It’s probably no surprise that a safari makes it on the list of top things to do in South Africa. Whether you’re a first-time safari-seeker or an experienced wildlife adventurer, South Africa has a plethora of safari options to suit everyone.

Head to Greater Kruger National Park or Madikwe Game Reserve for bushveld, verdant forests and savannah teeming with mammal species, ideal for those who are looking not only for the Big 5, but for more exotic wildlife such as wild dogs and the critically endangered black rhino.

If it’s your first time on safari then consider the Eastern Cape Game Reserves. These reserves are easy to navigate with regular sightings of elephants and impressive antelopes. Plus, it makes for a great place to finish a holiday which starts in Cape Town and goes through the beautiful Garden Route as reserves like the Addo Elephant National Park is approx 30 minutes from Port Elizabeth Airport.

TF’s top lodge pick for Madikwe: Last Word Madikwe

The Cape Winelands is one of the world’s finest wine regions, with its patchwork of vineyards, farmers markets, little museums, gastronomic restaurants and charming towns such as Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

Choose to spend at least a couple of nights in this region and sample fine wines paired with sumptuous cuisines amongst an incredible background. Don’t forget to book the famous Franschhoek Wine Tram and hop between beautiful wine estates and choose from several routes to get the most out of your time.

Take a scenic road trip through seaside villages, glittering beaches and misty mountains along the famed Garden Route. With so much to see, this road trip is worth taking your time on, and is one of the best things to do in South Africa.

Discover golden beaches in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Surf crashing waves in Mossel Bay and hike shadowy forests in Wilderness. Search for iconic wildlife in the verdant Garden Route National Park and enjoy thrilling activities including a bungee jump within Tsitsikamma National Park.

TF’s top hotel pick for Knysna: The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa

For a Blue Planet-worthy experience, it’s hard to beat whale watching and Hermanus is the best place to witness these majestic animals. These amazing mammals are fantastic to watch and you’ll often see noisy seals and playful dolphins too but it’s the whales that usually steal the show.

You don’t even need to board a boat - the southern right whales come so close to shore they can be seen from land during their mating and calving season (roughly from June to November).

TF’s top hotel pick for Hermanus: Harbour House Hotel Hermanus

Cape Town is built around the slopes of Table Mountain. There are multiple hiking routes, but the quickest way up is via the cable car. From the top, it’s a short walk to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point, at 1,086m (3,500ft) above sea level but the views from around the station are better, with an outlook over the Atlantic, the pointed peak of Lion’s Head, Robben Island, and across the city bowl.

For a more exclusive experience, do a private version of the tour where your guide will lead you up to the stunning view point to point out all the places of interest. Seeing Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain is definitely one of the best things to do in South Africa.

TF’s top hotel pick for Cape Town: Victoria & Alfred