Things to Do in South Africa

South Africa is a very diverse country. You can do something here no matter when you decide to visit. If you prefer the summer, hit the beaches. If you’d rather visit during autumn or spring, plan to enjoy the cities. Safaris, wine tasting, sporting events and many other activities complete the list of things to do in South Africa.

Safaris and Tours

Most travelers come to South Africa for a safari. Somehow the lions, elephants and other wildlife seem to be a magnet for travelers all over the world. Safaris are the perfect way to spend days (and nights) in the national parks, exploring the local fauna and flora. While luxury safaris are one of the most popular options for foreign visitors, it’s entirely possible to experience an unforgettable safari on a small budget.

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Tours are also an excellent way to explore South Africa. Choose among the nature tours or city tours and have fun.

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Wine Tasting

A variety of soils and locations around South Africa are ideal for the vineyards. Among them, Stellenbosch still dominates the South African wine scene in terms of quality.The most popular variety produced in the area is the local Pinotage, though you’ll also find Pinot Noirs, Cabernets, sparkling wines, and more.

Travel agencies organize wine tasting tours not only in Stellenbosch, but also at the farms located in Franschoek, Paarl and Somerset West. In the big cities you will also find opportunities for such a tour. For the mos basic budget option, you can join a bus tour from most hostels. If you’re more of an oenophile, you can book tours with private guides.

Water Sports

South Africa is known for having some of the perfect beaches for surfing, surfskiing and kitesurfing. Langebaan, right near Cape Town, is known as one of the best beaches among surfers.

For a less adventurous traveler, sea kayak tours are a good idea. You can find such tours around Cape Town, Durban Hermanus, Knysna and Plett.

Diving and snorkeling should be forgotten either. Great locations are found along Garden Route.

Whale Watching and Shark Diving

Two spots near Cape Town are ideal for seeing some of the sea’s most magnificent animals up close. Hermanus is the place to go to watch whales pass by in season (August until December), while Gansbaai is the best place to see Great White Sharks in South Africa. In Gansbaai, you can go out on a boat and them climb into a cage in the water to watch the giant sharks pass by.

Sporting Events

Sports are really important for the locals. Why not mingle with them and enjoy watching a soccer, cricket or rugby game. And don’t forget to book your flight for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

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Hiking

The numerous national parks offer some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. Trails range in difficulty, so that anyone can enjoy the beauty of nature and the benefit of working out.

Probably the most popular hiking trail in South Africa is The Otter Trail, along the Tsitsikamma coast.

Extreme Adventures

South Africa is home to the largest, longest, tallest, and fastest zipline in the world. The Zip 2000 line is 280 meters tall, 200 meters long, and zipliners reach speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour.

Shopping

Every large city has at least one mall where you can shop. Most of the malls are huge so you get to work out as well while trying to find the perfect thing to buy. Of course, you can try your luck in one of the flea markets. Bruma Market in Johannesburg is the biggest in the southern hemisphere and you will find pretty much anything here.