South Africa is a country that offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. From its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Due to the size of the country and diverse adventure options, it can be difficult to narrow down activities. That is where this Ultimate South Africa bucket list comes in to save the day!
A comprehensive South Africa bucket list should include a mix of city sightseeing, wildlife safaris, and outdoor adventures. Visitors can start their trip in Cape Town, one of the country’s most popular destinations. They can explore the city’s historic landmarks, hike up Table Mountain, and take a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula. From there, they can head to the Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, for a chance to spot the Big Five and other wildlife.
Other activities to include in your South Africa bucket list include the Garden Route. This scenic coastal drive takes visitors past picturesque towns, forests, beaches, and the Zulu Kingdom, where visitors can learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage and witness traditional Zulu dance performances. With so much to see and do, it is a necessity to plan out your South Africa bucket list ahead of time.
“Table Mountain – South Africa” by South African Tourism is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Getting Started on Your South Africa Bucket List
Visa Requirements
Let’s get the boring paperwork out of the way first. Before booking a trip to South Africa, it’s important to check the visa requirements for your country. If you are from the US, travel.state.gov is where you will find the most up-to-date information. Some nationalities may need to apply for a visa in advance, while others can obtain a visa on arrival. The South African Department of Home Affairs website has detailed information on visa requirements and application procedures.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with the vaccination requirements. Check out this post on staying healthy while you travel.
Transportation Logistics
Another boring but important part – logistics. Getting around South Africa can be done by various means of transportation. For longer distances, domestic flights are a convenient option, with major airlines such as South African Airways, Mango, and Kulula offering regular flights between major cities. Alternatively, renting a car is a popular choice for those who want to explore at their own pace. However, it’s important to note that South Africa has left-hand traffic (like the UK and Australia), so drivers from countries with right-hand traffic (like the USA and China) should take extra care. Public transportation is also available, with buses and trains connecting major cities and towns.
When planning out your South Africa bucket list, consider travel time between destinations. South Africa is a large country, and driving or taking public transportation can take longer than expected due to traffic and road conditions. It’s a good idea to plan for extra travel time and avoid cramming too many destinations onto your South Africa bucket list.
Destinations that Belong on Your South Africa Bucket List
Now that we’ve dealt with the boring stuff, let’s get started on the exciting destinations that are worth of being on a South Africa bucket list.
Cape Town
Cape Town is a vibrant city located on the southwest coast that definitely deserves a VIP spot on your South Africa bucket list. It is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture. Here are a few must-see attractions in Cape Town that belong on a South Africa bucket list:
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cape Town. It is a flat-topped mountain that overlooks the city and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the mountain or hike to the summit for a more challenging experience. Once at the top, visitors can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or take a leisurely walk along one of the many scenic trails.
Robben Island
Robben Island is a small island located just off the coast of Cape Town. It is most famous for being the site of the prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and take a guided tour of the prison and the island’s other historical sites. It is a powerful and moving experience that offers a glimpse into South Africa’s troubled past. If you are interested in history, then this island is a safe addition to your South African Bucket List.
Overall, Cape Town is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to South Africa. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of the top destinations that should be on your South Africa bucket list. This vibrant national park offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience. The park covers an area of 19,485 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of animals, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo).
Safari Tours
One of the best ways to experience Kruger National Park is through a safari tour. There are many options available, from guided tours to self-drive safaris. Guided tours are a great option for first-time visitors, as they provide an experienced guide who can help you spot wildlife and provide interesting information about the park. Self-drive safaris are ideal for those who want more flexibility and independence.
There are also different types of safari tours available, including morning, afternoon, and night drives. Morning drives are a great way to see animals when they are most active, while night drives offer the chance to see nocturnal animals. Afternoon drives are a good option for those who want to avoid the heat of the day. No matter how you go about it, you won’t regret adding a safari tour to your South Africa bucket list. Why is that? Well, read on to learn about the diverse wildlife you’ll encounter.
Wildlife
Kruger National Park is home to a vast array of wildlife, including over 500 bird species and 147 mammal species. In addition to the Big Five, visitors can also see cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and many other animals.
The best times to see wildlife are early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active. Visitors should also keep an eye out for waterholes, as they are popular spots for animals to gather.
It is important to remember that Kruger National Park is a conservation area, and visitors should respect the wildlife and their habitats. Visitors should not feed the animals or disturb their natural behavior in any way. Visitors should also implement eco-friendly practices while traveling through the Kruger National Park. Simple things like using reusable straws and reusable bottles go a long way.
Overall, Kruger National Park is a must-visit destination to put on your South Africa bucket list as it is perfect for anyone interested in wildlife, nature, and adventure. With its stunning landscapes and diverse range of animals, it is sure to bestow you with an unforgettable experience.
For more information on Kruger National Park, visit Safari Near.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg, also known as Jo’burg or Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa and a hub of culture and history. With its bustling streets and vibrant energy, it’s a must-visit destination on any South Africa bucket list.
Soweto
Soweto is a township located just outside of Johannesburg, and is a vibrant and bustling hub of culture and history. Visitors can take a tour of the township to learn more about its rich history and the role it played in the struggle against apartheid.
One of the most popular attractions in Soweto is the former home of Nelson Mandela, now known as the Mandela House Museum. Visitors can explore this modest home and learn about Mandela’s life and legacy.
Soweto is also home to the Hector Pieterson Museum, which commemorates the students who were killed during the Soweto Uprising in 1976. Visitors can learn about the events leading up to the uprising and the impact it had on South African history.
Garden Route
South Africa’s Garden Route is a 300-kilometer stretch of coastal road that winds its way through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. The route is a popular destination for visitors to South Africa, offering stunning beaches, lush forests, and towering mountains. With the vivid colors and aromatic atmosphere, this is destination that certainly deserves a spot on you South Africa bucket list.
“Lavender Farm – Ladismith, Garden Route” by South African Tourism is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Beaches
The Garden Route is home to some of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches. One of the most popular is Plettenberg Bay, which boasts miles of pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. Another must-visit beach to put on your South Africa bucket list is Victoria Bay, a secluded cove that’s perfect for swimming and surfing.
Other notable beaches along the Garden Route include Wilderness Beach. Dense forests surround it, and it is a popular spot for bird watching and Brenton-on-Sea, which offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
“Garden Route, Eastern Cape, South Africa” by South African Tourism is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Hiking Trails
The Garden Route is also a hiker’s paradise, with numerous trails that wind through the region’s forests and mountains. One of the most popular is the Otter Trail, a five-day trek that takes hikers through some of the Garden Route’s most spectacular scenery.
Another popular trail is the Tsitsikamma Trail, which offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and takes hikers through lush forests and along rocky cliffs. For a shorter hike, the Robberg Nature Reserve offers several trails that wind through the reserve’s rugged landscape and offer stunning coastline views.
Durban
Durban is a coastal city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is known for its warm waters of the Indian Ocean, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. Durban is a must-visit destination.
Golden Mile Beaches
The name alone should earn this beautiful spot a place on your South Africa bucket list. The Golden Mile is a stretch of beaches along the Durban coastline. It is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beaches are well-maintained and offer plenty of amenities such as restaurants, bars, and shops. The most popular beaches on the Golden Mile are North Beach, South Beach, and uShaka Beach.
North Beach is the busiest beach on the Golden Mile. It is a great spot for swimming and surfing, and it has a promenade with plenty of restaurants and cafes. South Beach is a quieter alternative to North Beach. It is located near the harbor and offers great views of the ships coming in and out of the port. uShaka Beach is located near the uShaka Marine World and is a great spot for families with children to add to their South Africa bucket list.
“Biking to Tennessee Beach” by fabola is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
uShaka Marine World
uShaka Marine World is a theme park and aquarium located in Durban. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, offering plenty of activities for visitors of all ages. The park has several sections, including an aquarium, a water park, and a beach.
The aquarium is home to a variety of marine animals, including sharks, dolphins, and penguins. Visitors can watch feeding sessions and even swim with some of the animals. The water park has several slides and pools, including a wave pool and a lazy river. The beach is a great spot for relaxing and enjoying the sun.
“uShaka Marine World, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa” by South African Tourism is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Wine Tasting
South Africa is known for its world-class wines and wine tourism is a popular activity for visitors. There are several wine regions in South Africa, but the Cape Winelands, which include Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, is the most famous. Wine lovers take note and add these destinations to your South Africa bucket list! You won’t be sorry.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is one of the oldest and most famous wine regions in South Africa. It is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Pinotage wines. Visitors can take a wine tour of the region and visit some of the many wine estates, such as the Spier Wine Farm, which offers wine tasting, vineyard tours, and fine dining. Another popular wine estate is the Delaire Graff Estate, which has a tasting room, a restaurant, and a collection of contemporary African art.
For those who prefer a more unique wine-tasting experience, the Stellenbosch Wine Festival is held annually in February. It is a great opportunity to sample wines from over 100 local wineries. If that doesn’t belong on a South Africa bucket list, what does? Unless you’re not into wine, of course. In which case, you can extend your time at the aquarium.
Franschhoek
All of the wine lovers should add this to their South Africa bucket list. Franschhoek is a picturesque town in the Cape Winelands known for its French Huguenot heritage and excellent wines. It is home to several award-winning wine estates, including La Motte, which has a tasting room, a restaurant, and a museum of Cape Dutch architecture. Another popular wine estate is the Haute Cabrière, which specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines and has a tasting room with stunning views of the valley.
Visitors can also take a scenic ride on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, which stops at several wine estates in the region and offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the area while enjoying some of the best wines in South Africa.
Overall, the Cape Winelands offer a unique wine-tasting experience that any wine lover should not miss. Whether you choose to visit Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, you are sure to enjoy the stunning scenery, delicious wines, and warm hospitality of the region.
Conclusion of Our South Africa Bucket List
South Africa offers a wide range of experiences to travelers. From its beautiful cities to its stunning natural landscapes and wildlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Hopefully, some of the things on this South Africa bucket list caught your eye. South Africa is a big country, and it would be impossible to list ALL of the activities, so it’s important to continue researching ideas. By planning out your South Africa bucket list, you can make the most of your time and create unforgettable memories. Good luck!
