City: South Africa
Top Things to do in South Africa
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What to do and see in South Africa, South Africa: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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. Wolhuter Wilderness Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By AfricaLinx - Pretoria, South Africa
40mins drive from Berg en Dal in southern Kruger Park is the base camp for the Wolhuter Trail. The A frame huts sleeps 2 under thatch. Not spacious with thatch roof and mesh windows. A short walk to the shower with hot water and seperate flush toilet. The camp is shaded with large trees and the waterhole next to the camp will attrack some wildlife in dry season. Our visit was in the peak of an extraordinary rain season. The bush was bursting with energy and water in obscene abundance. Every stream was flowing and dams were full. Stephen, our guide took us along the streams, game viewing was a challenge but the lush bush and water made up for that. We select to swop the afternoon walk for a game drive exploring the valleys and rivers in the area. Afternoon sundowners was at the Stollsnek Dam where we shared the sunset with hippos, elephants, buffalo, fish eagle and many more. Great experience in the bush, supported by our guide Stephen that shared 20yrs of stories from ranger experience.
3. Waterford Estate
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 719 reviews
Waterford Estate is situated in one of the world's most visually arresting pockets of paradise. Nestled in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world renowned Stellenbosch region, this 120 hectare property owned by Jeremy and Leigh Ord and managed by partner and Cellar master Kevin Arnold. The Estate boasts old citrus groves, rolling lawns, water features and fragrant lavender and rosemary beds. You'd be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of Provence or the Spanish countryside, with your first glimpse of this enchanting realm. However, we are immensely proud of our uniquely South African location and the rich diversity of our indigenous flora and fauna. The winery was styled along the engaging terracotta design and was the result of winemaker Kevin Arnold and architect Alex Walker teaming up to create the home of Waterford Estate wines. The centre piece of the magnificent courtyard is the Waterford Estate fountain. This feature has been immortalized in the Waterford Estate label and represents a fundamental component of our philosophy. We believe in the old adage of 'less is more'. There is nothing pretentious or ostentatious about the estate, rather the visual impact is one of a seamless whole, which complements rather than detracts from the surrounding natural beauty. Welcome to our world, a world where the passing of time and the change in seasons only add rich layers of character and charm to the scene.
Reviewed By Richardreynolds1 - London, United Kingdom
On not a very South African day, more Somerset than Somerset West with low mist and drizzle, we were superbly looked after by head guide and budding oenologist Devon, a very engaging and enthusiastic host. It's a beautiful, Florentine styled, estate to visit - but that does not make it different from several others in the region. What does is the wine safari, an imaginative way to take visitors around the vineyards, normally tasting and eating very moreish tapa type food among the vines. Kevin Arnold is an ambitious wine maker and the estate's top wine, The Jem, compares very favourably to other top New World wines at a fraction of their price. Buy before the rest of the world wakes up! The estate also does a chocolate and wine pairing, very much enjoyed by most.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. The Cango Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,151 reviews
Though damaged through shortsighted tourism schemes in the 1960s, these caves are still worth a visit for their eerie dark tunnels and stunning limestone formations.
Reviewed By magsboy - North Vancouver, Canada
The Cango Caves are well worth the visit to see to large underground caverns and the awesome geologic formations (we only did the Heritage Tour) and you can get some spectacular photos - we took the earliest available tour and glad we did because the tour buses were rolling up when we left and hordes of people were arriving - I do think they need to limit the numbers - and also enforce their requests for visitors not to sit and touch where they are asked not to!
7. Drostdy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 453 reviews
This former government building, an architectural treasure in itself, is now a museum containing some impressive artifacts. Particularly noteworthy is a collection of late 18th and early 19th century Cape furniture.
Reviewed By DannyB_11 - London, United Kingdom
Open air type museum with numerous buildings displaying bygone lifestyles and crafts. Including a magistrates home with courthouse. Lovely couple of hours wander.
8. Vergelegen Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 889 reviews
Vergelegen - no ordinary Estate. Founded on 1 February 1700, Vergelegen (meaning "situated far away"), has been under the ownership of some of the world's great explorers and visionaries, each of whom, in their own way, have helped shape Vergelegen to what it is today: a world-class Estate. With its world renowned handcrafted wines, history spanning over 300 years, heritage, exquisite gardens and refined cuisine, it comes as no surprise that Vergelegen continues to be the choice of the discerning visitor seeking a total sensory experience. For this reason, the Estate has borne witness to many visits of heads of state and celebrities from all over the world. Think of Vergelegen to spend quality time on your own, with your family and friends or business associates - wine tasting centre and cellar tours, Camphors at Vergelegen Signature Restaurant, Stables at Vergelegen Bistro Restaurant and the Picnic, are only a few of a myriad of enjoyable activities at Vergelegen. We invite you to experience the world of Vergelegen first-hand.
Reviewed By GundaJohannesburg - Johannesburg, South Africa
Walk in these calm and beautiful surroundings with magnificent camphor trees and end your visit in their restaurant which serves you exquisite food
9. Swartberg Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,633 reviews
Reviewed By Curiosity28698317309 - Cape Town Central, South Africa
True! one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain passes, once entering from Prince Albert side you enter into a majestic red Canyon inspired by amazing layered strata and majestic Mountain View’s. As you travel along this well maintained gravel road you ascend into the clouds and look down over a gorgeous scenic, fertile valley below. Along the way stop for your favorite cup of aromatic coffee to take in the fresh mountain zephyrs and watch the ever changing cloud formations as they dance along the mountain tops and pour through the valley openings. Have a farm breakfast at Kobus se gat or stop to view the local talents of Rogers art and photography gallery, where you can enjoy a latte while you watch the swallows build their mud homes beneath the eves of this historical building. A must for sight seers or the avid adventurer.
10. Outeniqua Transport Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 461 reviews
The Transnet Transport Museum has a unique display featuring the history of Transnet. Enter the world of South African Railway history and admire some of the Iron Ladies that once ruled the railway lines of South Africa. From the small prestigious Emil Kessler(National Monument) to some of the more modern bigger veterans that concurred the scenic Outeniqua railway pass. An excellent selection of privately owned vintage cars are on display and other exhibitions of interst are silverware, cutlery and crockery from various periods of the transport industry, locomotives number plates, makers plates, fire engines, road transport vehicles, furniture and many other rail related items. Open weekdays from 08:00 AM to 4;30 PM . Saturdays and Public Holidays from 08:00 to 14:00. Closed on Sundays and 25 December. ENJOY A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE.
Reviewed By lopesfamily_1 - Johannesburg, South Africa
The power van is such a hidden gem!! A 2 and a half hour trip up and through the Outenique mountain pass, 6 tunnels and unparalleled panoramic views of gorges and valleys and the mountains. Breathtaking fauna and flora - with waterfalls when it rains! The 2 guides have exceptional local knowledge! Tip - take a jacket - weather must be clear and sunny and pack a picnic basket! The museum itself is awesome for kids - plenty old locomotives and vintage cars - an enriching peak into the past!!
