable experience
Sardine Run
This is not a mere mass migration, but also an escape from numerous ruthless marine predators and greedy fishermen
Surfing the Big Wave
Cape Town—the greatest place for surfing all year round. However, if you are an experienced surfer winter might be your best choice
Seal Snorkeling
One of the cutest experiences you can get in Cape Town that will provide a lot of positive vibes
Vredefort Dome
The oldest and biggest scar on the surface of Earth is often called the cradle of all life
South African Horrorfest
A unique event celebrating Halloween in South Africa
Bainskloof Pass
Enjoy the ride over one of the most picturesque passes in South Africa
Cherry Blossom
Travel to the countryside to see cherry orchards spring bloom throughout the country
New Year's Eve
Waterfront fireworks and countdown parties with Table Mountain in the backdrop