South Africa is one of Africa’s top tourist destinations, and for good reason. And while the area is pretty popular for doing things like taking safaris, there is really a lot more to do than that. Here are some things to know about visiting South Africa and what to do there.

Wine Taste

South Africa has a wine country called the Winelands. It’s about a half hour outside of Cape Town so it can be seen in a day trip, although it is a really great spot that could easily be given a couple days to experience it fully. Like other wine towns like Napa there are luxury inns to stay in and really good restaurants to eat at.

Drive the Garden Route

The Garden Route is a drive in South Africa that is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world. One bonus is that it is one of the best places to watch whales from the land out of anywhere.

Outdoor Activities

South Africa is a paradise for outdoor activities. There is not only water activities like swimming and kayaking, but lots of great hiking, places to mountain bike, road bike, and even ski. South Africa is also a really good place to golf.

Go to Museums and Exhibits

The Johannesburg area has a ton of museums and exhibits where you can learn about the Apartheid and the history of South Africa. Outside of the city is the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site where there are fossil filled caves.

Those caves are where the most complete hominid skeletons in the world have been found, which date back two million years. There are also diamond mines to be toured which is pretty cool.

Experience Nature

In the Western Cape there are some pretty interesting sand dunes near the ocean and some cool ancient rock art. The Kalahari Desert is vastly different than much of the rest of the country and the wildlife there is truly amazing.

Go On a Safari

Of course it’s pretty hard to go to South Africa and not go on a safari, that it a must do. Classic safari tours can take you on a guided ride to see animals, but there are also safari lodging options where you stay close to the land and get an even greater appreciation for the wildlife.