For travellers

Experiences

Safaris, cultural tours, adventures, and hidden gems across South Africa.

50 experiences found

Apartheid Museum
Historical
Central Joburg

Apartheid Museum

Gold Reef Road, Johannesburg

One of the world's great museums, dedicated to the history and impact of apartheid in South Africa. A must-visit for any traveller wanting to understand modern SA.

2โ€“4 hoursยทR220pp
Book via Apartheid Museum โ†’
Bloukrans Bridge Bungee
Adventure
Garden Route

Bloukrans Bridge Bungee

Bloukrans Bridge, Garden Route

Plunge 216m off the Bloukrans Bridge โ€” the world's highest commercial bungee jump. One for the bucket list on any South Africa road trip.

Half dayยทFrom R1,300pp
Book via Face Adrenalin โ†’
Blyde River Canyon
Adventure
4hrs from Joburg

Blyde River Canyon

Mpumalanga

One of the largest canyons in the world, carved through red Blyde River quartzite. Stop at God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels for unforgettable panoramic views.

Full dayยทFrom R800pp
Book via Viator โ†’
Drakensberg Mountains
Adventure
3hrs from Durban

Drakensberg Mountains

uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, KZN

The Drakensberg range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of towering basalt cliffs, ancient San rock art, crystal rivers, and world-class hiking. A natural wonder of South Africa.

1โ€“3 daysยทFrom R500pp
Book via GetYourGuide โ†’
Franschhoek Wine Tram
Food & Wine
45min from Cape Town

Franschhoek Wine Tram

Franschhoek, Western Cape

Hop on and off the iconic Wine Tram through the Franschhoek Valley โ€” one of the most beautiful wine routes in the world โ€” tasting as you go through world-class estates.

Half day โ€“ Full dayยทFrom R340pp
Book via Franschhoek Wine Tram โ†’
Garden Route Road Trip
Beach & Coastal
Garden Route

Garden Route Road Trip

Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay

Drive one of the world's great coastal roads โ€” from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay โ€” through ancient forests, dramatic cliffs, and charming towns like Knysna and George.

3โ€“7 daysยทSelf-drive (varies)
Book via SANParks & Self-Drive โ†’
Helicopter Ride over Cape Town
Adventure
Central Cape Town

Helicopter Ride over Cape Town

Cape Town

Soar over Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Camps Bay, and the Atlantic Seaboard for the most breathtaking views Cape Town has to offer.

15min โ€“ 1hrยทFrom R1,500pp
Book via Viator โ†’
Hermanus Whale Watching
Safari & Wildlife
1hr from Cape Town

Hermanus Whale Watching

Hermanus, Western Cape

Hermanus is one of the world's best whale watching destinations. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay between June and November each year.

2โ€“3 hoursยทFrom R1,200pp
Book via Hermanus Whale Cruises โ†’
Knysna Elephant Park
Safari & Wildlife
4hrs from Cape Town

Knysna Elephant Park

Knysna, Western Cape

Walk alongside rescued African elephants in their natural forest setting on the Garden Route. One of the most intimate wildlife encounters in South Africa.

2โ€“3 hoursยทFrom R650pp
Book via Knysna Elephant Park โ†’
Kruger National Park Safari
Safari & Wildlife
5hrs from Joburg

Kruger National Park Safari

Limpopo & Mpumalanga

Spot the Big Five in one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Guided 3-day safaris depart regularly from Joburg with everything included.

3โ€“5 daysยทFrom R3,500pp
Book via Kruger Park โ†’
Lake St Lucia Hippo & Croc Cruise
Safari & Wildlife
3.5hrs from Durban

Lake St Lucia Hippo & Croc Cruise

St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal

Cruise the St Lucia Estuary in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park โ€” a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to hippos, crocodiles, pelicans, and one of Africa's richest ecosystems.

2 hoursยทFrom R300pp
Book via Viator โ†’
Nambiti Game Reserve
Safari & Wildlife
3hrs from Durban

Nambiti Game Reserve

KwaZulu-Natal Midlands

A boutique private game reserve set in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands with the Big Five and no crowds. One of SA's best-kept safari secrets.

2+ nightsยทFrom R4,500pp per night
Book via Nambiti Hills โ†’
Robben Island
Historical
V&A Waterfront ferry

Robben Island

Robben Island, Cape Town

The ferry from Cape Town's waterfront takes you to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Tours are led by former political prisoners.

3โ€“4 hoursยทR650pp (ferry + tour)
Book via Robben Island Museum โ†’
Sani Pass 4x4 Adventure
Adventure
3hrs from Durban

Sani Pass 4x4 Adventure

Southern Drakensberg, KZN

Climb the legendary Sani Pass in a 4x4 to the roof of the Drakensberg โ€” crossing into Lesotho at 2,874m, visiting a Basotho village, and stopping at the highest pub in Africa.

Full dayยทFrom R650pp
Book via Sani Pass Tours โ†’
Soweto Township Tour
Cultural
Central Joburg

Soweto Township Tour

Soweto, Johannesburg

Discover the heartbeat of Joburg on a guided walk through Soweto โ€” from Vilakazi Street and the Mandela House to the Hector Pieterson Memorial.

Half dayยทFrom R650pp
Book via Viator โ†’
Sun City Resort
FamilyAdventure
2hrs from Joburg

Sun City Resort

North West Province

The ultimate South African resort experience โ€” Valley of the Waves water park, casinos, wildlife drives into neighbouring Pilanesberg, and the iconic Palace of the Lost City hotel.

Full dayยทFrom R350pp day pass
Book via Sun City โ†’
Table Mountain Cable Car
Adventure
Central Cape Town

Table Mountain Cable Car

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Ride the rotating aerial cableway to the flat-topped summit of one of the world's most recognisable mountains. Views stretch from the Atlantic to the Winelands.

2โ€“4 hoursยทR420pp (return)
Book via Table Mountain Aerial Cableway โ†’
The Sardine Run
Safari & Wildlife
KZN South Coast

The Sardine Run

KZN South Coast & Wild Coast

One of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth โ€” billions of sardines migrate north along the KZN coast each June-July, followed by sharks, dolphins, and diving gannets in a feeding frenzy.

5โ€“7 daysยทFrom R2,500pp
Book via Oceans Africa โ†’
Tsitsikamma National Park
AdventureBeach & Coastal
Garden Route

Tsitsikamma National Park

Storms River, Eastern Cape

A dramatic stretch of Garden Route coastline with ancient yellowwood forests, the Storms River Gorge suspension bridge, sea kayaking, and South Africa's most iconic treetop canopy tour.

1โ€“3 daysยทFrom R225pp entry
Book via SANParks โ†’
Bo-Kaap Cultural Walk
Cultural
Central Cape Town

Bo-Kaap Cultural Walk

Bo-Kaap, Cape Town

Wander the cobblestone streets and brightly painted houses of Cape Town's Cape Malay Quarter with a local guide, finishing with a home-cooked Cape Malay lunch.

2โ€“3 hoursยทFrom R400pp
Book via Viator โ†’
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Safari & Wildlife
45min from Cape Town

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

Simon's Town, Western Cape

Walk alongside 3,000 African penguins on a pristine beach in Simon's Town. One of the most unique wildlife encounters in the world.

2โ€“3 hoursยทR230pp
Book via SANParks โ†’
Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn
AdventureHistorical
4hrs from Cape Town

Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn

Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Explore one of the world's great cave systems โ€” a labyrinth of ancient stalactites and stalagmites hidden beneath the Swartberg Mountains near Oudtshoorn.

1โ€“2 hoursยทFrom R150pp
Book via Cango Caves โ†’
Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope
Adventure
1hr from Cape Town

Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope

Cape Peninsula, Western Cape

The dramatic south-western tip of the Cape Peninsula. Stand at the Cape of Good Hope and take in the raw, windswept Atlantic coastline.

Full dayยทFrom R800pp
Book via City Sightseeing โ†’
Chapman's Peak Scenic Drive
Beach & CoastalAdventure
30min from Cape Town

Chapman's Peak Scenic Drive

Hout Bay to Noordhoek, Cape Town

One of the world's most spectacular coastal drives โ€” a 9km route carved into the sheer cliffs of Chapman's Peak with 114 curves and jaw-dropping Atlantic Ocean views.

1โ€“2 hoursยทR50 toll (self-drive)
Book via Chapman's Peak Drive โ†’
Constitution Hill
Historical
Central Joburg

Constitution Hill

Braamfontein, Johannesburg

A living museum built on the grounds of Johannesburg's most notorious prison โ€” where Nelson Mandela and Gandhi were once held. Today it houses South Africa's Constitutional Court.

1โ€“2 hoursยทR150pp
Book via Constitution Hill โ†’
Cradle of Humankind
Historical
1hr from Joburg

Cradle of Humankind

Maropeng, Gauteng

Three million years ago, our earliest ancestors walked this valley. Explore fossil sites, underground caves, and the award-winning Maropeng visitor centre.

3โ€“4 hoursยทFrom R280pp
Book via Maropeng โ†’
Crocodile Creek, Durban
Safari & Wildlife
30min from Durban

Crocodile Creek, Durban

Salt Rock, KwaZulu-Natal

Get up close to over 2,000 Nile crocodiles and alligators on guided tours at this family-friendly wildlife sanctuary south of Durban, with live feeding shows daily.

1โ€“2 hoursยทFrom R150pp
Book via Durban Tourism โ†’
Eat a Bunny Chow in Durban
Food & WineCultural
Central Durban

Eat a Bunny Chow in Durban

Durban CBD & surrounds

No visit to Durban is complete without a bunny chow โ€” a hollowed-out half loaf of bread filled with spicy curry, born in the Indian Quarter and beloved across South Africa.

1 hourยทFrom R65
Book via Culture Trip Guide โ†’
First Thursdays โ€” Cape Town
Cultural
Central Cape Town

First Thursdays โ€” Cape Town

Bree St, Loop St & surrounds, Cape Town

On the first Thursday of every month, Cape Town's galleries, studios, and creative spaces stay open late. Free, walkable, and electric โ€” the city at its most alive.

Monthly โ€” 1st ThursdayยทFree (some venues charge)
Book via Art.co.za โ†’
First Thursdays โ€” Johannesburg
Cultural
Central Joburg

First Thursdays โ€” Johannesburg

Maboneng & Braamfontein, Joburg

Joburg's art community opens its doors on the first Thursday of every month. Walk Maboneng and Braamfontein galleries from 5pm into the night.

Monthly โ€” 1st ThursdayยทFree (some venues charge)
Book via Art.co.za โ†’
Gold Reef City & Mine Tour
Historical
Central Joburg

Gold Reef City & Mine Tour

Gold Reef Road, Johannesburg

Pan for gold in an authentic 19th-century mine shaft, then ride the roller coasters above. Joburg's most distinctive blend of heritage and theme park.

Full dayยทFrom R280pp
Book via Tsogo Sun โ†’
Have a Shisanyama
CulturalFood & Wine
Various locations

Have a Shisanyama

Township areas, nationwide

Shisa nyama โ€” literally burnt meat in Zulu โ€” is the township braai experience: fresh cuts grilled over open fire, pap, chakalaka, cold drinks, and the best atmosphere in South Africa.

2โ€“4 hoursยทFrom R100pp
Book via Imbizo Shisanyama โ†’
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve
Safari & Wildlife
3hrs from Durban

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal

One of Africa's oldest game reserves and the birthplace of rhino conservation. Self-drive or join a guided safari through bush teeming with the Big Five and over 80 mammal species.

Full day โ€“ 2 daysยทFrom R350pp entry
Book via SANParks โ†’
Hole in the Wall, Coffee Bay
Beach & Coastal
Eastern Cape Wild Coast

Hole in the Wall, Coffee Bay

Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape

A dramatic natural sea arch carved through a massive cliff on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape โ€” one of South Africa's most iconic coastal landmarks, surrounded by rolling green hills.

Self-drive tripยทFree
Book via Eastern Cape Tourism โ†’
Kalk Bay Village & Harbour
CulturalMarkets
30min from Cape Town

Kalk Bay Village & Harbour

Kalk Bay, Cape Town

A charming 30-minute drive from Cape Town โ€” bohemian antique shops, art galleries, the busy fishing harbour, fresh snoek off the boat, and excellent restaurants lining the main road.

Half dayยทFree
Book via Cape Town Tourism โ†’
Kelp Forest Scuba Dive
Adventure
Central Cape Town

Kelp Forest Scuba Dive

Cape Peninsula, Cape Town

Dive through Cape Town's spectacular kelp forests, teeming with fish, Cape fur seals, and octopus. One of the world's most extraordinary dive sites.

Half dayยทFrom R1,200pp
Book via GetYourGuide โ†’
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Cultural
25min from Cape Town

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

Rhodes Drive, Cape Town

Nestled on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is one of the world's great botanical gardens โ€” with fynbos, ancient forests, treetop canopy walks, and regular open-air concerts.

2โ€“4 hoursยทFrom R220pp
Book via SANParks / SANBI โ†’
Lion's Head Hike
Adventure
Central Cape Town

Lion's Head Hike

Signal Hill, Cape Town

One of Cape Town's most iconic hikes โ€” a circular trail with ladders and chains that leads to a 669m peak with 360ยฐ views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic, and the city below.

3โ€“4 hoursยทFree (guided from R250pp)
Book via Hike Lion's Head โ†’
Midlands Meander
Food & WineMarkets
1.5hrs from Durban

Midlands Meander

KwaZulu-Natal Midlands

A self-drive route through the misty KZN Midlands passing over 150 craft studios, farm stalls, cheese makers, trout fishing spots, and cosy country restaurants.

Full dayยทSelf-drive (free)
Book via Midlands Meander โ†’
Montecasino, Johannesburg
Family
Central Joburg

Montecasino, Johannesburg

Fourways, Johannesburg

A Tuscan-village themed entertainment complex in the heart of Fourways โ€” with a casino, IMAX cinema, restaurants, comedy club, gaming, and the famous Teatro Theatre all under one roof.

Half day โ€“ Full dayยทFree entry (pay per activity)
Book via Tsogo Sun โ†’
Orlando Towers Bungee Jump
Adventure
Central Joburg / Soweto

Orlando Towers Bungee Jump

Orlando Power Station, Soweto

Jump 33 storeys from the iconic cooling towers of Soweto's decommissioned Orlando Power Station โ€” the only 100m urban bungee in South Africa.

1โ€“2 hoursยทFrom R580pp
Book via Soweto Towers โ†’
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Safari & Wildlife
2hrs from Joburg

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

North West Province

A malaria-free Big Five safari just two hours from Joburg in the beautiful North West bushveld. Perfect for a weekend escape.

Half day โ€“ Full dayยทFrom R1,200pp
Book via Pilanesberg โ†’
Shark Cage Diving, Gansbaai
Adventure
2hrs from Cape Town

Shark Cage Diving, Gansbaai

Gansbaai, Western Cape

Come face to face with Great White Sharks from the safety of a steel cage in the waters of Gansbaai's famous Shark Alley.

Full dayยทFrom R1,800pp
Book via White Shark Projects โ†’
Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market
Markets
45min from Durban

Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market

Shongweni Valley, KwaZulu-Natal

Every Saturday morning, over 250 traders gather in the Shongweni Valley for one of KZN's best farmers markets โ€” fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music.

Saturdays, 7amโ€“1pmยทFree entry
Book via Shongweni Market โ†’
Sibaya Casino & Entertainment
Family
20min from Durban

Sibaya Casino & Entertainment

Umdloti, KwaZulu-Natal

Set in the lush green hills above the KZN north coast, Sibaya combines a casino, restaurants, spa, theatre productions, and family activities with sweeping Indian Ocean views.

Half day โ€“ Full dayยทFree entry (pay per activity)
Book via Sun International โ†’
Stellenbosch Wine Tour
Food & Wine
45min from Cape Town

Stellenbosch Wine Tour

Stellenbosch, Western Cape

The Winelands town of Stellenbosch is home to some of SA's finest estates. Guided tours take in cellar tours, tastings, and long lunches under ancient oaks.

Full dayยทFrom R800pp
Book via Viator โ†’
Two Oceans Aquarium
FamilySafari & Wildlife
Central Cape Town

Two Oceans Aquarium

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet โ€” explore massive shark tanks, touch pools, colourful reef fish, and sea turtles at Cape Town's beloved V&A Waterfront aquarium.

2โ€“3 hoursยทFrom R280pp
Book via Two Oceans Aquarium โ†’
uShaka Marine World
FamilyAdventure
Central Durban

uShaka Marine World

Durban Golden Mile, KZN

Africa's largest marine theme park combines thrilling water slides, a world-class aquarium, and shark and dolphin encounters on Durban's Golden Mile beachfront.

Full dayยทFrom R290pp
Book via uShaka Marine World โ†’
Valley of a Thousand Hills
Cultural
30min from Durban

Valley of a Thousand Hills

Valley of a Thousand Hills, KZN

A 30-minute drive from Durban into rolling green hills and rural Zulu homesteads. Guided tours reveal traditional crafts, dance, and everyday life in the valley.

Half dayยทFrom R500pp
Book via Viator โ†’
Victoria Street Indian Quarter
CulturalMarkets
Central Durban

Victoria Street Indian Quarter

Victoria Street, Durban CBD

Durban's Victoria Street Market is a riot of colour, spice, and culture โ€” the heart of the city's Indian quarter. Pick up spices, saris, and traditional medicines.

2โ€“3 hoursยทFree entry
Book via Durban Tourism โ†’