Choose from 133 Fun Things to Do in South Africa
Tsitsikamma National Park
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World of Birds
More than 3,000 birds and other small animals call this aviary home. Visitors can explore their well-kept habitats, which spread over a generous four hectares of land. The scenic backdrop of Table Mountain, Little Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles makes it an ideal spot for photos, too.
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Table Mountain and Cableway
- Table Mountain is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Cape Town.
- Without skip-the-line access, in peak season (December to April) be prepared to wait in line for as long as an hour for a cableway ticket.
- Note that the cableway doesn’t operate in strong wind.
- Take something warm to wear, as it’s significantly chillier on the mountain than in Cape Town.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to use the trail network at the top of the mountain.
- The cableway is accessible to wheelchair users, as are some areas atop the mountain.
Tugela Gorge
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West Coast National Park
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Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
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Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Center
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South African Jewish Museum
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Satyagraha House
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Silvermine Nature Reserve
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Signal Hill
Along the way, travelers can stop at the impressive tombs of several Muslim missionaries or spend the night at Appleton Scout Campsite. Those venturing to Signal Hill for a mid-day trip will likely hear the Noon Gun—two massive cannons signaling the strike of twelve—fire, too.
In addition to its incredible views, Signal Hill is home to the last bit of the endangered Peninsula Shale Renosterveld vegetation in Cape Town, which means it is one of the few places nature lovers can find the extremely rare Moraea aristata flower and Medusa’s Head succulents in the wild.
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Sir Lowry's Pass
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Sani Pass
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Table Mountain National Park
Despite its proximity to the ever-popular Long Street, Table Mountain feels far removed from the hustle of Cape Town. Hop a taxi from the main drag, or walk the short—but very vertical—distance to the bottom of the hill. Travelers looking to stretch their legs can take one of the short (but challenging) hikes to Table Mountain’s peak, or ride the popular cable car to the top for picturesque views of the city and sea.
The nearby rocky cliffs of Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope, another much-visited attraction in the national park, overlook clear blue seas where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Paved paths and a well-kept boardwalk wind through the southern-most point on the continent and lead to impressive heights. The surrounding area is also home to the world’s smallest—and most diverse—floral kingdom, making it the perfect spot for an easy bike ride.
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South African National Gallery
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Wilderness National Park
The rivers, lakes and beaches of this popular spot are protected by thick forests marked by hiking trails and nature paths. As its name suggests, this rugged town attracts mostly outdoor enthusiasts eager to enjoy the unspoiled coast. Spend an afternoon canoeing Dolphin Point, where the playful mammals and massive whales come to play, trek through overgrown wetland trails, paraglide from nearby mountain tops or rent a bike and explore the area on two wheels instead.
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Shakaland
Zulus form the largest ethnic group in the Rainbow Nation of South Africa, and the province of KwaZulu-Natal (formerly Zululand) is their heartland. Shakaland is an open-air museum, or “cultural village” providing a first class introduction to Zulu culture. It tells the tale of its namesake, the famous warrior king Shaka, who fought both tribal rivals to finally become the area’s uncontested ruler, as well as later Zulus who fought colonial aggressors.
But it’s not all spears and battles. Shakaland gives an overview of all aspects of Zulu culture, including tribal social structures, music, dances and ceremonies. You’ll also see how the distinctive colorful Zulu beadwork is made, as well as traditional beer, an important component in festivities. All of this in an authentic village, in what is still very much a vibrant, living community of Zulus, supervised by the local chief.
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Shakaland is around two hours’ drive north of Durban, near the town of Eshowe. The way is well signposted from there, and facilities include overnight accommodation in traditional “beehive” huts.