Things to do in South Africa
Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort - new US$120 million luxury resort opens
The new Club Med South Africa Beach and Safari Resort will open in 2026 in the heart of the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, 20 minutes from King Shaka International Airport. It is the first Club Med to offer a dual location, featuring both beach and safari options. It will also welcome the first Club Med Surf School in the world.
Offering Club Med's signature, all-inclusive experience, the property will offer luxury accommodations, gourmet meals and open bars. Offering 411 guest rooms, including 310 superior rooms, 35 deluxe rooms and 66 suites in the exclusive collection, there is a strong focus on sports with visitors able to enjoy sailing, surfing, diving, snorkeling and the surf school.
It will also offer a unique bush experience through an exclusive safari lodge in the heart of a Big Five game reserve in the north of KwaZulu-Natal. The reserve covers more than 21, 300 acres and offers a world-class safari experience. The 80-room lodge will be developed to Club Med standards to offer guests a dual beach and safari experience.
Kruger National Park - a world-class safari experience
Kruger offers some of the world's most memorable safari experiences. The stunning Kruger National Park offers a rare and extraordinary setting to enjoy the magic of nature and exceptional game-viewing opportunities.
In the dry season, May to October, temperatures are pleasant and sparse vegetation ensures excellent visibility as animals gather around watering holes. The low grasses and limited water sources make wildlife easier to spot. In contrast, the rainy season from November to April brings hotter temperatures, often rising above 95 degrees, while the lush vegetation can make animals more difficult to see. But this season is perfect for birdwatching and observing newborn wildlife.
Kruger offers an impressive range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly, self-catering huts. Many provide all-inclusive safari packages including unforgettable evenings around the campfire.
Blyde River Canyon – a spectacular natural wonderland
The Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world and is often celebrated as the largest green canyon on Earth. Unlike many canyons found in dry, desert regions, this spectacular landscape is blanketed in lush subtropical vegetation, giving it a vibrant and unique appearance. Formed over millions of years through erosion, the canyon is primarily made of red sandstone and features some of South Africa's most iconic natural landmarks. These include the Three Rondavels — towering rock formations resembling traditional African huts — and the swirling rock pools of Bourke's Luck Potholes, carved by centuries of fast-flowing water.
Beyond its dramatic geological features, the canyon is home to more than 1,000 plant species and a wide variety of bird and wildlife species. It is one of South Africa's most unforgettable natural attractions.
The famous Three Rondavels viewpoint provides sweeping panoramic views of the canyon's dramatic contours. Another must-see stop along the Panorama Route is God's Window, a viewpoint perched high above the lowveld that, on clear days, offers views extending all the way to Mozambique. The area also offers several hiking trails and visitors can enjoy boat trips on the Blyde Dam, spot rare raptors while birdwatching or experience the canyon from above on a scenic helicopter flight.
The best time to visit the Blyde River Canyon is during South Africa's autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November), when temperatures are pleasant and the scenery is especially vibrant.
Robben Island Museum – a journey through history
Robben Island stands as one of South Africa's most powerful symbols of democracy's triumph over apartheid. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the island played a defining role in the nation's history as a high-security prison for political detainees during the apartheid era. Some of the country's most influential freedom fighters - including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Ahmed Kathrada - were imprisoned here. Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in captivity on the island, enduring harsh conditions and forced labour in the limestone quarry. Despite the brutality, Robben Island became a place of learning and resistance. Prisoners referred to it as 'Mandela University', as the future president encouraged education and political discussion among inmates.
After the fall of apartheid, Robben Island was transformed into a museum and memorial to the pivotal role it played in South Africa's struggle for freedom. Today, visitors have the rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from former prisoners.
A visit to Robben Island begins with a 30-minute ferry ride from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, offering stunning views of Table Mountain and the surrounding cityscape. Once on the island, visitors can explore several historically significant locations including Cell No. 5, where Nelson Mandela was held, Block B, which housed high-profile political prisoners, the prison yard and limestone quarry, sites of both forced labour and quiet acts of resistance.
Guided tours led by former prisoners provide invaluable personal perspectives, while the island bus tour takes visitors to key landmarks such as the former warders' village, the house of political activist Robert Sobukwe, the historic leper cemetery, the 1865 lighthouse and various military relics.
Garden Route – South Africa's most scenic coastal drive
The Garden Route is one of the world's most spectacular scenic drives, running along South Africa's southern coastline from Mossel Bay to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Known for its dramatic contrasts, this iconic route brings together mountains, pristine beaches, dense forests, tranquil lagoons, and charming coastal towns. Its natural beauty and variety of experiences make it a top destination for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and road-trippers alike.
Along the way, travelers pass through some of South Africa's most remarkable landscapes, including the lush forests and coastal cliffs of Tsitsikamma National Park, the semi-arid Klein Karoo, and beloved towns such as Knysna, Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay. The region offers many options for outdoor activities from forest hikes to surfing, whale watching and kayaking.
Drakensberg Mountains – a hiker's paradise
The Drakensberg Mountains, one of Africa's most breathtaking mountain ranges, offer a dramatic blend of towering peaks, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and remarkable biodiversity. This rugged wilderness offers sweeping vistas and unspoiled landscapes.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Drakensberg is both a natural and cultural treasure. More than 30,000 San rock paintings are hidden in caves and rock shelters across the mountains, some dating back more than 2,000 years. These ancient artworks provide a fascinating window into the spiritual and daily lives of the San people. For the Zulu nation, the mountains - known as uKhahlamba, meaning 'Barrier of Spears' - hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. With its combination of staggering beauty, cultural heritage and outdoor adventure, the Drakensberg remains one of South Africa's most unforgettable destinations.
A sanctuary for wildlife and birdlife, birdwatchers may spot rare species such as the Drakensberg rockjumper, Rudd's lark, and the Drakensberg siskin, while raptors including the Cape vulture and bearded vulture soar above the cliffs. The region also supports rare antelope species, such as the oribi, as well as a unique subspecies of white rhino.
The Cape Winelands – a blend of history and indulgence
Stellenbosch is one of Africa's most celebrated wine regions, where centuries-old wine-making traditions blend with rich history and scenic charm. Established in 1679, it is South Africa's second-oldest European settlement after Cape Town. Winemaking began here in the late 17th century when early settlers discovered the region's exceptional climate and fertile soils - perfect for cultivating vineyards. Today, Stellenbosch is internationally recognized for producing some of the country's finest wines, especially its full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons and elegant white varietals.
The region's Mediterranean climate, diverse natural environment and mountain-framed landscapes contribute to its outstanding wine quality. Beyond its vineyards, Stellenbosch is a thriving academic center, home to the prestigious Stellenbosch University founded in 1918. The town's beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture, oak-lined streets and vibrant cultural scene further enhance its timeless appeal.With its combination of world-class wineries, historic character and cultural depth, Stellenbosch is an unforgettable destination for wine lovers and travelers alike. Enjoy a wine-tasting or a seasonal menu paired with estate wines at one of the many award-winning restaurants.
Only 30 miles east of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is perfect for a day trip.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a pristine natural wonderland
Located along South Africa's east coast, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of the country's most extraordinary natural treasures. In 1999, it became South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its stunning beauty, ecological diversity, and global conservation importance. Spanning more than 3.2 million acres, the park is a mosaic of interconnected ecosystems, including pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, the world's tallest vegetated sand dunes, expansive wetlands around Lake St Lucia as well as coastal forests, grasslands, and swamps. This remarkable variety makes iSimangaliso one of Africa's richest biodiversity hotspots, home to more than 6,500 plant and animal species, including South Africa's largest populations of hippos and crocodiles, as well as many threatened species.
The park offers visitors an incredible range of wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures. iSimangaliso is one of the few places in the world where you can see the 'Big Seven', which include the classic Big Five - elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and lion - plus whales and sharks. Lake St Lucia is an excellent location to observe hippos, crocodiles, pelicans, and African fish eagles, with guided boat safaris providing close-up experiences. Marine enthusiasts can explore Sodwana Bay, a top diving and snorkeling destination, where vibrant coral reefs shelter more than 1,200 fish species, including some of the southernmost tropical coral reefs in the world. From November to March, the northern beaches of Kosi Bay become nesting grounds for loggerhead and leatherback turtles, offering a rare and unforgettable natural spectacle.
Visitors can enjoy guided night safaris, scenic drives such as the Dune Loop and classic game viewing in the savannas of the Western Shores.
The Apartheid Museum – a journey through South Africa's history
Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and a dynamic economic and cultural hub. Home to millions of residents, it is a melting pot of diverse cultures and languages. The city hosts Africa's largest stock exchange and contributes significantly to the national economy, producing a substantial portion of South Africa's GDP. Founded in 1886 as a gold mining settlement, Johannesburg rapidly grew into a center of trade and industry, shaping much of the country's economic development.
The city is also deeply tied to South Africa's apartheid history. Soweto township emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance, and many defining moments in the struggle for equality took place within its streets. Since the end of apartheid, Johannesburg has transformed into a modern metropolis, home to key institutions such as South Africa's Constitutional Court. The Apartheid Museum chronicles the powerful journey from oppression to democracy.
Other significant historical sites include Nelson Mandela House in Vilakazi Street, Soweto; the Hector Pieterson Memorial, honoring the 1976 student uprising; and Constitution Hill, a former prison now home to the Constitutional Court. Soweto township tours — by bike or on foot — offer authentic glimpses into local life, while the Orlando Towers provide a mix of history and adventure, including bungee-jumping.
The Maboneng Precinct is a vibrant arts district filled with cafes, galleries and boutique shops. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the Carlton Center, explore street art in Jewel City or browse artisanal and organic products at the Bryanston Organic Market.
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Photo credit for photo at the top of guide: Jeffrikhotso