South Africa Bucket List Experiences: 23 Unforgettable Adventures to Try

There are so many South Africa bucket list experiences that offer a thrilling mix of adventure, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. 

From going on a Big Five safari in Kruger National Park to cage diving with great white sharks off the coast, South Africa is a dream destination for travelers seeking unforgettable adventures.

Whether you’re exploring Table Mountain, hiking the Drakensberg, or indulging in world-class wines, this country is packed with bucket-list-worthy moments.

Ready to plan your ultimate South African adventure? Here are the top experiences you can’t miss.

South Africa Bucket List Experiences: Epic Animal Encounters

Some of the top South Africa bucket list experiences include epic animal encounters. But what we love about these is that they are totally ethical, and all allow you to enjoy incredible animals in their natural environment.

There are plenty of great ones out there, but here are the top 7 animal experiences in South Africa that you should add to your bucket list.

Go on a Safari

Going on a safari is definitely the top of the list for South Africa bucket lsit experiences.

This country is home to some of the best safari experiences in the world, and there are various incredible parks to be able to experience a variety of wildlife, including the big 5.

Head over to the massively popular Kruger park, or go to one of the local favorites like Pilansberg.

Here are some safari opportunities you can check out:

Get up Close with Hippos

Looking for one of the most heartwarming and unique experiences in South Africa? Well, then you need to meet Jessica the Hippo and fam.

Washed up on the shores of a man's backyard, Jessica grew up in the wild, but always called this place home. Now tourists can go and meet Jessica, feed her, and experience a true bucket list activity that cannot be experienced elsewhere.

Want to learn all about it? Don't miss out on our complete guide where we share this special encounter.

Visit a Beach with Penguins

Another incredible experience where you can get up close to wildlife is visiting Boulders Beach in Cape Town.

Just outside South Africa's most popular city is a beach where you can see the only penguins in Africa!

To learn more about what visiting the penguin beach in Cape Town looks like, make sure to check out our full guide.

Here are some excursions you can sign up for to visit Boulders Beach:

Relax at a Pool Surrounded by Elephants

Kruger National Park is home to really epic animal experiences. But did you know that there are lodges that have pools where elephants freely roam and hang out at?

Wild elephants come as they please, and you can be going for a casual swim when one of these gentle giants comes up for a drink!

There are a few luxury lodges where you can experience this, including:

• Honey Guide Mantobeni Camp
• And Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
• Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villas

Go Cage Diving with Sharks

If you're looking for a thrill, then cage diving with sharks needs to be on your South Africa bucket list. 

Imagine being submerged into a small cage while you're surrounded by great whites. It was honestly one of the most wild experiences I've ever had. While it certainly is not for the faint of heart, it is definitely one of the most unique South Africa bucket list experiences.

Would you dare to try? Here are a few excursions you can sign up for:

Play with Alpacas

Looking for an animal encounter that's a little less intimidating? Located just outside of Cape Town, these adorable alpacas are waiting to meet tourists at this family-run farm.

Every hour on the hour there are alpaca barn tours for just R100/person. There are also alpaca walks, and roaming alpacas that you can feed fir just R30/bag.

There are over 100 alpacas at the Alpaca Loom, along with goats, chickens, sheep, and llamas. This is a great family-friendly activity, and there are also some great local markets and breweries nearby to pair with this as a day trip!

Go Whale Watching

South Africa offers some of the best whale-watching opportunities in the world, especially along the southern coastline. 

The town of Hermanus, often called the whale-watching capital, is famous for its stunning vantage points and annual Whale Festival. From June to November, southern right whales migrate to the warm waters of the South African coast to breed and calve, making it the perfect time to spot these majestic creatures.

Whether from land, a boat tour, or even a kayak, witnessing these giants of the ocean is an one of the best South Africa bucket list experiences to add to your list.

Here are some great whale watching tours you can sign up for:

South Africa Bucket List Experiences: Unique Stays

From luxury safari lodges to being surrounded by incredible landscapes, South Africa really has it all when it comes to bucket list worthy stays. Here are 4 that you'll definitely want to check out.

Sleep on a Train on a Bridge

We're all about unique stays, and this one will truly blow your mind.

Suspended over the Sabie River in Kruger National Park, you can experience luxury with a unique twist aboard the Shalati Train on a Bridge,

This boutique hotel is housed in a restored train, offering incredible views of the river and its wildlife. Whether you're enjoying the epic hot pool deck dangling over the rails, world-class dining at their restaurant, or simply taking in the views of snimals roaming at sunset, every moment is unforgettable at Shalati.

Sleep on a Plane

We stumbled upson this gem on our way to Kruger National Park after the South Africa Panorama Route, and it truly is one of the most unique places to stay in the country

Aerotel is a hotel where you can stay right inside an airplane! 

We were really impressed by this hotel. Every detail has been thoughtfully chosen, making you feel as if you're at a premium lounge at the airport. They have a pool, a spacious lobby, an outdoor seating area, and even have a plane that is one big airplane suite!

Go Swimming with Panoramic Views

If you're looking for one of the most incredible infinity pools in South Africa then this is it!

Panorama Chalets & Camping is conveniently located right at the start of the Panorama Route, and also boasts some of the most stunning mountain views, including an epic place to swim.

The pool is reserved for guests, but the great thing is that you can enjoy a budget-friendly stay here camping, or you can have a bit more of an elevated stay in one of the chalets. Also, don't miss out on their great restaurant right next to the pool!

Lay in a Bathtub in the Mountains

Another one of our favorite stays out in nature is Away with the Fairies Nature Lodge, a one-of-a-kind hostel offering a blend of adventure, relaxation, and whimsical charm.

Known for its famous bathtub with a view, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the lush Amathole Mountains, this hostel is a haven for backpackers and nature lovers.

South Africa Bucket List Experiences: Hiking & Trails

South Africa is a country with breathtaking landscapes, and some truly incredible trekking opportunities. Whether you're looking for short hikes with city views or several hour treks up in the mountains, these are surely ones you'll want to include on your list of South Africa bucket list experiences.

Climb to the Second Highest Waterfall in Africa

Nestled in the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains, Tugela Falls is one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, and definitely something you'll want to add to your list of South Africa's bucket list experiences.

Plunging a staggering 948 meters (3,110 feet), the falls cascade down rugged cliffs in a series of five drops, offering awe-inspiring views. With it's ladders and chains assisting hikers to the top, it's not one for the faint of heart, but certainly worth the trek.

Tugela Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder and best to be visited during or after the rainy season. When we visited in winter the falls were dried up. Nevertheless, the panoramas were stunning, and we look forward to making it back one day when the falls are in full force!

PS: Our Tugela Falls guide is coming soon! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Here are a couple of tours you can take to experience this hike with a professional guide:

Hike Table Mountain

Table Mountain may have just been the most challenging hike of my life. I don't know if it was the 8 hours climbing with temperatures drastically dropping, or the intense night out I had prior, but it certainly is a hike I'll always remember and be proud of conquering.

Table Mountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa. With breathtaking views from the top overlooking the stunning city of Cape Town, this is certainly a South Africa bucket list experience to add to your list.

Not up for the intense climb? Don't worry - there is also a cable car that you can take up!

Watch Sunset at Lion's Head

While Table Mountain is the most iconic hike in South Africa, no trip to Cape Town is complete without a visit to Lion's head.

Lion's head has easily become on our favorite hikes in the world. It's easy, fun, and has 360 degree views of Cape Town's beauty surrounding it, with city, mountain, and ocean views to appreciate.

We definitely suggest doing this hike in the late afternoon so that you can enjoy an incredible sunset, and get to witness the city lighting up at night. Just remember a flashlight for the way down!

Sunrise is also a great time for the hike for the least amount of crowds and stunning lighting. If you'd like to a guide, we've included a few different tours that you can sign up for:

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South Africa Bucket List Experiences: Thrilling Adventures

There are so many exciting animal experiences and incredible nature that South Africa has to offer. But here are some really cool South Africa bucket list experiences for the thrill seekers out there!

Go Paragliding Over Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world! Hugging the Atlantic with lush greenery and striking mountains, it's the perfect blend of city and nature bundled in one.

Seeing the city from a birds' eye view is the best way to appreciate its beauty, and this activity perfectly combines serene tranquility and thrilling adventure.

Here are a few paragliding tours that you can enjoy in Cape Town:

Go Bungee Jumping from Bloukrans Bridge

For adrenaline junkies seeking the ultimate thrill, bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge is a heart-pounding experience you’ll never forget.

As the world’s highest commercial bungee jump, standing at 216 meters (709 feet) above the Bloukrans River, it offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape before you take the leap.

Whether you're conquering a fear or chasing an adventure, Bloukrans Bridge is the ultimate South Africa bucket-list experience!

Explore the Cango Caves

Journey into the heart of South Africa's natural beauty with a visit to the Cango Caves, a mesmerizing underground wonder near Oudtshoorn. 

These ancient limestone caverns, dresses with towering stalactites, stalagmites, and intricate rock formations, offer a breathtaking glimpse into millions of years of geological history.

Choose between the relaxed Heritage Tour or the daring Adventure Tour, where you’ll squeeze through narrow passageways and explore hidden chambers. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike, the Cango Caves are a must-see destination that combines beauty, mystery, and a dash of thrill!

Here are a couple of tours that include the Cango Caves, an ostrich farm, and more!

Try Sandboarding in the Atlantis Dunes

Just outside Cape Town, the towering Atlantis dunes offer the perfect playground for sandboarding enthusiasts and adventurous first-timers alike.

 Strap on your board and glide down golden slopes, with the sweeping Atlantic Ocean in the distance adding a stunning backdrop.

This adrenaline-filled activity is a must for thrill-seekers, and one of our musts for your list of South Africa bucket list experiences. Some of the excursions even have a quad adventure included!

Experience a Hot Air Balloon Safari

One of the most magical ways to experience unique landscapes at a vantage point is with a hot air balloon, and luckily, there are a few opportunities to do so around the country!

Whether gliding over the serene vineyards of the Cape Winelands, spotting wildlife in the Cradle of Humankind, or floating above the rugged beauty of the Magaliesberg mountains, this is one of the most epic South Africa bucket list experiences.

Here are 3 fun hot air balloon excursions you can check out:

• Johannesburg: Hot Air Balloon Flight Along Magalies Valley
• Stellenbosch: Hot Air Balloon Ride and Cape  Wine Lands Private Guided Tour
• Gauteng: Hot Air Balloon RIde & Sparkling Wine Breakfast

South Africa Bucket List Experiences: Culture & History

With breathtaking landscapes, incredible animals, and wild excursions, we're sure you're feeling overwhelmed with all of the choices we've given so far.

But other than all of the epic things this country has to offer in terms of activities and wildlife, it also has a ton of diversity in its culture! Here are just a few more South Africa bucket list experiences you won't want to miss out on, especially if you want to dive into the rich culture of this beautiful destination.

Tour Robben Island

Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which stands as a powerful symbol of South Africa’s struggle for freedom and equality. Located just off the coast of Cape Town, the island was once a prison where Nelson Mandela and other anti-apartheid leaders were held. 

Today, guided tours led by former prisoners offer visitors an intimate glimpse into the island's history and its role in shaping South Africa’s democracy.

Accessible by ferry from the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island is a must-visit for those seeking a deeper understanding of the country's past, and one of the top South Africa bucket list experiences for history lovers.

Here are some tours that include a visit to Robben Island:

Experience Zulu Culture

South Africa is full of different cultures, and has a true variety of people to celebrate. 

Dive into the rich heritage of Zulu culture, one of South Africa's most vibrant and enduring traditions. Visitors can explore traditional Zulu villages, where you’ll witness captivating dance performances, learn about age-old customs, and taste authentic cuisine.

Whether it's joining a drumming session, hearing ancestral stories, or participating in cultural festivals, experiencing Zulu culture offers a unique and immersive journey into South Africa’s history and identity.

Here are a few Zulu tours you can sign up for around South Africa:

Explore the Cape Winelands

The Western Cape of South Africa is known for havng great wines, and is full of vileyards all around Cape Town's outskirts.

Sip on world-class wines and enjoy gourmet food in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, which are two of the most popular wine regions in the country.

Here are some great winery tours you can sign up for in the Western Cape:

Party Hard at First Thursday

One thing that is really unique about Cape Town is their "First Thursday" event, also known as the night of the museums.

This is the first Thursday of each month, when the museums and cultural venues are open late, and many bars either have free drinks or really good specials on drinks.

It starts in the afternoon, and goes til the late at night, but you'll want to start early for a chance to have complimentary beverages and to have the full experience!

So are you ready for these South Africa bucket list experiences? We know you're going to have an epic time in this wildly exciting country, just like we did. Let us know which of these you plan on doing in the comments below!

Want to experience other cool things to do around Southern Africa? We have a lot more South Africa travel guides coming up, as well as guides for Eswatini and Namibia. For all of the latest updates, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.

Ready to book your trip to South Africa? We're here to help! Now Scratch Your Mapa offers travel planning services which will secure you the best rates on flights and find you the most unique hotels to stay at. Not only that, but we're creating really exciting group trips to South Africa soon!

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