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Ready for a staycation far away from the crowds amid nature, beaches, fun, food, and excitement? Check out the top 10 most fun South Africa staycation locations.
10 Best South Africa Staycation Spots
1. Cape Town – In the heart of South Africa
Recharge in the natural setting of Cape Town that is also the country’s ‘Mother City’ with landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point. The place ranks on our list of South Africa staycations spots.
Top Activities and Attractions
- Take a ferry ride to Robben Island for an educational tour.
- Escape to Robertson Valley to be among vineyards and open farms.
- Enjoy a foodie weekend as you drive down the West Coast to relish oysters, mussels, bokkoms, and kerrievis.
- Head out to the Seal Island and witness Cape Fur seals that make the island their breeding ground.
2. Durban – Energize on a tropical paradise
Unwind in the fascinating beaches with magnificent environs of Drakensberg Mountain in this budget-friendly seaside South Africa staycation spot.
Top Activities and Attractions
- Drive up to the coast to Umhlanga Rocks for exceptional sea views.
- Take a full-day tour to the Valley of a Thousand Hills to experience Zulu culture.
- Check out the arts and crafts outlets at Midlands Meander and wander by the countryside.
- Drive to Zululand and visit battlefield sites of the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879.
3. Port Elizabeth – Dive into the waters of Algoa Bay
The famous ‘Friendly City’ offers historic heritage, wildlife, nature trails, cultural experiences, and countless water sports adventures.
Top Activities and Attractions
- Scuba dive to spend the day among beautiful reefs, coral species, aqua life, shipwrecks and more in The Bay.
- Head out to Ben Kamma on Walker Drive, a small quiet suburb to spend a quiet weekend.
- Take the historical Donkin Heritage Trail and retrace footsteps of 1820 settlers and 47 historical sites.
- Set sail to cruise the wonderful Algoa Bay in a chartered boat trip.
4. Pretoria – Collect your good luck flower
Pretoria, famous for the Jacarandas bloom is a great city to break away for a picnic with family and friends.
Top Activities and Attractions
- Go on a Hennops Hiking Trail that offers mountains, cable car rides, historical points, and more.
- Visit the beautiful Pretoria National Botanical Garden on a day trip.
- Go on a safari staycation for an amazing weekend within 100 km from Pretoria.
- Take a birding or hiking picnic at the Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary.
5. Johannesburg – Travel the ‘City of Gold‘
Joburg is known as the gold-mining town with a post-apartheid township culture and architectural heritage.
Top Activities and Attractions
- Drive to Maropeng to explore the birthplace of mankind and Sterkfontein caves.
- Witness the town of Hartbeespoort on a cableway ride.
- Spend a day at the Gold Reef City, a theme park with the Mining District Walk.
- Take a chartered flight to Kruger National Park for a luxury game drive experience.
6. East London – Feel the cool breeze of the Indian Ocean
The city by the Indian Ocean is the gateway to the Eastern Cape. Filled with game reserves, beautiful beaches, museums, and more.
Top Activities and Attractions
- Spend the day among the wild in Inkwenkwezi Safari Park that boasts of the rare white lion, abundant birdlife, and cheetah experiences.
- Embark on a fantastic safari at the Mpongo Private Game Reserve to spot the ‘Big Five’.
- Get a fascinating insight into the local Xhosa lifestyle at the Khaya La Bantu Cultural Village.
- Visit miles of sandy beaches and coastlines at Bonza Bay Beach, Orient Beach, and more.
7. Knysna – Meander the scenic routes and impressive mountains
Spend a staycation in the artsy laidback city that offers plenty of nice spots to visit and beautiful scenery.
Top Activities and Attractions
- Explore the Cape Garden Route and stay at a premier resort located between the ocean, the Knysna Estuary, and the beautiful forest.
- Visit the Knysna Forest among giant 1000-year-old Outeniqua Yellowwoods.
- Try bungy jumping from the top of Bloukrans to feel the rush of thrill.
- Take a Knysna Lagoon Boat Cruise along the turquoise blue waters at the Featherbed Bay.
8. Bloemfontein – Welcome to the ‘City of Roses’
Famous for its abundance of roses the annual rose festival is held here. The name of the city also means the ‘fountain of flowers’ and is the judicial capital of South Africa.
Top Activities and Attractions
- Visit the Bagamoya Wildlife Estate for some amazing interaction with lions cubs.
- Do a nature trail or moonlight walk at the colorful Free State National Botanical Garden.
- Escape to Maselspoort to enjoy leisure activities in this fisherman’s paradise.
- Treat yourself to a luxurious spa to rejuvenate and refresh.
9. Hermanus – The whale-watching destination
This pretty holiday town is world-famous for fantastic land and boat whale watching. Feel welcome by the scenic beauty, rich flora, outdoor and cultural activities at this South Africa staycation destination.
Top Activities and Attractions
- Take an adventurous boat ride to spot Southern Right Whales in the bay.
- Indulge in the culture at the Lemm’s Corner Market, Food & Wine Market among others.
- Enjoy leisure time on the beaches such as Grotto, Voelklip, and more.
- Drive down to the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley for culinary delights.
10. Mossel Bay – Soak up the sun by the bay
A cute coastal town that is fun for everyone offers beaches, fresh mussels, indigenous Cape Fynbos plants, and more.
Top Activities and Attractions
- Get aboard the Diaz Express Train for spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.
- Shark Cage Diving in the ocean will fill your holiday with excitement.
- Enjoy a romantic picnic at Jakkalsvlei Vineyards at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains.
- Enjoy a hiking trail to the scenic Cape St. Blaize.
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