South Africa stands out as one of the most varied destinations on the African continent. Things to do in South Africa range from world-class wildlife safaris in Kruger National Park to iconic city experiences in Cape Town. The country welcomes nature lovers, history buffs, adventure seekers, and food enthusiasts with open arms.
With attractions spread across nine provinces, you can plan your trip to cover multiple regions or focus on a single area. In this guide, we have covered the must see places in South Africa along with their timings, ticket prices, and useful tips to help you plan your visit.
1. Table Mountain
Cape Town’s most iconic landmark rises 1,085 meters above sea level. Table Mountain is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and attracts close to 4 million visitors each year. The flat-topped mountain offers panoramic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding peaks.
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway takes just five minutes to reach the summit. Its rotating floor ensures everyone gets a 360-degree view during the ride. Once at the top, walking trails and viewpoints await you. A trip here ranks among the top things to do in South Africa for any visitor.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, South Africa
- Timings: Daily 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (varies seasonally and weather dependent)
- Price: Free to hike, cable car has separate fees; set aside at least a day to fully explore the mountain
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2. Kruger National Park
South Africa’s oldest and largest national park covers nearly 2 million hectares. Kruger National Park is home to the famous Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. The park also shelters 507 bird species, 147 mammals, and over 330 tree species.
You can self-drive through the park, or book guided game drives at sunrise and sunset. Walking safaris offer a more intimate bush experience. Accommodation ranges from basic campsites to luxury lodges. This park is a must for anyone looking for fun things to do in South Africa, centered on wildlife.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: South Africa
- Timings: Daily, 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Price: Ticket prices for adults – R275/ INR 1,555 per day, and for Children (2-11) – R137/ INR 774; set aside at least a couple of days to enjoy the safari
3. V&A Waterfront
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront sits in the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere. It welcomes over 24 million visitors annually, making it South Africa’s most visited destination. The 123-hectare development houses over 450 shops, 80 restaurants, and numerous entertainment options.
You can take harbor cruises, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, or catch a ferry to Robben Island from here. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is located in a converted grain silo nearby. Evening visits offer live entertainment and waterfront dining with Table Mountain as your backdrop.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
- Timings: Daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (restaurants stay open later)
- Price: Free entry to public areas and attractions varies; set aside 3 to 5 hours to explore the area properly
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4. Robben Island
This UNESCO World Heritage Site held Nelson Mandela prisoner for 18 of his 27 years behind bars. Robben Island now operates as a museum and memorial. Former political prisoners lead tours, sharing personal stories of their time in captivity.
The ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront takes about 30 minutes. Tours include a bus trip around the island and a visit to Mandela’s cell. This experience tops the list of things to do in South Africa for tourists interested in the country’s struggle for freedom.
- Google Rating: 4.2/5
- Location: Robben Island, Table Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
- Timings: Ferries depart at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM (book in advance)
- Price: Ticket prices for adults – R620/ INR 3,507, for children (2-18) – R310/ INR 1,753; set aside 3.5 to 4 hours to explore this island
5. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Over 2,000 endangered African penguins call this protected beach home. Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town offers boardwalks that let you observe these charming birds up close. The colony started with just two breeding pairs in 1982.
You can also swim at the beach alongside the penguins in calm, sheltered waters. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best penguin activity. The beach forms part of Table Mountain National Park and contributes to penguin conservation efforts.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: Kleintuin Rd, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Timings: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Timings may differ)
- Price: Ticket price for adults – R245/ INR 1,385, for children (2-11) – R120/ INR678; set aside at least 1 to 2 hours for your visit
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6. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
This garden ranks among the finest botanical spaces on the planet. Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 as the first garden devoted entirely to indigenous flora. It sits against Table Mountain’s eastern slopes and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Boomslang tree canopy walkway curves through the treetops, offering unique views of the gardens and the mountain. Over 7,000 plant species grow here, including rare fynbos varieties. Summer sunset concerts on the lawns draw locals and visitors alike.
- Google Rating: 4.8/5
- Location: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa
- Timings: Daily 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (on Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Price: Ticket price for adults – R250/ INR 1,414, for children (6-17) – R40/ INR 226, for children under 6 – Free; set aside 2 to 4 hours to explore
7. Cape Winelands
Rolling vineyards spread across valleys just an hour from Cape Town. The Cape Winelands produce award-winning wines that compete on the global stage. Historic towns like Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl anchor this region.
Wine estates offer tastings paired with gourmet meals. Many properties feature Cape Dutch architecture dating back centuries. Guided wine tours let you sample multiple estates without worrying about driving. This region delivers some of the best things to do in South Africa today for food and wine lovers.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Western Cape, South Africa
- Timings: Most estates open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (Timings may vary)
- Price: Wine tasting prices vary; plan to spend at least a day to fully explore
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8. Cape Point
Cape Point sits at the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula within Table Mountain National Park. This dramatic headland features cliffs that drop into the Atlantic Ocean. The historic lighthouse stands 238 meters above sea level.
The Flying Dutchman funicular takes you up to the old lighthouse. Hiking trails offer coastal views and potential wildlife sightings, including baboons and antelope. The reserve protects rare fynbos vegetation found nowhere else on earth.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa
- Timings: Daily 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (summer), 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (winter)
- Price: Ticket prices for adults – R515/ INR 2,913, children (aged 2-11) – R250/ INR 1,414; plan to spend at least a day for exploration
9. Garden Route
This scenic stretch of coastline runs from Mossel Bay to Storms River. The Garden Route earned its name from the lush indigenous forests and diverse plant life along the way. Charming towns, pristine beaches, and adventure activities line the route.
Knysna offers lagoon cruises and fresh oysters. Plettenberg Bay delivers whale watching and golden beaches. Tsitsikamma National Park provides the famous Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump. A self-drive road trip along this route remains one of the things to do in South Africa that travelers remember forever.
- Google Rating: NA
- Location: Western and Eastern Cape
- Timings: Year-round access, attractions have individual hours
- Price: Free to drive, activities and parks have separate fees; plan 3 to 7 days for a proper road trip
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in South Africa for first-time visitors?
If you are a first-time visitor, Cape Town and its surroundings deserve your attention first, with Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront, and Boulders Beach offering iconic experiences. A day trip to the Cape Winelands introduces you to world-class wines, and a safari at Kruger National Park completes the best things to do in South Africa for tourists.
What shouldn’t you miss in South Africa?
Kruger National Park sits at the top of any list of unmissable tourist attractions. Table Mountain delivers views of Cape Town that take your breath away. Another unmissable attraction is Robben Island, while the Cape Winelands rival any destination worldwide, making these must see places in South Africa.
What are the best things to do in South Africa during the day?
Morning game drives in Kruger offer the best chance to spot wildlife on the move. During the day, climbing or taking the cable car up Table Mountain works best because of minimal crowds. Coastal walks along the Garden Route and wine estate visits fill your afternoons with fun things to do in South Africa.
What are the best things to do in South Africa at night?
During the night, Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront comes alive with restaurants and entertainment stretching along the harbor. Long Street in the city center pulses with bars and live music until late. Johannesburg’s Maboneng district hosts night markets, while night game drives in private reserves reveal nocturnal animals you miss during daylight.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in South Africa?
Boulders Beach delights children with African penguins waddling along the sand just meters away from the viewing areas. The Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront continues the adventure with interactive marine displays designed for young visitors. uShaka Marine World in Durban adds water park thrills to aquarium exhibits, making it one of the fun things to do in South Africa for families.
What are the best cultural things to do in South Africa?
The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg guides you through the country’s difficult past with exhibits that handle history with honesty and respect. Soweto township tours take you to sites where the freedom struggle unfolded, while Robben Island offers tours led by former prisoners sharing personal accounts. These are some of the best cultural things to do in South Africa
What are the top food experiences in South Africa?
Cape Winelands restaurants pair farm-to-table dishes with wines produced from vineyards just steps from your table. Cape Town’s food markets showcase diverse cuisines reflecting the country’s multicultural heritage under one roof. Durban serves the best bunny chow and Indian-influenced dishes, while braai gatherings bring the beloved South African barbecue tradition to life.
What are the best shopping areas in South Africa?
The V&A Waterfront in Cape Town combines over 450 stores with vibrant craft markets in a stunning harbor setting. Sandton City in Johannesburg stands as one of Africa’s largest shopping destinations with international and local brands. The Watershed and Greenmarket Square offer handcrafted African goods, providing must see places in South Africa for meaningful souvenirs.
What’s the best time of year to visit South Africa for sightseeing?
If you are visiting South Africa for sightseeing, then you should visit during the dry winter months (May to September) create ideal safari conditions. Cape Town shines during the warm summer months (November to March) for beaches and outdoor activities. Things to do in South Africa remain accessible year-round, with each season offering different highlights depending on your interests.
