10 Top Things to do in South Africa
Welcome to Lion Roar Safaris (Pty) Ltd – AWARD WINNING TOUR OPERATOR AND KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SAFARI SPECIALIST
Welcome to a compilation of the 10 top things to do in South Africa
As a safari operator, we get hundreds of people annually asking the same question before booking their safari with us. The question is always the same – What are the top things to do in South Africa? This is why we decided to put together a list of 10 top things to do in South Africa.
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Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park
As a specialist in the safari industry, we know first-hand how popular the Kruger National Park is. We decided to put the Kruger National Park at number one of 10 Top things to do in South Africa. It is not in any way by favoritism or by personal choice! It is by matter of fact…
The Kruger National Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. People fly from all corners of the globe to come and visit this beautiful Game Reserve in South Africa. It is also South Africa’s largest National Park & game reserve, stretching 360km from the North to the South.
In addition to its impressive size, it is also home to the iconic Big Five animals; elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lastly the almighty lion.
This is certainly a place you have to visit when traveling to South Africa.
We are also pleased to mention that you can book your safari to Kruger National Park directly with Lion Roar Safaris (Pty) Ltd, Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Lion Roar Safaris specializes in full day as well as multiple day safaris with an open safari vehicle and accredited & experienced Field Guide in Kruger National Park.
Lion Roar Safaris offers upmarket safaris at affordable rates.
The Kruger National Park is easily accessible from Johannesburg International Airport (O.R Tambo International). It is about 4 hours and 15min drive (391,6 km) via the N12 and N4.
You can either hire a vehicle and do a self-drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park. Fly to KMI Airport or even to Skukuza Airport. Or as another option, you can make use of a shuttle service from OR Tambo International to Nelspruit (City Bug shuttle service or Lime Time Shuttle service.)
When in Nelspruit, you can stay over in the city and book a single or multiple day safari to Kruger National Park. Have a look at the overnight safari packages we offer in Kruger National Park.
The city of Nelspruit is a mecca for tourists with plenty of accommodation, restaurants and activity options. Most importantly, it is only about an hour’s drive from the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
2. Panorama Route in Mpumalanga
After you have visited the beautiful Kruger National Park, your Lowveld journey won’t be completed if you have not done the Panorama Route.
What is the Panorama route you may ask? It is a scenic route meandering past several cultural, historical and natural viewing points. Each viewing point has something uniquely beautiful to offer visitors.
The Panorama route starts at Nelspruit, ascending to the Great Escarpment of the Lowveld and then finally ending at Swadini Forever Resort.
The Panorama route meanders around the world’s third largest canyon, namely the Blyde River Canyon. In addition to this, it features several waterfalls and natural landmarks.
Landmarks you will enjoy along the Panorama Route:
- God’s Window – This is an extraordinary viewing point on the Drakensberg escarpment, visited by thousands of tourists annually. The viewpoint has an impressive 700m cliff drop. On a clear day, you can see Mozambique in the distance.
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes – If you enjoy geology, then Bourke’s Luck Potholes is certainly a place that you will love to visit. The potholes are formed by means of water erosion flowing through the landscape, creating this natural geological feature, namely the potholes.
- Three Rondavels – Millions of years ago, the softer limestone eroded away, leaving harder quartzite in its place, resembling African huts with a thatch roof called a “rondavel”.
- Echo Caves – The name Echo was given to the cave, as a certain stalactite formation produces a distinctive echoing sound when tapped on.
- Blyde River Canyon– It is the world’s third largest canyon and South Africa’s most remarkable geological feature. The canyon is also known as the Motlatse canyon.
- The Pinnacle – A large quartzite column rising from a deep gorge.
- Sudwala Caves – Sudwala Caves are known as the oldest caves in the world.
There is also a list of waterfalls you can visit on the Secret Sabie Waterfall Route which forms part of the Panorama Route:
- Lisbon Falls
- Berlin Falls
- Mac Mac Falls
- Maria Shires Falls
- Sabie Falls
- Forest Falls
- Horseshoe Falls
- Lone Creek Falls
- Bridal Veil Falls
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Table Mountain
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is certainly South Africa’s most photographed attraction, not to mention the most iconic! Table Mountain is famously known for its flat-top appearance rising somewhat 1,086m above sea level.
When you visit Table Mountain, you can spoil yourself with magnificent views of Cape Town all from the comfort of a cable car. You will find a magnitude of plant species endemic to the mountain.
In addition, the mountains wondrous appearance it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is about 260 million years old.
Besides going up the mountain with a cable car, you can also hike up the mountain. It will roughly take an average person anything between 1 ½ – 2 hours to hike up Table Mountain.
Table Mountain is certainly a must visited place, as well as one of the top things to do in South Africa.
For more information about Table Mountain – Click Here
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Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is located about 1 -1 ½ hour’s drive from the city of Cape Town, approximately 70km. It is a psychologically important point where one begins to travel more eastward than southward, if that make sense?
Cape of Good Hope offers a spectacular scenic landscape with an impressive diversity of Fauna & Flora.
The history of the Cape of Good Hope started in 1488 when navigator Bartholomew Dias named the Peninsula “Cabo Tormentoso,” or the “Cape of Storms.” At a later stage, King John II of Portugal renamed it to “Cabo da Boa Esperanca”—the Cape of Good Hope due to his optimism through the opening of a sea route to the East.
This is certainly a place one has to visit, not only for its beauty but also for the history connected to it.
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The Garden Route
The Garden Route
When you are in Cape Town, you absolutely have to do the Garden Route! This beautiful 300km shoreline stretches from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay.
The shoreline is littered with breathtaking beaches and abundant plant life; hence the name the Garden Route, making it one of the most popular holiday destinations.
Along the Garden route you will find activities that will satisfy every whim, from scuba diving, wine tasting, cheese sampling and more. There is something for everyone!
Garden Route is wedged between the picturesque Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains as well as the Indian Ocean.
5 suggested stops within the Garden Route
- Knysna – Twice been voted South Africa’s Number One Favorite Town
- Wilderness – Famous for its vast stretches of tranquil beaches.
- Storms River Village – A little village set in the heart of the forests and in the foothills of the majestic Tsitsikamma mountain range.
- Mossel Bay – Mossel Bay is a harbour town on the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape Province.
- Oudtshoorn – known for its ostrich farms and rests along the Route 62 wine route.
If you are looking for more top things to do in South Africa, please continue reading…
6. Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is located in the Cape Peninsula; near Simon’s Town and Cape Town (Simons Town is home to South African Navy’s Naval Base).
Boulders Beach is well known for its sheltered beach, made up of inlets between ancient granite boulders, hence the name Boulders Beach! The beach is also known as Boulders Bay. It is the perfect swimming spot for kids.
The beach is safe and always cleans, due to the fact that it falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protection Area.
Boulder Beach is not only popular for its beautiful white sandy beaches and wave-less pools, it is also known for its local inhabitants; namely the African penguin population. These little creatures draw visitors in their thousands each year, and why wouldn’t they, they are simply adorable…
The best time to view the penguins is during January when the juvenile penguins are molting and can be seen on the beach. Besides for January, the penguins can be seen throughout the year, with peak activity during the early mornings and late afternoons.
7. Robben Island
Robbin Island is littered with history. It is also a South African Heritage Site under UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is on this island where the late Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela or better known as Madiba served 18 of his 27 years sentence.
Madiba was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 – 1999. He was the country’s first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.
If you are fascinated by interesting political history, you will love Robben Island. In addition to the rich history of the island, it will also offer you some penguin viewing opportunities.
You can access Robben Island only by means of ferries. The ferries depart daily (depending on the weather) from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront.
8. St Lucia
St Lucia is synonymous for its abundance of hippos and crocodiles. So where does one find them? Well it is simple really! You will find them in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Park is South Africa’s first World Heritage Site and includes 9% of the country’s coastline.
St Lucia is approximately 240km from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. In addition to the high concentrations of Hippos and Crocodiles you can find here, you can also find the leatherback turtles, 530 species of birds, including greater and lesser flamingos.
St Lucia has much on offer; from beautiful beaches, wetlands, sandy dunes, coastal forests and many sea creatures, so always have your camera handy!
You will also find a huge selection of accommodation and restaurant options when you go on vacation.
Things to do in St Lucia:
- Go on a boat cruise
- Self-drive Isimangaliso Wetland Park
- St Lucia Crocodile Centre
- Isiphaphalazi Butterfly House
- Chante Cheese Farm and Lodge
- Veyane Cultural Village
- Cape Vidal
- Kayak on the Estury
- Horse riding at iSiMangaliso Wetland Park
- iGwalagwala Trail
Read more here about the 10 Best Things to do in St. Lucia according to TripAdvisor users.
9. Pilanesberg National Park
Pilanesberg National Park is perfectly positioned within the Bojanala Region of the North West Province just outside of Johannesburg.
The reserve is located within a volcanic crater, overflowing with roiling grasslands and wooded valleys. You can find an abundance of birdlife as well as animal life within the Park. Some of the wildlife within this 200km Park includes elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos.
Visitors can do a self-drive, a guided game drive or a hot air balloon safari within the Park.
10. Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park is situated close to Gqeberha (also known as Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape. The Park is 1 640 km² hectares large, and is home to the Big Five animals, namely lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and of course the African elephant. If you love the African bush and its wildlife, Addo Elephant National Park is certainly one of the top 10 places to visit during your visit to South Africa.
We hope you enjoyed our list of top things to do in South Africa! We can assure you that there are so much more to see and do besides these 10 top things listed. At least you now know where to start…
What will be your number one on this list of top things to do in South Africa?
YES! We offer affordable Kruger National Park safaris
Our rates include the following:
Please note:
Our area of operation covers Nelspruit and surrounding areas, White River | Malelane | Hazyview | Komatipoort | Marloth Park | Kruger National Park | KMI Airport | Skukuza Airport.
Please contact us if your accommodation falls outside of our area of operation.
We also conduct safari tours in the North of Kruger upon request and need. You also have the option to hire the safari vehicle privately, email us to find out more. Additionally, you have the option to add your Kruger entrance/conservation fees when you make your booking so you don’t have to go to the office on the morning of the safari to make payment for entrance fees.
Important articles you should read: CLICK on the LINKS below for more information!
- What is the duration of a full day safari/ How many hours is a full day safari in Kruger National Park and why?
- Read all about Children on safari, the do’s and don’ts, safety, rules & regulations etc.
- General Rules and regulations and good safari etiquette
- Reasons why you should visit South Africa
- Things you need to know when planning a trip to South Africa
- How tipping in South Africa works
- What to bring and pack for a Safari
- When is the best time to go on Safari in Kruger National Park?
- How to book a Kruger National Park safari to Kruger from Nelspruit | White River | Hazyview | Malelane?
- The benefits of going on a Guided safari with an open safari vehicle to Kruger National Park
- Is it safe to visit the Kruger National Park?
- All about Malaria in South Africa and Kruger National Park
REVIEWS
World-class safari operatorMy mother and I travelled to Nelspruit to do a one-day safari inside Kruger. Our guest villa (Utopia in Africa – amazing stay!) told us about Lion Roar Safaris – from the moment I contacted Liz to book a guided safari with them until Luzille (our guide) dropped us off it was world class service! The safari is split in three, you do a few hours before breakfast, a few hours before lunch and then drive towards the end of the tour. Besides being able to rest with this type of schedule we also appreciated all the different detours in the park we were able to do. This operator is passionate about the animals, the park and their customers. They are very knowledgeable in both big things and small things regarding the park and the animals. I hope to come back someday, my only regret is that we didn’t book one more day.
Fantastic experience
We really enjoyed our safari with Liz and the web photographer. They pointed out many sightings which we would never have seen on our own. We saw 3 leopards, many elephants, rhinos, cape buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos and different types of antelopes and birds.
They provided binoculars which helped a lot, especially when observing the leopards in the reed!
The service is top: on time, friendly, very informative and you get a feeling how much they enjoy “going the extra mile” for the customer. They tried to keep ahead of the crowd and do not enter thru Numbi gate which is usually very crowded. Its great the park fee is included in the price because then you do not need to queue at the entrance like in the case of some of the other operators. We will definitely recommend you!
(Translated by Google)
For those who go to South Africa, do safaris be sure to contact this company they are grade 10.
(Original)
Para quem vai para África do Sul ,fazer safáris não deixe de contatar está empresa eles são nota 10 .
Great services! Amazing commmentsThe guide was very friendly and helpful!
She really knew the way around the park and we were able to see a big variety of animals
Great services! Amazing commmentsA wonderful bush and animal experienceOur family, including children and grandchildren, recently went on a full day Lion Roar Safari experience in the Kruger National Park. What an amazing, unforgettable experience in the most positive sense. Our guide/ranger, Lizelle, was extremely knowledgeable, professional and responsible, showing a deep personal respect for the bush, the wild animals and the rules. We saw everything, from a group of ‘gompou’, to a young leopard hunting and several prides of lion, spotted hyena, bush pigs, a jackal, not to mention the elephants, deer, giraffe and kudu. We warmly appreciated the snug ponchos that were provided so thoughtfully against the cold and wind. We made wonderful memories and have stacks of special photos to prove it. Thanks a million!
The guide was very friendly and helpful!
She really knew the way around the park and we were able to see a big variety of animals
Great services! Amazing commmentsSo much more than expected!!Wow! Just had an incredible 2 day safari from Lion Roar. Our guide Liz was so knowledgeable, helpful and friendly we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and saw so much including the big 5. I would highly recommend and would use again.
The guide was very friendly and helpful!
She really knew the way around the park and we were able to see a big variety of animals
Super accommodating and informative.Liz was super patient in making sure we get the morning bush walk and night drive within limited dates. They know lots about every animal we saw. I love that they provide parkas for their guests because it gets super chilly as the truck moves. Their truck is clean and not loud like other trucks which tend to scare the animals away.
Spectacular day in the Mighty Kruger!Even if the weather was cold during the day, the spectacular sightings we had made up for it all. Luckily this company is not one of those that rush from one big sighting to another but rather take it at a slower pace and therefore not miss even the small things like some bird species and trees and plants, lizards and much more.
Oh and I am so glad their Photographer was also on board with her very sharp eye sight. She spotted plenty of animals where the rest of us missed them…especially that Cheetah! And she took the most beautiful pictures (and some short videos clips) of all our sightings that day. We were surely one lucky group of people seeing all those magnificent wildlife, especially the Elephant Calves, Wild Dogs as well as Hyena Pups!
Oh and let’s not forget the snack bags that was packed for us!!
The Guide was very informative and interactive with our group. Evidently her kindness and helpfulness is not only restricted to the time a guest is on her vehicle still busy on the Tour but even helping when one of our group members was staying over at a place in the Kruger Park, she assisted him from booking in at the camp to taking him to where he would be staying, to briefly showing him around on what is where and available to him in the camp. And this all took merely a few minutes.
I would definitely be recommending Lion Roar Safaris.
Best experience ever!
Lizelle was very informative and made sure we had the best views of all the animals!
Lizelle was the most amazing tour guide. She knew everything about the animals and gave us plenty of time to take photos and ask questions while still ensuring that we saw 4 of the big 5. She was just as excited as we were to view the animals. Without using a radio she was knowledgeable enough to know where to look and how to spot the animals even in the summer bush. Liz was there to help point out animals as well. We were pleasantly surprised to have two guides to make this experience incredible. The vehicle was as impeccable as the guides. They even provided snacks that can easily substitute lunch. The cherry on top is the fleece lined ponchos that kept us warm as it was a bit chilly and a little rainy.
Amazing safari and the best guide!We did a lot of research and chose Lion’s Roar based on it and were spot on with our choice! To my own shame, I cannot remember the name of our guide because it’s been a few months since he experience, but she truly rocked – she was knowledgable, funny and easygoing.
We got very-very lucky on the day we went and saw elephants, rhinos, wild dogs, hippos, numerous birds and other animals. We went again just with friends and saw hardly anything, so do yourself a favor and book with these guys!
We loved it!Liz was so great! Without a doubt, she made our trip a lot better than it would have been otherwise. She was knowledgeable and really wanted us to have a good time.
Professional, great knowledge of all types of Wildlife, friendly and affordable!
Friendly, professional, safari guides
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Best safari company in the Kruger!I want to congratulate Lion Roar Safaris once again for taking me on safari to the Kruger.
I had a spur of the moment urge to go on a safari. Even though it was a last minute booking, they were stil happy to accommodate me.
It’s always nice to just sit back and relax while everything is taken care of. For me, it is always a special occasion going to the Park. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge my batteries. Best of all, I learn something new everytime I go with Lion Roar Safaris.
Every safari with this company is unique. Everyone should do a guided safari with them atleast once in their lives otherwise you are missing out!
Keep up the good work Lion Roar and see you again soon for another safari adventure!
Wonderful safari experience in the Kruger National Park!What an experience. The finer touch and extra service makes it very special. Neat vehicle and well organised logistics. Knowlegable, friendly and professional two ladies. Highly recommended. This safari in the National Kruger Park was definitely a highlight of my year. Well done !
Memorable Father’s Day in the Kruger National ParkUsually I end up in the beautiful Nelspruit to see clients and to deal with work-related responsibilities. This year, my husband and I returned for a well-deserved holiday break. Yes, we came back and it is our second time doing a safari with Lion Roar Safaris, but this time I brought along the kids, my father and mother. One big happy family outing!
We booked the safari on Father’s Day, so my dad can enjoy the Kruger yet again. He hasn’t been to the Kruger for many years, let alone go on safari in an open safari vehicle. Everyone enjoyed it immensely, especially the kids who simply adore all animals.
My dad walks with a walking stick and my mother struggles to see & both of them make use of hearing aids. For this reason, we decided to book the safari vehicle privately so we don’t have to share with other people and if the kids misbehave or granny or grandpa can’t hear, we can talk a bit louder. (Even though we know that their company is child and elderly friendly). I’m glad my husband advised me to book it privately, it made it more special.
I just want to thank the team at Lion Roar Safaris once again. Everything from start to finish was great! I would also like to thank you for the extra touches you provide to make things comfortable, for example, the extra step that helped mom and dad get on the vehicle, the ponchos and most importantly the patience and professionalism of the guide.
We will keep coming back!
Marvellous safari experience in KrugerI have visited South Africa before and this year I decided to bring a group of friends with me. One of the MUST DO things everyone wanted to do was going on safari to Kruger.
So, I searched the web and visited the website of a guest house we stayed at previously in Nelspruit and they have a safari company listed on their things to do page. Automatically I clicked on it because the guest house was wonderful so I trust their judgement. So it turned out Lion Roar Safaris has the friendliest and most helpful staff working in the office as they answered all our questions we had and arranged everything exactly like we wanted it.
Lion Roar arranged accommodation for the 8 of us (outside of the park). The accommodation was neat, clean and modern with a yummy dinner included. The following morning the friendly Guide came to pick us up with a very neat safari vehicle. (I must admit I was quite impressed)
To keep things short, Lion Roar Safaris exceeded our expectations. Everything was seamless, professional and well planned, from the arrangements with the office, the accommodation, pick-up, transfers, payments, to the pre-arranged catered picnic at one of the picnic spots – which was absolutely fabulous may I add – to all the information we received during the day that included information about animals, conservation, anti-poaching efforts to mention but a few.
I would strongly recommend Lion Roar Safaris to anyone, whether you want to go on a private safari or arrange a special safari like ours with friends, or just because, do it! You won’t regret it and I’m sure you will come back for more. I know I will…
Thank you once again Lion Roar Safaris!
Fantastic Safari ExperienceMy family and I enjoyed a safari experience with Lion Roar Safaris recently. We had an amazing time! Liz and Lizelle took fantastic care of us and went out of their way to make sure my elderly grandmother was comfortable. Their personal touches like the ponchos and the snack boxes were greatly appreciated. They were very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. We all learned so much! I highly recommend them to anybody wanting to enjoy a unique Kruger Park experience.
Great experienceThe team went out of their way to ensure we enjoy our game drive and we manages to see 4 of the big 5’s which was impressive
Romantic Private Kruger SafariHad the most Amazing Private tour of the Kruger National Park.
We had an early morning which was Beautiful from the moment Liezel picked us up from our hotel in Nelspruit until the end when she dropped us off.
Even though we didn’t see any cats of the day, we had to accept that we will only see what The Kruger decides to give on that day.
He knowledge of the animals and the park makes You want to know more and shows how much passion she has for the animals.
We even forgot by the end of the tour that we did not see any cats(LOL).
I will Definitely do more tours with Lion Roar Safaris and will recommend it to anyone I know that wants to do a tour of The Kruger National Park.
A Great big Shout to Liz for the seamless booking a few days before the tour and once again to Liezel for a Great tour of The Kruger National Park…
Some of the services Lion Roar Safaris Offer…
Upmarket Luxury Safaris I Tailored Safaris I Professional Personal Holiday Photographer I Hire a Professional Field Guide I Hire a Private Safari Vehicle I Accommodation in and around Kruger I Photographic Safaris I Safari catering – picnic lunches, dinners and BBQ’s and more…
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