{"id":10364,"date":"2019-12-02T15:00:18","date_gmt":"2019-12-02T15:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/?p=10364"},"modified":"2025-04-29T12:59:08","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T12:59:08","slug":"things-to-do-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-south-africa","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In a country that\u2019s as wildly diverse as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/south-africa-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa<\/a>, it can be hard to decide which activities to include in your holiday. From spotting whales in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hermanus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hermanus<\/a> to exploring the third largest canyon in the world, and the classics like going on a safari and climbing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/experience\/table-mountain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Table Mountain<\/a>, there\u2019s something for everyone. We\u2019ve therefore put together a few of our favourite activities and a couple of out-of-the-box ideas to give you some inspiration. Read on to find our top things to do in South Africa.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_10365\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/best-restaurants-in-cape-town\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10365\" class=\"wp-image-10365 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/0-la-colombe-constantia-timbuktu-travel-copy.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do in South Africa\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/0-la-colombe-constantia-timbuktu-travel-copy.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/0-la-colombe-constantia-timbuktu-travel-copy.jpg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/0-la-colombe-constantia-timbuktu-travel-copy.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/0-la-colombe-constantia-timbuktu-travel-copy.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/0-la-colombe-constantia-timbuktu-travel-copy.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/0-la-colombe-constantia-timbuktu-travel-copy.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-10365\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Delectable plates at La Colombe<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Enjoy a gourmet city break<\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/cape-town-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mother City<\/a> is known for many things, from it\u2019s incredible mountainscape, its beautiful beaches, to its rich and diverse history but in recent years it\u2019s become known for something else: its food! <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/cape-town-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cape Town<\/a> has become arguably one of the top African hubs for food, with new and exciting restaurants opening all the time. You can enjoy multi-course tasting menus overlooking the Constantia Wine Valley, gorge yourself on incredible sushi and munch breakfasts fit for a king or queen right across the city. Sound up your street? Take a look at our Cape Town <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/best-restaurants-in-cape-town\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">restaurant<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/top-10-breakfast-spots-cape-town\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">breakfast guides<\/a> to start you off. As well as gourmet dinners, you can also expect to sample lots of locally produced drinks. Gin is enjoying a major heyday in the Mother City right now and you can visit spots like the Hope Distillery to sample some of the city\u2019s finest spirits. There is also, of course, the must-visit Constantia wine valley, packed with vineyards, where you can enjoy the city\u2019s finest vino, nibble on a cheeseboard and take in those amazing views &#8211; all just 30 minutes from the city centre.<\/p>\n<p>Almost all our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/south-africa-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa<\/a> trips will offer you some much needed exploring time in the Mother City; we just think there are too many exciting things happening to miss it. We love our classic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/a-self-drive-garden-route-expedition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">self-drive Garden Route<\/a>, popular with so many of our travellers, that gives you some time in the city before making your way along South Africa\u2019s epic coastline. You\u2019ll also enjoy some Cape Town time in some of our multi-country trips such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/the-highlights-of-southern-africa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The highlights of Southern Africa<\/a>, this will lead you from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/victoria-falls-zimbabwe-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Victoria Falls<\/a>, to the Mother City, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kruger-national-park-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kruger<\/a> and then finish with some beach time in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/mauritius-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mauritius<\/a>. All in one!<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/cape-town-holiday?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Cape%20Town&regionId=24\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"24\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/024\/original\/table-mountain-waterfront-cape-town-south-africa-timbuktu.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"24\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Cape Town Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Cape Town<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_10366\" style=\"width: 1290px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/experience\/hermanus-whale-watching\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10366\" class=\"wp-image-10366 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/humpback-1209297_1280.jpeg\" alt=\"Things to do in South Africa\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/humpback-1209297_1280.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/humpback-1209297_1280.jpeg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/humpback-1209297_1280.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/humpback-1209297_1280.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/humpback-1209297_1280.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/humpback-1209297_1280.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-10366\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Whale watching in Hermanus<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Keep an eye out for great giants of the sea<\/h2>\n<p>Lion, rhino and giraffe might get all the airtime when it comes to African animals but there are plenty more to be seen, specifically those not on land. Every year, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/south-africa-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa<\/a> sees gigantic, majestic whales pass through her waters on their annual migration. Anyone visiting between June and October really must take a trip to arguably the country\u2019s most famous whale spotting point, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hermanus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hermanus<\/a>. From here, you can take trips out to sea to view humpback and southern right whales in their natural habitat &#8211; and there\u2019s really nothing quite like spotting those huge shadows rising from the depths, blowing great plumes of air and water from their spouts before disappearing back into the deep with a flick of their tail. And if you\u2019re in the area, it would be rude not to make a stop at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/experience\/wine-tasting-in-the-hemel-en-aarde\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hemel-en-Aarde<\/a> (Heaven and Earth) Valley. Think winding roads, soaring mountains and world-class wine. Heaven on earth indeed!<\/p>\n<p>To really get your wildlife fill, we\u2019d recommend our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/the-garden-route-and-a-spot-of-safari-in-south-africa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Garden Route and a spot of safari trip<\/a>. Our route will take you from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/cape-town-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cape Town<\/a> to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/overberg-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Overberg<\/a>, but there\u2019s nothing to stop you making a trip to Hermanus as well. Once you\u2019ve spotted all your beasts from the deep, you\u2019ll continue along the traditional <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/garden-route-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Garden Route<\/a> before stopping for a spot of safari in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/eastern-cape-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eastern Cape<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/hermanus?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Hermanus&regionId=43\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"43\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/043\/original\/0-ocean-mountain-view-hermanus-south-africa-timbuktu.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"43\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Hermanus Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Hermanus<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_10367\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/drakensberg-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10367\" class=\"wp-image-10367 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/drakensberg-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do in South Africa\" width=\"1420\" height=\"947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/drakensberg-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/drakensberg-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/drakensberg-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/drakensberg-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/drakensberg-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/drakensberg-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-10367\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The jaw-dropping Drakensberg<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Take in the awe-inspiring scenery<\/h2>\n<p>\u2018Scenery\u2019 in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/south-africa-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa<\/a> might get overlooked in favour of \u2018safari\u2019, but the topography of this striking country more than stands its ground. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/cape-town-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cape Town<\/a>, there\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/experience\/table-mountain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Table Mountain<\/a> and Lion\u2019s Head who both keep watch over the Mother City. In the province of Mpumalanga (Zulu for \u2018the place where the sun rises\u2019), you\u2019ll find the third largest canyon (after the Grand Canyon and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/fish-river-canyon-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fish River Canyon<\/a>) in the world! This awe-inspiring feat of nature is an incredible 25km in length and 750m deep. If huge mountain ranges are more your thing then it has to be the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/drakensberg-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drakensberg Mountains<\/a> (which translates to \u2018dragon mountains\u2019) that form the border between South Africa and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/lesotho-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lesotho<\/a>. Thrill seekers can get their kicks crossing the treacherous Sani Pass over the mountains, connecting the two countries and reaching heights of 2873m. If your trip takes you to the Western Cape then be sure to explore the sights outside of the city and head up to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/cederberg-mountains-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cederberg<\/a>. This rocky, alien-looking mountain range can be found just 200 kilometres from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/cape-town-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mother City<\/a> and here you\u2019ll find the largest collection of ancient San Bushmen rock art in southern Africa. It\u2019s also a paradise for hikers; spend your days getting lost in the mountains and amongst the dramatic, wind-carved sandstone formations like the Maltese Cross and the Wolfberg Arch.<\/p>\n<p>To head towards the magnificent mountains of the north, try our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/explore-kwa-zulu-natal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Explore Kwa-Zulu Natal<\/a> trip, which will give you everything from culture to crazy-high mountains. Or if you want to try your luck with the Sani Pass and tick another country off your list as you go then <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/off-the-beaten-track-in-lesotho-south-africa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this trip<\/a> will be just the ticket for you. To explore the beautiful peaks of the Cederberg we\u2019d recommend Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/the-road-less-travelled-in-the-western-cape\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">road less travelled in the Western Cape<\/a> adventure.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/drakensberg-holiday?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Drakensberg&regionId=154\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"154\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/154\/original\/drakensberg-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"154\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Drakensberg Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Drakensberg<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/south-africa-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&countryName=South%20Africa&countryId=1\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"1\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/countries\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/001\/original\/rhino-calf-sabi-sands-kruger-south-africa-timbuktu.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=left top data-country-id=\"1\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"South Africa Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/countries\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/001\/original\/rhino-calf-sabi-sands-kruger-south-africa-timbuktu.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=left top data-country-id=\"1\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"South Africa Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><span class=\"timbuktu_destination\" style=\"color:#128d8d\">South Africa<\/span><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Design your own trip<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Choose a destination, pick your properties and we'll do the rest<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Design a trip<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_10368\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/experience\/kitesurfing-in-cape-town\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10368\" class=\"wp-image-10368 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/kite_surfing_-_cape_town.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do in South Africa\" width=\"1420\" height=\"947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/kite_surfing_-_cape_town.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1439,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/kite_surfing_-_cape_town.jpg 1439w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/kite_surfing_-_cape_town.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/kite_surfing_-_cape_town.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/kite_surfing_-_cape_town.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/kite_surfing_-_cape_town.jpg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-10368\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kitesurfing in Cape Town<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Test your steel<\/h2>\n<p>New Zealand might get all the glory for being a thrill-seekers paradise but adrenaline junkies shouldn\u2019t overlook <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/south-africa-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa<\/a> for a heart pumping trip! Along the famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/garden-route-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Garden Route<\/a> you\u2019ll find one of the most white-knuckle-inducing adventures that the country has to offer: bungee jumping from Bloukrans Bridge. At a height of 216 metres, this is one of the highest bridge bungees in the world! Also along the Garden Route you\u2019ll find the adventure playground of Tsitsikamma where you can spend an entire day exploring the gorges of the region and have a go at bouldering, wild swimming and jumping from rocks of up to 8 metres. And you don\u2019t need to be in the middle of nowhere to get your kicks, for the cities also have plenty for daredevil connoisseurs. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/durban-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Durban<\/a>, have a go on the world\u2019s tallest swing (an 80m free-fall over Moses Mabhida Stadium) and in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/cape-town-holiday\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cape Town<\/a> you can hurl yourself from Lion\u2019s Head and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/experience\/paragliding-in-cape-town\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">paraglide over the city<\/a> (with a guide of course!). The Mother City can also offer thrills during its windy summer season (January is usually the peak) as it\u2019s one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/experience\/kitesurfing-in-cape-town\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">leading kitesurfing<\/a> regions in the world.<\/p>\n<p>Tick off all of South Africa\u2019s white knuckle adventures by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/my-new-trip\/editor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">building your own trip<\/a> today!<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/garden-route-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Garden%20Route&regionId=68\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"68\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/068\/original\/0-General-garden-route-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=right center\"data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"68\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Garden Route Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Garden Route<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_10369\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/elephant-coast-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10369\" class=\"wp-image-10369 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/1-elephant-coast-south-africa-timbuktu-travel-22.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do in South Africa\" width=\"1420\" height=\"956\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=891,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/1-elephant-coast-south-africa-timbuktu-travel-22.jpg 891w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1426,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/1-elephant-coast-south-africa-timbuktu-travel-22.jpg 1426w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=252,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/1-elephant-coast-south-africa-timbuktu-travel-22.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=303,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/1-elephant-coast-south-africa-timbuktu-travel-22.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=517,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/1-elephant-coast-south-africa-timbuktu-travel-22.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/1-elephant-coast-south-africa-timbuktu-travel-22.jpg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-10369\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">White rhino on the Elephant Coast<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Spot rhino in the famous Hluhluwe\u2013Imfolozi Park<\/h2>\n<p>Located on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/south-africa-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa\u2019s<\/a> famous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/elephant-coast-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elephant Coast<\/a> is a park like no other, one that can stake a claim to having saved Africa\u2019s white rhino population from extinction. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is Africa\u2019s oldest game reserve and was previously the royal hunting ground of King Shaka. Dr Ian Player was an international conservationist who, alarmed at the dwindling numbers of the species left in South Africa, launched a project in the 1960s called Operation Rhino. The project\u2019s aim was to increase the number of white rhino within the country, relocating a number of the remaining animals and establishing safe breeding groups therefore allowing the population to grow. The operation was a resounding success and undoubtedly brought the white rhino back from the brink of extinction. If you\u2019re looking for rhino in numbers, this is the spot for you. You might also have seen the recent news of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.africanparks.org\/campaign\/rhinos-return-malawi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">17 rhino being transported<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/malawi-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Malawi<\/a> by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.africanparks.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">African Parks<\/a>, and this is where those very rhino came from.<\/p>\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/explore-kwa-zulu-natal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Explore Kwa-Zulu Natal<\/a> is a great place to start if you\u2019re looking to visit the Elephant Coast. You\u2019ll not only have an opportunity to seek out some of the region\u2019s incredible wildlife but also come to learn of the history and culture of the area.<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/elephant-coast-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Elephant%20Coast&regionId=153\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"153\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/153\/original\/rocktail-elephant-coast-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"153\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Elephant Coast Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Elephant Coast<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_10370\" style=\"width: 1430px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/experience\/in-search-of-aardvark-and-pangolin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10370\" class=\"wp-image-10370 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/aardvark_tswalu_kalahari_south_africa_timbuktu_travel.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do in South Africa\" width=\"1420\" height=\"946\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=900,height=600,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/aardvark_tswalu_kalahari_south_africa_timbuktu_travel.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=959,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/aardvark_tswalu_kalahari_south_africa_timbuktu_travel.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=375,height=250,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/aardvark_tswalu_kalahari_south_africa_timbuktu_travel.jpg 375w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=450,height=300,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/aardvark_tswalu_kalahari_south_africa_timbuktu_travel.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=768,height=512,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/aardvark_tswalu_kalahari_south_africa_timbuktu_travel.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2019\/12\/aardvark_tswalu_kalahari_south_africa_timbuktu_travel.jpg 1420w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1420px) 100vw, 1420px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-10370\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aardvark in the Tswalu Kalahari<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Go in search of lesser spotted beasties<\/h2>\n<p>Perhaps you\u2019ve already been on safari and ticked off the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/top-safari-destinations-big-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Big Five<\/a>, or perhaps your top things to do in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/country\/south-africa-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Africa<\/a> are more to do with seeing the creatures-less-than-ordinary. The arid desert region of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tswalu-kalahari-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tswalu Kalahari<\/a> is the place to be if you want to see something a little different. By day, keep your eyes peeled for the famous black-maned lions, desert black rhino, habituated meerkat, cheetah and sable antelope, and by night stay on the lookout for rarer beasts &#8211; namely <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/experience\/in-search-of-aardvark-and-pangolin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">aardvark and pangolin<\/a>. These tough-skinned beasties like to seek out their food under the cover of night and are one of the most prized sightings on safari, so rare they are. In the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/kruger-national-park-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kruger<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/madikwe-game-reserve-safari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Madikwe<\/a> you\u2019ll not only spot the Big Five but also one of our favourite animals, the African wild dog or painted wolf. There are only 6600 remaining in the wild and conservation efforts are well underway to ensure their future survival. They\u2019re wonderful animals to spot, famed for their extremely close family ties as well as their excellent hunting success rate. You won\u2019t be disappointed looking for hard-to-spot animals.<\/p>\n<p>Tick off plenty of our things to do in South Africa with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/trip\/grapes-and-game-parks-in-south-africa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this trip<\/a> which will take you from the red earth of Madikwe, to the dusty landscapes of the Tswalu Kalahari before heading South to enjoy everything the winelands and Cape Town has to offer. We don\u2019t like to play favourites but this trip is certainly up there!<\/p>\n<div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/region\/tswalu-kalahari-safari?action=DesignATrip&wId=001&regionName=Tswalu%20Kalahari&regionId=19\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_layout_minimal\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner\" data-entity-type=\"region\" data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"19\" >\n                    <figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/regions\/kodak_images\/000\/000\/019\/original\/0-tswalu-kalahari-south-africa-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=150&h=150&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center\"data-country-id=\"1\" data-region-id=\"19\" class=\"timbuktu_minimal_image\" alt=\"Tswalu Kalahari Image\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Tswalu Kalahari<\/div><div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Learn more<\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"timbuktu-wp\"><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Merriweather:700|Open+Sans:300,600\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/wizard\/start?action=StartTheWizard&wId=001\" class=\"no_underline timbuktu-test-class\" target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_container image-included\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner \" data-entity-type=\"country\" data-country-id=\"10000001\">\n                    <figure><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=500&h=634&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=2&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_desktop_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><img src=https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/images\/affiliate\/start-africa-safari-wizard-timbuktu-travel.jpg?w=768&h=309&auto=format&fit=min&dpr=1&q=50&crop=center center data-country-id=\"10000001\" class=\"timbuktu_mobile_image\" alt=\"Wizard Image\"><\/figure><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_copy\"><div class=\"timbuktu_banner_heading\">Not sure where to go?<\/div>\n                        <span class=\"timbuktu_works\">Answer a few simple questions to get instant trip recommendations<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"timbuktu_button\" style=\"background-color:#128d8d\">Start the wizard<\/div>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From bridge bungees to spotting rhino and everything in between <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":10376,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[112],"tags":[2139,3214,4502,52,134,1239,2547,3564,3845,3580,56,4080,1344,1503,3782,2546,4817,4886,3708,4885,139,537,4816,75,3686,3538,93,2744,3237,4084,3551,3270,1429],"class_list":["post-10364","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-adventure","tag-african-wildlife","tag-beaches","tag-big-five","tag-cape-town","tag-cape-winelands","tag-cederberg","tag-drakensberg","tag-drakensberg-mountains","tag-durban","tag-eastern-cape","tag-elephant-coast","tag-family","tag-food","tag-hemel-en-aarde","tag-hermanus","tag-hluhluwe-imfolozi","tag-hluhluwe-imfolozi-park","tag-kitesurf","tag-kitesurfing","tag-kruger","tag-kruger-national-park","tag-kwa-zulu-natal","tag-madikwe","tag-paraglide","tag-paragliding","tag-south-africa","tag-table-mountain","tag-tswalu-kalahari","tag-tswalu-kalahari-reserve","tag-western-cape","tag-whale-watching","tag-winelands"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Our guide to the top things to do in South Africa - Timbuktu<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"We\u2019ve put together a few of our favourite activities and ideas to give you some inspiration, read on to find our top things to do in South Africa.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-south-africa\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Our guide to the top things to do in South Africa - Timbuktu\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"We\u2019ve put together a few of our favourite activities and ideas to give you some inspiration, read on to find our top things to do 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\/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@timbuktu_travel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Timbuktu\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/things-to-do-in-south-africa#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/things-to-do-in-south-africa\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Timbuktu\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.timbuktutravel.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/88be6ff63366302bf83eb7a1d655e839\"},\"headline\":\"Things to do in South 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