World-class surf breaks, heart-stopping wildlife, eclectic cities and vibrant markets – there’s much to love about South Africa. Our South Africa travel guide breaks it all down, from the best places to visit to where to stay and eat.
Things to see in South Africa
South Africa is largely synonymous with safari, home to the world’s most iconic Big Five destination, Kruger National Park. Beyond wildlife, the country’s dramatic coastline offers an array of hideaways for soaking up the sun, long coastal walks, surfing, and various water sports. The beach scene is diverse – from Cape Town, with its penguins and trendy urban beaches, to more tropical shorelines north of Durban.
Thrill-seekers are well catered for too: hike up Table Mountain, visit ostrich farms, go whale watching in Hermanus, take a game drive or walking safari in Kruger, ride horses in the Drakensberg, or cage-dive with great white sharks.
Best places to visit in South Africa
Cape Town is having a moment, emerging as a design capital, drinking and dining mecca, and all-around cool city – though its classic charms shouldn’t be skipped. Visit the serene Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden at the foot of Table Mountain for a beautiful introduction to South Africa’s indigenous flora.
Johannesburg is finally finding its feet, with highlights including the Neighbourgoods Markets, the Apartheid Museum, Rosebank Mall, and a tuk-tuk tour of Soweto.
The Garden Route technically spans from just outside Cape Town all the way to Port Elizabeth, but its sweet spot is the stretch from Mossel Bay to just past Plettenberg Bay. Here you’ll find quaint seaside towns tucked into hills and valleys, connected by a coast-hugging road that meanders over bridges spanning large, lazy lagoons.
Where to stay in South Africa
Accommodation options in South Africa are boundless. Holiday like a billionaire at the Delaire Graff Estate, go glamping on a five-star safari, hit the countryside for a farm hotel stay, or make the classic Mount Nelson Hotel at the foot of Table Mountain your base in Cape Town.
Hidden in the hills and hinterland of the Garden Route, perched on cliffs, are some of the most luxurious, curious, and decadent stays on the whole African continent.
Best places to eat in South Africa
Foodies should head to the Cape Winelands, where award-winning wines grown around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek pair with some of the world’s best cuisine in decadent restaurants. The KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg is also home to luxury lodges dedicated to foodie escapes – sumptuous food and wine paired with picturesque walks to work it all off.
Cultural experiences in South Africa
South Africa is a melting pot of rich cultures forming one country with one fascinating history. South Africans are renowned for their friendly, patriotic nature and love sharing stories and recommendations with visitors.
History buffs will especially enjoy the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, offering insight into the bloody battles of the Boer Wars, while a visit to Robben Island gives visitors a glimpse into Nelson Mandela’s lengthy incarceration during Apartheid.
