Things to Do in South Africa

Top South Africa Attractions

Things to Do in South Africa


Top Attractions in South Africa

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Marinas
The V&A Waterfront is a 123-hectare mixed-use destination, and one of Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hubs. Set on the edge of a natural, historic working harbour with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, it offers local and international visitors a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging from leisure, shopping and exclusive entertainment. It also offers prime residential and commercial property. The prime positioning of the V&A Waterfront boasts sweeping views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. Up to 100 000 people visit every day during peak season. Contributing R259.1 billion in nominal terms to the South African economy over the last twelve years, the V&A Waterfront’s cumulative contribution to the provincial GGP since 2002 was over R227 billion. The property also reported a 19% increase in retail trade sales for 2014, marking four consecutive years of consistent growth since 2011. By end 2014, total visitor numbers to the property had grown to 24 million a year. Although the V&A Waterfront remains South Africa’s favourite attraction for international visitors, they account for only 23% of all visitors. Visits by locals increased to 63%, while 14% of visitors were from upcountry. With 22 official landmarks on-site, it is also part of South Africa’s historical legacy. Jointly owned by Growthpoint Properties Limited and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), represented by the Public Investment Corporation Limited (PIC), the V&A Waterfront was developed in 1988 by the state-owned transport corporation, Transnet Limited, while official commercial trading commenced in November 1990.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.






*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Tony S
    Northampton, UK70 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful experience make sure you get there early to avoid long queues, the weather was stunning too, but take a coat because it can get cold up there
    Written March 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Deirdre O
    Limerick, Ireland115 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous experience and well worth the wait for a clear day
    Very organised going through the queues and staff very friendly.
    Views outstanding
    Written March 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Prashan Wilfred
    London, UK375 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's like this magical garden from heaven. The backdrop is just WOW!!
    The mountains, the gardens and the lush greenery are all fantastic
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Patty B
    Nashville, TN1,472 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We walked over from The One & Only hotel. Lovely shops and lots of restaurants. It was a nice way to spend a couple of hours. We also went back for dinner two nights at Baia and Belthazar. I have reviewed both separately. We also enjoyed a ride on the Ferris wheel. Area was safe. We checked that out before going and it was safe as we were told.
    Written March 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeff O
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must visit when you are in Cape Town You can visit on a tur or go on your own. Its about 60 minutes from Cape Town City Central
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Patty B
    Nashville, TN1,472 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went with Jarat tours, just my husband and myself. It was a very enjoyable experience. The only problem was all the tour buses that were there. It was very windy and we had to get in a fairly long line just to take our photos near the sign. The views are spectacular, but the wind was intense. We didn’t spend too much time there because it was so windy. Got our photo by the sign, finally.
    Written March 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pioneer742615
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Me and my partner visited CPT and booked this trip not knowing much about hiking… what can I say. It was absolutely fantastic. Our tour guide Kurt was extremely knowledgeable and kept us safe the entire way up the mountain.

    Breathing taking views we will never forget.

    One of our favourite memories of our trip here and high recommend to anyone thinking of doing this hike to go with Kurt!

    Great for older families, couples and single travellers who want to push themselves out their comfort zone.

    Thank you once again Kurt for this experience!
    Written February 21, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hannahmitch
    Ringwood, UK4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I can’t even begin to put into words how humbling and incredible this experience was.
    Everything about this park is special but mostly the elephants. The work everyone is doing to look after these incredible animals made me feel so emotional. The interactions with the elephants is done in such a way to respect them as wild animals. I wish o could go back everyday to see them.
    Thandi and sally were incredible and allowed us to walk with and spend time close to them. Such an honour.
    The guides clearly love the Ellie’s and they are so cared for.
    I will be back one day, worth every single penny.
    I spent the whole day afterwards very emotional. Magical animals
    Written March 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • telina l
    Carmel, NY11 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum is full of informative displays. I was made aware things that I had never heard of before. The exhibits were moving and gut wrenching. They get into your soul. The most intriguing was the videos of people attempting to make excuses for their crimes against humanity. This exhibit is not for the faint of heart. The people affected have been traumatized and are finding ways to heal and live. The Nelson Mandela exhibit was immersive and very informative.
    Written March 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ThoggyP
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent tour, the caves were fascinating and the tour guide Knowledgeable and entertaining. Well worth the visit and recommendations
    Written March 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tita Elvie
    Canada102 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    WOW. What a hike. If you are physically able, definitely do the full loop. It is stunning. Make sure to pack water and snacks. You are fairly exposed to the sun, so bring a hat and sunscreen. I think I took a million photos! There's a gorgeous beach too where you can sit in the sand.

    Also, make sure to visit the kiosk with the drinks and snacks. It was such a blessing to get an iced chai latte after the long hike while overlooking the water at the picnic tables!! Never seen such a cool kiosk at a trail head.
    Written March 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Linda
    Kent, UK101 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful area, many walks available, areas to visit by car. Restaurant/cafe, toilet facilities, shop.Allow plenty of time to explore.
    Written March 13, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.