Top 50 Best Things to Do in South Africa
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in South Africa

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Cape of Good Hopetop_1
    󰺂9.3
    Cape Town
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰀆See the Vasco da Gama Monument and wild baboons
    󱓊Close view of wild baboons at ease
    󱨠Saved by 118 users󱨠152 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Tablet666Tablet666

    The beauty of Cape of Good Hope made me thoroughly intoxicated with the magnificent pictures of nature. Standing on the shore, I was deeply attracted by the moving movement of the waves and reefs, and the shouts of seagulls added infinite vitality to the charming scenery. All this beauty is undoubtedly the most precious gift from nature. This trip to the Cape of Good Hope made me feel the magic of nature. It is indeed an unforgettable experience. It is highly recommended to everyone who loves the beauty of nature.

  • Table Mountaintop_2
    󰺂9.1
    Cape Town
    trip best TravelHotspot logoTop 3 Must-See Landmarks in South Africa
    Highlights:
    󱓊Visit 1843 McClear Lighthouse ruins
    󱨜Unique mountain journey via cablecar
    󱨠Saved by 117 users󱨠160 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Tablet666Tablet666

    The magnificent embrace of Table Mountain gave me a wonderful journey that will never be forgotten. Walking in it, every inch of land is like a carrier of the mystery of life, and people sigh the magic of nature. Picturesque, as if entering a dreamy world, every step is full of surprises and expectations. This journey has made me deeply feel the greatness of nature and the wonder of life, and I am full of gratitude and awe. It is undoubtedly a deep dialogue between the soul and nature, a baptism of the mind.

  • Gold Reef City Theme Parktop_3
    󰺂8.2
    Johannesburg South
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in South Africa
    Highlights:
    󱨜Experience early gold rush challenges
    󱓊1880s Gold Rush theme park
    󱨠46% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Ms_CeeMs_Cee

    I have been there twice , and wish to go back again …. did not explore it enough. it’s easy to navigate and find things around

  • Union Buildings
    4
    󰺂7.9
    Pretoria
    Highlights:
    󱨜Watch South African band performance
    󰋄Capital's panoramic viewpoint
    4.6/5
    M.M.R. MarufM.M.R. Maruf

    "Visited the iconic Union Buildings in Tshwane, and I was absolutely captivated by its grandeur and history. As the seat of South Africa’s government, the architecture is a breathtaking blend of classical and Cape Dutch styles. The panoramic views from the hilltop are unmatched, and the beautifully landscaped gardens add to the peaceful atmosphere. A must-visit for anyone in Pretoria, it's a powerful reminder of South Africa’s journey towards democracy and unity.

  • Table Mountain National Park
    5
    󰺂7.6
    Cape Town
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Spring Outings in South Africa
    Highlights:
    󱓊Cable car: 360° Cape Town views
    󱓊Cable car & Cape Town views
    4.6/5
    Tablet666Tablet666

    The magnificent scenery of Table Mountain National Park in South Africa is a true natural wonder. Standing at the top of Table Mountain, I was surrounded by a 360-degree panoramic view as if I could touch the clouds. The fresh air and picturesque scenery made me feel more connected to nature with every breath. Moreover, the park has a wide variety of flora and fauna, providing a wealth of opportunities for nature lovers to observe and learn. This trip is undoubtedly one of the most precious experiences in my memory.

  • Duiker Island
    6
    󰺂7.4
    Hout Bay
    Highlights:
    󰋄Guided tour on seals' habits
    󰋄Wild seals & stunning seascapes
    4.7/5
    游侠半仙游侠半仙

    Travel with a tour group to Cape Town, South Africa, and take a yacht to Hout Bay to see seals. Seal Island is also a famous tourist attraction on the Cape Peninsula, with thousands of seals living on the island. In order to protect the seal habitat, tourists are prohibited from going to the island. There are special yachts at the pier to take tourists to watch, slowly circling very close to the island, allowing us to watch the seals hunting, playing in the water, and living up close. The bottom of the yacht's interior is equipped with glass to view the underwater world.

  • Nelson Mandela Square
    7
    󰺂7.3
    Sandton
    Highlights:
    󰋄Near Sandton Mall & luxury hotels
    󱨜Mandela's life story sculptures
    󱨠46% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    LakesonLakeson

    beautiful and scenery views 💕❤️ What a splendid beautiful place with lovely music and mouth watering cuisines and of course, a beautiful state of art theatre

  • Boulders Beach
    8
    󰺂7.2
    Simon's Town
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2024 Global 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱓊East Cape Town coast with beach views
    󱓊Watch penguins handle ocean threats
    󱨠Saved by 115 users󱨠112 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    游侠半仙游侠半仙

    We traveled with a group to South Africa and came to Penguin Beach in the South African Penguin Ecological Reserve in Cape Town. Penguins are extremely precious animals in Africa and have recently been listed as protected animals by the World Animal Protection Association. The penguins on Penguin Beach stagger on the beach every day facing the rising sun. Their cute appearance attracts bursts of laughter from tourists. It is really a place that makes people linger. [Cost-effectiveness] Very high

  • Blyde River Canyon
    9
    󰺂7.2
    Ehlanzeni
    Highlights:
    󱓊Hiking, rafting & horseback riding
    󰋄View millennia-old erosion wonders
    4.7/5
    游侠半仙游侠半仙

    We joined a group tour in South Africa and came to Mpumalanga Province to visit the Blyde River Canyon, one of Africa's natural wonders. The canyon is more than 700 meters deep, more than 20 kilometers long, and more than 1,000 meters above sea level.

  • Cape Point
    10
    󰺂7.0
    Cape Town
    Highlights:
    Cable car views: oceans meet
    Cape Point's panoramic viewpoint
    󱨠79% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    游侠半仙游侠半仙

    Traveling with a group in South Africa, we came to the world-famous Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, took a cable car to Cape Point, and saw the lighthouse and road signs pointing to all parts of the world. In 1919, the Cape of Good Hope built the brightest lighthouse in Africa to guide passing ships. Visitors climbed to the top of the 238-meter-high Cape Point and overlooked the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, where the water and sky merged into one, and the smoke and waves were vast.

Best things to do in South Africa (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in South Africa? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, South Africa offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in South Africa

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full South Africa experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Cape of Good Hope

• Cape Town | undefined

• : See the Vasco da Gama Monument and wild baboons,Close view of wild baboons at ease

Table Mountain

• Cape Town | undefined

• : Visit 1843 McClear Lighthouse ruins,Unique mountain journey via cablecar

Gold Reef City Theme Park

• Johannesburg South | undefined

• : Experience early gold rush challenges,1880s Gold Rush theme park

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near South Africa

If you want to explore attractions just outside South Africa, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of South Africa, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in South Africa special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in South Africa

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in South Africa

Ready to explore the best of South Africa? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in South Africa?
These are all Best Things to Do in South Africa:Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, Gold Reef City Theme Park, Union Buildings, Table Mountain National Park
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in South Africa?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in South Africa include:Cape of Good Hope:4.7, Table Mountain:4.8, Gold Reef City Theme Park:4.7, Union Buildings:4.6, Table Mountain National Park:4.6
At what locations in South Africa can Best Things to Do in South Africa be found?
The Best Things to Do in South Africa are mainly located in:Cape of Good Hope:Cape Town, Table Mountain:Cape Town, Gold Reef City Theme Park:Johannesburg South, Union Buildings:Pretoria, Table Mountain National Park:Cape Town
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