I’ve backpacked all over the world, including Europe, Australia, Central America, and Southeast Asia. But South Africa was totally different. There is certainly an infrastructure for travelers but you won’t find as many Americans as you might in other regions.
With that said, there are experiences you can’t have anywhere else in the world. The nature is unrivaled and the collision of cultures is unique. Where else can you see African elephants within a few hours’ drive of one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities?
Only you can decide what kind of adventures you want to add to your South Africa bucket list, but here are a few of our favorites worth considering.
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Go on a safari.
South Africa has the most incredible wildlife encounters in the world. When I traveled through Kruger National Park with Acacia Africa, I saw the Big Five and at least five more unique species. But you can also go on safaris in Swaziland and from Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, which are well worth the cost.
Remember to research the tour operators to ensure they promote responsible tourism. South Africa has strict laws regarding the treatment of animals. And don’t forget about Cape Peninsula penguins, which you can see easily from central Cape Town!
Book your own Kruger Safari – Full Day or a Cape Peninsula Tour from Cape Town.
Learn about Apartheid.
Apartheid is a tragic scar upon South Africa’s history but it’s important to learn about the time period and how it affected the nation. Start your journey at Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum and at Nelson Mandela’s home in Soweto. In Cape Town, you can also visit Robben Island, the prison where he was held.
Book your Apartheid Museum Tour or Full Day Walk to Freedom & Robben Island tour.
Shop from a local market.
When you’re packing for South Africa, leave plenty of room in your bag for incredible souvenirs. In Johannesburg, check out the Rosebank Art & Craft Market. In Durban, don’t miss the Victoria Street Market, which sells crafts and Indian spices. And in Cape Town, head to Greenmarket Square for the good deals. There are also smaller, weekly markets.
Visit a township (respectfully).
One part of life during and after Apartheid was townships, or ghettos, that were established for non-white residents of the cities. Soweto, near Johannesburg, is one of the largest and is made up of smaller neighborhoods within it.
I toured Soweto with Lebo’s, a hostel and tour operator in the township. But it’s important to not treat these areas and their residents as “slum tourism.” Go only with operators that support the communities.
Book your spot on a Soweto tour.
Go bungy jumping.
Yes, that tiny dot is me! South Africa has some truly insane experiences for adrenaline junkies. The Bloukrans Bridge on the Garden Route is the world’s highest bungy jump. You can also do the Big Rush Durban bungy swing at Moses Mabhida Stadium. In Soweto, there’s a bungy jump off the Orlando Towers.
Book your own Bloukrans Bridge Bungy excursion.
Learn to surf.
The coastline of South Africa is perfect for surfers with laid-back towns along the way where you can learn. I took a lesson when I traveled around Australia but the cold water kept me from trying again here.
Many people come to Chintsa to learn at Buccaneers Lodge & Backpackers, which was one of the best places that I stayed in South Africa. The beach is a short walk from the lodge and you can choose from the hostel dorm or cottages.
Book a private surf lesson in Cape Town or learn in Port Elizabeth or Durban.
Indulge in South Africa’s craft drinks.
South Africa has an incredible craft beverage scene, whether it’s coffee, cocktails, or craft beer. Even the gas station coffee is great but I learned that iced coffee is difficult to come by. I really enjoyed trying gin cocktails (like the locally made rosewater gins) and craft beer on my day with Kiff Kombi in Cape Town.
Book a spot on The Craft Crawl: Markets, Coffee, Beer & Gin, Gin Experience, or Cape Town Distilleries tours.
Sip wine in Stellenbosch or other wine regions.
While you’re at it, check out South Africa’s many wine regions. The first vines were planted over 300 years ago! Stellenbosch is the most well-known as it’s a short drive from Cape Town. It’s easy to take a tour or rent a car to see them on your own. But don’t forget about the country’s other wine regions. Franschhoek and the Cape Winelands are also lovely.
Explore the Stellenbosch wineries with the Vine Hopper: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour.
See street art.
South Africa’s cities have incredible murals around just about every corner. Johannesburg‘s Maboneng District and Cape Town‘s Woodstock neighborhood, in particular, were colorfully painted in works by international artists like Roa. Even Durban has street art!
Book a spot on street art tours of Cape Town’s Woodstock and Salt River neighborhoods as well as of Johannesburg.
Disconnect on the Garden Route.
Unlike in big destinations like Cape Town and Johannesburg, the small towns of the Garden Route don’t have cafes with WiFi or stores selling cell phone credit. But this is the perfect place to do without. I visited these laid-back towns on the BazBus route.
Enjoy the famous dishes.
Did you know that Durban has one of the largest Indian populations outside of India? While there, you have to try bunny chow, a dish that is made of curry inside a hollowed-out loaf of bread. South Africa is also the place to try game meats, bobotie, a minced meat pie, and biltong, a jerky-type snack.
Book your spot on The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour or Cape Town Food Safari.
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