Activities

Things to Do in South Africa — Activities & Experiences

Q: "What is South Africa most famous for as a tourist destination?"

"South Africa is most famous for its wildlife safaris — particularly Kruger National Park and the private game reserves of the Sabi Sands, where the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) can be seen. Beyond safari, South Africa is celebrated for Cape Town and Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route coastal drive, whale watching at Hermanus, world-class surfing at Jeffrey's Bay, shark cage diving at Gansbaai, and extraordinary cultural experiences from Soweto township tours to Zulu cultural villages."

Q: "What activities are unique to South Africa and not found elsewhere?"

"Several experiences are uniquely or most outstandingly South African: the braai culture (a profound institution, not just a barbecue); the Big Seven concept (Addo Elephant Park's combination of Big Five plus great white shark and southern right whale); the Sardine Run (an annual biomass migration of billions of sardines off the KZN coast); the Hermanus Whale Crier (a town official who announces whale sightings via kelp horn — possibly the world's most unusual civic job); and the extraordinary diversity of landscape and culture achievable within a single 2-week trip."

Discover South Africa's best activities: safari, hiking, surfing, shark cage diving, whale watching, cultural tours, bungee jumping, food and wine, and family fun.

South Africa delivers an exceptional range of activities — from one of the world’s great wildlife safari destinations to world-class surfing, adventure sports, cultural immersion, extraordinary hiking, and a food and wine scene that surprises even the most seasoned travellers.

What’s Covered in This Section

Safari & Wildlife — Everything you need to know about experiencing South Africa’s incredible wildlife, from self-drive Kruger to private game reserves.

Hiking & Trails — Table Mountain, the Otter Trail, the Drakensberg’s chain ladders, Blyde River Canyon, and the great multi-day treks.

Water Sports — Surfing at Jeffrey’s Bay, shark cage diving at Gansbaai, whale watching at Hermanus, diving at Sodwana Bay, and kayaking with penguins.

Adventure Sports — Bloukrans Bridge bungee (world’s highest), paragliding, zip-lining, abseiling, hot air ballooning, and more.

Cultural Experiences — Soweto township tours, the Apartheid Museum, Robben Island, Zulu cultural villages, Bo-Kaap Cape Malay culture, and Nelson Mandela heritage sites.

Food & Wine — The sacred braai, Cape Malay cuisine, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine estates, Durban curry, and where to eat in South Africa’s great cities.

Family-Friendly — Penguins at Boulders Beach, Two Oceans Aquarium, Kruger family safaris, and the Garden Route with children.

South Africa’s activity landscape rewards curious, engaged travellers. Whether you’re here for one week or one month, this section will help you make every moment count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Things to Do in South Africa — Activities & Experiences

What is South Africa most famous for as a tourist destination?

South Africa is most famous for its wildlife safaris — particularly Kruger National Park and the private game reserves of the Sabi Sands, where the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) can be seen. Beyond safari, South Africa is celebrated for Cape Town and Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route coastal drive, whale watching at Hermanus, world-class surfing at Jeffrey’s Bay, shark cage diving at Gansbaai, and extraordinary cultural experiences from Soweto township tours to Zulu cultural villages.

What activities are unique to South Africa and not found elsewhere?

Several experiences are uniquely or most outstandingly South African: the braai culture (a profound institution, not just a barbecue); the Big Seven concept (Addo Elephant Park’s combination of Big Five plus great white shark and southern right whale); the Sardine Run (an annual biomass migration of billions of sardines off the KZN coast); the Hermanus Whale Crier (a town official who announces whale sightings via kelp horn — possibly the world’s most unusual civic job); and the extraordinary diversity of landscape and culture achievable within a single 2-week trip.