WHAT TO DO IN SOUTH AFRICA ?
On this page you can discover the essential experiences not to be missed in South Africa, its must-see tourist sites as well as the must-do activities.
This selection will be useful for planning an itinerary and organizing your trip to South Africa, giving you a taste of the best things to do and places to visit.
The practical information evolving quickly, do not hesitate to leave a comment if there are points to modify or if you want to share good plans to travel in South Africa.
Here are 10 must-see things to do and see on a trip to South Africa:
1. CAPE TOWN AND THE CAPE PENINSULA
Don't miss in Cape Town: admire the view from the top of Table Mountain by cable car (1086 meters), visit the colorful Bo-Kaap district, Clifton beach, take a ferry trip to the former Robben Island prison, visit the Constantia vineyards, walk along the waterfront, fly over Cape Town by paraglider and explore the spectacular tip of the Cape Peninsula located 70 km from Cape Town.
2. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
With an area of 19,633 km², it is the largest and oldest park in South Africa. It is also one of the richest in fauna, you can see the 'big five' (lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and African buffalo) but also hippos, giraffes... The park can be visited by yourself with a rental car, or with an organized tour (see Pretoria Backpacker).
More information on Sanparks.org
3. THE DRAKENSBERG MASSIF
The Drakensberg, a World Heritage Site, is located on the border with Lesotho and is home to the highest peaks in South Africa (3482 m). The panoramas are exceptional. One of the characteristics of the park is the Amphitheatre, one of the most impressive cliffs in the world. You can also see caves and waterfalls. Do not miss the breathtaking drive over the Sani Pass, which offers a magnificent view.
4. SEE THE WHALES
The small town of Hermanus is the best place to see them directly from the coast: the whales gather in the bay in front of the town, especially in October, when they sometimes come as close as twenty from the shore.
5. CAGE DIVING WITH WHITE SHARKS
Half an hour's drive from Hermanus is the town of Gansbaai, which is the starting point for excursions to see great white sharks up close (under the cover of a cage, of course!). Several companies offer tours from Hermanus or Gansbaai (tours are also offered in Mossel Bay). They also offer 'breaching trips', to see sharks jumping out of the water. Prices are around 1500-1900R (95-120€).
Useful links: apexpredators.com & sharkdivingunlimited.com
6. BLYDE RIVER CANYON
The third largest canyon in the world and the second in Africa after the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. It is 20 km long and 700 meters deep. There are several hiking routes that can last up to several days. The views are exceptional and you can see many primates and other animals. Allow several days to explore the area. The best time to visit the canyon is from June to the end of August (clearer weather).
7. THE GARDEN ROUTE
The Garden Route follows the coastline between Mossel Bay in the west and the mouth of the Stormsriver in the east for 200 km, through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in South Africa.
8. ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK
At the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is Lake St Lucia, where you can observe crocodiles, hippos, and many birds.
9. SEE THE WILDFLOWERS OF NAMAQUALAND
Located along the Atlantic coast, the desert region of Namaqualand is covered with carpets of colorful flowers between mid-August and mid-September and offers extraordinary scenery.
10. KGALAGADI TRANSBOUNDARY PARK
A national park shared between South Africa and Botswana and managed by both countries. Three quarters of the park is in Botswana and one quarter in South Africa. You can see red sand dunes and many animals: oryx, hyenas, wild dogs... It is one of the best preserved parks in the world.
TO SEE AND DO ALSO IN SOUTH AFRICA
If you have some time in South Africa, here are some other places to visit that are worth a look:
- Take the luxurious blue train from Cape Town to Pretoria (27 hours). Alternatively, Cape Town to Johanesburg in first class for R2840 or the Meyl hosholoza sleeper (R 630)
- The Cango Caves
- See the penguins at Boulders Beach, an hour's drive from Cape Town
- Chapman's Peak Drive scenic route
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
- Durban: the biggest swing rope in the world
- On the border with Namibia, canoeing on the Orange River
- Madikwe Game Reserve (few visitors compared to other parks)
- The Tugela Falls
- Route 62, to explore the Little Karoo from Prince Albert
- Richtersveld Transfrontier: beautiful landscapes
- De Hoop Nature Reserve
- Addo Elephant National Park: it is located at the end of the Garden Route
- Isimangaliso (St. Lucia) Wetland Park
- Hiking in the Cederberg area (rock arches)
- The canyon of the Oribi Gorge
- Bloukrans Bridge (highest bungee jump in the world)
About the Creator
Exploring Human-Technology Interaction: Navigating the Dynamics of the Digital Age
1. Understanding Human-Technology Interaction: A Multidisciplinary Perspective Human-technology interaction is a multidisciplinary field that draws on insights from psychology, sociology, computer science, design, and engineering to understand how humans interact with and are influenced by technology. Researchers study various aspects of human-technology interaction, including user experience, human-computer interaction, digital communication, cognitive ergonomics, and technology adoption, to explore the ways in which technology shapes human behavior, cognition, and social dynamics. By applying theoretical frameworks and empirical methods, researchers gain insights into the design, development, and use of technology in diverse contexts.
By Mohamed Ali5 days ago in Lifehack
Strong on your shoulders..
In the bustling city of New York, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, there lived a young girl named Lily. Lily was a dreamer, her eyes always fixed on the stars even when her feet were planted firmly on the ground. But life hadn't been easy for Lily. Her parents had passed away when she was just a child, leaving her in the care of her elderly grandmother, Mrs. Jenkins.Despite the hardships, Mrs. Jenkins was a beacon of strength and love in Lily's life. She taught Lily the importance of resilience and kindness, instilling in her the belief that she could overcome any obstacle if she stayed true to herself.One rainy afternoon, as Lily made her way home from school, she noticed a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk, shivering in the cold. Without hesitation, Lily approached him and offered him her umbrella and a warm smile. The man, whose name was Jack, was taken aback by Lily's kindness. He accepted her offer gratefully and struck up a conversation with her.As they talked, Jack shared his story with Lily. He had once been a successful businessman, but a series of unfortunate events had led him to lose everything he owned. Feeling defeated and alone, he had ended up on the streets, unsure of how to pick up the pieces of his shattered life.Lily listened intently to Jack's story, her heart breaking for him. Without a second thought, she offered to help him get back on his feet. Jack was hesitant at first, but Lily's unwavering determination and optimism convinced him to accept her offer.Over the following weeks, Lily and Jack worked tirelessly together. Lily used her resourcefulness to help Jack find temporary shelter and secure job interviews. Jack, in turn, shared his business acumen with Lily, teaching her valuable skills that she eagerly soaked up like a sponge.Despite their different backgrounds and circumstances, Lily and Jack formed a strong bond built on mutual respect and admiration. They laughed together, cried together, and supported each other through the highs and lows of life on the streets of New York.One day, as they sat together on a park bench, watching the sun set over the city skyline, Jack turned to Lily with a grateful smile on his face. "You know, Lily," he said, his voice choked with emotion, "you're the strongest person I know. You may be young, but your heart is as big as the sky."Tears welled up in Lily's eyes as she looked at Jack. "I couldn't have done any of this without you," she replied softly. "You've been my rock, Jack. I'm strong because you've always been there to support me, to lift me up when I've needed it most."As they embraced each other tightly, Lily realized that true strength wasn't just about physical prowess or the ability to overcome obstacles on one's own. It was about the people who stood by your side, who believed in you when you couldn't believe in yourself.Months passed, and with Lily's unwavering support and Jack's guidance, they both began to rebuild their lives. Jack eventually found a job and a place to call home, while Lily pursued her dreams of becoming a writer, inspired by the countless stories she had heard on the streets of New York.And though their paths diverged, Lily and Jack remained connected by the bond they had forged in the most unlikely of places. As they looked back on their journey, they knew that they were proof that no matter how hard life pushed them down, they would always be strong on each other's shoulders.
By Eric anexis 5 days ago in Lifehack
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