Choose from 133 Fun Things to Do in South Africa
Rhodes Memorial
Cecil Rhodes' wealth, influence and fervent championing of the British Empire were integral in the formation of modern-day South Africa. He died in 1902, and a decade later, the Rhodes Memorial was built and dedicated at the start of the Cape-to-Cairo road he envisioned would unify British influence across Africa. Modeled after the Greek temple at Segesta, the memorial features 49 massive granite steps, quarried at nearby Table Mountain. Flanking them are eight bronze lions, and at the bottom of the stairs is the world-famous equestrian statue, Energy, dedicated to his memory.
Found within the Table Mountain National Park, the Rhodes Memorial offers sightseers breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town, Cape Flats and Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountain range. Hikers can reach it on a 3-hour walk from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It is also accessible by car.
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For hikers, the Rhodes Memorial is an excellent destination or waypoint and is a popular picnic spot. Additionally, the famous Rhodes Memorial Restaurant is located behind the memorial. Below the memorial is a small game preserve that is home to zebra, eland and wildebeest.
If you're not hiking to the memorial from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, you can get there by following the M3 behind the University of Cape Town according to the signs (which are well-posted).
Hartbeespoort Dam
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Pilanesberg National Park
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Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
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Heart of Cape Town Museum
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Hillbrow Tower
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
- Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a must-see for wildlife lovers.
- Visitor facilities include a museum, a gift shop for take-home souvenirs, and a snack shop.
- Children under age six are admitted free of charge.
- Groups of eight people or more are encouraged to book in advance.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
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Himeville
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Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway
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Old Fort Prison Complex
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Khayelitsha Township
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Oudtshoorn
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Kwa Muhle Museum
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Montecasino Bird Gardens
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Hluhluwe Game Reserve
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, in the north of KwaZulu-Natal state, is the oldest in South Africa, drawing visitors for over a hundred years. Careful conservation ensures an amazing array of wildlife such as rhinoceroses (including the rare white rhinoceros), elephants and Cape Buffalos, as well as big cats including lions, leopards and cheetahs.
The landscape ranges from flat savannah to steep hills, criss-crossed by rivers and dotted with water holes, where you may well spot the Nyala, or South African antelope. There is also a huge range of birdlife, with many species unique to this area.
Practical Info
Hluhluwe Game Reserve covers almost 1,000 square kilometers (380 square miles) and lies 280 kilometers (174 miles) north of Durban; follow the signs from the town of Mtubatuba to reach the entry gate.
Well signposted roads allow self-drive expeditions, though guided driving and walking tours will ensure you get the most out of your trip. There are lodges for overnight stays within the Reserve, but bear in mind that it lies in a malarial area and appropriate precautions should be taken.