A land of cultural contrasts and rugged landscapes, South Africa has it all, from the rolling vineyards of the Western Cape to the arid grandeur of the Karoo and the wild coastlines of KwaZulu-Natal. And it’s not just the scenery that captivates – the nation’s complex history, embodied in places like Robben Island and the Cradle of Humankind, is fascinating to learn about, while wildlife enthusiasts can go in search of the Big Five on safaris through vast savannahs. From cosmopolitan Cape Town’s wineries to hanging out with penguins and kipping in a cave, these eight adventures sample the best of South Africa. And with direct flights from dozens of locations around the globe, all you need to do is get a South African Traveller Declaration before you hop on a plane to the Rainbow Nation.
1, Hike the Drakensberg Mountains
Embark on an exhilarating trek through the Drakensberg Mountains, home to some of the most stunning landscapes in South Africa. Start your adventure with the famous two-day Amphitheatre hike, a challenging yet rewarding trail that takes you to breathtaking mountain views via a night camp under the stars. Sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls, lush valleys – this is a trek to remember.
2. Surf in Jeffrey’s Bay
Revered globally for its perfect right-hand point break, J-Bay, as it’s known to its fans, offers waves that are ideal for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Spend your days riding the waves and soaking up the sun – a laid-back surf culture, local seafood and vibrant nightlife makes Jeffrey’s Bay the perfect bolthole for water babies.
3, Go searching for the Big Five
No trip to South Africa is complete without a safari. While Kruger National Park is a classic destination for wildlife spotting, I absolutely loved meeting lions and cheetah in Nambiti Private Game Reserve. Set in KwaZulu-Natal over 23,000 sprawling acres, Nambiti’s biodiversity (think grasslands, riverine bush, savannah and thornveld) makes a unique home for the big five as well as 40 other game species – and if you’d rather spot birds and beetles, this is a paradise for smaller beasties, too. The gorgeous clutch of lodges are the icing on the cake.
4, Stay the night in a cave, Kagga Kamma
You may feel like you’ve landed on Mars at Kagga Kamma, where open-air bedrooms and cave-style rooms are built right into the pink rock formations of the Cederberg Mountains on South Africa’s Western Cape. Kagga Kamma uses environmentally-friendly power sources including solar power to run their unique wilderness lodge and there’s a natural rock pool to cool off in after a day of exploring.
5. Diving in Sodwana Bay
Bring your snorkel – Sodwana Bay is home to some of the world’s southernmost coral reefs, teeming with colourful marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, the warm waters and excellent visibility of the bay (plus plenty of great diving centres) make for perfect conditions for swimming alongside 1,200 species of fish, including majestic manta rays and even the occasional whale shark.
6. Explore the Cape Winelands
There’s nowhere better to tour vineyard country than the balmy wine region
surrounding Cape Town. Take a guided tour in the city, home of a burgeoning food scene, then explore the Western Cape Province on two wheels on a cycling tour or chug through Stellenbosch on the Wine Tram, an old-fashioned tram that departs hourly from the town of Franschhoek, east of Cape Town. Eight different tram lines take in eight vineyards – you can stop at each for cellar tours, wine tastings or a walk through the verdant vines. 7, Visit the Sacred Motouleng Caves
In the heart of the province of Free State, the Sacred Motouleng Caves offer a profound and spiritual adventure for those seeking a deeper connection with South Africa’s cultural heritage. Known as the “Place of Beating Drums,” these caves have long been a site of ancestral worship and traditional healing. These days, local custodians are on hand to teach visitors about the rich tapestry of rituals, stories, and beliefs that make this place so revered and decorated with offerings and altars.
8, Go hiking in Golden Gate National Park Basotho
As well known for the incredible sunsets over its sandstone cliffs as for the trails criss-crossing it, Golden Gate National Park is a playground for hikers. Tackle the Ribbok Trail, a challenging 28km route, or the sample the park’s beauty on the Brandwag Buttress Trail, a 2.4 km hike with stunning views of the park’s most iconic rock formation. The Basotho Cultural Village is an amazing spot to learn more about life in the park – take a guided hike to historical sites or follow a herbal tour with a traditional healer.
9, Meet penguins at the Cape of Good Hope
Did you know South Africa had a population of penguins? At the Cape of Good Hope you can stroll along boardwalks at Boulders Beach to spot enchanting African penguins waddling on the sand and diving into turquoise waters. These charismatic little guys, often referred to as “jackass penguins” for their distinctive braying calls, are wonderfully photogenic and endlessly entertaining.
