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
    4.7/5
    󰺂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
  • Table Mountaintop_2
    4.8/5
    󰺂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
  • Gold Reef City Theme Parktop_3
    4.7/5
    󰺂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
  • Union Buildings
    4
    4.6/5
    󰺂7.9
    Pretoria
    Highlights:
    󱨜Watch South African band performance
    󰋄Capital's panoramic viewpoint
  • Table Mountain National Park
    5
    4.6/5
    󰺂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
  • Duiker Island
    6
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.4
    Hout Bay
    Highlights:
    󰋄Guided tour on seals' habits
    󰋄Wild seals & stunning seascapes
  • Nelson Mandela Square
    7
    4.5/5
    󰺂7.3
    Sandton
    Highlights:
    󰋄Near Sandton Mall & luxury hotels
    󱨜Mandela's life story sculptures
    󱨠46% positive reviews
  • Boulders Beach
    8
    4.7/5
    󰺂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
  • Blyde River Canyon
    9
    4.7/5
    󰺂7.2
    Ehlanzeni
    Highlights:
    󱓊Hiking, rafting & horseback riding
    󰋄View millennia-old erosion wonders
  • Cape Point
    10
    4.8/5
    󰺂7.0
    Cape Town
    Highlights:
    Cable car views: oceans meet
    Cape Point's panoramic viewpoint
    󱨠79% positive reviews

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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