Whether you visit South Africa with a couple of friends or your family, you will have the time of your life. South Africa is one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world and is packed with fun things to do. If you plan on visiting South Africa in the near future, you should plan to stay for at least two weeks so that you can experience everything.
- South AfricaArno & Louise Wildlife / Nature Photos / CC BY-NC
Here are six things you should do in South Africa.
Go Surfing
Hawaii isn’t the only place you can go surfing. The South African coastline offers great spots to go surfing whether you are a beginner or expert. The waves can get super high, offering you a great surfing experience. If you are an experienced surfer, you should try surfing at Jeffrey’s Bay. It is considered South Africa’s premiere surf spot and has some huge waves. If you are more of a beginner, you should check out Bay of Plenty where the waters are calmer.
Ride an Elephant
Because you probably won’t have many other chances in your lifetime, you should definitely consider riding an elephant while you are in South Africa. Sitting on top of this massive animal as it walks through the safari can be an amazing experience. The Elephant Sanctuary is a great place to ride and interact with elephants.
Go Diving With Sharks
Cage Diving with great white sharks is definitely something you should consider doing while you are in South Africa. You will be underwater with the sharks but will be completely safe in your cage. Watching these creatures swim right next to you is an experience you will not ever forget. The cages are made to hold several people, so you can even experience the sharks with your family members or friends.
Take a Hike Along the Wild Coast
The Wild Coast is located in the Eastern Cape region and is considered one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. When you walk along the trails, you will see magnificent sites like waterfalls, forests, rivers and secluded beaches. Make sure to wear very comfortable shoes and don’t forget to bring a water bottle.
Canoe Down the Orange River
If you want to experience an adventure, you should take a canoe down the Orange River. This amazing river cuts through desert and mountain scenery before it makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean. A trip will normally last a few days. It is best to canoe down the Orange River during August or September when the desert area is colorful.
Hangout With the Penguins
If you have ever wanted to experience penguins up close and personal, you can have your chance to do that at Boulders Beach on the Cape Peninsula. Although the beach is separated from the penguin colony, many of the penguins like to walk over to the beach area. When you are at this beach, you can watch penguins eat, swim, breed and run around.
Whether you choose to do one or all of these activities, you will have a wonderful time in South Africa.
Louise Trainor writes about a number of travel-related subjects. She particularly enjoys sharing her experiences of South Africa. Click for a list of hotels in Johannesburg.*
To be honest, one of the main reasons Africa has been so high on my todo list is because of the wildlife! It’s such a unique destination and a great opportunity. I have done some humanity work down south but still need to make personal time to travel about.
I´m in the process of choosing a place to go, I´ll make a trip after my graduation this year and I have saved a nice amount of money, I hope that with a little help I can get enough money to go to Africa. Reading this post and watching this image really makes me want to go and ride an elephant and see the penguins, I love animals, this is like the perfect trip for me and I bet many of my friends will want to come.