KWAZULU-NATAL
Enjoy a beer atop the World’s Highest Pub in Africa: Fancy a drink 2 874m above sea level? The Highest Pub in Africa, on the border between South Africa and Lesotho, is the perfect place. Take your passport as you will need to go through border control. Call 078 634 7496.
Walk through the Red Desert, the smallest in the world: Located at the Red Desert Nature Reserve, a 180 hectare property in the South Coast, it’s a must for travellers. Entry is free. Call 039 311 3663.
Also try: A daycation at Nottingham Road, experience the KZN Battlefields Route and make friends with the turtles at Kosi Bay.
GAUTENG
Hang with the cool kids at Maboneng: Maboneng is home to a residential buildings, art galleries, restaurants, boutiques and commercial spaces.
Jump off Orlando Towers: The 100m jump takes place from the suspension bridge. While in the area, visit Vilakazi Street. Call 071 674 4343 or email info@sowetotowers.co.za.
Also try: Visit the Union Buildings, see The Cradle of Humankind or get adventurous at Gold Reef City.
EASTERN CAPE
Climb up The Big Pineapple in Bathurst: The Big Pineapple on Summerhill Farm is a replica of Australia’s biggest tourist attraction on Sunshine Plantation in Queensland. From R20. Call 046 625 0515.
Walk the Suspension Bridge at Mazeppa Bay: A three-hour drive from East London will take you to Mazeppa Bay. The hidden gem is home to fishing spots and a 100m-high suspension bridge that leads to Mazeppa island.
Also try: Hiking the Otter Trial, sandboarding on the Sundays
Rivers and a safari at Addo Elephant National Park.
WESTERN CAPE
Take a trip to Cape Agulhas: It takes less than three hours to get to there from Cape Town. It’s a scenic trip and there are cool towns the way, among them Caledon. Cape Agulhas is home to the Southernmost Tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and Agulhas National Park.
Go in search of the Big Five at Aquila Private Game Reserve: An hour and 45 minutes from Cape Town, just off the N1, between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Klein Karoo, it’s home to the Big Five and various antelope. Call 021 430 7260.
Also try: Take a sho’t left to Biedouw Valley, See the dassie on Table Mountain and paraglide over the Garden Route.
MPUMALANGA
Enlighten yourself at Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre: It provides insight about raptors and awareness of their plight as an endangered species. Activities include flight demonstrations and personal encounters with the birds. From R40. Contact: 082 899 4108.
Experience the Afromontane forest: Just outside Graskop on the R533 towards Hazyview, the Graskop Gorge Lift Co is an innovative tourist spot that offers access to the Afromontane forest. The viewing lift takes visitors 51m into the forest. Learn about nature, stroll through the craft market and curio shops or dine at the Lift Café at the edge of the gorge. Tickets from R130.
Call 066 305 1572. Also try: Adventures at Blyde River Canyon, explore Pilgrim’s Rest and take in the views of Mac Mac Falls.
NORTHERN CAPE
Augrabies Falls National Park: Enjoy nature in its purest form. The park, established in 1966, offers many attractions, among the 56m-high Augrabies Falls on the Orange River, and daily game drives. Call 054 452 9205.
Also try: Stay in a treehouse in Mokala National Park, watch the flamingos at Kamfers Dam and take a camel ride at Kgalagadi Lodge.