Renowned for its wildlife reserves, wine country and rugged coastline, South Africa stretches between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans at the southernmost tip of Africa. It’s the launching point for cross-continent adventures between Cape Town and Cairo and boasts the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa.
Things to do in South Africa
From the colourful streets of Soweto to the stunning landscapes of the Cape Winelands and the big-game encounters of Kruger, South Africa offers larger-than-life experiences.
Discover Cape Town. Dominated by the flat-topped peak of Table Mountain, Cape Town is a vibrant port city on the Atlantic Coast. It lies between the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the dramatic coastal landscapes of the Cape Peninsula, home to the Boulders Beach penguin colony and the Cape of Good Hope.
Drive the Garden Route. Stretching for around 300 kilometres from Witsand to Storms River, the Garden Route is a spectacular self-driving route that takes in white sandy beaches and charming holiday villages. Inland lie scenic lagoons and rolling hills blanketed with Cape Fynbos, together with the dramatic Outeniqua Pass that links to the semi-desert landscapes of the Little Karoo.
Wildlife spot in Kruger National Park. Home to the “Big 5”, Kruger National Park sprawls across grassy plains, tropical forests and rugged mountains. Thrilling game drives offer up-close encounters with elephants, rhinos and buffalos, as well as a huge diversity of bird species that include martial eagles, lappet-faced vultures and Pel’s fishing owl.
Explore Soweto. The birthplace of Nelson Mandela, Soweto is a culturally significant township within Johannesburg. The former president’s childhood home has been preserved as a museum while the Orlando Power Station Cooling Towers are adorned with murals depicting Mandela and his community.
Getting around South Africa
Cape Town International Airport, OR Tambo International Airport and Durban International Airport are the main gateways to South Africa, with several smaller airports offering domestic flights throughout the country. Buses connect towns and cities across South Africa, while minibuses are the main means of getting around the country’s urban centres.