Things to Do in South Africa

Beaches and Coastal Resorts

Between the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean, South Africa is a stunning beach destination with numerous beaches and multiple resorts spread between Cape Town and the Mozambican border. However, it’s along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, around Durban, and the neighboring Wild Coast that you’ll find the main tourist areas—or at least the most frequented—especially during the southern summer when the region is packed with South Africans on holiday. The water here is indeed warmer than in the Cape region, making it possible to swim or enjoy various water activities year-round.

Among the country’s main coastal resorts are Langebaan, Mossel Bay, and Plettenberg Bay in the Cape region and the Garden Route. Further east, the Eastern Cape province also boasts its share of beaches and resorts, particularly along the Wild Coast. As for KwaZulu-Natal, most of its coastal towns have a beachside vibe.

Surfing

South Africa is one of the world’s top surfing destinations. The southern coast, between Cape Town and Durban, offers numerous stunning spots, with Jeffreys Bay standing out as the best in the country—and beyond. Add to that some breathtaking beaches...

Diving

Though not immediately associated with diving, South Africa has excellent dive sites. Reefs, corals, shipwrecks, and a rich marine life—including various species of sharks and rays—make the underwater world appealing for both beginners and experienced divers.

The KwaZulu-Natal province and its coastal resorts like Margate are the top spots for diving. The water here stays pleasant year-round, rarely dropping below 20°C, and diving conditions are always good, though March to July is the best period. You can also dive in other parts of the South African coastline, such as at Plettenberg Bay in the Cape region.

Whale and Dolphin Watching

This is a must for nature lovers and ecotourists. Whale watching (and, to a lesser extent, dolphin watching) draws large crowds every year from June to November along the southern Cape Peninsula. The small port of Hermanus, 120 km from Cape Town, is renowned as the best place in the country—if not the world—for spotting cetaceans. You can observe them from the shore or by boarding small boats. Beyond Hermanus, other nearby sites like Knysna and Langebaan offer similar opportunities.

For dolphins, head north along the coast toward Mozambique, in KwaZulu-Natal province, particularly around the resort of Ballito.

Other Water Activities

Sea Fishing: With over 2,500 km of coastline, sea fishing is a major activity in the country. The best spots for targeting tuna, swordfish, or marlin are Simon’s Town (near Cape Town) and St Lucia (in KwaZulu-Natal). For those who prefer shore fishing, the Garden Route and the Wild Coast are renowned for their prime locations.

Watersports: Beyond the country’s famous surfing scene, kitesurfing and windsurfing are also popular along the coast, with the Cape region considered the world capital of wind and watersports during the southern summer, from November to March.

Sailing: South Africa has a strong sailing community, with the Cape region being the most renowned spot. However, you can also try sailing elsewhere along the coast or even on inland lakes.

Thalassotherapy and Wellness

Beyond the usual spas and thalassotherapy centers found in coastal resorts, South Africa has developed several unique or traditional wellness practices. You can try vinotherapy in the Western Cape’s wine regions (the "Cape Winelands"), traditional African treatments, or even combine safaris with bush massages.

Hiking

Hiking

Beyond "walking safaris" in certain parks and reserves, the country offers some fantastic hikes in both mountain and coastal areas.

The Otter Trail, along the Garden Route, is a multi-day (easy) coastal walk through the former Tsitsikamma Park. It’s one of the most popular treks, alongside those in the Drakensberg massif, particularly the Blyde River Canyon. Several other parks and natural areas across the country are also open to hikers, including the Waterberg massif, Baviaanskloof, iSimangaliso, Karoo National Park, and more.

Cycling

Whether you’re looking for mountain trails or leisurely rides through South African vineyards, you’ll find plenty of options. For mountain biking, Cape Town is the place to go, with stunning landscapes where mountains and forests meet the ocean. For a more relaxed experience—even on an e-bike—the Cape’s hinterland offers easy rides along wine routes, with stops at estates around Franschhoek or Stellenbosch.

Horseback Riding

This is another activity worth trying, allowing everyone—regardless of skill level—to discover South Africa in a different way. Horseback riding is available in some parks and reserves as part of safaris, along beaches, through Stellenbosch’s vineyards, or in the Drakensberg mountains for those with at least a basic riding level, offering breathtaking scenery.

Outdoor and Adventure Sports

Golf

With several world-class champions, golf is a major sport in South Africa. The country is regularly ranked among the best golf destinations globally. Whether along the Garden Route, in Sun City (the local Las Vegas), near Cape Town, or in the wine regions, the options are vast. There are even two courses in Kruger National Park where you can golf surrounded by African wildlife. Unique...

Whitewater Activities

Rafting, tubing, river kayaking—there’s plenty to get your adrenaline pumping. The mountainous Drakensberg region is the most popular spot for these activities.

Other Activities

Climbing and Mountaineering: While there are many climbing spots, the Drakensberg is the top destination. The Cape region and its surroundings also offer great options, as does "Boven" near Kruger National Park—a world-renowned site with over 1,000 sport climbing routes.

Bungee Jumping and Ziplining: Like in many countries, bungee jumping is a popular activity. South Africa is home to the world’s highest bungee jump, a 216-meter plunge from the Bloukrans Bridge near Plettenberg Bay. For ziplining and treetop courses, the country has around half a dozen high-quality sites.

Skiing: Tiffindell, in the Drakensberg massif, is the country’s only (small) ski resort. Along with Afri-Ski in Lesotho, it’s one of the only two in southern Africa.

Cultural Life and Activities

The "Rainbow Nation" lives up to its name. Despite a turbulent history, the country’s diverse populations have preserved much of their culture and traditions, which are best discovered through personal encounters rather than in museums or historic buildings.

You can still visit some places with old or "Cape Dutch" architecture (Graaff-Reinet, Montagu, Stellenbosch, Tulbagh, Pilgrim’s Rest), as well as sites steeped in history (Robben Island or locations tied to Zulu or Anglo-Boer conflicts). You can also step back in time at the "Cradle of Humankind," a UNESCO-listed archaeological site.

Nightlife and Going Out

As you’d expect, South Africa offers plenty of options for nightlife and entertainment. Cities like Cape Town (known for being the most vibrant), Durban on the coast, Johannesburg, and even Pretoria—with its student-friendly atmosphere—have plenty to offer. Then there are all the lively coastal resorts during the season.