South Africa is sure to have something for everyone.
From hikers to majestic animal lovers to history buffs, a holiday to South Africa has activities to satisfy every traveller’s desires.
When traveling, be sure to pack light clothing, a hat to protect you from the hot sun, comfortable shoes, a rain jacket/poncho, and plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.
If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, be prepared to see lots of wildlife and enjoy unforgettable scenery like no other. (iStock, Murat Ozgur Güvendik/Anadolu via Getty Images)
6 things to do before you go on vacation
We also recommend bringing binoculars to get a clearer view of the wildlife from a safe distance.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking during your trip, and you’ll want to carry snacks, water, and other essentials with you throughout the day, so bring a carry-on bag that doubles as a backpack that you can easily carry while hiking or traveling through the savannah.
There’s plenty to do in South Africa, but here are some highlights to consider on your trip.
- See the Big Five on a safari
- View of Cape Town from Table Mountain
- A scenic drive along the Garden Route
- Surrounded by Robben Island history
1. See the Big Five on a safari
The animals known as the Big Five are commonly spotted by visitors to South Africa, especially on safari.
5 ways your iPhone makes international travel easier and safer
According to National Geographic, the term “Big Five” was first coined in the late 1800s and was used to describe the animals that hunters found most dangerous and difficult to hunt on foot.
Today the term is often used to describe the iconic animals that tourists hope to see when visiting South Africa.
Perhaps the most popular activity on a holiday to South Africa is going on safari, and Kruger National Park offers visitors a variety of safari options, as well as accommodation for a full wildlife experience. (Wolfgang Koehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The Big Five animals are lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
If you want to catch a glimpse of the Big Five and many other animals on a safari, Kruger National Park is one of the most popular destinations in all of South Africa.
Kruger National Park offers many different types of packages, including self-drive routes and guided safaris.
Plus, Kruger National Park offers a wide range of accommodation options, allowing you to be surrounded by wildlife from the moment you wake up in the morning until you fall asleep after a busy day.
2. View of Cape Town from Table Mountain
If you want to enjoy breathtaking views then you must visit Table Mountain during your stay in South Africa.
From the summit you can see the whole of Cape Town below.
You can hike to the top, and there are a variety of routes to suit all fitness levels.
Traveling internationally? According to pharmacists, it may be illegal to bring these drugs with you
The hike takes approximately 3-5 hours depending on the route and your speed, so be sure to build enough time into your travel plans to complete the journey.
If hiking isn’t your thing or you simply can’t commit that much time to it, there’s no need to miss this place.
If you don’t want to hike to the top of Table Mountain, you can take an aerial cableway to the top. (WIKUS DE WET/AFP via Getty Images)
A popular way to reach the top of Table Mountain is by aerial cableway.
According to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway’s website, the cableway opened in 1929 and has attracted more than 30 million visitors since then.
It’s only a five minute ride to the top, where you can enjoy the views and even a meal at the mountaintop restaurant.
After your trip, enjoy exploring Cape Town with its blissful beaches and beautiful Cape Winelands.
You could easily spend days exploring all Cape Town has to offer.
3. Take a scenic drive along the Garden Route
Hop in the car and head out for a scenic drive along the Garden Route.
This popular drive is packed with lookouts, national parks, wildlife encounters and great dining.
Click here to get the FOX News app
According to National Geographic, the Garden Route stretches 124 miles from Mossel Bay to Storms River.
There are plenty of stops along the route, including whale watching in Hermanus, sandy beaches to enjoy some time in the sun, and spots like Tsitsikamma Forest, where you can zip line through the treetops.
4. Experience history on Robben Island
Robben Island is located in Table Bay, north of Cape Town.
According to the Cape Town Tourism website, Robben Island is best known as the site of the maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela was held.
Robben Island can be reached by ferry from Cape Town. (WIKUS DE WET/AFP via Getty Images)
Accessible by ferry from Cape Town, the island allows you to tour the prison where Mandela spent 18 of his total 27 years incarcerated and discover more about his life at the island’s museum.
Robben Island is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including penguins and seals.
