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World SheBuysTravel traveled to South Africa to see lions, elephants, zebra, and rhinos in the wild on safari. She and her family loved the stunning physical beauty of Cape Town’s mountains, beaches, and sea views. And also South Africa’s version of the Grand Canyon and wine tasting at South Africa’s beautiful vineyards. Plus, South Africa’s tragic racial history is emotionally challenging but inspiring. Here are four reasons to add travel to South Africa to your bucket list!
4 Bucket List Things to Do in South Africa
My teenaged son and I visited South Africa in 2016. We loved it. And I am so happy my husband and I returned to South Africa in 2018. South Africa’s wild animals, physical beauty, and inspiring recent history all put South Africa on the bucket list.
1. South Africa Safari
Nothing says bucket list adventure like a safari. Seeing wild animals eating and playing in their natural habitats is unlike any other experience. And my teenaged son, husband, and I each loved it. We experienced a safari in both Hluhluwe Park and Kruger National Park. In both, a trained guide drove us in an open-air vehicle. The excellent guides explained how the animals work together to find water and avoid predators.
Safari Park Guides in South Africa
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Also, the eagle-eyed park guides could spot animals from a rustle in the trees or a moving shadow. Guides showed us how to spy animals. Look in the distance – is that a log in the water? No, it’s crocodile, lying in wait for its prey. Watch that tree, where branches are moving. And out walks a family of elephants. My husband and I were thrilled as an elephant family lumbered across the road, single file.
But without the guide pointing, I would have missed the hippo submerged in the river. Because, big as it was, the hippo looked like a rock. Without the guide, I would have missed a water buffalo blending into the river.
And sometimes even I could spot an animal on safari. Even I could see monkeys and baboons swinging in trees. A rhino casually eating grass next to our van. And giraffes, those improbable animals elegantly grazing while looking slightly amused. Our driver often stopped for pedestrian traffic – like baboons goofing around.
Different safari animals at different times
When my son and I stayed overnight in Kruger Park, we went out in the van to spot animals at dawn, afternoon, and sunset. That’s a lot of driving around the Park. And for safety reasons, we could not exit the van. But it was worth it because we saw different animals each time of day.
Penguins put South Africa on the bucket list
Yes, penguins live in warm sandy South Africa! A happy colony of penguins is at Boulders Beach in Simonstown, near Cape Town. They’re funny when they toddle around. Mostly, the contented crew was sunning themselves, grooming each other, and living it up on their own private beach.
The varied animal experiences that can accommodate all age groups make South Africa a perfect trip for multiple generations.
2. Natural beauty puts South Africa on the bucket list
Kruger and Hluhluwe Parks are famous for their wild animals. But the park landscapes themselves are gorgeous. Between spotting animals, we enjoyed unforgettable vistas of mountains, plains, watering holes, and spectacular sunsets.
Natural beauty near Cape Town
Also, the natural beauty near Cape Town is stunning. For example, in Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope is a beautiful cliff and beach area. And one of the southernmost tips of Africa. At Table Mountain, the flat-topped mountain that is a symbol of Cape Town, we took a cable car to the top for gorgeous views of the surrounding area. Camps Bay Beach, lined with upscale restaurants, is at the foot of mountains. So we got both sea and mountain views from the beach.
My son and I loved the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town in 2016. Normally, its acres of flower gardens, winding paths, and ponds could take a full day to explore. And the view of the mountains and the city below is gorgeous. Sadly, because of the 2018 drought in Cape Town, the Garden is very dry.
3. Wine tasting and South Africa’s version of the Grand Canyon
For a fun day trip from Cape Town, we explored the beautiful winemaking region, Stellenbosch. My husband and I visited Stellenbosch winemakers with Gate 1 Tours. The tour company scheduled several wine tastings at the vineyards. And at Boschendal at Oude Bank, we tasted wine outside under the dappled sunshine of a massive towering oak. Pure delight.
Bourkes Luck Potholes
I had no idea South Africa had the third largest canyon in the world. Blyde River Canyon is South Africa’s Grand Canyon. We scrambled around the waterfalls and red rocks at a corner of the canyon, called Bourkes Luck Potholes. And I’d love to return there to hike. This time, we stopped for an hour at the Potholes on our Gate 1 Tour drive from Kruger to Johannesburg, South Africa.
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4. Tragic History of South Africa
South Africa has a brutal but ultimately uplifting history of racial segregation, called apartheid. In several inspiring museums and historical sites, South Africa tells the fascinating story of its struggle to get rid of the apartheid government.
The brilliant Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg uses photographs, video, and creative exhibits to tell the story.
And in Cape Town, we visited the Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela spent most of his 27 years in prison. Before he became South Africa’s first black President and won the Nobel Peace Prize.
For more on why its tragic and inspiring history makes South Africa a bucket list destination, click here.
Tips for Preparing to Travel to South Africa
To learn South Africa’s tragic and inspiring racial history before we visited, movies helped. Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013), starring Idris Elba, is based on the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, the South African President, and anti-apartheid leader. And Invictus (2009), starring Morgan Freeman, is about one way the new President Nelson Mandela attempted to politically unify the country after apartheid – by supporting the national rugby team.
Several books help me prepare to visit South Africa. For example, Kaffir Boy (1986) is a memoir of growing up very poor in Soweto by Mark Mathabane. Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela also has a slim abridged version (150 pages). Finally, Cry, the Beloved Country (1948) is the classic novel by Alan Paton set in the 1940’s. While that was before apartheid was formally the law, the novel shows the starkly different conditions for blacks and whites in South Africa.
Do you hope to travel to South Africa one day, or to return to visit it again? Tell us about it in the comments.
Kavita Favelle says
South Africa is an incredible country, it has so much natural beauty, and so many attractions, from the wilderness and wildlife, to the winelands to the amazingly diverse culture of native African tribes and of settlers. Of course, much of that history is, as you say, brutal and horrifying, but it’s also a very hopeful place in the era since apartheid. I think there’s a long way to go and like Annika, it’s important not to perpetuate stereotypes when discussing townships / township tours. We spent 5 weeks touring the country many moons ago, and I’d love to go back, it’s a truly amazing country.
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Agreed, on every thoughtful point you make. Thank you for reading, and like you, I hope to revisit South Africa.
Anshula says
South Africa is definitely on my bucket list! I’ve always been drawn to the place because of the beauty that blankets the area. But I’m glad to have read other compelling reasons to go visit.
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
I agree, the natural beauty is mind-blowing. I hope you get to go!
Medha Verma says
I really need to get myself to South Africa and I don’t know why I have not already! I’d love to go on a safari, see the penguins on boulder beach, see the views from Table Mountain, visit wineries and chill at some nice beach. South Africa definitely deserves to be on one’s bucket list, it sure is on mine.
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Truly an amazing country, with inspiring recent history. I hope you get to visit!
Sol Solntze says
Those are compelling reasons to visit what looks like a compelling country. You’d have my kids at the wildlife (especially the penguins). I think I am more blown away by the scenery.
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
The penguins are funny, such improbable animals. But you’re right, the mountain, sea, and other scenery is stunning.
Susanna says
One of my good friends lives in S. Africa and she always makes it sound so wonderful and you confirmed that, it is on my bucket list. I would love to try the wine, S. African wine is so good. It is really important to remember the past too.
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Completely agree! I hope you get to go, and wonderful to have a local guide.
Sanne - Spend Life Traveling says
I absolutely agree that South Africa belongs on everyones bucket list! I spent a month in South Africa and absolutely loved it. I stayed mainly in and around Cape Town (a great city) and loved the country’s natural beauty. But yes, it is also a country that is still having many problems unfortunately…
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
A month! I’m jealous. I’d love to return and get to spend a longer time.
factory tour says
Thanks for sharing these all interesting reason to visit south africa. The national animal of South Africa is the Springbok, the only southern African gazelle. You can spot them on open bush and grassland by water.
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Yes, we loved seeing the herds of springbok! Such graceful animals, working together with other animals to avoid predators. Amazing experience to see wild animals in their natural homes.
Kevin Wagar says
South Africa is high up on my list of destinations to visit with my family! You’ve introduced so many more places to me that I’d never even considered before like Bourke’s potholes. That looks incredible
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Bourke’s Potholes was a big surprise to us, so beautiful. Also, a welcome hour-long break in the drive. South Africa is stunning in so many ways.
Fiona Maclean says
For me it would be penguins and wine tasting. Both would send me to South Africa in a trice if I got the chance! I do agree about a skilled guide – it can make all the difference to a trip!
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Absolutely, the knowledgeable guides made all the difference. While my husband and I usually travel independently, South Africa is a destination where a skilled guide from the country makes the trip so much more valuable.
Diana Rowe, Traveling Grandmom says
South Africa is on my bucket list, and my grandson has a South African safari on his list. But I didn’t know about penguins!?!
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Aren’t they the cutest? Who know penguins liked sunning themselves on the beach, waddling around like overdressed toddlers?
Kirstie says
Safari parks are a great experience even for teenagers I believe your son genuinely had a great time. And omg! Penguins in Africa! I always imagined them staying in the cold poles of the earth! Haha!
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Penguins! Isn’t that hilarious? Who know they toddled around on warm weather beaches. And South African safaris are thrilling – giraffes, elephants, lions, water buffalo, just living their lives while we watch.
Nisha says
All valid reasons. As Indians we have another reason too. Some part of Indian independence history is intertwined with that of SA. It is on my list for sure.
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Yes, it was fascinating to learn about Gandhi’s years of advocacy – and incarceration – in South Africa. And his role is included in exhibits in several museums. I hope you do get go. And the natural beauty of South Africa is stunning.
Judy Antell, Vegetarian SheBuysTravel says
What a beautiful place. Had never considered it before.
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
It is so beautiful, and seeing wild animals in their natural habitats is amazing.
Steven on aFabulousTrip says
When I visited South Africa I was too young for the wine testing, but I sure did appreciate everything else ! The wildlife, amazing landscape, safaris in Kruger Park… I stayed at locals there in Johannesburg and it was a nice experience to learn about a different culture. I would gladly recommend going there !
Sarah Ricks, World SheBuysTravel says
Isn’t South Africa spectacularly beautiful? What a great experience, to stay with locals in Johannesburg. How did you manage to arrange that?
Sarah Ricks, Philadelphia SheBuysTravel says
Annika, thank you for commenting. I am fascinated by South African history, which it sounds like you are familiar with, and I am still learning. As you point out, we also were very concerned about exploring the townships without becoming intruders or gawkers, which is one reason I was grateful to have a guide who was a township resident, and in fact brought us to his house. Did you see the posts I wrote about Johannesburg & Cape Town? There I talk about visiting a school, interacting with township residents, taking Polaroid photos of kids that the kids could keep for themselves, and other aspects of visiting townships. The brutal legacy of apartheid, the system that kept the white minority population separate from and in control of the black majority, does mean, as I understand it, that townships are populated by black Africans. Are you referring to the origins of the townships, never planned and often not even tolerated by the apartheid government, but rather settlements of people who had nowhere to live? I am new to this fascinating history and it sounds like you are more familiar with it.
Annika says
I do like the fact that you included South Africans history as one of the reasons to visit, but I would really prefer that you don’t describe townships as ‘areas set aside for black Africans’ because it is simply not an accurate description. Also, while I agree that a guide can be helpful to put life in the township into context, keep in mind to do your research as not ending up on a zoo like visit.