Mpumalanga
The town museum has interesting exhibits on local history, culture and geology, including a great black-and-white photo display of Barberton through the…
Must-see attractions in South Africa, Lesotho & eSwatini (Swaziland)
Johannesburg
This 10-storey-tall mural by Capetonian street artist Freddy Sam (aka Ricky Lee Gordon) is inspired by the famous photo taken by Robert Gosani of Madiba…
Eastern Cape
Located in one of South Africa's oldest churches, a Dutch Reformed Mission church consecrated in 1821, this museum hosts an art collection of work by more…
Knysna
South Africa’s oldest microbrewery occupies bright, new premises on the edge of the lagoon. You can join a tour or just taste its range of English-style…
Eastern Cape
This pristine beach will appeal to sunbathers and surfers alike, and it's usually uncrowded. There are lifeguards on duty, and there's a surf school here…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
Escape the crowds on this sheltered stretch of sand, split off from Camps Bay's northern end by boulders. Swimming isn't advised, but if the surf's up…
Johannesburg
A key player in South Africa's art world, Everard Read is a superb gallery curating regularly changing exhibitions of contemporary works. As well as its…
Hermanus
As with other wineries in the region, the pinot noir really shines here. The real star, though, is the superb restaurant (mains R150 to R200), which…
Plettenberg Bay
This is one of the world’s largest free-flight aviaries with a 200-sq-metre dome over the forest and over 280 species of bird to spot. A combo ticket with…
Western Cape
The cheese from this farm has become wildly popular – the aged Gruyère is particularly good. Taste and buy a selection of cheese and put together your own…
Lesotho
The visitors centre is 15km from the main road, signposted west of Mohale village. It offers dam views, a guided tour (M10) and boat cruises (per person…
Pretoria National Zoological Gardens
Pretoria
There’s a reptile park and an aquarium here, as well as a vast collection of exotic trees and plenty of picnic spots. The highlight, though, is the cable…
Sunshine Coast
The town's main beach, Dolphin Beach is a beautiful wide and largely untouched expanse of sand. It's safe for swimming and there are lifeguards on duty,…
The Wild Coast
Just north of the town centre on the banks of the Mzimvubu River, a sealed road (Concrete Rd) climbs to this favourite sunset spot – a flat-topped hill…
eSwatini (Swaziland)
This very scenic dam is on the Komati River, and was constructed to provide irrigation and energy to local communities. With its glittering waters…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
This coastal parkland on the border of Clifton and Camps Bay is set to receive a billion-rand facelift, which will introduce new boardwalks, braai …
Eastern Cape
This landmark 19th-century church, one of South Africa’s finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture, stands in the town's main square. It was built…
Kruger National Park
One of Kruger's designated picnic spots. Between Skukuza and Lower Sabie. It's in a wildlife-rich area (elephants in particular love the riverbed when it…
Kruger National Park
Near the Luvuvhu River, this is one of Kruger's picnic areas; visitors can alight from their vehicles here. Birdlife is particularly prolific up here in…
Stellenbosch
This brandy distillery runs superb tours (10am, 11.30am and 3pm), which include a barrel-making display and end with your choice of tasting. Options…
Kruger National Park
One of Kruger's designated picnic spots. North of Lower Sabie, which means it can get crowded in peak season. Given how prolific wildlife is in the area,…
Cape Town
Call in here to sample a crisp sémillon, luscious chardonnay-based MCC brut or limited-release Red Muscat d’Alexandrie in the tasting room, located at the…
Winelands
Some of the wines here are unfiltered – try the uncrushed Whole Berry for something different. Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the peaceful grounds,…
Barberton History and Mining Museum
Mpumalanga
In the old Transvaal Hotel (1882), this treasure trove of local history exhibits a hotchpotch of items from weaponry and greenstone samples to some fool's…
National Cultural History Museum
Pretoria
Concentrating on the cultural history of South Africa, this museum features exhibitions on San rock art, Iron Age figurines from Limpopo and a small…
Stellenbosch
This fabulous Flemish Renaissance–style building houses an interesting and varied collection of local art, an array of African anthropological treasures…
Port Elizabeth
Sandy central beach, popular for sunbathing and swimming in the shallows. Take extreme care when swimming; the current is very strong.
Stellenbosch
This small nature reserve is 8km southeast of town and set within a timber plantation. There is a 10km scenic drive, plus hiking trails ranging from 5km…
Blyde River Canyon
A viewpoint offering amazing vistas. Take the trail up to the rainforest (300 steps), where you might spot rare birds, including the elusive loerie, on…
Keurbooms River Nature Reserve
Plettenberg Bay
This riverine reserve is a glorious place to swim, angle, picnic or paddle. There are canoes to rent (R135 per day) or you can take a ferry trip down the…
Cape Town
Try the viognier or shiraz at this boutique winery nestling among the Constantia vineyards, and enjoy a deli cuts platter (R145) or artisan cheese board …
Durban
This playful beach once had a reputation for being dangerous, but after an extensive revamp it's now a haven for families. There are playgrounds, food…
Kruger National Park
Set atop a rare ridge not far from the Tshokwane stop and restaurant, Nkumbe offers a vast view over the western savannah. The views are glorious. Watch…
Western Cape
The white wines here are good, particularly the sauvignon blanc. There’s also a small distillery producing grappa and mampoer (moonshine) and a country…
Winelands
Travellers rave about the tutored tastings of olives, balsamic vinegar and olive oil offered at this family-run farm with jaw-dropping views of the…
Sunshine Coast
West of the Kowie River estuary mouth, this idyllic, 400m-long arc of golden sand ticks all the right boxes – it's clean and safe for swimming and…
Sea Point to Hout Bay
You can easily wade into the sea from this rocky beach at a kink in the Sea Point Promenade near the animal-themed Promenade Pets benches.
Sunshine Coast
This great museum details the history and art of the peoples of the Eastern Cape, including the Xhosa and 1820 Settlers, with some beautiful beadwork and…
Knysna
The Featherbed Nature Reserve was completely devastated by wildfires in 2017. Tourism authorities were working to get the reserve up and running again…
Kruger National Park
This dam on the Letaba River along the S62 is worth a visit. Waterbucks and lions are regularly sighted here, and en route you may pass elephants,…
