South Africa offers everything. From vibrant cities and scenic mountain landscapes, to spotting the Big Five on game drives in the Kruger and enjoying excellent food and wine, there are endless experiences to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature travelling around South Africa gives you a real mix of it all. According to Llama Travel, here are five things to do in South Africa that capture the country’s incredible diversity.
1. Explore Cape Town and Table Mountain
Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most vibrant cities, with a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. A highlight is Table Mountain, which you can reach by taking a cable car, or, if you’re feeling active, you can hike up one of the trails to the summit. At the top, you will find indigenous plants called fynbos, unique to South Africa. The views stretch across the city and the ocean, and on a clear day you may even spot Robben Island, the prison-island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years. A visit to Robben Island is one of the highlights of Cape Town, when you are guided by ex-political prisoners, who will help you understand the incredible transition South Africa has undergone since the end of apartheid. While in Cape Town, you can also explore the market at Greenmarket Square, haggle with local vendors, and see the colourful houses and cobbled streets of the Cape Malay Quarter. Take a walk through the peaceful Company Gardens, and visit the Castle of Good Hope and the Grand Parade to get a sense of the city’s history.
2. Travel on the Rovos Rail Luxury Train
Travelling on the Rovos Rail from Cape Town to Pretoria is one of the most memorable ways to see South Africa. Over three days, the train covers 1,600 kilometres, passing through scenic winelands, mountain ranges, semi-desert, and grasslands. On board, you can relax in your suite, enjoy silver-service meals, and take in the views from the comfort of the observation cars. Along the way, the train makes stops including the Victorian village of Matjiesfontein, where you can take a stroll and visit the museum, and Kimberley, home to the Diamond Mine Museum and the world’s largest manmade excavation, the Big Hole. Evenings are spent over leisurely dinners with excellent wine. Experience one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world, combining comfort, history, and landscapes.
3. Spot the Big Five on game drives in the Kruger
The Kruger region is one of the world’s great safari destinations, with classic scenery of savannah, thorn trees, and open grassland. This is where you can spot the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo) as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, hippos, giraffes and hundreds of bird species. Game drives take place in the early morning and late afternoon, when animals are most active. Travelling in an open vehicle with an experienced guide gives you the best chance of spotting wildlife and learning about their behaviour. The mix of landscapes and animals makes every drive different, and no two days are ever the same. Visiting Kruger is a highlight of any trip to South Africa, and Llama Travel’s itineraries are designed to give you the best chances to spot Africa’s wildlife with the help of expert guides, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
4. Enjoy the amazing cuisine and drink South African wine in the Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands are one of the best places to enjoy South Africa’s food and wine. Franschhoek, known as the country’s “food and wine capital,” is set in a valley surrounded by vineyards and mountains. You can take the wine tram between different estates, making it easy to sample a variety of wines while enjoying the views. Many of the farms date back centuries and feature beautiful Cape Dutch houses, adding to the charm. The area is not just for wine lovers. As the scenery, history and its excellent restaurants make it a highlight for anyone visiting South Africa. Whether you’re tasting award-winning wines, exploring the towns and villages, or simply relaxing in the landscape, the Cape Winelands offer a great mix of culture, food and natural beauty.
5. Discover the scenery and wildlife along the Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, stretching 125 miles from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The route is known for its greenery, wildlife and coastal views. Along the way, you can spot whales in Hermanus, and stop in Knysna, a town set around a lagoon with views of the Knysna Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve. Despite having a population of nearly 100,000, Knysna has a relaxed village feel, with a waterfront lined with shops and restaurants, boat trips, and walking trails into ancient forests. A tour of Tsitsikamma National Park offers views of the Indian ocean and surrounding cliffs from the suspension bridge over Storms River. Nearby Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world, is home to meerkats, and the Cango caves contain stunning stalagmite and stalactite formations.
