Isandhlwana battlefield

Now, let’s talk about the top 10 experiences in South Africa (although there are so many it’s hard to choose just 10!).

Scenic splendour

South Africa is a country of contrasts and colour: you can spend the day lazing on an endless beach and, within hours, get lost in a forest. A single day can take you from dramatic mountain scapes to the stark beauty of the semi-desert. Oceans, rivers, rolling countryside, pristine bushveld: it’s all here to be enjoyed and explored.

Winelands

South Africa’s first wines were produced more than 300 years ago – and the country’s wines have enjoyed an unfaltering reputation for excellence ever since. Visiting the wine routes is a must, not only because nothing quite compares to a day of excellent wine and food - the stately, historic manor houses on many wine farms are an attraction in themselves. What’s more, there are so many different wine routes to choose from, from the mountainous splendour of Stellenbosch to the unique gems of the Northern Cape. Check out www.dined.co.za to get the full picture of wine routes available in the country.

Fun fact: Pinotage is South Africa's local grape, a cross of pinot noir and cinsaut, and is widely planted, regarded as the trump card of the wine industry.

Safaris

There’s something magical about watching wild animals in their natural habitat. The sights, smells, and sounds have to be experienced to be believed. Whether your visitors are looking for a five-star stay at an award-winning lodge, a time-out at a private reserve, Big Five viewing at a national park, a self-guided drive through the wild, or a hike through the bush, South Africa offers it all. The country has a good mix of private game reserves and national parks in which the fundamental difference is their management and ownership.

Choose a private game reserve if you want:

An exclusive and intimate safari experience with fewer crowds.
The best possible wildlife viewing, with off-road access and expert trackers.
A wider variety of activities, including night drives and walking safaris.
Luxury accommodations and all-inclusive service.
The satisfaction of knowing your visit directly funds conservation efforts.

Choose a national park if you want:

A more budget-friendly safari option, with the flexibility to save on costs.
The freedom to explore and self-drive at your own pace.
A "classic" safari experience with diverse landscapes and large herds of animals.
A family-friendly option that often includes facilities like self-catering kitchens.

Best of both worlds

Many travelers opt for a combination safari that includes both a national park and a private reserve. This allows you to experience the vast scale and iconic landscapes of a national park before transitioning to the exclusive, intimate, and guided experience of a private reserve.

Kruger National Park

A South African icon - the Kruger National Park has something for everyone: private camps for those who enjoy a little luxury, rustic camps where self-driving holidays allow you the excitement of trying to spot your own game (which isn’t always easy, given their excellent camouflage), and guided walks where knowledgeable guides teach visitors about fascinating bush lore. Your clients will be able to fall asleep under a sky with countless stars, where the howl of the hyena and the lion’s roar make for an unforgettable lullaby, and wake to the sound of a dawn chorus that makes the city seem worlds away.

Struggle sites, rock art and historic battlefields

South Africa has been shaped by larger-than-life characters. They’ve left their footprints throughout the country; from the very first inhabitants, who told their story through rock art, to the Boers, Brits and Zulus whose ongoing battles for independence left scars that remain on battlefields to this day – and, of course, the freedom fighters like Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo and Mahatma Ghandi, whose commitment to the fight against Apartheid helped to birth our modern country.

Marine magnificence

Ever watched the ocean’s spray soar skyward after the slap of a whale’s tale, or swum beside a pod of playful dolphins? Ever watched a penguin waddle past your beach towel, or held your breath, safe in your shark cage, as a Great White glides past you? Ever seen turtle hatchlings scurrying towards the sea? South Africa’s mighty oceans are a constant reminder of the majesty and magic of the natural world.

Something to check out:

Sardine Run - The Sardine Run is an annual event along South Africa's east coast, from around May to July, where millions of sardines migrate north, creating a massive feeding frenzy that attracts various predators like sharks, dolphins, whales, and seabirds. This "greatest shoal on Earth" is a natural phenomenon influenced by ocean currents and weather, but sardine populations have decreased significantly due to climate change and commercial fishing, raising concerns about the future of the run. 

Whale watching - The official Hermanus whale watching season is generally from June to November, with the peak season for the Southern Right Whales occurring between August and October. This is when Southern Right Whales migrate to the sheltered waters of Walker Bay to mate, calve, and nurse their young. You might also spot Humpback and Bryde's whales, though their sightings and peak seasons vary. 

Getting to know the locals

South Africans have stories and opinions – and we’re not afraid to share them! We want to know yours, too, which means we won’t hesitate to strike up a conversation wherever, whenever – whether we’re standing in the queue at the supermarket or relaxing at a coffee shop. This can make for some very interesting conversations, especially since South Africans have such varied cultural backgrounds – there’s so much to learn. If your clients would like to get even closer to these cultures, be sure to book them an experience like a stay in a traditional cultural village, a tour of Soweto or Khayelitsha (where they can enjoy a traditional meal), or even a stay on a countryside farm. Remind them to keep a lookout for stunning cultural artefacts, like exquisite beadwork and artistry, which make for great souvenirs and presents.

Portrait of a woman from the Western Cape 

Outdoor rush

South Africa’s sunny climate is an open-ended invitation to venture outdoors – and visitors are always eager to accept! With horse riding, white water rafting, 4X4 routes, abseiling, paragliding, and bungee jumping (including the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump) on the menu, and spectacular locations providing the perfect backdrop, there’s every reason to slap on the sunscreen and get ready for an adrenaline rush!

Indulge the senses

Wellness tourism has a massive following in South Africa –wherever you are, you are likely to find a spa staffed by highly experienced therapists. Whether your guests have booked a beach escape or a bush getaway (or a stay at any of the country’s other stunning destinations), they’ll be able to take a time out with a luxurious pamper at a beautifully appointed spa. And, while almost all stock the world’s leading brands, many also offer treatments with products made from indigenous healing plants – an absolute must.

Urban rhythm

Fabulous fashions from glamorously sophisticated malls; galleries hung with evocative art by local artists, museums bringing our fascinating past to life, bustling craft markets and market entrepreneurs who experiment tirelessly with tastes and flavours, chic sidewalk cafes… by day, our cities buzz with an irresistible energy. At night, the buzz continues: check out thought-provoking theatre and stunning dance productions in our world-class theatres, enjoy the one-of-a-kind vibe at a township shebeen (tavern), or get down to local beats like kwaito or amapiano at our nightclubs. Here for the weekend? A shisa nyama is a must: choose a cut of meat, select your sides (think pap - stiff maize meal porridge - and shakalaka, a spicy tomato relish), then relax with an icy beer and chill to the DJ’s beats as your meal cooks over an open braai (fire). Lekker!

Fun Fact: Amapiano is a fast growing music export from South Africa to the world; with a growth rate of 5,668% since 2018 - now hitting highs of 1,4 billion streams (Spotify) and drawing massive crowds at the likes of Times Square and Ibiza, amongst others.

Info box:

Are credit cards readily accepted?
Yes. In fact, with many shops and restaurants going cashless, MasterCard, Visa and tap and go are preferred payment options.

Are camera cards, batteries and other camera accessories readily available?

Yes, but it’s always advisable to carry spares, especially if visitors are going into the bush or remote areas where such items might be hard to find.

Do my clients need to bring binoculars?

If your visitors will be spending time in the bush a lightweight pair of binoculars are a must! These will help them make the most out of the views, birds or wildlife. That said, many lodges provide binoculars for game viewing during game drives.