City: South Africa
Top Things to do in South Africa
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10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in South Africa That You Shouldn't Miss
in the African Union (light blue)
Restaurants in South Africa
1. Robberg Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,524 reviews
Reviewed By FoodorArt - Polokwane, South Africa
Wow Wow Wow loved my little hike to the gap and sitting on the rocks looking out over Plettenberg Bay... Amazing!
2. Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 434 reviews
Please visit the official Shamwari Game Reserve Lodges page on TripAdvisor for more info, images, video & slideshow. Search "Shamwari Game Reserve lodges".Shamwari is the best private game reserve situated in the malaria free Eastern Cape,South Africa.This privately owned 25 000 hectares of prime natural terrain has received numerous international awards.Shamwari is an exploration of nature with close encounters of free roaming wildlife and the coveted big five with a choice of unique luxury lodges, an exclusive private villa and the adventurous Explorer Camp.Luxury accommodation is offered in 7 different game lodges at Shamwari Game Reserve, all of which are 5 Star graded. Choose a game lodge that perfectly compliments your ideal African experience
Reviewed By laurdan - London, United Kingdom
Hey guys you stole a part of my heart that will stay with you forever! From the moment we drove onto Shamwari land I was in heaven I couldn't believe after all the years waiting that I was going on Safari and would enter what to me is sacred land "Born Free Foundation" We stayed at Bayethe lodge and loved every minute of it, the sounds in the morning were amazing of the animals waking up and we would stand on our terrace to breathe in the bush and just look out at the reserve and say hello to the little monkeys that would stop by on the off chance of something to eat. The food is amazing from breakfast to dinner and nothing is too much trouble, the staff really looked after us and treated us like royalty. They always greeted us with a smile. Our spa treatments were relaxing and listening to the animals outside at the same time was just perfect. Our ranger was JB who was so much fun and made the four day trip so enjoyable sharing his experiences and knowledge with us, we adopted him as our South African son and we were so sad to leave him when our time came to go. He really enjoys his work and I can honestly say he loves driving that jeep! He made sure we saw so much on Safari, all of the big 5 and more. We had cocktails in the bush one afternoon and then a picnic another day and the most fabulous coffee and hot chocolate one cold morning. Many thanks for all of the little special surprises JB x On our last day we went to the Born Free Foundation within Shamwari, which is a bitter sweet experience.....but not to be missed. I loved everything about my trip to Shamwari and it will stay in my heart forever. I often think of them all there and hope one day I can return xx
3. Cumberland Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Cumberland Nature Reserve is a Nature Lovers Paradise. Over 300 bird species, 30 + mammal species and over 300 species of wild flower call Cumberland their home. Well maintained hiking trails traverse the entire Reserve allowing one to explore all the different habitats and make the most of the jaw-dropping scenery. The Reserve offers the ultimate escape into Nature through overnight stays in a variety of secluded self-catering accommodation as well as two private campsites.
Reviewed By MosieMo56
Cumberland Nature Reserve is a hidden gem. It is my 'Go To' place when I need Bush Away Time .... time to replenish my soul and to breathe. Over the past years I have paid many visits to this little spot of paradise often taking photos of all things nature and other times, just sitting at a perfectly kept picnic spot enjoying all nature has to offer. All picnic spots are well kept and the ablutions are spotlessly clean. Horseshoe Cottage was a perfect spot for a birthday weekend and from there we explored many tracks, trails and rocks looking for snakes, scorpions, butterflies and a host of other insects and things! The birdlife at Cumberland is amazing. Naturally the animals are a drawcard too and it is always great seeing their excellent condition. Aloe season is a delight and not to be missed! Cumberland deserves to be explored! One of my most favourite hideaways.
4. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 906 reviews
The 33 km long spectacular gorge has an abundance of wildlife.
Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China
The Blyde River Canyon in the Mpumalanga province is one of the deepest canyons in the wold, measuring up to 1400 metres in height and 25 kms in length. This is one of South Africa's most impressive natural features and a major attraction area for those who enjoy the outdoors, hiking and scenery. The canyon forms the northern part of the Drakensberg escarpment and is mostly formed of red sandstone. Visitors will find outstanding viewpoints into the canyon along R532. A particularly popular stop is the Three Roundavels where you can peer deep into the canyon, viewing Blyderivierpoort Dam as well as the unique land formations on the opposite side known as the Three Roundavels. Note: A popular activity to do around the Blyde River Canyon is to take the Panorama Route self-drive tour, which takes in the above Three Roundavels in addition to other fun stops such as the Bourkes' Luck Potholes, God's Window, Pinnacle Rock as well as some impressive waterfalls which fall deep into various gorges and over the escarpment at various locations. Note: For those wanting to spend a day or two in the Blyde River Canyon area, Graskop makes for a nice place to base yourself.
5. Knysna Elephant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,837 reviews
The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Over the last 25 years, the park has cared for and raised more than 40 elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs. The present KEP herd numbers ten – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with.
Reviewed By carriannb2018
One for the bucket list, offers a intimate experience with these gentle giants where you can personally feed them and walk around with them and your personal guide. Will be back.
6. Cango Wildlife Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,295 reviews
Cango Wildlife Ranch is internationally recognised as one of South Africa’s premier tourism attractions. Conveniently situated en route to the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, the Ranch offers visitors a huge variety of awe-inspiring activities at one location for a value-packed price – suitable for the whole family and open 365 days a year! In addition to our wonderful encounter programs, where you can meet an ambassador cheetah, the ranch also offers two Firsts: Lemur Falls – the first interactive Lemur experience in Africa! - and Crocodile Cage Diving - a World First - where you can test your mettle against the dangerous gaze of a Nile Crocodile via a steel cage lowered into their watery domain! As a PAAZA (Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria) accredited facility, a proud member of WAZA(World Association of Zoos and Aquariums), and a multiple winner of TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence, Cango Wildlife Ranch remains a unique world-class facility which strives to provide conservation through education by means of various conservation projects, initiatives and informative guided tours! A significant percentage of all proceeds go straight back into our conservation initiatives providing you with ethical and unforgettable fun and memories. For unlimited adventure for the whole family – visit Cango Wildlife Ranch!
Reviewed By EllaMacrae
A few days ago my Husband and I visited the Cango Wildlife Ranch and it was such an amazing experience ! I highly recommend the guided tour, our guide Micah made our time there so much fun, she was really informative so a big thank you to her. we could see everybody on the facility really cares about the animals, it was so awesome to see some animals we have never seen before like the white tiger. We will definitely come back, thank you to everyone who made this experience great !
7. uShaka Marine World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,292 reviews
uShaka Marine World is a 16-hectare theme park in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It comprises 8 attractions: uShaka Sea World, uShaka Wet 'n Wild, uShaka Sea Animal Encounters Island, uShaka Beach, uShaka Village Walk, uShaka Kids World, uShaka Dangerous Creatures and Chimp & Zee. uShaka Sea World is the fifth largest aquarium in the world. uShaka Wet 'n Wild water park has the highest slide in Africa.
Reviewed By AbelThompson - Paarl, South Africa
i loved to watch the Seal and the dolphin shows at shaka marine, i also enjoyed the park walk, i loved the food and the sea creatures in the old Marine etc
8. Lion and Safari Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,192 reviews
Over its almost 50 year history the Lion Park became Gauteng's number one tourist attraction through the friendliness of its staff and the amazing wildlife experience it offered. The new Lion and Safari Park has spared no expense in creating a world class tourist attraction in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind and looks forward to building on this success in the many years ahead. Attractions include: Guided game drives, Self-drive, Restaurants African Shopping Experience and more... Please note that animal interaction is no longer available at the Lion & Safari Park.
Reviewed By Mandi991 - Pretoria, South Africa
We visited the Lion and Safari park with 2 young children and we had such an amazing time. From the time that we went to the sales counter to buy the tickets, to the ordering of the photo’s and the cub interaction we were just treated with so much professionalism and friendliness. The guys at the cub interaction was absolutely brilliant and made it such a fantastic experience for the kids and they took the best photo’s ever! The Giraffe feeding was so much fun and what a fantastic experience to see the Lions being fed. Thank you for such an amazing day and we will definitely come and visit again!!!
9. Signal Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,856 reviews
Signal Hill is so named because it was a site for flying flags to communicate weather conditions, thus providing opportune vistas of spectacular views.
Reviewed By craiglS6762DT
Staying in Cape Town, there are a few hikes and signal hill is a must, it's not hard at all. I started the hike at the Noon Gun, from there walk up to Signal Hill and watch the paraguilding, there are a few shops that sell water and ice creams as well. From there you have two choices hike back to Noon Gun or hike towards Lions Head and Table Mountain, just depends where you have your car parked. I took the bus so I continued on towards Lions Head and got the bus from there.
10. Drakenstein Lion Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By janepM8179YN - Mortain, France
Lions, a few tigers and other big cats, including white lions to be seen in large paddocks with natural flora, and as free as they can be while in captivity. Many have really sad stories behind their origins and now they are somewhere safe. Fed on dead chickens three times a week - it is good to go during the feeding times to see the lions acitve. The keepers care very much for them and would love some extra donations so they could afford to give the lions red meat more often.
