South Africa, officially known as the Republic of South Africa, is an excellent first-time safari destination. The African scenery is one of the country's main draws: golden savannah, great gaping gorges, and hauntingly beautiful deserts, as well as an awe-inspiring cast of African creatures - and, as a bonus, all the creature comforts. Aside from the well-known Kruger and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Parks, South Africa is home to some of the world's most luxurious private game reserves and lodges. Wildlife enthusiasts come from all over the world in search of the "Big Five": lion, buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros, and elephant, and they frequently find them, as well as much more. Black-maned lions set against Kalahari dunes; powdery beaches lapped by two oceans; star-studded desert skies; jagged, lush mountains - this is a truly diverse country.

South Africa's ever-changing scenery is the ideal canvas for an action-packed vacation. Rock climbing in the craggy Cederberg, surfing off the Eastern Cape coast, abseiling from Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain, bungee jumping from the Garden Route's Bloukrans Bridge, or swinging into Graskop Gorge are just a few of the activities available. If adrenaline sports aren't your thing, try a hike: there are multi-day treks through wildlife reserves, dusty day walks in the Karoo semidesert, "slackpacking" trails along the Cape coast, or overnight hikes into the Drakensberg's sometimes snow-capped peaks.

Have fun riding and driving through South Africa

South Africa has rough terrain, sky-high cliffs, wide ocean views, dense jungles, dramatic deserts, lively cities, and charming villages. South Africa is a great place to go on a road trip because it has a lot of roads that go everywhere. When taking a road trip in the country, it's usually not about getting to your destination but about enjoying the ride. South Africa has a lot of beautiful natural sights, but it also has some great roads that just beg to be driven. Some of the recommended routes are Sani Pass, Panorama Route, and Garden route. Save your time and travel effortlessly by booking travel packages with Tour Radar.

Explore the trails

South Africa's ever-changing scenery is the ideal canvas for an action-packed vacation. Rock climbing in the craggy Cederberg, surfing off the Eastern Cape coast, abseiling from Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain, bungee jumping from the Garden Route's Bloukrans Bridge, or swinging into Graskop Gorge are just a few of the activities available. If adrenaline sports aren't your thing, try a hike: there are multi-day treks through wildlife reserves, dusty day walks in the Karoo semidesert, "slackpacking" trails along the Cape coast, or overnight hikes into the Drakensberg's sometimes snow-capped peaks. A few suggested hikes to do are Table Mountain and Drakensberg.

Related Article: Best Hotels in Cape Town.

Indulge in Wine Tasting

Consider country roads, rustic houses, rolling hills, and lush vineyards. With so much to do in South Africa, it's easy to overlook a more relaxing activity like wine tasting. However, you should not. South Africa produces some of the most exquisite wines in the world. The Cape Winelands, nestled in the valley of the never-ending mountains, is charming and surrounded by lovely, tranquil scenery, making them the ideal location for sipping world-class wines. Rent a car via a reliable car rental platform like Discovercars.com and drive to Wineland.

As difficult as it is to tear yourself away from the pleasures of Cape Town, the temptations of South Africa's Winelands are equally difficult to resist. Stellenbosch, a university town surrounded by vineyards, and Franschhoek, which is more quaint and widely regarded as the culinary and viticultural capital, are the two major destinations. Both can be reached in less than an hour by car from Cape Town.

Go on a Safari

Without a doubt, any trip to Africa, let alone South Africa, should include a safari. South Africa has numerous game reserves and national parks where you can go on an African safari to see the Big 5 (African Buffalo, Rhinos, Elephants, Lions, and Leopards). A trip to South Africa would not be complete without a safari. You can book your safari from Tour Radar.

There are several game reserves in South Africa, with Addo Elephant Park, Kruger National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and Pilanesberg National Park among the best national parks to go on safari in South Africa. Game drives are typically a few hours long and involve driving around a private game reserve in an open-top jeep, spotting animals just like on safari. The difference is that the area is enclosed, there are fewer animals, and some of the larger predators must be kept separate from the rest to avoid causing havoc.

Explore Cape Town

The coast of Cape Town is also rich in natural wonders. You might see whales spouting from the harbor while strolling along the waterfront boardwalk. Penguins waddle along the golden beaches of False Bay, and Cape Point, south of the city, is rich in wildlife and botanical beauty.

Cape Town is also well-known for its stunning boulder-fringed beaches. Camp's Bay is a popular spot, with many chic shops and cafés nearby. The city's backdrop is Table Mountain, with the V&A waterfront in the foreground. The view from a boat is breathtaking. You can either take a cable car or hike up Table Mountain. Paragliding and abseiling (rappelling) are available from Lions Head. It's the most popular thing to do in Cape Town.

Visit Robben Island

A visit to Robben Island is one of South Africa's more sobering attractions. It is a must-see when visiting Cape Town to learn more about South Africa's apartheid era. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as Nelson Mandela's prison for 29 years. Take a boat to the island and witness how political prisoners were treated during Apartheid. Hearing how political prisoners were kept in this maximum-security prison is a sobering tour. You will be able to see Nelson Mandela's cell, which has remained unchanged since his imprisonment. Book your car with free cancellation in just a click with Discovercar.com.

Dive with White Sharks

You're mistaken if you think this is only for advanced and certified scuba divers. While shark-cage diving is an activity for the brave and fearless, there are no prerequisites for embarking on this adventure. Experience South African sharks, including Great Whites, up close and personal from the safety of a metal cage. It is even possible to "free swim" with other shark species while snorkeling, as well as scuba diving for certified divers.

Just off the coast of Gansbaai is one of the world's largest populations of great white sharks. Its convenient location, only two hours from Cape Town, has made it a popular place to take the plunge.

Durban has warmer waters and attracts various shark species such as blacktips, tigers, ragged teeth, dusky, and whale sharks.

Go for Surfing

Jeffreys Bay is South Africa's premier surf destination, so whether you're a seasoned surfer or have never stood on a surfboard before, getting in the water here is a must. Stay at Island Vibe Backpackers Hostel because the atmosphere is fantastic all year and they have panoramic views of the beach and helpful surf instructors to get you from total beginner to pro in no time.

Between May and September, surfers flock to Jeffreys Bay to try their luck at South Africa's most famous break, Supertubes. J-Bay, as the town is commonly known, is a world-class surfing destination that hosts major competitions. During a good swell, the right-hand point break can run for more than 300 meters. It is well-known for its length and quick tubing formation (hence the name), but also for its consistency.

Go for Bungee Jumping

What would a trip to South Africa be without a little adrenaline? Nothing beats having strangers wrap a bungee cord around your feet, lead you to the edge of a 216-meter-high bridge, and count down the seconds until you jump!! This used to be the highest bungee jump in the world until a skyscraper in Macau surpassed it. It still holds the world record for the highest bridge bungee, and as you walk along the caged bridge to the jump spot, your heart will be in your mouth. This is one of the most terrifying things you'll ever encounter. You'll be on a high for the rest of the day/week/month and may decide to jump again.

Try Sandboarding in the Wilderness

The hot sands just outside Cape Town may seem like an odd place to take your shred sled - but you're about to learn why sandboarding is blowing up as a faster, wilder, and more exotic alternative to traditional snowboarding. Hout Bay's 250-meter-high beach pistes are Africa's tallest commercial sand dunes, and the views from the top are well worth the effort!

An evening spent sandboarding was one of the most enjoyable activities you can do traveling up the coast. Sandboarding can be booked through Afrovibe Beach Lodge in Sedgefield. The tour will take place in the late afternoon, just before sunset, and the views down to the ocean are breathtaking.

Wrap Up!

When it comes to what to do in South Africa, there are clearly many options. It’s a country that you never get tired of visiting and have something on your list to visit again and again. Probably, one of the most beautiful countries with preserved heritage and stunning landscapes. You just can’t help but fall in love with it — no matter your interests.

A vacation here can be as fast-paced or as relaxed as you want. Shop until you drop, eat until you burst, or test your physical and mental limits with daring outdoor activities. The beauty of this country lies in your ability to design your own vacation. Contact South African travel experts to create a customized itinerary.