Best things to do in South Africa based on adventure level

Rolling grasslands, flourishing vineyards, charismatic cities and rugged shores… The world revealed on holidays to South Africa is one full of stories waiting to be told. Picture the scene - standing on Table Mountain, with Cape Town at your feet or following the Garden Route on an unforgettable road trip in search of stunning scenery and world-beating wines. Happily, the country offers attractions to suit a wide range of interests and activity levels. 

Make your South African trip a cultural one, and discover the traditions of the country’s earliest inhabitants at the Lesedi Cultural Village, learn about its past at the Apartheid Museum and experience its magnetic excitement on the buzzing streets of Cape Town. Or, head out into the great outdoors and visit some of its spectacular national parks on safari game drives. 

Whether you're planning an action-packed adventure, or a slower-paced holiday with more gentle activities, you can be sure of the holiday of a lifetime here. Not sure where to start? Here is our guide to the best things to do in South Africa based on the level of physical activity you want to involve yourself in.

Level 1 - Low physical activity

Stroll along the V&A Waterfront

Home to more than 450 shops, and a wide variety of dining and drinking options, a walk around the V&A Waterfront is one of the most popular things to do in Cape Town. South Africa's iconic Table Mountain forms the perfect backdrop for this vibrant neighbourhood spanning 123 hectares. Once you've had your fill of shopping you can visit the weird and wonderful inhabitants of the Two Oceans Aquarium, take a boat tour, or ride the Ferris wheel. It's also worth doing the 20-minute walk to the historic Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. The houses that line the streets here were painted in bright colours by the slaves who leased them when they were eventually allowed to buy them. To this day, many of the families that live in the neighbourhood have been here for many generations, making it an important and culturally rich part of the city.

Taste the local wines

South Africa has a proud winemaking tradition, with the majority of its vineyards located in the Western Cape. One of the most scenic wine producing regions is the Franschhoek Valley, which is also considered the Cape's 'culinary capital'. Around 90-minutes' drive from Cape Town, a great way to explore the valley and its majestic verdant rolling hills backed by mountains is aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram. This double-decker tram provides a hop-on hop-off tour that also allows you to stop at some of the valley's oldest estates, where you can partake in vineyard and cellar tours, exquisite lunches, and, of course, sample the local produce with wine tastings in stunning surroundings.

Step back in time in Johannesburg

If you're looking for things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa's often turbulent past can be explored through its variety of museums, monuments and other historical attractions. The Apartheid Museum offers a poignant look at the country's period of segregation through the use of thought-provoking and creatively designed exhibits. Also worthy of a visit is Constitution Hill, a former prison complex where many political activists, including Nelson and Winnie Mandela, were once held. On Vilakazi Street in the suburb of Soweto, you'll find Nelson Mandela's former residence, now a museum housing interactive displays, photos and artefacts. 

To explore other periods of South African and African history, head to the National Museum of Military History, which details the country's involvement in the Second World War, or the Origins Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand, which offers insight into the history of humankind as well as South Africa's earliest inhabitants.

Level 2 - Some physical activity

Look out for visiting whales

South Africa is an ideal place to experience a whale watching trip, with more than 30 species of whales and dolphins visiting its waters. Bottlenose dolphins can be seen all year round off the coast of Cape Town, with the largest pods spotted in the waters off the Garden Route. Plettenberg Bay is one of the best places to see Bryde’s whales and southern right whales for the majority of the year. One of the most spectacular marine events takes place between June and November each year, when hundreds of southern right and humpback whales visit the waters from Cape Town to Mossel Bay. During this time, the whales can be viewed very close to land, and the best place to see the action for yourself is the town of Hermanus, hailed as the whale watching capital of South Africa.

Hike Table Mountain

If you’re feeling energetic while in Cape Town, why not visit the city’s famous peak? There are a number of hikes to choose from, ranging from the 20-minute ascent up Kloof Corner (not to be confused with the much more challenging Kloof Corner Ridge) to the steep 4.5-hour Skeleton Gorge route, which involves climbing wooden ladders and a slippery watercourse. Of course, if you don't feel like hiking Table Mountain you can always ride the cable car to the summit to enjoy the fantastic views of the city, the sea, and the notorious Robben Island, a former maximum-security prison that once held political prisoners including Nelson Mandela.
 Other points of interest inside the wider Table Mountain National Park are Cape Point, which offers views of the imposing cliffs and wild sea below, and the idyllic Noordhoek beach.

Spot the Big Five on safari

What would a trip to South Africa be without some time spent on safari? Undoubtedly one of the most beloved South Africa attractions, Kruger National Park encompasses an unspoiled area of around two million hectares and is home to an impressive array of wildlife. Of course, most people venturing to the park have come in search of the Big Five – elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, lions and buffaloes, but there are also giraffes, crocodiles, cheetahs, hyenas and zebras to look out for. The southern part of the park is generally considered the best for wildlife viewing, as it has plenty of trees and greenery in contrast to the dry and sparse landscape of the north.  

A great stop after your visit to Kruger is nearby Nyani Cultural Village, where local tribes perform traditional music and dances and offer a fascinating look at their culture and traditions.

From penguin colonies to incredible cave systems, South Africa is home to an eclectic range of sights. Best of all, there is something to suit every type of traveller - from the adrenaline junkie to those just looking for some rest and relaxation. Whether you have your heart set on a holiday crammed with cultural experiences or are dreaming of encountering the 'Big Five' on safari, a trip here is sure to provide ever-lasting memories that are treasured forever. 

Ready to see South Africa's sights? Our escorted tours offer the chance to see the country's most extraordinary wonders - whatever level of adventure you are seeking.