Choose from 133 Fun Things to Do in South Africa
Stoney Point Penguin Colony
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Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
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Valley of 1,000 Hills
The undulating terrain of “The Valley of 1,000 Hills” lies within easy reach of Durban and offers year-round diversions, making a particularly welcome summer getaway from the humid coast. A typical visit might find you eating exotic crocodile steaks, watching a Zulu ceremony or taking tea in the lush tropical garden of a Catholic monastery.
The heritage steam train known as the “1,000 Hills Choo Choo” departs from the town of Kloof and lets you experience the region much as it was in the 19th century after English settlers opened it up as a trading route. Horse-riding is another popular activity here, and for the particularly energetic, there are two annual marathons – the ultimate outdoor step class.
“The Valley of 1,000 Hills” lies between KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial capital Pietermaritzburg and its largest city, Durban. The town of Hillcrest is the gateway to the region, and from there you can take suggested itineraries for exploring the region.
Soweto
Formally known as the South West Township, Soweto has historically been synonymous with resistance to apartheid, South Africa’s former policy of racial segregation. In the 1970s and '80s, the sprawling district on the edge of Johannesburg was frequently in the news, especially as the Soweto Uprising of 1976, a series of protests led by black schoolchildren, produced one of the world’s most iconic news images: that of child Hector Pieterson, shot by police, dying in another protester’s arms. This complex history has shaped the township, where its cultural richness and important political significance now shine through in its moving museums, historical monuments, and strong traditions held by its some 3 million residents. Read on to learn how to visit Soweto, one of the largest black urban settlements in South Africa.
Best Ways to Visit Soweto
Take a guided tour to learn about the rich history, culture, food, and modern life in the township. For any Soweto tour, your tour guide will most likely meet you in central Johannesburg or Pretoria and provide roundtrip transportation by car; both full-day and half-day tours are available. A visit to the community can also be combined with a general Johannesburg city tour or a short Pretoria tour. Otherwise, it’s a 15-mile (25-km) drive along N17 to reach the South Western Township from downtown Johannesburg. While it’s possible to drive yourself, the township’s layout can be confusing.
What To See in Soweto
Johannesburg’s most famous district features a number of well-known tourist attractions, including the history-rich Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pieterson Museum, where Soweto Uprising victims are honored. The emotional Nelson Mandela House (Nelson Mandela National Museum), set on Vilakazi Street, is dedicated to the history and mission of the famous South African leader, while the former home of another Nobel Prize winner and social rights activist, Desmond Tutu, can be found just down the street. Visitors can learn about other local leaders through stops at buildings that honor their memories: the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Diepkloof and the Regina Mundi Church, one of South Africa’s largest Roman Catholic churches.
Kliptown, the oldest settlement in Soweto and home to Walter Sisulu Square, is visited for the role it played as the site of the 1955 Congress of the People. This unprecedented meeting produced the Freedom Charter, one of the first documents of resistance during the apartheid era. Also of note is the FNB Soccer Stadium on the border of Soweto, where many South Africans spend their leisure time watching games; and the Orlando Towers, prominent Soweto landmarks that were once cooling towers for a coal-powered plant but are now popular bungee-jumping sites covered in murals by local artists.
Twelve Apostles
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Swartberg Pass
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uShaka Marine World
Whether it’s zipping down a water slide at the Wet N’ Wild park, or experiencing marine life underwater from a viewing platform at Sea World, uShaka Marine World is one of the largest attractions on Durban’s Golden Mile. Visit the world’s 5th largest aquarium to find dolphins, reef fish, and sharks cruise through waters designed around sunken shipwrecks, and to fly down a water slide, relax on uShaka Beach, and watch as penguins waddle around on the rocks all in an afternoon.
You can also upgrade your ticket to include snorkeling in the lagoon, or travelers with young children can visit the touch pool to feel slippery starfish and sea cucumbers. Although Viator tours do not include these activities, you can purchase separate tickets to dive in the shark tank, feed the rays, or encounter a dolphin or seal.
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You’ll find uShaka Marine World on the coast, wedged between the southern edge of the Golden Mile and Durban Harbor. It takes eight minutes to drive to the park from central Durban, but you can also reach the parks via the Durban "people mover" that runs every 15 minutes. The park is open everyday from 9am to 5pm, and admission costs $14. Each of the parks have separate entrance fees, though you can also buy a combo pass to visit multiple parks.
Expect to spend an entire day if visiting all of the parks, or half a day if you only plan to visit the Sea World aquarium. There is no outside food or drink allowed, and be sure to pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, and towel if you plan to visit the water park.
Did You Know: There are 32 different tanks inside Sea World—one of which even has a tiger shark.
South African National Gallery
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Table Mountain National Park
Despite its proximity to the ever-popular Long Street, Table Mountain feels far removed from the hustle of Cape Town. Hop a taxi from the main drag, or walk the short—but very vertical—distance to the bottom of the hill. Travelers looking to stretch their legs can take one of the short (but challenging) hikes to Table Mountain’s peak, or ride the popular cable car to the top for picturesque views of the city and sea.
The nearby rocky cliffs of Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope, another much-visited attraction in the national park, overlook clear blue seas where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Paved paths and a well-kept boardwalk wind through the southern-most point on the continent and lead to impressive heights. The surrounding area is also home to the world’s smallest—and most diverse—floral kingdom, making it the perfect spot for an easy bike ride.
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Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre
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Victoria Street Market
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Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront describes itself as a "Haven for Sailing Enthusiasts" and offers full amenities alongside historical charm. Walking and bus tours, sports and mind-blowing boats are sure to cast a hook for visitors of all types.
Victoria Falls
- Victoria Falls are a must-see for adventure travelers, photographers, and first-time visitors.
- Don’t forget to bring a raincoat or umbrella, especially during the high-water season.
- Bring waterproof protection for your camera and other electronics to protect them from the spray.
- Many of the viewpoints on the Zimbabwean side of the falls are wheelchair accessible.
Tugela Gorge
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Union Buildings
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Voortrekker Monument
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Table Mountain and Cableway
- Table Mountain is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Cape Town.
- Without skip-the-line access, in peak season (December to April) be prepared to wait in line for as long as an hour for a cableway ticket.
- Note that the cableway doesn’t operate in strong wind.
- Take something warm to wear, as it’s significantly chillier on the mountain than in Cape Town.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to use the trail network at the top of the mountain.
- The cableway is accessible to wheelchair users, as are some areas atop the mountain.
Sun City
- Guests must be 18 years or older to gamble in Sun City's casinos.
- The resort has six different options for accommodations, with a variety of handicap-accessible rooms available.
Tsitsikamma National Park
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Two Oceans Aquarium
- The aquarium is a must-see for families and animal lovers.
- Choose between a standard entrance ticket and a multi-attraction ticket that includes access to other Cape Town attractions.
- All exhibits are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available free of charge.