Thinking about a trip to South Africa but not convinced?
Let me whet your appetite for the "Rainbow Nation" with the top 5 most popular activities in a country that receives over 16 million visitors every year.
1. WILDLIFE SAFARIS
Let's jump into the number one reason most people visit South Africa - to see the epic wildlife!
In The Kruger Park not only can you see The Big Five animals, but more than 140 other large mammal species too...
More than any destination in Africa.
And it keeps getting better for wildlife lovers.
The Kruger Park is also home to more than 500 bird species, of which more than 250 are year-round resident species.
Another "Best in Africa" achievement for The Kruger Park.
And then to top it all off, The Kruger Park has the widest variety of accommodation...
So there's something to suit every budget.
(We recommend four and five star luxury of course)
How does a safari work?
If you book at a reputable Kruger Park lodge, you can expect 2 daily game drives.
One in the early morning, and one in the mid to late afternoon.
Safari Types include:
4x4 Open Top Vehicle
Walking Safari
Hot air Ballooning Safari
Helicopter Aerial Safari
2. BOULDERS BEACH
Boulders Beach is located just outside Cape Town - voted the #1 city in the world to visit by The Telegraph - in a little place called Simons Town, home to a naval base and a penguin colony.
Here you can literally swim with the penguins...
This is an activity the whole family loves and a truly unique South African experience.
Tucked away around the corner from the picture above is a little private beach protected by large boulders.
You can pay a small fee to visit it for the day where you can swim with the penguins in a relaxed, beautiful environment.
It makes for a great half day tour and if you go during the week, there'll only be a handful of people there - nice and intimate, just how we like it.
More things to do on the South Peninsula of South Africa include:
Helicopter Tours
Southern Tip of Africa
Chapman's Peak Drive
Noordhoek Beach & Village
Hout Bay Harbour Town
3. FRANSCHHOEK
A 40 minute drive outside of Cape Town nestled at the foot of the Cape Fold Mountains, lies the food & wine capital of Africa - Franschhoek. (French Corner)
This picturesque little town is steeped in Dutch and French tradition, so much so that you'll think you've left South Africa and landed in the south of France.
Now I know you're looking for things to do in South Africa and not France, so let me explain...
If you love food and wine you'll find world Top 50 rated restaurants and award-winning wines estates here, all with a strong South African influence.
The wine varietals and culinary masterpieces are infused with local ingredients for a uniquely South African taste.
The breathtaking scenery, local village culture and hospitality scream "best of Africa" and must be visited to be believed.
You'll fall in love with this jewel of Africa as many others have - a reason so many foreigners have season homes here.
4. SHARKS & WHALES
There's a little coastal town about an hours drive outside of Cape Town called Hermanus.
This is one of the world's Top 3 destinations to see the Southern Right whales and pump your adrenaline to new heights with a shark cage diving experience.
If you're a lover of the great ocean predator, then a full day tour out to Hermanus to venture into their world is an experience you'll never forget.
As a bonus the town of Hermanus has a beautiful stretch of winelands producing 5-star rated wines - the perfect way to chill the nerves after getting up close and personal with the ocean hunters.
5. TABLE MOUNTAIN
The breathtaking city of Cape Town and the intersection of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans at the southern tip of Africa is best viewed from above, and Table Mountain is the ideal place to do so.
You have two options to get to the top of Table Mountain.
The energetic hiking lovers choose the foot path and trails that lead to the top in give or take 3 hours.
The leisurely paced holiday makers - and me - prefer the cable car which takes 3 minutes.
The cable car operates every day (weather permitting) and unless you're visiting South Africa in peak season, you can go up easily enough without a booking - if you get there between 8-10am.
In peak season this popular attraction can have you standing in a queue for hours, so book ahead, skip the line and smile at your genius planning skills.
That's it, top 5 things to do in South Africa.
Of course there are countless more and I'll list a few below for you to scan.
If you want to book your holiday to South Africa and want to benefit from our local knowledge and insiders connections - contact us to get started.
We specialise in creating custom luxury South Africa Honeymoons and holidays for couples, seniors and families.
More things to do in South Africa...
Robben Island Tour
Cape Garden Route
Cape Peninsula Kayak Trip
Seal Snorkeling
The Cango Caves
Waenhuiskrans Caves
60+ Blue Flag Beaches
Wilderness
V&A Waterfront
Valley of a Thousand Hills
Drakensburg Mountain Range
Madikwe Game Reserve
Jeffreys Bay Surfing
Dungeons Surfing
Outeniqua Ostrich Farm
Knysna Oyster Festival
Knysna Heads
P.S. If you want a full list of recommended activities for your interests, contact us and we'll design a free guide for you.