Choose from 133 Fun Things to Do in South Africa
Long Street
Practical Info
Robben Island
In 1964, an anti-apartheid revolutionary named Nelson Mandela was arrested and brought to South Africa’s Robben Island, just west of Cape Town. He would spend the next 18 years imprisoned in an 8x7-foot cell, forced to do hard labor, and permitted only one visitor a year. Even so, Mandela went on to become his country’s first black president, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and known globally for his significant contributions to human rights and social justice.
Robben Island—where most of Mandela’s 27-year prison sentence was served—was a place of isolation for nearly 300 years, housing many political prisoners and serving as both a lunatic asylum and leper colony. Today, the island remains a tangible symbol of political freedom and a reminder of the difficult road to South African democracy. Read on to learn more about how to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Basics
Most tours depart from Cape Town and include transport from city hotels, the boat trip to the island, and time at the former maximum security prison. Upon arrival on Robben Island, general tours start aboard a bus. Oftentimes, island tour guides are former political prisoners who can share information about South Africa’s history, as well as their own firsthand experiences. Custom and private tours are also available, while others combine a trip to the island with a Cape Town city tour or Table Mountain visit.
Best Things to Do When Visiting Robben Island
Once on the island, you’ll be able to see human rights activist and former prisoner Robert Sobukwe’s house; a 17th-century limestone quarry where Mandela and others were put to work; a leper colony cemetery; and the Robben Island Museum, dedicated to preserving the memory and contributions of the freedom fighters once held within its walls. Some tours also include access to Mandela’s cell.
Insider Tips
The 30-minute boat or ferry rides to the island can be choppy at times depending on the weather. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s a smart idea to come prepared.
If you need a snack, food and drink are available for purchase on the island.
How to Get There
Swartberg Pass
Practical Info
Iziko South African Museum
Fossils dating some 700 million years back and tools fashioned by natives more than 120,000 years ago are just some of the unique—and archaic—items that make Iziko a destination for history lovers.
Practical Info
Rorke's Drift Museum
Practical Info
Sun City
- Guests must be 18 years or older to gamble in Sun City's casinos.
- The resort has six different options for accommodations, with a variety of handicap-accessible rooms available.
Victoria Street Market
Practical Info
Isandlwana Battlefield
Practical Info
Imizamo Yethu Township
Practical Info
Lion's Head
Practical Info
Iziko Slave Lodge Museum
Practical Info
Museum Africa
Museum Africa, Johannesburg’s main cultural and historical museum, occupies an imposing building which was once the city’s main fruit and vegetable market. Its inner city location is key; Museum Africa concentrates on urban living, and thus complements the numerous cultural displays which show life as it has been lived for centuries in rural areas.
One of the most interesting interactive displays examines the importance of gold for South Africa – not just the prosperity it has brought, but the high human toll of the mining industry. Elsewhere you’ll find The Sounds of the City, an exhibit which highlights Jo’Burg’s dazzling musical heritage, a phenomenon which echoes far beyond the city itself. A recreation of a shebeen, a type of shanty bar, puts the unique melodies and rhythms of the townships in context.
Practical Info
Museum Africa is centrally located in Newtown, right at the edge of the business district.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront describes itself as a "Haven for Sailing Enthusiasts" and offers full amenities alongside historical charm. Walking and bus tours, sports and mind-blowing boats are sure to cast a hook for visitors of all types.
uShaka Marine World
Whether it’s zipping down a water slide at the Wet N’ Wild park, or experiencing marine life underwater from a viewing platform at Sea World, uShaka Marine World is one of the largest attractions on Durban’s Golden Mile. Visit the world’s 5th largest aquarium to find dolphins, reef fish, and sharks cruise through waters designed around sunken shipwrecks, and to fly down a water slide, relax on uShaka Beach, and watch as penguins waddle around on the rocks all in an afternoon.
You can also upgrade your ticket to include snorkeling in the lagoon, or travelers with young children can visit the touch pool to feel slippery starfish and sea cucumbers. Although Viator tours do not include these activities, you can purchase separate tickets to dive in the shark tank, feed the rays, or encounter a dolphin or seal.
Practical Info
You’ll find uShaka Marine World on the coast, wedged between the southern edge of the Golden Mile and Durban Harbor. It takes eight minutes to drive to the park from central Durban, but you can also reach the parks via the Durban "people mover" that runs every 15 minutes. The park is open everyday from 9am to 5pm, and admission costs $14. Each of the parks have separate entrance fees, though you can also buy a combo pass to visit multiple parks.
Expect to spend an entire day if visiting all of the parks, or half a day if you only plan to visit the Sea World aquarium. There is no outside food or drink allowed, and be sure to pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, and towel if you plan to visit the water park.
Did You Know: There are 32 different tanks inside Sea World—one of which even has a tiger shark.
Victoria Falls
- Victoria Falls are a must-see for adventure travelers, photographers, and first-time visitors.
- Don’t forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella, especially during the high-water season.
- Bring waterproof protection for your camera and other electronics to protect them from the spray.
- Many of the viewpoints on the Zimbabwean side of the falls are wheelchair accessible.
SAB World of Beer
Practical Info
Stoney Point Penguin Colony
Practical Info
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Practical Info
Panorama Route
Practical Info
Valley of 1,000 Hills
The undulating terrain of “The Valley of 1,000 Hills” lies within easy reach of Durban and offers year-round diversions, making a particularly welcome summer getaway from the humid coast. A typical visit might find you eating exotic crocodile steaks, watching a Zulu ceremony or taking tea in the lush tropical garden of a Catholic monastery.
The heritage steam train known as the “1,000 Hills Choo Choo” departs from the town of Kloof and lets you experience the region much as it was in the 19th century after English settlers opened it up as a trading route. Horse-riding is another popular activity here, and for the particularly energetic, there are two annual marathons – the ultimate outdoor step class.
“The Valley of 1,000 Hills” lies between KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial capital Pietermaritzburg and its largest city, Durban. The town of Hillcrest is the gateway to the region, and from there you can take suggested itineraries for exploring the region.