From shark cage diving to hiking the various mountain trails, this remarkable country boasts activities for all sorts of travelers. Located on the southern tip of Africa , South Africa has an amazing variety of beaches as well as incredible nature reserves. With no shortage of things to do, it is no wonder visitors come from across the world to experience the country’s cultural, geographic and wildlife diversity. The sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and sensations will guarantee many “aha” moments and vortex experiences.
Drive Along the Garden Route
Spanning across the south west tip of South Africa, this 300-kilometer stretch is considered one of the most beautiful regions in the country and is a must see for all of those who wish to visit South Africa. While Cape Town is considered to be a part of the Garden Route, most of the coastal views begin when you reach Mossel Bay. From there, you will be able to access gorgeous panoramic views that will update your Instagram game immediately.
Depending on how much time you have, you can take your time traveling along the route or finish your trip in less than a week. One of the best ways to explore this breathtaking region is to rent a car, which you can do at Cape Town airport or Port Elizabeth airport (be sure to check that you have no mileage limit). Accommodation is easy to come by, and little outlooks along the route ensure that you can stop off and take all the photos you need.
Stop in by Tsitsikamma National Park
Along the Garden route, one of the hidden gems of South Africa is the Tsitsikamma National Park. Here you will find the Storms River Suspension Bridge and turquoise waters that make you think you’ve landed in Thailand. For the more adventurous travelers, this park offers zip lining, kayaking, and various hiking trails.
If you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing day at the park, you’re more than welcome to bring your bathing suit and soak in the beautiful water. A short half-hour hike will allow you to see and photograph the suspension bridge and give you a better view of the park. While there is a fee to access the park, South African citizens are given a discount to encourage them to explore this magnificent park.
Explore Knysna
Knysna is another natural paradise and I could spend an entire week exploring this amazing city alone. If you are an animal lover, Knysna has several animal sanctuaries surrounding the city. You are able to visit the Knysna Elephant Park, which houses elephants that have been rescued from zoos or even orphaned elephants that have lost their mothers due to poaching. I would also recommend Birds of Eden, Junkai Wildlife Sanctuary, and Monkeyland for those who want a fun filled day for their kids or themselves.
Food lovers will have to try the famous Knysna Oysters, but they are sold all over South Africa if you happen to miss them. The most charming thing about Knysna are the markets- you will be able to buy handmade gifts and souvenirs for friends and family to remember your travels.
Take the Hop On Hop Off Bus
Set against the backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain, the rich cultural heritage and history make Cape Town one of the most spectacular and inviting attractions. Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city with multiple foreign influences over the past 500 years: Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, British, French, Madagascan, Indian, Malay, Ottoman, Middle Eastern in addition to the plethora of African sounds and customs.
There is no shortage of things to do in Cape Town, but getting on one of the famous Red Buses will allow you to see many of the attractions in one day. The Red Bus will allow you to hop on and off as they take you up Table Mountain, through the Constantia wine farms, and to Camps Bay. Depending on the route you choose, you will be able to see different attractions for a fantastic price. You can also stop over at Clifton beach with its silky sand and many swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is another must see where you can shop and eat to your heart’s content. Seafood restaurants abound, but a filling and sumptuous meal at Ocean Basket could be a feast for little money.
Visit Bo-Kaap and Robben Island
Nelson Mandela has become a household name throughout the world, but Cape Town and South Africa are not without many heroes such as the MLK of Africa, Dr Abdullah Abdurahman, Imam Abdullah Haron, and others. With such a rich history, it only makes sense to visit Robben Island and the District Six Museum, where you will be able to witness the country’s struggle to overcome apartheid.
Cape Town is home to a massive Muslim population, and you can visit Bo- Kaap to experience some of the Cape Malay (Cape Tonians with Malaysian heritage) influence in South Africa. When you stop over at the museum in Bo-Kaap, do not forget to sample koeksisters (fried donuts covered in coconut), milk tart, pies from Pie City or spiced fish parcels.
Picnic at the Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is another extraordinary sight to behold. Considered to be one of the greatest botanic gardens in the world, Kirstenbosch surely lives up to its reputation. With a stunning view of Table Mountain and a vast array of flora, it is a must see for anyone visiting Cape Town. While it is a part of the Red Bus route, you can also visit it separately. Be sure to take a look at The Boomslang (meaning tree snake), which is a suspension bridge that was built to allow you to walk above the trees.
One of the best things to do is pack a picnic and spend the day strolling through the gardens or eating underneath the trees. Do not be surprised to find many bridal couples on weekends coming for special pictures; my parents had their wedding pictures taken there and recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
Drive Around the Cape Peninsula
Along with Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula is one of the most impressive regions in Southern Africa. In recent years, photos of African penguins exploring Boulders Beach, the colorful beach houses on Muizenberg, and the impressive mountain ranges have made their way onto social media and sparked a frenzy of tourists who want to visit this vibrant place. Some of the highlights include the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, 12 Apostles, and Chapman’s Peak.
While living in Cape Town, we made sure to drive along the coastline at least once a week and fell in love with it a little bit more each time. Watching a picturesque deep crimson sunset is not the same if one’s bare feet do not dig into the white sands and one does not feel the sea breeze (which the locals would convince you blow away all illnesses). My recommendation would be to split up the Cape Peninsula, as it is easier to do it over a few days than cram it all into one.
Walk with the Penguins
Make sure to add Simon’s Town and Boulder’s Beach to your itinerary. Here you will be able to walk and interact with wild African penguins (so cute but also very smelly). I would recommend you stop for a traditional meal of fish and chips in Simon’s Town and enjoy the historical architecture and buildings.
See the Big 5 at Kruger National Park
Situated in the north-east region of South Africa, Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Covering an area of just under 20,000 square kilometers (7,500 square miles), the Park is slightly smaller than Belgium and about the third of the size of Ireland. In 1989, the Transvaal Republic government proclaimed it was a ‘no hunting’ zone and officially declared it a national Park in 1926. Having recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, it is considered the oldest Park in Africa.
Home to the Big 5, Kruger National Park has one of the best wildlife safari experiences in South Africa. The Big 5 are considered to be the most challenging and difficult African animals to hunt on foot. They include : lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and African buffalo. You can visit the Park with your own car or sign up to do a guided group tour. The Park falls within a malaria zone so visitors are advised to take anti-malaria tablets. While the southern regions are not a high risk malaria area, it is best to be vigilant and take precautions while traveling.
Take photos with a Cheetah
For those visiting the Kruger National Park, a visit to the Johannesburg Zoo and Cheetah Farm would be advisable, where you could learn about the habits and characteristics of these animals in close proximity. In the vast Park, one would sometimes drive for hours without seeing one of its elusive inhabitants. The nights in the Park could only introduce you to the sounds of hyenas without actually seeing them or the roar of lions. Johannesburg Zoo will allow you to spend time with the cheetahs and even pet them.
Note: As of October 1st , South Africa has officially reopened its borders for tourism and has 3 international airports that are allowing flights in and out of the country. You will need to bring a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours prior to departure.
