{"id":18850,"date":"2019-01-16T16:31:19","date_gmt":"2019-01-16T15:31:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=18850"},"modified":"2022-03-15T16:12:38","modified_gmt":"2022-03-15T15:12:38","slug":"7-things-you-cant-miss-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/7-things-you-cant-miss-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Things You Can’t Miss in South Africa (Updated 2022)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At first glance, the beauty of South Africa might seem to exclusively lie in its physical structures; the striking landscapes, the wild and rugged coastlines, and national parks filled with wildlife encounters that will leave you speechless. But, where this must-visit destination stands out from the rest of the world is in the nation’s strength and resilience that comes from surviving some of the most harrowing events in history. A touring adventure through South Africa<\/a> is an adventure you\u2019ll never forget, and these are our top experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Gain a first-hand understanding of South Africa\u2019s history<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite suffering a series of heart-wrenching events throughout the years, the beauty and magic of South Africa lie in the strong sense of pride that runs through the country today. A visit to the many exhibits and museums on the Apartheid era might be a heavy experience, yet it provides an in-depth understanding of just how far the country has come, and should not be missed.  
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During your travels through South Africa, a visit to KwaZulu Natal<\/a> is an essential piece of the puzzle to help understand the effects of the Apartheid. In this region, you can visit the Nelson Mandela Capture Site where he was apprehended for his anti-Apartheid activism. Or, you can spend time learning about the historic significance of the Battle of the Blood River that took place on the banks of the Ncome River.
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Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned | \u00a9 Brian Snelson\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

From the waterfront in Cape Town, you can see Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. While the prison is no longer serving its original purpose, it now acts as a museum (accessible via a short ferry) where guided tours are led by ex-prisoners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or, if you find yourself in Johannesburg<\/a>, you can continue your history lesson at The Apartheid Museum; another can\u2019t miss experience. \u00a0
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2. Get lost in the bustling backstreets of Cape Town<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You could spend weeks in Cape Town<\/a> and barely scratch the surface, as this energetic city truly has it all. With its trendy bars and secret eateries on Kloof Street, iconic views of Table Mountain that dominate the skyline, hidden galleries dotted throughout the city, artisan markets such as the Old Biscuit Mill Market or Green Market Square, the atmosphere is unbeatable \u2013 and is worth spending hours and hours getting lost in.
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Explore all that beautiful Cape Town has to offer!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Just don\u2019t forget to spend an afternoon down by the waterfront, or visit the District Six Museum for another moving history lesson.
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See Also: <\/em>What to Expect on a South African Wine Tour<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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3. Spend time in the Winelands<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you set off from Cape Town, Route 62 \u2013 the longest wine route in the world, should be your next point of call, and this region has carved its own unique identity. Picture this: quaint, boutique vineyards where innovative food, unique Dutch-influenced architecture, and rolling hills make for the perfect place to give in to temptation and enjoy a glass, or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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South Africa is known all over the world for its delicious wine!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Come face-to-face with hundreds of ostriches in Oudtshoorn <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oudtshoorn might boast a strange claim to fame as the ostrich capital of the world. But, it\u2019s another unmissable stop during your exploration of South Africa. If you have an adventurous palate, ostrich kebabs or ostrich steak will be on the menu, assuming you\u2019re up for the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Observe ostriches in their natural habitat on a tour | \u00a9 Wolfgang <\/a>Hasselmanr<\/a>\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
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See Also: <\/em>5 Quick Tips for Taking Better Travel Photos<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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5. Find an adrenaline-filled adventure in Jeffery\u2019s Bay <\/strong>
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This sleepy coastal town is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Grab a board and learn to surf with the locals. Go sandboarding on the nearby dunes. Or, take the plunge with a bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge, just outside of Jeffery\u2019s Bay<\/a>.
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6. Journey through the Drakensberg Mountains<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We may have mentioned it earlier, but the geographically diverse landscapes of South Africa are some of the best in the world, and the Drakensberg Mountains exemplify exactly that! The tabletop peaks \u2013 stretching as far as the eye can see \u2013 can be explored on foot with various hiking trails. Or, you can jump in a 4×4 vehicle travelling up to Sani Pass overlooking the Khomazana river valley.

One thing\u2019s for sure: don\u2019t forget your camera!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Explore the Drakensberg Caves for yourself<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7.  Spot the Big Five in Kruger National Park<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, we know you were probably expecting Kruger National Park<\/a> to score a mention on our list of best experiences, and here it is! But rest assured. It didn\u2019t earn its place as one of the most popular places to visit in South Africa without good reason.
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Experience the magic of the Big Five on a safari | \u00a9 AnnaKate Auten\/Unsplash<\/a>
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Home to the illustrious Big Five<\/a> \u2013 lion, buffalo, leopard, elephant, and rhino \u2013 as well as countless other animals, coming this close to nature is a goosebump-inducing experience. Just don\u2019t be surprised if you shed a tear the first time you see a pride of lions roaming nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n

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See Also: <\/em>Safari in South Africa vs. Tanzania: Where Should You Go?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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If we haven’t convinced you that a safari in South Africa is worth the stamp in your passport, then let Gerhard from Hotspots2c<\/a> tell you why a tour through this wondrous region will change your life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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