UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at South Africa's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, safaris, and experiences across South Africa.
Robben Island
Visit the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was held, offering guided tours of historical cells and apartheid exhibits.
A poignant site for understanding South Africa's struggle for freedom, with ferry rides from Cape Town.
Cape Floral Region
Discover diverse fynbos ecosystems in Table Mountain National Park, home to rare plant species.
Ideal for botanists and hikers, showcasing one of the world's six floral kingdoms.
Cradle of Humankind
Explore ancient caves like Sterkfontein with fossil exhibits tracing human evolution.
A must for history buffs, featuring underground tours and archaeological discoveries.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Witness coastal lakes, coral reefs, and wildlife including hippos and crocodiles.
Perfect for eco-tours and birdwatching in this subtropical paradise.
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
Uncover ancient ruins of a pre-colonial kingdom with golden artifacts and hilltop views.
A serene site blending history and savanna landscapes near the Limpopo River.
Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape
Experience rugged desert mountains and Namaqua cultural heritage with hiking trails.
Remote and wild, offering unique flora and indigenous community interactions.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Kruger National Park
Embark on Big Five safaris amid vast bushveld, with guided drives and walking trails.
Prime for wildlife enthusiasts spotting lions, elephants, and leopards at dawn.
Table Mountain
Hike or cable car to the summit for panoramic Cape Town views and fynbos trails.
Iconic landmark perfect for adventure seekers and sunset picnics.
Garden Route Beaches
Relax on pristine shores from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay with whale watching.
Family-friendly coastal drives featuring lagoons and seafood eateries.
Drakensberg Mountains
Trek ancient San rock art sites and waterfalls in this dramatic escarpment.
Outdoor haven for climbers and nature lovers with cave explorations.
Wild Coast
Discover untamed beaches and shipwrecks along Eastern Cape's rugged shoreline.
Hidden gem for hiking and cultural Xhosa village visits.
Addo Elephant National Park
Spot massive elephant herds and diverse wildlife in this malaria-free reserve.
Ideal for self-drive safaris and birding with coastal thicket ecosystems.
South Africa by Region
🌊 Western Cape
- Best For: Coastal beauty, wine regions, and urban vibes with Cape Town's iconic landmarks.
- Key Destinations: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and the Garden Route for beaches and mountains.
- Activities: Cable car rides, wine tastings, whale watching, and scenic drives along Chapman's Peak.
- Best Time: Summer (Dec-Feb) for beaches and festivals, with warm 20-30°C weather and blooming fynbos.
- Getting There: Cape Town International Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🏙️ Gauteng
- Best For: Urban energy, history, and cultural sites as South Africa's economic powerhouse.
- Key Destinations: Johannesburg for Soweto tours, Pretoria for Union Buildings, and Cradle of Humankind nearby.
- Activities: Apartheid Museum visits, gold mine tours, street art walks, and vibrant markets.
- Best Time: Year-round, but spring (Sept-Nov) for jacaranda blooms and milder 15-25°C temperatures.
- Getting There: Well-connected by train from Cape Town, with frequent services and private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🦁 Mpumalanga & Limpopo
- Best For: Wildlife safaris and dramatic landscapes, featuring Kruger and Blyde River Canyon.
- Key Destinations: Kruger National Park, Panorama Route towns, and Mapungubwe for ancient history.
- Activities: Game drives, canyon hikes, hot air balloon rides, and cultural village experiences.
- Best Time: Dry winter (May-Aug) for optimal wildlife viewing, with comfortable 15-25°C days.
- Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring parks and remote scenic routes.
🏝️ KwaZulu-Natal
- Best For: Beaches, battlefields, and mountains with Durban's Indian Ocean charm.
- Key Destinations: Durban, Drakensberg, iSimangaliso Park, and Hluhluwe for coastal and inland adventures.
- Activities: Surfing, Zulu cultural tours, hiking peaks, and shark cage diving.
- Best Time: Summer (Dec-Feb) for beaches, with warm 25-30°C and sea breezes, or winter for mountains.
- Getting There: Direct trains or flights to Durban, with coastal roads connecting to game reserves.
Sample South Africa Itineraries
🚀 7-Day South Africa Highlights
Arrive in Cape Town, explore Table Mountain, visit Robben Island, and stroll the V&A Waterfront for seafood and shopping.
Drive to Stellenbosch for wine tastings and vineyard tours, then head to the Garden Route for beach stops in Knysna and Tsitsikamma hikes.
Fly to Johannesburg for Soweto tours and Apartheid Museum, with a day trip to Cradle of Humankind caves.
Final day in Johannesburg for markets and cuisine, or extend with a penguin beach visit before departure.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Cape Town city tour covering Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and Bo-Kaap colorful streets with local food experiences.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for wine estates and chocolate pairings, then coastal drive to Hermanus for whale watching.
Explore Tsitsikamma National Park for canopy tours and beaches, with stops in Plettenberg Bay for adventure activities.
Fly to Kruger for morning and evening game drives, staying in lodges to spot the Big Five and enjoy bush walks.
Johannesburg for cultural sites and Lion Park visits, before flying back with time for last-minute souvenirs.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete South Africa
Comprehensive Cape Town exploration including Robben Island, Table Mountain hikes, wine tours, and Cape Peninsula drives to Cape Point.
Full Garden Route from Mossel Bay to Addo Elephant Park for safaris, with beach relaxation and forest adventures in Knysna.
Wild Coast hikes and Xhosa culture, then Drakensberg for rock art tours, mountain biking, and scenic flights.
Kruger safaris with night drives, followed by Blyde River Canyon viewpoints and God's Window panoramas.
Johannesburg and Pretoria for history museums, then Durban for beaches, uShaka Marine World, and Indian cuisine before departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Wildlife Safaris
Track the Big Five on guided game drives in Kruger or private reserves for immersive bush experiences.
Available year-round with luxury lodges offering dawn patrols and ranger insights.
Wine Tastings
Sample world-class wines in Stellenbosch and Constantia estates with vineyard tours and pairings.
Learn about Chenin Blanc and Pinotage from sommeliers in scenic settings.
Table Mountain Hikes
Ascend via Platteklip Gorge or cable car for breathtaking views and fynbos flora discoveries.
Guided treks suitable for all levels with picnic spots at the summit.
Shark Cage Diving
Come face-to-face with great whites off Gansbaai in secure cages for thrilling marine encounters.
Adrenaline adventure with eco-briefings and seal-watching opportunities.
Cultural Township Tours
Visit Soweto or Langa for apartheid history, street art, and community interactions with local guides.
Insightful experiences including shebeen visits and traditional music performances.
Harbour Cruises
Sail Cape Town's waters for sunset views, seal spotting, and Table Bay lighthouse tours.
Relaxing outings with onboard dining and narratives of maritime history.