City: South Africa
Top Things to do in South Africa
Top Hotels in South Africa
Countries
What to do and see in South Africa, South Africa: The Best Historic Sites
in the African Union (light blue)
Restaurants in South Africa
1. Stone Circle Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By suefr2018 - Gauteng, South Africa
Every time we travel through Waterval Boven I am reminded of the guided tour we took a few years ago to the museum and actual circles. South Africa has a hidden, rich and diverse history; it is a pity so few South Africans are aware of it. Hidden behind the rolling hills in this area are the ancient remains of an intelligent civilization, a history seldom celebrated. Do the tour and learn about the ancient Adam's calendar and the people who built so many circular stone structures.
2. Groot Constantia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,541 reviews
Groot Constantia is South Africa's oldest wine producing estate, (est: 1685). Situated 20 minutes from the Cape Town CBD and one of Cape Town's Big 7 tourist attractions, Groot Constantia is a must visit for the whole family. With two outstanding restaurants, Jonkershuis and Simon's, wine tastings, chocolate and wine pairing, cellar tours and a museum that reminds one of a bygone era, this beautiful historic winery is a popular attraction that exudes natural beauty. Groot Constantia can also be reached hoping on City Sightseeing's Wine Bus.
Reviewed By enhancehungwe - Masvingo, Zimbabwe
If you get in capetown and never visit this place , you havent enjoyed . You will enjoy the scenic view , history of the estate as well as wine tasitng . Use the hop on hope off tour bus with the blue line to visit this site
3. Irma Stern Museum
4. Arbeidsgenot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
From the turn of century to 1950 this charming museum was the home of the composer of South Africa’s first national anthem.
Reviewed By paulabQ1240CL - Kloof, South Africa
Despite the town being very busy preparing for the KKNK music festival, we had the most wonderful tour by an informed, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable guide. The house is a great window into how life was like and some of the driving forces behind the importance of Afrikaans becomming an official language in South Africa. We can all learn from the struggles of people who have gone before us in wanting their heritage and culture to be recognised. CJ Lagenhoven has so many stories to tell beyond those he wrote down.
5. Boschendal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,494 reviews
Agriculture and a simple farm lifestyle is at the heart of Boschendal. One of the oldest farms in South Africa, founded 1685, the farm has grown with the passing centuries into a cherished source of wholesome produce, great wines and happy memories. Set in the Drakenstein Valley surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, lush gardens and vines, the original farmstead complex is now a national monument with a rich and intriguing history of more than 300 years. Today, Boschendal is a Cape winelands icon and a cherished wine and food destination. Our vineyards and fruit trees have been joined by vegetable gardens and a growing herd of free range, 100% pasture fed Angus cattle reflecting our commitment to serving wholesome farm-to-table food. Guest accommodation is also a recent addition to the farm with luxurious cottage accommodation ranging from the exclusive and historic Rhodes Cottage built by Sir Herbert Baker to the elegantly restored Werf Cottages. Cottage guests enjoy access to the entire farm where they can walk and cycle on trails through mountain fynbos, dine under the stars, have picnics and sundowners in exclusive areas, fly-fish in the dams and swim in pristine mountain water.
Reviewed By brianmK8342CG - Los Angeles, United States
Stellenbosch is beautiful but the Franschhoek valley where Boschendal Winery Estate is located is simply other-worldly breathtaking. If heaven on earth exists, this may just be it! The farm is enormous straddling both sides of the main road from Stellenbosch. However, the public area (manor houses, restaurants, winery, gardens, stores, etc. and activities centers (bike rentals, horseback riding, spa, wine-tastings, etc.) and all the Werf cottages are all on the same side at the main entrance. The other cottages are across the street scattered in the vineyards, pastures, and work farms but only accessible via security gate and thus cannot be accessed unless a guest of one of the cottages or farm residents. This side of the farm is not really walkable to/from the main winery so you need a bike, a car, or must take advantage of their free shuttles. The estate is absolutely stunning (see photos). We were there for a wedding and the wedding guests took over most of the cottages, which made the entire stay very familiar. The main manor house and adjacent buildings (shops, restaurants, bakery, reception) is located in a tree-lined gorgeous courtyard. Vineyards and farm gardens (from which 90% of all restaurant ingredients are sourced) are located adjacent to the main manor house with superb views of the valley. Cellar tour, wine-tastings, horseback riding, and spa are all located in nearby manor houses complex in the opposite direction from the main entrance. We stayed in a 2-bedroom Orchard Cottage and it was enormous! The size of an apartment with separate kitchen/dinette, living room with satellite TV and pretty good wi-fi. Lots of room to relax, spread out, and get comfortable. Working wood stove inside (which we used on one chilly night to our delight) and a large outdoor porch with wood fireplace for keeping warm on chilly nights or grilling some BBQ (grocery essentials available at the main manor house store). Food at all of the restaurants was OUTSTANDING and scrumptious and a great value. Wine was exceptional (in-room complimentary, both restaurants, and tastings). We rented bikes for a half day (that's all you need unless you're a pro because most of the trails are quite difficult for the average person). We struggled on the steep parts but LOVED the trails in the flats, especially the yellow trail through the woods. We did horseback riding and it's what you'd expect if you've ever done it before. Horses are slow and safe (a bit boring for me, I like to run and gallop free) but the ride and scenery are breathtaking (see photos) and it's a relaxed chill thing to do with friends. Be warned, the farm is pretty much isolated to itself and be aware of closing times for the on-farm stores and restaurants because they close early (at least for us it seemed early) and if you miss their times, you either don't eat or you have Uber all the way to Stellenbosch (20 minutes) for options, which after 8pm are quite limited as well. If you plan correctly, this shouldn't be a problem. We were there for 4 days (Thursday - Sunday) and we definitely noticed a big increase in visitors over the weekend. If you can, plan your stay on week days - you'll enjoy it less crowded and better chance you can do what you want. Weekends things definitely fill up and sell out so make sure you have reservations. The wedding was awesome. Outdoors at sunset and the reception building was perfectly fit to the event. The food was INCREDIBLE! I ate myself into oblivion. All staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond. What an incredible experience - we did not want to leave. Day trip is fine but if you can, stay a couple days and really embrace the good life!
6. Groot Drakenstein Prison (Victor Verster Prison)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Home to Nelson Mandela for the last fourteen months of his long political imprisonment, this surprisingly idyllic minimum security prison is now a registered historic site.
7. Sammy Marks House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By surya77 - Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
This 48 room, beautiful Victorian mansion which is now a museum, with it's lovely garden, is definitely worth a visit. The Mansion, which is called Zwartkoppies Hall and dates from 1884, is situated about 23 klms outside Pretoria. It was the home of Sammy Marks( Samuel Markovits), a Lithuanian, who arrived in SA in 1868, a poor man, and ended up being one of the country's leading industrialists. To visit the house - which is a must- one has to join a guided tour, as we did. There are so many precious, historical and antique items including porcelain, silver, painting and furniture in the museum that it would not be possible to do it otherwise. What is so special about this Museum is that the Mansion with all it's interior has been preserved as it was. This, ofcourse, is responsible for the amazing atmosphere one feels when inside. What an opulent life the family lived! Very happy and grateful that something with so much history and beauty is being taken care of and still stands as it was, a memorial to a man who followed his dream and reached amazing heights in doing so.
8. Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,566 reviews
Nowhere can the story of South Africa's turbulent past and its extraordinary transition to democracy be told as it is at Constitution Hill. Constitution Hill is a national heritage site situated in the Johannesburg CBD and is home to the Constitutional Court of South Africa- the highest court in the country on constitutional matters. Once a place of injustice and brutality, where South Africa's leading political activists, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, were detained, the site has been transformed into a place of solidarity and democracy, home to the Women's Gaol museum, Number Four Museum, and Old Fort Museum. Apart from its engaging and gripping exhibitions, Constitution Hill is also open to the public for guided tours and has become an important platform for Heritage, Education, and Tourism related programmes. The vast variety of programmes hosted at Constitution Hill enable us to embrace current issues, celebrate days of national significance, address matters of public interest and create a forum for public debate. With its rich history and character Constitution Hill boasts of ideal platforms to educate and learn about South Africa's story. ConHill, as it is famously known, also offers a variety of multi-purpose venues, suitable for conferencing, performances, a large array of events and for public activities and programmes.
Reviewed By Daydream62408959336
A visit to Constitutional Hill is a visit that every person should take more than once if possible, (whether a tourist or a South African). It’s a harrowing and extremely emotional tour for any visitor and not a tour that should be hurried. The tour guides are extremely informative and are to be commended on their extensive knowledge. A visit to the Concourt itself is a must and it’s wonderful to see the highest Court in the land being open to all (you can actually see the goings on through the glass panels if you don’t want to enter the Court itself). There are also many activities, concerts, art exhibitions etc which take place at the Constitutional Hill as well through the year so it comes alive again with music, laughter and joy. Every time you visit Constitutional Hill should not only be a time of quiet reflection on the past which will be tinged with sadness, but also one of hope and positiveness for the future of our wonderful country.
9. Matsamo Cultural Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By QCern - Kirkland, Canada
They tell you that this is a living village, but I have my doubts. Nevertheless the illusion is well done and you get a nice into to Swati life and the dancing/singing show thereafter is fabulous. We also ate lunch at the village and it was very good indeed.
10. Schreiner House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By johntN1523HN
We had a wonderful visit to this lovely small house and it very informative exhibits with our very knowledgeable and friendly host/curator
