So you want to see South Africa? We’ve got everything: mountains, deserts, oceans, forests, jungles, bushveld, and swamp. Absolutely everything any nature-lover could ask for! We’ve also got cities and high-rise buildings, traffic jams, museums, malls, and other cultural attractions aplenty!
Whatever your interest, you’ll find somewhere and something to pique it, in South Africa. Don’t know where to start? We’ve put together a suggested itinerary of things to do and see in South Africa. Don’t know where to stay? We’ve got South African accommodation covered for you as well…
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
That’s the “City of Gold” to locals and, if you’re coming from outside of South Africa, it’s probably where you’ll be flying into our country. The first thing you’ll want to do is take the Gautrain. We’re quite proud of it. It’s gold, it’s fast, it’s fancy, and it stops opposite the Courtyard Hotel Rosebank (ideal accommodation – choose from studio, one or two-bedroom luxury apartments with fully-equipped kitchenettes).
Major shopping centres, craft markets, restaurants, and cinemas are all within walking distance of Rosebank – so if you don’t feel like driving on Jozi roads, you can walk…
PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO IN JOBURG
- The Apartheid Museum: There’s no better way to see how far we’ve come as a country, and how much we’ve grown, than to visit the Apartheid Museum.
- The Maboneng Precinct: Think arty – this is the hipster capital of Jozi. Visit Arts on Main on Sunday for a delectable craft and food market experience. Try out the indie coffee shops and walk through revamped, revitalised old bits of the city.
- The Johannesburg Zoo: We’ve got creatures galore and you don’t even have to go to the bush to see them!
- Gold Reef City: Not only can you learn about how Johannesburg started out as a gold mining town, you can take a spin on some of the most thrilling and hair- raising amusement park rides in the world! Make a day of it!
- The Jozi Red Bus Tour: Do Jozi in a day. The Red Bus is a hop-on, hop-off service that takes you to our best places of interest. The Carlton Tower, Constitution Hill, Gandhi Square and the Origins Centre at Wits, are just a few of the stops on the tour.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town isn’t called the Mother City for nothing – and your mother wouldn’t be pleased if you didn’t visit her, now would she? You definitely need to include Cape Town in your itinerary – you’ll regret it if you don’t. The air is sweeter, the people move and talk slower – everything in Cape Town is chilled and relaxed – it’s all that fresh mountain and sea air!
While you’re there, if you need to book a few night’s stay, here are some suggestions:
- Courtyard Hotel, Cape Town: You wont soon forget your stay in this gorgeous converted historical Cape Dutch Manor house, which has an incredible eye- popping views of Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain. The original thatched barn is home to six of the loft suites – pick yours and make yourself at home!
- City Lodge Hotel, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront: If you’re looking for a centrally- located hotel to set up a base from which to explore Cape Town, this City Lodge Hotel is the gateway to the vibrant and dynamic V&A Waterfront. It’s also conveniently within walking distance of Cape Town’s CBD, not to mention close to the N2 motorway and a mere 15 minutes from the international airport. A nautical theme runs through the hotel – so come aboard, sailor!
PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN
- Table Mountain: Ride the cable car (for free if it’s your birthday!) to the top. The view from the top is indescribable. Unless, of course, Table Mountain is wearing her misty table cloth, then don’t bother!
- The Castle of Good Hope: Built between 1666 and 1679 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a maritime replenishment station, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa – and it’s well worth wandering through.
- Robben Island: Famous for being Madiba’s captive home for decades, the Robben Island Museum tells a fascinating tale of South African heritage.
- Kirstenbosch Gardens: The most beautiful garden in Africa, Kirstenbosch is set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. More than just a garden, Kirstenbosch is part of a nature reserve – spread over 36 hectares, it is part of a 528 hectare estate that contains protected mountainside supporting natural forest and fynbos along with a variety of animals and birds.
EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA
More than just a windy city, East London has gorgeous beaches and a whole lot going on for it. Find out 10 things you didn’t know about East London, including where to go, what to eat, where to get your cultural fix and where to shake your groove thang.
While you’re there, you should definitely check out the East London Road Lodge for accommodation. It’s conveniently located close to the city, and is central to other points of interest in the Eastern Cape.
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
Arguably the warmest and friendliest place in South Africa, Durban is a bustling coastal town with a lot to offer. It’s a stunning holiday spot and offers everything from the hottest curries to hippo-spotting. While you’re there, you should stay at the City Lodge Hotel, Umhlanga – it’s fine, luxuriously modern accommodation that’s guaranteed to meet all your needs.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN DURBAN:
- uShaka Marine World: A marine-themed attraction – you can do it all here. Watch dolphin and seal shows, see sharks up-close, take a stroll through the oceanarium and get your thrill on in the amusement park rides.
- Go on a game drive in a game reserve: Kwa-Zulu Natal has some of SA’s best and biggest game. Rhino, hippo, big cats and rare frogs – we’ve got them and you should come and see them. Check out a list of KZN’s best game reserves.
- Hit the beach. With miles and miles of coastline and warm, swimmable water, there’s nothing better than a swim in the ocean and a walk on the shore.
- Visit the Old Fort and Cemetery: A fascinating historical site that speaks of our history, from when Natal was first settled in 1824.
- Get a real cultural experience, meet real Zulus. Find out where Kwa-Zulu Natal, which means, Place of the Zulus, gets its name from. Wander through a Zulu village, taste their beer and learn about their traditions – all at Phezulu.
While you’re there, pop in at the Crocodile Park and check out those sharp pearly white, razor sharp teeth for yourself! Wherever you go in South Africa, whatever you decide to experience – you’ll find a City Lodge Hotel, a Road Lodge, a Town Lodge, or a Courtyard Hotel waiting to make you feel welcome…
So what are you waiting for? Start exploring – it’s a beautiful country!