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

  • Resort57290698287
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an absolute must do in Cape Town. The views at the top are stunning. Make sure to go when the weather is clear.

    It feels very safe at the top and you can do some self-guided walks. There's also a restaurant, toilets and gift shop at the top.
    Written March 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ramblingman46
    Manchester, UK91 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I arrived at 7:20am (with the sim to avoid the 1-2hr advertised queues)and was first in the queue. More people turned up before the first cable car at 8:00am.

    The cable car holds 64 people and has a rotating floor, so you get great panoramic views on the trip.

    I spent about 40 minutes at the top and there was only one other person in the cable car on the way down.

    This was a fantastic experience.
    Written March 15, 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.
  • sambob52
    East Riding of Yorkshire, UK34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful area to visit - plenty of shops to browse, plenty of restaurants (the best steak ever according to my other half) at the City Grill. Vibrant area with lots going on. Great during the day and at night. The tour boat trip was informative. The seal platforms are amazing could stand and watch them for hours.
    Written March 16, 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.
  • Malaika H
    Sao Paulo, SP7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Now I know where Google, Apple & Amazon take those amazing photos of natural beauty, its REAL and its around the Cape of Good Hope! Simply stunning views but sadly you cannot spend much time there since the wind is literally blowing you away and its hard to stay firm on your feet there. Must go visit, must take the photo by the sign and absorb as much of it as you possibly can for as long as you can handle.

    There is a walking path from the Cape of Good Hope to the Cape Point, it is supposedly 1.5 hrs return. However, the wind can be so strong that it makes it hard to actually walk this path without falling (someone from my family did fall twice). And parts of this path are steep and rocky so please be very careful and go with a group. There is zero cel. phone coverage in this area.
    Written March 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rob H
    Halifax, Canada375 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The visit with elephants and the care the handlers provided for guests and elephants were excellent. The ride out to the elephants was fun and all the safety guidelines all made sense. The visits with elephants was gentle and elephants were a joy to be around. We stayed at the lodge and that aspect seem disorganized even at 3:30 pm we were waiting to get to our room. The restaurant left a lot to be desired. Staff there seemed disinterested and service reflected this. Our breakfast came piecemeal with our juices showing up when we were finished. There were only two other couples.
    Written March 18, 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.
  • 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.