South Africa is a large country covering more than 1.2 million square kilometers, which is just under half a million square miles. This makes it nearly double the size of Texas. When planning what to see and do in South Africa, you’ll definitely need to consider the distances involved.
South Africa Has Many Different Regions
Stretching to the southern tip of Africa, this “rainbow nation” boasts a variety of regions with vastly different climatic conditions, offering unique activities throughout.
The West Coast, which starts at Cape Point (the Cape of Good Hope) and runs north past Cape Town to Alexander Bay at the mouth of the great Orange River (which also forms part of the border with Namibia), faces the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the rest of the country—including some of the Southern Cape, as well as the coastal regions of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)—faces the warmer Indian Ocean.
In contrast, parts of South Africa are desolate semi-deserts, while other areas are warm and tropical. Cape Town, the first area settled by European explorers in the 17th century, enjoys a comfortable Mediterranean climate.
Different areas also offer distinct experiences. For example:
- In spring, you can witness magical displays of wildflowers along the West Coast, just north of Cape Town.
- Near Cape Town, you’ll find a wide array of winelands, many of which produce world-class wines.
- The vast, dry Groot (Great) Karoo offers places to explore that many tourists miss—everything from awe-inspiring canyons to quaint villages and unexpected flora and fauna.
- The Klein (Small) Karoo is also rich in offerings, including the Mountain Zebra National Park near Cradock, home to one of the world’s rarest large animal species, along with many other wildlife and bird species.
- Eastern Gauteng is a prime area for seeing the Big Five and offers numerous wildlife experiences.
- If you want to be near the coast while still seeing animals, there are superb smaller game reserves in KZN.
- The Drakensberg Mountains in KZN are another favorite destination—away from the cities but with access to excellent hotels.
- KZN offers some great surfing, but the real surfer’s paradise is Cape St. Francis in the Eastern Cape.
- The Eastern Cape also features a rich wildlife scene, with the best elephant reserve being Addo Elephant Park north of Port Elizabeth.
These are just a few of the gems South Africa has to offer.
However, due to the vast distances, careful planning is essential to ensure you see what most appeals to you, especially if you’re on a limited timeline.
Planning a Holiday in South Africa
If you’re visiting friends or family, their residence will likely be your base. Otherwise, you’ll need to make some decisions.
One of your main decisions will be whether to stay in one place for most or all of your trip, getting to know the area and its offerings, or to travel widely and experience the country’s incredible diversity. Another option is to base yourself in one place and then travel for a day or more at a time, following a pre-planned route. This is typically what a tour operator would suggest, but you could also stop wherever you find something interesting—whether it’s a beach, a village, a national monument, or a quaint country hotel.
A great way to start planning your holiday is by creating a wish list of activities you’d like to do and specific sights you want to see. For example, you might want to spend time on the beach, enjoy access to top-notch restaurants, or take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. This iconic landmark, which was named one of the New7Wonders of Nature on November 11, 2011, shares its prestigious designation with other natural wonders such as the Amazon, Vietnam’s Halong Bay, Argentina’s Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island off the Korean coast, Komodo in Indonesia, and the underground rivers of Puerto Princesa in the Philippines. You can experience all of that from Cape Town—unless, of course, you want warmer sea temperatures! The Atlantic Ocean here is cold, although it can be a relief on a really hot day.
Ultimately, you’ll need to prioritize what’s most important to you.
Here are a couple of ideas you might not have considered:
Combine Wine Tasting with Other Adventures
While all of South Africa’s wine routes are in the Western Cape, they are not all located near Cape Town. Some, such as Groot Constantia, where Simon van der Stel established some of South Africa’s first vineyards in the 17th century, are close to the city. In fact, the country’s very first wine route is in Stellenbosch, with more than 148 venues to choose from.
Some wine routes are a little further out, like Paarl and Franschhoek, which are not only home to amazing wines but also world-class restaurants, smaller eateries, and charming shops you won’t want to leave. From there, you could continue on to the Swartland and the West Coast, which is famous for its spring flowers. The West Coast alone has three of South Africa’s largest wine cellars, along with another 12, with even more in the Swartland region.
If you’re not interested in flowers but have always wanted to see whales, head to Hermanus and nearby Walker Bay, where you can enjoy some amazing wine, stunning beaches, fantastic restaurants, and charming villages. It’s also a perfect spot for photography.
You could also focus on what’s been called the longest wine route in the world—if you can find a driver who isn’t tempted by some of the world’s best wines! Starting in Paarl, northwest of Cape Town (just about an hour’s drive away), it stretches all the way to Kareedouw near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Along the way, you’ll pass through Worcester (home to the world-famous KWV brandy), Robertson, and the charming town of Ashton. By the time you reach Calitzdorp, you’ll be in the Klein Karoo, known as the port wine capital of South Africa, and heading towards Oudtshoorn, famous for its ostriches.
From Port Elizabeth, you can either head north to Gauteng or continue up the coast to KwaZulu-Natal.
Seek out Hotels and Resorts with Hot Springs and Spas
South Africa is home to numerous hot springs and spas, many of which offer superb accommodation. Not all of them are excessively expensive (though more affordable options may have less luxurious accommodations). If you’d enjoy relaxing in natural spring water after a day of exploring, consider staying at a hot spring resort for a few days.
Here are a few examples:
- The Caledon Casino, Hotel, and Spa is just a couple of hours’ drive from Cape Town and well worth a visit, even if you don’t stay. The mineral-rich spring water is heated to around 149°F (65°C). The water won top prize at a Chicago World Fair in the 19th century for its medicinal properties.
- About two hours from Cape Town, Goudini Spa offers a more rustic experience. If you’re into camping, this is a good option—though the water is very hot!
- In Limpopo Province, a couple of hours north of Johannesburg, you’ll find several natural hot springs. Die Oog (Eye) in the Waterberg, known for its wildlife, is one of the best.
- KZN boasts a variety of hot spring venues, including Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort, located on the Battlefields Route—a popular spot for those interested in British-Boer history. There are also plenty of activities for the whole family.
If this idea appeals to you, be sure to add spas and hot springs to your wish list while planning your South African adventure. There are stunning spas in nearly every province. Check with local tourism offices to decide whether to join a tour or explore on your own.
