South Africa is often called the Rainbow Nation, a name that reflects its multicultural identity. At the southern tip of the continent, it brings together big cities, renowned wine regions, vast wilderness, and 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s also the third most biodiverse country in the world, home to the Big Five and thousands of plant species. With so much to take in, here are some of the best things to do in South Africa.
The Wild Coast runs along the Eastern Cape, where green hills roll into the Indian Ocean and small Xhosa villages are scattered across the landscape. It's one of the best places to visit in South Africa if you're after raw beauty and a slower pace of travel.
It feels remote and largely untouched, with long empty beaches, rugged cliffs, and a slower pace of life. Hiking here takes you to waterfalls that plunge into the sea, and from the clifftops you can often spot dolphins. The Hole in the Wall rock formation is the most famous landmark, while Coffee Bay has long been a base for travelers looking for something a little more off-grid. You could easily spend an entire week long South Africa itinerary just here alone.
Most people fly into East London or Mthatha and then rent a 4x4 to reach the coast. The closer you get, the rougher the roads become, especially after rain. Minibus taxis run from Mthatha to towns like Coffee Bay, and some backpacker lodges organize shuttle pick-ups from the airports.
The dry season, from April to September, is the most reliable for hiking, with cooler temperatures and easier road conditions. Summer turns the hills lush and green, but heavy rain can wash out dirt roads. June through August is also a good time for whale watching, though the ocean is cold for swimming. This is one of the best road trips in South Africa you can take.
Travelling the Wild Coast is one of the most spectacular things to do in South Africa © Vincent van Oosten/Shutterstock
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi in KwaZulu-Natal is Africa’s oldest nature reserve and the place where white rhino conservation began. Thanks to that work, the park still has one of the healthiest populations of these animals, which you’ll often see grazing in open areas. This is easily one of the best things to do on a South Africa trip.
Beyond rhinos, the reserve is home to the rest of the Big Five and plenty of other wildlife in the hills and river valleys. Driving yourself through the park gives you plenty of freedom, but guided walks and game drives add another perspective.
How to plan a trip to South Africa and see the rhinos? The park is about three hours north of Durban along the N2. A rental car is the easiest way to get around, though there are day tours from Durban and St. Lucia. There are a few entrance gates, with Memorial Gate the most commonly used if you’re coming from the south.
May to September is the dry season, when wildlife gathers near rivers and waterholes and the thinner vegetation makes animals easier to spot. Cold mornings mean you’ll see more activity on early drives. In summer, you’ll find more newborn animals, but dense bush and hot conditions can make sightings trickier.
White rhinos in South Africa were almost extinct at some point of time © 4uphoto_Valeria De Mattei/Shutterstock
Soweto played a central role in South Africa’s fight against apartheid, and visiting is an important stop to any South Africa itinerary. It gives you a real sense of that history alongside today’s culture. The 1976 student uprising started here, and Nelson Mandela once called this township home.
Walking down Vilakazi Street, you’ll pass the former homes of both Mandela and Desmond Tutu, the only street in the world where two Nobel Prize winners lived. The Hector Pieterson Museum gives powerful context to the student protests, while Freedom Square captures the spirit of resistance. Modern Soweto is just as lively, with art, small businesses, and the well-known Sunday gatherings at local shebeens.
Soweto is southwest of Johannesburg and easy to reach from the M1 highway. Many hotels in Johannesburg run guided tours, and the Gautrain bus connects to key sites. If you want to slow things down, bike tours take you through local neighborhoods. A local guide adds context and helps you get the most out of your visit.
You can go any time of year, though museums are busier during the December school holidays. Weekends bring more social energy, especially on Sunday afternoons. June 16th, Youth Day, is one of the most important times to visit, with commemorations across Soweto.
Soweto, South Africa © Gil.K/Shutterstock
Durban is home to the largest Indian community outside of India, and you see the influence everywhere, from food to festivals.
Grey Street is at the heart of it, with spice markets, sari shops, and the Juma Mosque. This is also where bunny chow was created, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. To see the religious side of this heritage, head to temples like the Sri Siva Subramaniar in Chatsworth. The Phoenix Settlement, set up by Mahatma Gandhi, adds important historical context and shows how South Africa connects to global struggles for justice.
Durban is the main hub. Victoria Street Market is an easy walk from the city center, while Chatsworth and Verulam are best reached with private transport. Going with a local guide makes it easier to understand the history and navigate the neighborhoods.
The best time to visit South Africa for Indian culture is during the festivals. Diwali in October or November lights up the temples, and Thai Pusam in January or February brings dramatic ceremonies. Outside of festival times, markets are busiest in the mornings, and some temples close on Mondays, so check ahead.
Panorama Durban, South Africa © lcswart/Shutterstock
The Drakensberg Mountains rise in steep cliffs and jagged ridges, creating South Africa’s highest peaks and some of its most rewarding hiking country. Roaming here is one of the best things to do in South Africa.
Hidden caves hold ancient San rock art, while streams cut down basalt cliffs into valleys below. You’ll find everything from short, easy walks to multi-day treks that climb above 10,000 feet (3,000m). The Amphitheatre, with its 2-mile wall of cliffs, is one of the most striking landmarks, while trails around Cathedral Peak and Giant’s Castle take you deep into quiet mountain wilderness.
You can make a base in Drakensberg and easily spend an entire 10 days South Africa itinerary making day trips to different natural sites.
Trail access points run along the R74 between Bergville and Underberg, and each region has its own character. Many travelers base themselves in the Central or Southern Berg, where towns make good starting points for hikes. A rental car is the easiest way to reach trailheads. Durban is the closest airport, about a three-hour drive away.
From March to May the weather is generally steady, with clear skies and comfortable conditions. Winter can bring snow to the highest peaks, but the crisp air and clear days are great for hiking. In summer, thunderstorms often roll in by the afternoon, so it is best to set out early.
Sentinal peak, Drakensberg, Royal Natal, South Africa© EcoPrint/Shutterstock
South Africa’s vernacular architecture reflects how different communities have adapted to their environment using local materials. Ndebele homesteads are decorated with bold, geometric patterns in bright colors, while traditional Zulu beehive huts are built from grass and wood, designed to be both practical and sustainable.
Cape Dutch estates stand out with their whitewashed gables and thatched roofs, shaped by both European and Indonesian influences. In the Karoo, you’ll see Victorian-era houses next to older building traditions that draw on Khoi techniques. Each style shows how people worked with stone, clay, and thatch to create homes suited to the landscape.
Different regions highlight different traditions. In Mpumalanga you can visit Ndebele villages, while KwaZulu-Natal is home to Zulu cultural villages. The Western Cape is the place to see Cape Dutch estates. Karoo towns along the N1 highway preserve Victorian buildings alongside local styles. Cultural villages near big cities also give a good introduction. Hiring a guide is the best way to visit.
Autumn and spring bring mild weather and soft light that works well for exploring and photography. In winter, Cape Dutch estates look especially striking next to the golden vineyards. The Karoo can be extremely hot in summer, so winter or spring is better for travel there. Cultural villages welcome visitors year-round, though it is worth checking in advance if you want to see traditional building demonstrations.
Lesotho-Basotho house, South Africa © Ariadna22822/Shutterstock
Addo Elephant National Park is one of the best places in South Africa to watch elephants in the wild. More than 600 live here in the dense bushveld outside Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha).
It is common to see large herds gathering at waterholes during the hotter parts of the day. The park is also known for protecting the “Big 7,” which adds southern right whales and great white sharks in the marine section to the traditional Big Five.
On land, you can also look for black rhino, lion, buffalo, and spotted hyena. Addo is malaria-free, which makes it a good choice for families, and even the smallest creatures are protected here, including the rare flightless dung beetle. For more about traveling in this country with the whole family, see our guide to South Africa with kids.
The park is about 45 miles (72 km) north of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). You can reach it by taking the N2 and R335. You can rent a car, but lodges run guided drives and day trips leave from the city. The main camp gives you direct access to reliable elephant viewing areas.
Elephants are active year-round. From April to September, the dry season concentrates animals at waterholes. Winter days are mild enough for long drives without the heat being uncomfortable. In summer, you will likely see young elephants, but activity slows down during midday.
Elephant, warthog and zebra in Addo Elephant Park, South Africa© Hajakely/Shutterstock
Traditional South African crafts are both practical and expressive, with designs that carry cultural meaning.
Beadwork, pottery, basketry, and wood carving each have their own story. Zulu beadwork uses color as a form of communication, while Venda pottery is known for its distinctive graphite finish.
Some groups, like Wola Nani, rework traditional methods into modern designs. At markets you will find woven baskets, carved walking sticks, and colorful wire sculptures, each piece showing the skill of the person who made it.
Weekend markets are the easiest places to see a wide range of work. In the cities, you can try the Rosebank Sunday Market in Johannesburg, Essenwood in Durban, or Greenmarket Square in Cape Town.
If you want to go deeper, rural craft routes like the Midlands Meander in KwaZulu-Natal or the Venda region in Limpopo are worth the drive. Cultural villages sometimes have live demonstrations, and galleries in cities often have curated selections.
Weekend markets are busy and have the most variety. On weekdays, cultural villages give you a quieter setting and more time to see techniques in practice. Around December, holiday markets appear, though they can be crowded. Autumn and spring are good seasons for driving rural routes, with pleasant weather. For more advice, see our round up of the best South Africa travel tips.
Hand craft, South Africa © Jane Rix/Shutterstock
South Africa’s wine regions stretch across valleys that have been producing for centuries. Stellenbosch is the best known, with oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch buildings, while Franschhoek shows its French roots through both its wines and its food.
The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is known for cool-climate Pinot Noir and sea views, and Constantia, just outside Cape Town, is home to some of the country’s oldest vineyards.
Beyond tastings, you can find galleries, restaurants, and mountain scenery, along with South African varietals like Pinotage that you rarely come across elsewhere.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are about an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Guided tours make it easy if you want someone else to handle the driving, and the Wine Tram in Franschhoek runs a hop-on hop-off route through different estates. Uber works well in most of the main towns. If you have more time, you can plan a self-drive route that also takes in Robertson and Hermanus.
Harvest season in February and March is lively, with plenty happening in the vineyards. In April and May the valleys shift into autumn colors. Winter is quieter, often with tastings beside fireplaces, while spring brings new growth and the release of young wines.
Cape vineyard Buitenverwachting, South Africa © Gareth Weeks/Shutterstock
Sani Pass climbs more than 4,000 feet (1,332m) up the Drakensberg escarpment in a series of steep bends that lead into Lesotho’s highlands.
The gravel road demands a 4x4, but the views along the way are dramatic, and at the top you will find Africa’s highest pub at 9,426 feet (2,874m).
The journey takes you from green foothills through cloud level and into alpine plateaus, where Basotho shepherds in traditional blankets watch over their flocks. The road also functions as a border crossing, so you get a passport stamp along the way.
The pass begins near Underberg in KwaZulu-Natal. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed, but several tour operators in Underberg and Himeville run daily trips if you prefer not to drive yourself. You will need your passport to enter Lesotho. The climb starts at the South African border post at the base of the pass.
Conditions are generally most reliable between April and September. Winter can bring snow closures, but clear days mean excellent visibility. In summer, heavy storms make the gravel slippery and afternoon clouds often block views, so early starts are best.
Sani Pass, South Africa © Lukas Bischoff Photograph/Shutterstock
Walking safaris and some of the best South Africa safaris because they let you experience the bush in a way that feels completely different from being in a vehicle. You notice small details, like the smell of crushed leaves, the sound of bird calls, and the faint prints of animals that passed through earlier.
Guides explain tracks, markings, and survival skills, adding depth to what you’re seeing. In Kruger, wilderness trails stretch across several days, with simple overnight camps after walking and tracking on foot.
Private reserves near Kruger, like Sabi Sands, combine morning walks with afternoon drives, so you can balance both. Encounters with elephant or buffalo on foot stay with you long after the trip, while smaller animals and insects suddenly feel just as fascinating as the big game.
Kruger runs official wilderness trails that must be booked well in advance. Private reserves around the park often build walking experiences into their lodge stays.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi in KwaZulu-Natal is known for pioneering guided trails. Most trails have age restrictions, so check before booking. Mokala National Park is one of the best things to do in Northern Cape for safari game trails.
May through August is cooler, making it easier to walk, and the thinner vegetation helps with visibility. September and October bring newborn animals but also higher temperatures. In summer, the bush is thicker, which makes animals harder to see but creates a more wild and enclosed feeling.
Buffalos, South Africa© Andrzej Kubik/Shutterstock
Cape Point has steep cliffs, open ocean, and the symbolic meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The old lighthouse stands high on the rocks, and baboons move through the fynbos on the slopes.
If you want to avoid the climb, the Flying Dutchman funicular takes you up to the viewpoint.
From there, you might catch sight of southern right whales in season. Getting here is part of the experience, especially if you drive the scenic Chapman’s Peak route. This section of Table Mountain National Park combines dramatic scenery with traces of maritime history and plenty of hiking trails.
Cape Point is about 37 miles (60 km) from central Cape Town via the M3 and M4. The Chapman’s Peak route is slower but more scenic. Tour buses run here daily, or you can rent a car, which lets you stop at Boulders Beach to see the penguins (one of the best beaches in South Africa). Cycling tours also run to the point, though they require a good level of fitness.
From September to November, you can see migrating southern right whales and spring flowers across the fynbos. Winter days are often clear, giving the best views of the two oceans. Summer is popular for hiking, although it gets crowded.
Tour around the Cape Point is among things to do in South Africa which allows you to fully embrace the spirit of South Africa © HandmadePictures/Shutterstock
The Storms River Mouth suspension bridge stretches 253 feet (77 meters) across a gorge where the river meets the Indian Ocean. Walking across is one of the best things to do in South Africa. You feel the bridge sway slightly as the waves crash below. On the other side, trails lead into the forest of Tsitsikamma National Park, where ancient yellowwood trees grow and dolphins can sometimes be seen riding the surf.
If you want to get closer to the river, kayaking takes you past sheer cliffs and into caves. Just up the road, Bloukrans Bridge has a commercial bungee jump that draws people looking for a serious adrenaline rush.
The bridge is inside Tsitsikamma National Park, on the N2 between Plettenberg Bay and Port Elizabeth. You’ll pay a conservation fee at the entrance, then walk about two-thirds of a mile (1 kilometer) from the parking area to the bridge. Storms River Village has places to stay nearby, and the Otter Trail hiking route also crosses the bridge.
The bridge is accessible year-round. April to September usually brings steady weather for hiking. Summer is warmer and good for kayaking or swimming. In winter, storms create dramatic waves. Early mornings tend to be calmer for kayaking. If you want quieter trails, try to avoid South Africa’s school holidays.
Suspension bridge in Storms River Mouth national park in South Africa © Deyan Denchev/Shutterstock
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is one of the best places in southern Africa to see predators.
Black-maned lions patrol the dunes, cheetahs chase springbok across the plains, and leopards are often spotted along the dry riverbeds. Both spotted and brown hyenas live here too.
Wildlife gathers at waterholes, and because the landscape is open, it is easy to watch animals move across the desert. Camelthorn trees provide the only real shade, and much of the action happens around them.
The closest airport is in Upington, about 160 miles (260 kilometers) from the park. The final approach includes long gravel stretches. A 4x4 is recommended for the wilderness camps, though standard cars can drive between the main camps. Fuel is limited, and South Africa accommodation fills up quickly, so plan ahead.
May to September is the most comfortable time for game viewing, with mild daytime temperatures and predators gathering at waterholes. In summer, daytime highs often pass 104°F (40°C). This is also when thunderstorms break the heat and young animals appear.
Winter nights drop below 32°F (0°C), but the clear skies make it easy to spend full days out on drives.
Cape Fox cubs in the Kgalagadi, South Africa © AdobeStock
In spring, parts of South Africa turn into fields of wildflowers that seem to stretch forever.
Namaqualand is the best-known area, where orange and white daisies cover the semi-desert after the rains. This is one of the best routes in Northern Cape you can take.
In the Western Cape, the Cape Floral Kingdom is home to an incredible variety of plants, with proteas, ericas, and restios appearing at different times of year.
West Coast National Park has a section called Postberg that only opens during flower season, while Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is a good place to see indigenous plants throughout the year with Table Mountain as the backdrop.
Namaqualand is about 250 to 310 miles (400 to 500 km) north of Cape Town, so it makes sense to plan an overnight stay in towns like Springbok or Nieuwoudtville.
West Coast National Park is much closer at about 90 minutes by car from Cape Town. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to follow the best displays. There are local flower hotlines that share up-to-date information, and you can also join a botanical tour if you want more detailed guidance.
In Namaqualand the flowers usually peak from mid-August through September, depending on how much rain has fallen in winter. Around Cape Town, wildflowers start blooming in August and continue through October, but different plants peak at different times. The West Coast is usually at its best between August and September. Fynbos can be seen year-round, but the big spring displays depend on a good rainy season.
Namqualan, South Africa© Irmelamela/Shutterstock
Bo-Kaap is one of the most photographed neighborhoods in Cape Town, and one of the best things to do in South Africa. It's known for its colorful houses and cobblestone streets. It is also the center of Cape Malay culture, with mosques throughout the area and the smell of Cape Malay curries often drifting from kitchens.
Taking a cooking class here is a great way to learn how to prepare traditional South African food like bobotie or koeksisters. The Bo-Kaap Museum adds context by explaining the history of the community, which traces back to freed slaves and traditions from Indonesia and Malaysia.
The neighborhood climbs the slopes of Signal Hill and starts around Wale Street, just a short walk from the city center. You can reach it easily from Long Street on foot. Hop-on hop-off buses stop nearby, and guided walking tours are a good way to learn more about the area. Parking is limited, so walking is usually the best option.
During Ramadan, the neighborhood has a different atmosphere, especially in the evenings when families break the fast. Cooking classes run throughout the year, but it is a good idea to book in advance. Out of respect, avoid visiting during Friday prayer times.
Bo kaap, Cape Town, South Africa © MG Africa/Shutterstock
Kruger National Park covers almost 7,722 square miles (20,000 square kilometers) of wilderness where you can see Africa’s best-known animals in their natural environment.
The park is home to 147 mammal species, including the Big Five, wild dogs, and cheetahs. Each area feels different.
The south has the highest wildlife concentrations, while the far north is quieter with ancient baobab trees. Driving yourself is an easy way to explore, but guided walks and night drives are truly worth it. The park has been protecting these ecosystems since 1898, so it’s one of the best places to experience a real safari.
There are several entry gates, so where you start depends on the region you want to visit. Skukuza and Kruger Mpumalanga airports are convenient if you want to fly. From Johannesburg it takes about five hours by car to reach the southern gates.
Many travelers rent a car for self-drive safaris, but there are also shuttles to nearby towns. Inside the park, roads are manageable for regular cars during the dry season. Accommodation fills quickly during peak months, so book well in advance.
May to September is the best time to visit Kruger National Park for game viewing, when animals gather at water sources and the bush is thinner.
In October the heat rises before the November rains arrive, bringing migratory birds and newborn animals. In summer the park turns green and lush, but thick vegetation and rain can make wildlife harder to see. Each season has its own rhythm, so your experience will depend on when you go.
Hippopotamus, South Africa© PACO COMO/Shutterstock
The Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a desert landscape where the Orange River winds between volcanic mountains. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unusual plants, including the halfmens trees that look almost prehistoric.
The Nama people still maintain semi-nomadic traditions here, living in one of the toughest environments in southern Africa, where summer temperatures can rise above 120°F (50°C).
The scenery ranges from open plains and rocky ridges to hidden ravines with rare succulents. A 4x4 is needed to drive the routes through the park, or you can explore it from the water on a rafting trip along the Orange River. This is by far one of the best things to do in South Africa.
This park is remote and needs careful preparation. Springbok and Alexander Bay are the main supply points before you go in. Only 4x4 vehicles can handle the tracks inside the park.
There is also a border crossing on the Orange River if you are coming from Namibia. Most trips here take several days, and guided tours can make the logistics easier. You will need to bring enough fuel and water for the journey.
April to September is the most comfortable time to travel, with mild daytime temperatures. May and June are especially good, while August and September sometimes bring short-lived wildflowers after rain.
Winter nights can be cold but days are pleasant. Rafting trips usually run from April through October. Summer heat is extreme and can be unsafe, so it is better avoided. Still undecided where to go for your Africa trip? See our guide to Kenya vs. South Africa.
Richtersveld, South Africa © Geoff Sperring/Shutterstock
Live music is everywhere in South Africa, from small township taverns to big city concert halls. Jazz, shaped by legends like Hugh Masekela, is still strong in Cape Town and Johannesburg clubs.
Kwaito and amapiano, which started in the townships, now drive dancefloors across the country. Traditional styles like maskandi and marabi are still heard, often woven into festival lineups.
In Johannesburg, The Bassline draws major acts, while The Crypt in Cape Town is known for more intimate shows. On Sundays in Soweto, tavern sessions bring people together around music in a way that feels both casual and deeply rooted in community life.
In Johannesburg, Newtown is full of venues. Cape Town’s Long Street and Durban’s Florida Road are nightlife hubs with plenty going on. Township venues are best visited with someone local, both for safety and to get more context.
If you’re planning around festivals, look at dates for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, Oppikoppi, or AfrikaBurn. Within the cities, ride-shares are the easiest way to move between venues, and staying near nightlife districts saves you late-night travel. See pur guide to Cape Town nightlife.
There are shows year-round, but summer from October to March adds outdoor festivals into the mix. Jazz festivals usually run from March through July. December has plenty of holiday concerts, though it can also be a difficult time to find accommodation.
Music festival, South Africa © wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock
The cableway carries you 3,500 feet (1,067m) up Table Mountain in about five minutes. The rotating cars give a full view of Cape Town as you climb.
At the summit, the flat plateau stretches for about 2 miles (3km), with walking paths that take you past sandstone formations and through fynbos vegetation.
Dassies, or rock hyraxes, are often stretched out on the rocks in the sun. From the top you can see across the City Bowl and out toward False Bay. Sunset trips are especially beautiful, though the famous tablecloth cloud can cover the mountain without warning.
The lower station is on Tafelberg Road, just outside Cape Town’s center. You can reach it by taxi, ride-share, or the City Sightseeing bus. Parking is available but fills quickly in peak season. The MyCiTi bus also runs to the station at certain times. If you prefer to walk, it is about 20 minutes uphill from Kloof Nek. Queue times change a lot depending on the season and the weather.
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the longest lines and the midday sun. Always check the wind forecast, since the cableway closes if it is too strong. Summer has the longest operating hours, including evening trips for sunset, while winter usually brings clearer skies but shorter hours.
Table Mountain, cableway, Cape Town © Daleen Loest/Shutterstock
De Hoop Nature Reserve is home to wide stretches of coast where white sand dunes slope straight into the ocean. Walking here feels different from anywhere else, whether you’re climbing up for the view, sliding down on a sandboard, or just wandering along the ridges.
Between June and November, southern right whales come close to shore with their calves. Inland, you’ll find Cape mountain zebra, bontebok, and eland grazing among the fynbos, and the wetlands are alive with birdlife.
If you want a longer adventure, the five-day Whale Trail follows the coast with simple overnight huts along the way.
The drive from Cape Town takes around three hours, following the N2 and then gravel roads past Bredasdorp. A regular car works fine in dry weather, though a 4x4 makes the drive easier.
There are several places to stay inside the reserve but you’ll need to book ahead. Day visitors can still reach the main viewpoints. Stock up on supplies in Bredasdorp before you go.
Whales arrive close to shore from June through November. In September and October, wildflowers add color to the landscape while the whales are still around. Summer brings warmer days that are good for swimming and dune walks. The Whale Trail is especially popular during peak season and usually needs to be booked months in advance.
De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa © Alessandro De Maddalena/Shutterstock
Robben Island is where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison, and visiting gives you a clear sense of that history. Tours are often led by former political prisoners who share their own experiences.
You can see Mandela’s cell, the limestone quarry where inmates worked, and memorials that remain largely unchanged. The island has a longer history too, having once been used as a leper colony, a mental hospital, and a military base. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes each way, giving you time to think about the island’s role in South Africa’s past.
Ferries leave from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Tickets often sell out, so book online in advance. The full trip, including the guided tour, lasts about four hours. Ferries are sometimes canceled when the sea is rough, but the museum at the departure point is worth a visit if you cannot get across.
Winter from May to August brings fewer crowds but bigger swells, while summer crossings are more reliable though the afternoon rides back can be choppy. Avoid school holidays if you want a quieter experience. No matter the season, the visit is heavy with history, so it is less about timing and more about being ready for the impact of the tour.
Entrance Robben Island Prison where Nelson Mandela was held © DarenP/Shutterstock
From June to November, whales gather along South Africa’s coast. Southern right whales move into sheltered bays to calve, and you can often see them from land, breaching or lifting their tails above the water.
Hermanus is the most well-known base, with cliffside paths that run along Walker Bay. The town even has a whale crier who signals when whales are close.
If you want to get out on the water, boats leave regularly from Hermanus and nearby Gansbaai. You can also watch from False Bay, Plettenberg Bay, and De Hoop. Humpbacks migrate past twice a year, and Bryde’s whales feed here in summer, so the coastline is busy with activity across the seasons.
Hermanus is about a 90 minute drive from Cape Town along the R44. De Kelders and other Walker Bay communities are quieter alternatives. The Garden Route, reached via the N2, has several good whale-watching viewpoints. Boat trips run from Hermanus, Gansbaai, Plettenberg Bay, and Simon’s Town.
Southern right whales are most common from July through October, with September usually seeing the highest numbers. Humpbacks head north in June and July and return south from October through December. Land-based watching can work at any time of day, and on clear nights with a full moon you might even glimpse whales offshore.
Wale in Cape Coast, South Africa © Ken C Moore/Shutterstock
Blyde River Canyon cuts through the Drakensberg escarpment and ranks among the largest green canyons in the world.
Viewpoints line the route, including the Three Rondavels, where the rock formations resemble traditional huts, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where swirling water has carved deep shapes into the rock.
God’s Window looks out across the Lowveld, with Kruger National Park visible on clear days. The Panorama Route links these viewpoints with waterfalls, forest trails, and old gold mining towns. For those looking to be more active, the area is also known for hiking, rafting, and zip-lining.
You can start the Panorama Route from either Nelspruit (Mbombela) or Hoedspruit, both of which have airports. Graskop is a convenient base for exploring the canyon and surrounding attractions.
A rental car is the most practical way to see the different viewpoints, though guided day trips also run from Hazyview and Kruger lodges. The R532 and R534 connect the main highlights.
From April to September, the weather is usually clear and comfortable for hiking. Mist sometimes rolls into God’s Window on winter mornings, which can make the view even more atmospheric. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that are dramatic but can block visibility. Autumn often has steady weather and fewer crowds.
Blyde River Canyon, South Africa © AdobeStock
iSimangaliso Wetland Park covers more than 820,000 acres (332,000 hectares) of protected coastline, where lakes, forests, coral reefs, and beaches all run into each other.
It’s one of the few places where you can see hippos and crocodiles at Lake St. Lucia, sometimes right from the elevated boardwalks. Leatherback and loggerhead turtles come ashore here to nest, while humpback whales pass just offshore.
The coastline is edged with massive forested sand dunes (some of the tallest in the world) where you might spot rare samango monkeys. Cape Vidal is popular for snorkeling, with colorful fish darting over the southernmost coral reefs, and anglers head offshore for deep-sea fishing right at the edge of the continental shelf.
The park’s name, iSimangaliso, means “miracle and wonder” in isiZulu, which feels fitting once you’ve seen how much is packed into this one protected area.
The town of St. Lucia is the main gateway, about three hours north of Durban on the N2. Several entrance gates lead into different parts of the park, so a rental car is the easiest way to get around. You can also take a boat tour from the St. Lucia estuary. The closest airport is Richards Bay, about an hour and a half away.
What you see depends on the season. From November to March, turtles are nesting and the Indian Ocean is warm enough for long swims. June through November is when humpback whales pass along the coast. December and January are the busiest months for local holidaymakers, so expect more people on the beaches. Birdwatching is good all year, especially in summer when migratory birds arrive.
Mission Rocks beach near Cape Vidal in Isimangaliso Wetland Park © AdobeStock
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 02.09.2025
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting South Africa
