Choose from 133 Fun Things to Do in South Africa
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 133 listings.
Noon Gun
The Noon Gun, as you might guess from the name, is a signal gun fired every day at noon in Cape Town. The gun is perched atop Signal Hill, not far from the city center, and it has been marking the time since 1806. The two cannons (one is a back-up) on the hill date from the late 18th century, brought on a British ship and once used in warfare. The firing of the gun at noon was meant to give ships in the harbor a chance to synchronize their chronometers.
Even after the gun was no longer needed to establish chronometer accuracy, it was still fired each day at exactly noon – as it still is today. The only days the Noon Gun does not fire are Sundays and public holidays.
Practical Info
The Noon Gun is on Signal Hill, which is reached via Military Road in the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood. It's open 24 hours a day, and is free to visit.
Address: Military Road, Cape Town, South Africa
From $ 49
Kruger National Park
One of South Africa’s premier attractions, Kruger National Park is famous for the extent and diversity of its wildlife. The “Big Five” of game are all there—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard—and a world-class conservation program means you’ll also encounter wildebeest, giraffes, zebra, big cats of all stripes, and diverse bird species.
The Basics
South Africa’s largest game reserve, Kruger National Park covers 7,700 square miles (19,485 square km). Many lodges within the park offer safari packages that include morning and afternoon game drives. If you are staying outside Kruger Park in Hazyview, Nelspruit, or White River, you can book a tour that includes an early morning, evening, or day-long game drive. From the full experience from Johannesburg, book a full-day group or private tour that runs up to 16 hours and includes about three hours of game viewing.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A Kruger safari is a bucket-list trip for any wildlife lover.
- Game drives take place in open safari vehicles and are led by experienced guides who are passionate about wildlife and the bush.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera, as well as binoculars for game viewing at a distance.
- To make the most of your safari experience, follow your guide’s instructions carefully, especially when it comes to safety around the animals.
- You can choose between a guided tour and a self-drive excursion.
How to Get There
From Johannesburg, Kruger National Park is about a five-hour drive or a short flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Buses are also available from Johannesburg to Nelspruit, from where you can also book a tour into the park.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Kruger National Park is during the dry season, between April and September. Temperatures are pleasant, vegetation is sparse, and water levels are low, which makes for the best game viewing. In the rainy season, October to March, thick foliage can make it harder to spot animals.
Spotting the Big Five in Kruger National Park
Catching sight of the Big Five is the highlight of any African safari. Lions tend to roam the open savannah and travel in prides of five to 15. They spend much of the day sleeping and get active in the later afternoon. Elephants are highly social and you can spot herds as large as 100 in Kruger, most often gathered around a watering hole. Buffalo may be the most dangerous of the Big Five and are also quite social, moving in herds of several hundred that often give rise to large dust clouds as they move in the dry season. Both white and black rhinos are endangered, so seeing them in Kruger is a rare treat. Leopards are the most elusive of the Big Five; you’re most likely to spot one perched on a large tree branch or preparing to stalk prey at night.
Address: South Africa
Hours: Open year round
Admission: Adults: ZAR 304.00. Children under 12: ZAR 76.00
From $ 225
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
On August 5 1962, on a stretch of the R103 just outside Howick in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, armed police flagged down a car and arrested the driver, Nelson Mandela. The former president had been on the run from the South African apartheid government for 17 months and his capture marked the beginning of his 27-year imprisonment and what he called “the long walk to freedom.”
Until quite recently, this unassuming spot was marked only by a simple bricked zone with a plaque, but in 2012, on the 50th anniversary of this historic event, the significance of the area was marked with an impressive steel sculpture and a newly created visitor center.
Designed by artist Marco Cianfanelli in collaboration with the architect Jeremy Rose, the sculpture is the centerpiece of the new memorial site. It is made from 50 steel columns of varying heights. At first glance, the poles appear to be randomly suspended, but on approaching the sculpture, they merge to form an image of Mandela’s face.
Practical Info
To reach the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, head around five kilometers northwest of Howick on the N3 between Durban and Johannesburg and take the turnoff to Lions River. Then turn right onto the R103. The site is a five-minute drive from here and is well signposted.
Address: R103, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal 3290, South Africa
Hours: Open 9am-4pm
Admission: Adults: R25; Children: R15
From $ 142
Museum Africa
Museum Africa, Johannesburg’s main cultural and historical museum, occupies an imposing building which was once the city’s main fruit and vegetable market. Its inner city location is key; Museum Africa concentrates on urban living, and thus complements the numerous cultural displays which show life as it has been lived for centuries in rural areas.
One of the most interesting interactive displays examines the importance of gold for South Africa – not just the prosperity it has brought, but the high human toll of the mining industry. Elsewhere you’ll find The Sounds of the City, an exhibit which highlights Jo’Burg’s dazzling musical heritage, a phenomenon which echoes far beyond the city itself. A recreation of a shebeen, a type of shanty bar, puts the unique melodies and rhythms of the townships in context.
Practical Info
Museum Africa is centrally located in Newtown, right at the edge of the business district.
Address: 121 Bree Street, Newtown, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa
Hours: Closed Mondays.
From $ 55
Montecasino Bird Gardens
Located in northern Johannesburg, Montecasino is first and foremost a Vegas-like gaming complex, complete with casino games, shopping and restaurants. It’s also home to the Montecasino Bird Gardens.
This walk-through aviary houses more than 1,000 birds representing over 60 species, including Nicobar pigeons and the colorful Scarlet ibis. Other animals — reptiles, amphibians and a few mammals like antelope, sloth and lemur — also call the gardens home. The garden’s collection of more than 750 South African Cycads representing 37 species is the largest private collection of its kind in the world. One specimen is estimated to be more than 2,500 years old.
Twice daily on weekdays and three times daily on weekends, Montecasino Bird Gardens presents a 40-minute Flight of Fantasy educational bird show. Cafe Flamingo serves refreshments overlooking the flamingo pond.
Practical Info
Guests of the Montecasino Hotel get a discount on admission to the Bird Gardens.
Address: 1 Montecasino Blvd, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5pm
Admission: R64
From $ 222
Klein Karoo (Little Karoo)
On a coastal travel route filled with spectacular scenery, outdoor adventure and unique cultural experiences, the tiny and sparsely populated Klein Karoo region offers visitors the opportunity to experience some true South African wonder. From ostrich riding to photography this easily accessible destination is a perfect place to pull off the road, relax, unwind and explore.
Whether it’s taking a ride atop one of Outdshoorn’s native ostriches, venturing out into the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, sipping a glass of port on the Little Karoo Wine Route or trekking through the Congo Caves, Klein Karoo has something for almost every traveler.
Practical Info
The town of George is home to plenty of accommodation options and serves as an ideal jump point for travelers looking to explore the region. The National Art Festival takes place in early April and showcases live music, dance and theater performances that are worth checking out.
Address: Klein Karoo, South Africa
From $ 30
Mandela House
The Nelson Mandela National Museum (Mandela House), is dedicated to the preservation of the history, heritage, and legacy of the Mandela family. Former South African president Nelson Mandela and his family lived in this Johannesburg house from 1946 to the 1990s before dedicating it to the Soweto Heritage Trust.
The Basics
Since declared a National Heritage Site, the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s house has become a sensitively restored museum, where you can see exhibits and humble household objects that add a personal touch to the story of its occupants’ heroic struggle. Tours that stop at the Mandela House typically cover the highlights of Johannesburg and Soweto, including the Apartheid Museum, Vilakazi Street, and the Hector Pieterson Museum. Site guides at the museum are available at no additional charge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Museum tours take about 20 minutes.
- Children, students, and pensioners are admitted at half-price.
- Mandela House is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Mandela House is in Soweto, about a 30-minute drive southwest of Johannesburg city center. Most tours of Johannesburg (whether from the city center or from Pretoria) include round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
The small Mandela House can accommodate up to 20 visitors at a time; if there is a large crowd, be prepared to wait. Free guided tours can be arranged in advance to ensure a particular access time.
History of the Mandela House
The Mandela family occupied the house—with its humble cement floor and tin roof that are typical of the Soweto township—for decades. Mandela returned to 8115 Orlando West in Soweto, Johannesburg, after his release from prison in 1990. When Nelson and Winnie Mandela split in 1996, the then president donated the house to ensure that it would remain as a monument to South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement. He mentioned the home in his memoir, Long Walk to Freedom, as a point on which he fixated for comfort during his imprisonment.
Address: 8115 Orlando West, Soweto, Johannesburg 1804, South Africa
Admission: Varies
From $ 55
Lesotho
Lesotho is an independent country that is surrounded on all sides by South Africa – it's an enclave within another country.
The official name of the country is the Kingdom of Lesotho, and it occupies just over 11,500 square miles high in the mountains. It holds the distinction of being the only independent country in the world where the entire country is above an elevation of 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). The population is almost entirely Sotho, the people who gave the country its name.
Lesotho gained independence from the UK in 1966 – before that was it called Basutoland. The small country remains largely agricultural, and it's a draw for visitors to South Africa who are keen to see traditional Sotho life in person. Those with more time to spare can enjoy the incredible hiking and see the mighty Semonkong Falls.
Practical Info
A day trip to visit the Kingdom of Lesotho from Durban is a long day—12 to 13 hours—but you'll get to see the dramatic countryside of the Drakensberg mountains, stop in historic Himeville, and experience the mountain nation all in one day. It's best to book this trip with a guide, since the Sani Pass (which you must cross to get to Lesotho) requires a 4x4 vehicle and someone who knows the dangerous road.
Address: Lesotho, South Africa
From $ 218
Langa Township
Settled in the mid-1920s as a designated area for black Africans, Langa Township is Cape Town’s oldest and largest township. This lively community, which was established pre-apartheid, is steeped in history of the Xhosa people. Even its name pays homage to a famous tribe member who rebelled against the government in the late 1800s and was later imprisoned at Robben Island.
Visitors can tour the community with local Xhosa guides and explore the streets of Joe Slovo, the largest informal settlement in the township. A monument recognizing those who lost their lives in anti-pass campaign protests during apartheid stands at the community’s center, as well as a newly opened craft market stocked with local handmade items and a recently renovated cultural and multi-purpose center.
Visitors can tour the community with local Xhosa guides and explore the streets of Joe Slovo, the largest informal settlement in the township. A monument recognizing those who lost their lives in anti-pass campaign protests during apartheid stands at the community’s center, as well as a newly opened craft market stocked with local handmade items and a recently renovated cultural and multi-purpose center.
Practical Info
Langa Township is located off the N2 Highway at exit 12. It is also accessibly by the Langa Railway Station. Visitors should allot several hours to explore the neighborhood to gain a real feel for the community, life and culture.
Address: Langa, Cape Town, South Africa
From $ 46
Long Street
Long Street is a major, buzzing thoroughfare located in the City Bowl part of Cape Town. Both commercial yet bohemian, Long Street is lined with secondhand bookstores, antique shops, and independent boutiques, which give way to a lively party scene of bars, clubs, and various international restaurants come nightfall.
Along with this heady mix of commercial stores and nightlife options is the Palm Tree Mosque, which dates back to the end of the 18th century. There’s also the oldest Mission church in South Africa, as well as Cape Town’s newest public art installation, the Open House.
The buildings themselves are Victorian in style, many featuring traditional wrought-iron balconies. The most attractive part of the road can be found between the junction with Buitensingel Street, running north to Strand Street. During the 1970s and 1980s, there were a number of theaters showing anti-apartheid productions situated along Long Street, although most were closed to be replaced by restaurants or stores by the 1990s.
Practical Info
Long Street lies between Loop and Adderley Streets in Cape Town’s city center. If not staying in the area, the easiest way to reach it is by taking a taxi.
Address: Long Street, Cape Town, South Africa
From $ 18
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Durban's massive Moses Mabhida Stadium was one of the new stadiums built for the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa, hosting seven games during the tournament.
Since the World Cup, the stadium has been used for local games of soccer and cricket, as well as live concerts and other performances. The stadium is home to a local top-league soccer team, AmaZulu.
One of the defining architectural features of the stadium is an arch that extends over the length of the field. When the stadium is not in use, visitors can ride a funicular to the top of the arch, which offers excellent views over the city of Durban. If you're an adrenaline junkie, you can also ride the Big Rush Big Swing – it's part bungee free fall, and part gigantic playground swing, hanging from the center of the stadium's arch.
Practical Info
Moses Mabhida Stadium is open for tours Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-1:30pm and 2pm-3:30pm. Adult tickets are 90 Rand. The SkyCar funicular to the viewing platform is open from 9am-5pm daily, and an adult ticket is 55 Rand. The Big Rush Big Swing is open Friday-Monday and Wednesday 10am-4pm, and is closed Tuesday and Thursday. Adult tickets are 695 Rand. You can also walk over the arch rather than taking the SkyCar – that's available Saturday-Sunday at 10am, 1pm, and 4pm, and adult tickets are 90 Rand.
Address: 44 Isaiahntshangase Rd., Durban, South Africa
Hours: The stadium is open for tours Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-1:30pm and 2pm-3:30pm.
Admission: Adult Tickets 90 Rand
From $ 93
Old Biscuit Mill
Housed in a Victorian-era biscuit factory in the middle of Woodstock, Cape Town’s Old Biscuit Mill now houses day and night markets where local and traveling foodies flock to sample some of the city’s best bites.
On any given day, the market teems with diners and shoppers enjoying the mill’s many restaurants and designer shops, but it’s on Saturdays that things really get lively. Each Saturday the Neighbourgoods Market takes over the Old Biscuit Mill, with more than 100 local vendors selling craft food, organic produce, artisanal chocolate, beer, cheese, clothes and crafts, all to the sounds of live music.
Hungry travelers will find one of the world’s best restaurants, the Test Kitchen, inside the Old Biscuit Mill, as well as the slightly more budget-friendly Pot Luck Club.
Practical Info
While the Old Biscuit Mill is closed on Sundays, some of the restaurants within remain open. The Saturday Neighbourgoods Market is open from 9am to 2pm.
Address: 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa
From $ 64
Knysna
The town of Knysna sits on South Africa's southern shore, part of the famous Garden Route. It sits on a warm-water estuary called Knysna Lagoon, and the surrounding area is home to some dense forests. It's a beautiful area, full of wildlife, and popular with tourists visiting South Africa's Garden Route as well as those who just want a relaxing holiday destination on the water.
Visitors can explore the forests around Knysna, and can also get a taste of local culture with a tour of a Xhosa township on the outskirts of the city. There are three golf courses in the area, and there's an annual oyster festival held in June or July.
Knysna is just over 44 miles east of George (which has an airport), and 15 miles west of Plettenberg Bay.
Address: Knysna, South Africa
From $ 57
Nelson Mandela Bridge
The Nelson Mandela Bridge covers a span of over 931 feet in the Johannesburg city center, but this bridge doesn't cross a river. Instead, the bridge soars over more than 40 rail lines, linking the Newtown and Braamfontein neighborhoods.
Opened in 2003 by Nelson Mandela himself, the Nelson Mandela Bridge is Africa's largest cable-stayed bridge. The bridge accommodates two lanes of car traffic, a cycling path, and pedestrian sidewalks on either side. The modern design has a lightweight appearance, and the entire bridge is illuminated at night with varying colors – it's something of a light show in the Johannesburg city center every night.
The Nelson Mandela Bridge was built as part of a rejuvenation project in Johannesburg's business district. In 2011, it was used as a runway during Joburg Fashion Week. Thanks to the bridge, it's now easier to get between attractions such as the SAB World of Beer, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Mary Fitzgerald Square, the Civic Theatre, the Market Theatre, and the 1913 Museum Africa.
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
From $ 65
Lion's Head
This iconic peak in Table Mountain National Park stretches some 2,000 feet above sea level and its Lion-shaped apex is visible from almost anywhere in Cape Town. Visitors can make the challenging hour-long climb to the top and enjoy epic views of Table Mountain and the city skyline, and those seeking a high adventure can use the slopes of Lion’s Head as a launching point for paragliding.
Practical Info
It’s possible to walk to Lion’s Head from downtown, but it’s most accessible by taxi. Remember to get the driver’s number on the way up if you want to avoid a long walk home.
Address: Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa
From $ 64
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is home to some of South Africa's fiercest animals—lions, leopards, wild dogs, and even honey badgers. Sitting at the base of the Drakensberg escarpment in Hoedspruit, the center helps travelers understand the plight of endangered species in the bush through education programs and guided tours.
The Basics
Wildlife experts and conservationists at Moholoholo nurse injured animals back to health, rescue baby animals, and facilitate successful breeding programs to help increase numbers in the wild. The center also provides a permanent residence for animals too hurt or injured to return to the wild.
Tours to Moholoholo typically depart from Hazyview and include round-trip transportation from area hotels. Excursions are often combined with visits to Kruger National Park, the Blyde River area, and the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Guided tours allow you to learn about the center’s rehabilitation efforts, explore animal biology and behavior, and gain an understanding of wildlife conservation in South Africa. You can also head to the nearby Forest Camp, an impressive reserve at the northeastern side of the Lowveld Drakensberg mountains, where some 300 bird species and rare Samango monkeys live.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a must-see for wildlife lovers.
- Visitor facilities include a museum, a gift shop for take-home souvenirs, and a snack shop.
- Children under age six are admitted free of charge.
- Groups of eight people or more are encouraged to book in advance.
How to Get There
Moholoholo is located in the Limpopo province about 11 miles (18 kilometers) east of Blyde River Canyon on R531. Most tours offer round-trip transportation from Hazyview, although there is parking on-site for those who wish to drive independently.
When to Get There
The center is open for tours Monday through Saturday, with limited hours on some Sundays during school holidays and long weekends.
The History of Moholoholo
Established in 1991 by Pretoria businessman Mr. Strijdom, the center is helmed by naturalist Brian Jones. Over the past few decades, Jones has been the go-to guy for injured and sick wildlife in the area, and has expanded the facility into its current incarnation: an educational center and refuge for animals in need.
Address: Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Molpani, South Africa
From $ 79
Mac Mac Falls
Mac Mac Falls is one of the many waterfalls in the Mpumalanga Province, a pair of falls that drop more than 200 feet. The area around the town of Sabie is known for its waterfalls, with Mac Mac Falls being one of the most dramatic. The 213-foot waterfall's name refers to the Scottish miners who flocked to the area in the 1870s in search of gold. In 1873, the South African president visited the area and named it Mac Mac, a name which was also applied to the river and the waterfall.
Practical Info
Mac Mac Falls is not far from R532, a little more than 8 miles north of Sabie. There is a viewing platform at the falls, but no swimming is allowed in the pool at the waterfall's base. For that, you need to visit Mac Mac Pools about 1.25 miles from the falls.
Address: R532, Sabie, South Africa
From $ 322
Kwa Muhle Museum
Housed in the former home of an apartheid legislation enforcement body, the modern Kwa Muhle Museum transcends its unsavory history to showcase the effects that era had on the city of Durban. An insightful and informative rainy-day activity, the two-story building includes video and photographic displays, documents and reconstructed scenes that depict the shaping of city through its working class.
Permanent exhibits teach visitors about past and present labor practices, as well as different facets of the apartheid system, including the use of sorghum beer halls to fund social services for non-whites. Gallery spaces house temporary exhibitions; a National Geographic photography display recently spanned two rooms. Kwa Muhle is one of four historical museums in Durban, the others being the Old Court House Museum, the Old House Museum and the Port Natal Maritime Museum.
Practical Info
The Kwa Muhle Museum is located at 130 Bram Fischer Rd., across from the Workshop Park Shopping Center. It is open with free admission Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors should allot between one and two hours to explore the small museum in its entirety.
Address: 130 Bram Fischer Rd, Durban 4001, South Africa
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-4pm
From $ 41
Lesedi Cultural Village
Set among the rocky hills and bushland outside Johannesburg, Lesedi Cultural Village is made up of traditional homesteads and provides an opportunity to meet people from Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Ndebele, and Basotho origins. Lesedi reflects the diversity of South Africa’s original inhabitants with elements from many tribal cultures.
The Basics
At the village, you can admire the riotous color schemes of tribal beehive huts, experience traditional dances and foods, talk with individuals from different tribal backgrounds, and even stay overnight. Many half-day Lesedi cultural tours are available from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Some tours combine visits to Lesedi Cultural Village with stops at the Apartheid Museum, Pilanesberg National Park, and the Cradle of Humankind.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dining options include the Nyama Choma Restaurant, the Nile Room, and the Tswana Letsatsi Lapa.
- For guests staying at the property, the village offers game drives, walking trails, and guided Anglo-Boer history tours.
- The on-site craft market is an excellent place to purchase authentic souvenirs.
How to Get There
Lesedi Cultural Village is roughly an hour’s drive north-west of Johannesburg, and makes a good stopover on the way to Sun City. Overnight accommodation is available that reflects the authentic housing styles of each ethnic group.
When to Get There
Visitors typically arrive on a half-day guided tour from Johannesburg or opt to stay the night in a traditional homestead. The overnight stays include a dance show in an African lodge, meals, and other optional activities. The best times to visit the Johannesburg area are from March to May and September to November. These low season months ensure fewer crowds, warm and dry weather, and lower prices.
Overnight Stays at Lesedi Cultural Village
Those wishing to immerse themselves in a true African experience can stay overnight in a traditional beehive hut, with all the modern conveniences supplied. The head of the household will act as a guide and take visitors to the traditional "boma" or dance show, followed by a meal that includes traditional African foods such as potjiekos (a meat stew cooked in a black cast-iron pot with maize porridge), or even crocodile, kudu, or warthog.
Address: South Africa
From $ 70
Newtown
Newtown is a neighborhood in the center of Johannesburg, and it has been the focus of redevelopment efforts in recent years. Originally called “The Brickfields,” as brick-making was the primary industry, the neighborhood was burned to the ground in 1904 – on purpose. The reason given was to stop the spread of the plague. Later that year, as the area was being redeveloped, it was given the name of Newtown.
Today, Newtown is home to some important Johannesburg attractions, such as MuseumAfrica, Market Theatre, and Mary Fitzgerald Square.
Practical Info
Newtown is in the western part of Johannesburg, and the new Nelson Mandela Bridge makes access to the neighborhood easier.
Address: Johannesburg, South Africa
From $ 55