‘Local is lekker’ is a common South African phrase meaning that the things close to home are often the best. Here are some things to add to your ‘must do’ list this holiday. Summer is here, so outdoor activities are what you’ll find the majority of South Africans doing this season.
Visit our beautiful beaches
South Africa boasts some of the finest Blue Flag beaches in the world. Enjoy miles of unspoiled, exotic beaches, from the warm East Coast (stretching north of Durban down to East London in the Eastern Cape) to the cold Benguela Stream around Cape Town and the West Coast.
Dive with Great White sharks
Gansbaai is known as the great white shark capital of the world and is only a scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town.
Bungee jumping – a must do
Bloukrans Bridge Bungy is one of the world’s highest commercial bridge bungy jumps at 216 metres (709 ft) above the Bloukrans River. It is situated at Bloukrans Bridge on the N2 highway at the border between the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape in the Tsitsikamma area of South Africa’s Garden Route. Add this to your travel itinerary.
Mountain biking
South Africa is a treasure trove of exciting routes, discovered and waiting to be uncovered, with weather allowing for cycling at any time of the year.
Visit our award-winning wine farms
If a wine tour in sunny South Africa is on your bucket list, or you want to spoil a loved one with an authentic experience, this is the way to go. We have the most beautiful wine farms on scenic routes.
Playing golf
Golf is a great way to shake off the stress of a demanding lifestyle, and anything that keeps you active while helping to safely relieve stress is a bonus! Whether you golf by yourself or with friends, you can allow yourself to let go of other worries for just a little while. South Africa is still a secret among the golf enthusiasts. There are 500 golf courses, many of them in Cape Town and Western Cape.
Go hunting
South Africa is the perfect place for your hunting trip to Africa. There is plenty of game and magnificent scenery. Secure your hunting permit in advance for a fee directly from licensed outfitters. Whether you are interested in hunting a member of the Big Five or the plains game of Africa, a hunting safari in South Africa, is sure to be a thrilling experience.
South African arts & craft markets
Visit markets and explore the talent we have as artists. Only a true South African supports South African artists.
Shopping!
Malls in South Africa
South Africa has almost 2 000 shopping malls, covering over 24 million square meters of shopping space, making it one of the most mall-rich countries in the world.
Glamping in South Africa
Have you ever been glamping? We have great options across the country. Browse the internet for luxury glamping experiences in South Africa.
City sightseeing
Discover top attractions with the City Sightseeing bus. The hop-on-hop-off red bus is the most iconic way to explore the city.
Zip line – free your spirit!
Zip your way around the best ziplines in South Africa. Experience the closest thing to flying free when you join an unforgettable zip line adventure.
South African safari’s
The Kruger National Park is possibly the most popular safari spot in South Africa, as well as one of the largest in the world. At nearly two million hectares, the park offers visitors a diverse collection of animal species, including the Big Five, as well as diverse vegetation throughout. However, there are also other great safari camps across the country.
4 x 4 Trails
If you don’t own a 4 x 4 vehicle, rent one and explore. You can also join a 4x 4 club and experience obstacle driving courses and much more.
Birdwatching
Birding hotspots are many in such a diverse area, but some of the best-known ones include the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserves in KwaZulu- Natal, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park in the Northern Cape and Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga and Northern Province.
Museums – get to know the history
South Africa has more than 300 museums all over the country, reflecting the heritage in a range of places – from elegant 18th century homes to caves in majestic mountain ranges, cultural villages in rural settings to state-of-the-art buildings in major cities.
Is hiking your thing?
Ready to check out the best trails in South Africa? A hike is not a walk in the park. In Cape Town, the weather conditions alone while hiking can change at the drop of a hat. And the key advisory right now, especially across SA’s national parks, is to not do it alone. It is a great way to explore our biodiversity and who knows, perhaps you will see more than you expected.
Kayaking on one of our rivers
Kayaking is one of the best ways to embark on an expedition. This adventure is rated one of the ultimate outdoor experiences in South Africa.
Dining out
Support your local restaurant or food market. Taste the national dishes and drinks of South Africa from street food to fine dining.
Visit your local national park
South Africa has more than 20 national parks, including two of the world’s most renowned wildlife reserves, the Kruger National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, plus almost as many regional parks, the country is a wildlife and eco-destination second to none.
Experience a Shisanyama
Shisanyama is a Zulu word meaning ‘burn meat’, which refers to the way the meat is cooked over hot coals. It’s one of South Africa’s most delicious and social ways of eating. The vibes are always great. Sundays are extremely popular days to visit a Shisanyama.
