Best things to do in South Africa
South Africa packs a lot into one country: Cape Town's mountain-meets-ocean scenery, world-class wine country, penguin colonies and some of Africa's most famous safari reserves.
South Africa at a glance
- What are the best things to do in South Africa?
- Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula in Cape Town, winelands tastings, a Big Five safari and the Garden Route road trip are the classics.
- How many days do you need in Cape Town?
- Three to four days covers the highlights comfortably: Table Mountain, the peninsula drive to Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguins and a winelands day.
- Can you combine Cape Town with a safari?
- Yes. Daily flights connect Cape Town with the Kruger area, and many travellers pair a few days in the city with a safari in Kruger or a private reserve.
Destinations in South Africa
The highlights
1. Cape Town and Table Mountain
Ride the cableway up Table Mountain, drive the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point, meet the penguins at Boulders Beach and explore the V&A Waterfront — the core of most first visits.
2. The Winelands
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl sit under an hour from the city, with tastings, cellar tours and long lunches among the vines.
3. Safari in Kruger and the private reserves
Kruger National Park and the adjoining private reserves offer Big Five game viewing, reachable by air from Cape Town or Johannesburg.
4. The Garden Route
A classic road trip east from Cape Town through lagoons, forests and beaches toward Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Planning your trip
How long to spend in South Africa
Give Cape Town itself at least three to four days for the mountain, peninsula and winelands. Add a safari of three nights or more, or a Garden Route drive, if you have a week or longer.
When to visit Cape Town
The Cape's dry, warm season runs roughly November to March — peak time for the city and winelands. Whale watching off the southern coast peaks in the cooler months around June to November.
Frequently asked questions about South Africa
What are the best things to do in South Africa?
Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula in Cape Town, winelands tastings, a Big Five safari and the Garden Route road trip are the classics.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
Three to four days covers the highlights comfortably: Table Mountain, the peninsula drive to Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguins and a winelands day.
Can you combine Cape Town with a safari?
Yes. Daily flights connect Cape Town with the Kruger area, and many travellers pair a few days in the city with a safari in Kruger or a private reserve.
Ready to plan? Browse things to do by destination or get trip ideas from our travel journal.