My first time visiting South Africa was 2017 for my high school graduation as a present. I do recommend my readers to visit at least once and possible check out the attractions I will be listing below! Enjoy.
South Africa is on the top of many travelers' must-visit lists. I've traveled to South Africa once now. It's one of my favorite countries and adventurous travelers would love it. There are so many places to stay and things to do in South Africa, I plan on going back to see more of the country. I decided to share my experience with people with wanderlust. If you're someone who enjoys wildlife or would like to see it for the first time, you came to the right place. South Africa is a wonderful and very diverse country.
Where should you stay?
Recommended cities to stay in South Africa would be Johannesburg (Sandton City), Pretoria, Soweto and Cape-town.
Holiday Inn Sandton City
Rivonia Road 123 Sandton Johannesburg 2196, South Africa (Distance from Airport: 18.33 MI)
Ratings 4.1/5
Holiday Day Inn includes Free Wifi, Parking, Breakfast Buffet, Pool, Restaurant, Transportation and much more! I enjoyed my stay here at Holiday Inn, it was very clean and quiet. The food was good too and the prices were "$." The staff were friendly and helpful when needed. This hotel is highly recommended.
Michelangelo Hotel
Nelson Mandela Square 135 West Street Sndown, Sandton 2196, South Africa
Ratings 5/5
Michaelangelo Hotel is a 5/5 hotel and is listed #4 out of 48 hotels in Sandton City. They have a Certificate of Excellence. Michelangelo Hotel is a must stay. This hotel includes a Restaurant, Free Wifi, Bar, Spa, Business Center/Meeting Rooms, Transportation, Babysitting and much more!
DaVinci Hotel and Suites
2 Maude Street Corner 5th Street, Sandton 2196, South Africa
Ratings 5/5
Many travelers love DaVinci Hotel and Suites. This hotel has excellent hotel rooms. It is very clean and the staff go above and beyond to accommodate the guests. People love staying here due it being so close to everything and the nightlife is lovely. DaVinci Hotel has won the Certificate of Excellence. This hotel and suite includes Free Wifi, Free Parking, Spa, Resturant, Mini-Bar and much more!
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel
Rivonia Road, West Street, Sandton 2196, South Africa
Ratings 4/5
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel is full of actives and place to go. They have excellent service and food. Radisson Blue is very stylish and has everything you need for a pleasant stay. This hotel includes free Wifi, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Gym, Transportation, Pool and much more!
African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel, Autograph Collection
1 Melrose Square, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa
Ratings 5/5
Best place, Cozy and Spacious? This is a place you WANT to stay! Travelers rated this hotel 5/5 for best service offered by professional staff, delicious food, having spacious luxurious rooms and best location. African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel offers Free Wifi, In-Pool Bar, Meeting Rooms, Multilingual Staff, Pool and more!
What is there to do in South Africa?
There are many activities and tours to do in South Africa but based on Experience, this is what I did on my trip.
1. Sandton City Mall + Nelson Mandela Sqaure
Sandton City Mall is a shopping mall with almost every American store. There are many stores such as H&M, Forever21, ADIDAS, designer stores and much more. Sandton City Mall is also surrounded with plenty of coffee shops and restaurants.
Shop at the oldest and most exclusive mall in Johannesburg.
Nelson Mandela Square also known as Sandton Square is a public square with Nelson Mandela Statue in the middle of Sandton City Mall. This is a statue you MUST take photos in front of.
2. Sun City Resort
Sun City resort is a resort located in South Africa. Hotel rooms, attractions and activities for children is available. This resort includes Casinos & Gambling, Games (Arcade), and Outdoor Activities. Luckily, Sun City Resort is near Pilanesberg National Park so you could possibly visit both in one day!
3. Hard Rock Cafe - EAT
Hard Rock Cafe has fresh amazing American cuisine and live music. The restaurant is filled with rock n' roll theme. Their menu includes delicious burgers, wings, salmon, ribs, milkshakes and much more. Hard Rock Cafe is also similar to Fridays!
4. Big Mouth - EAT
Big Mouth is South Africa based only! This was my first time eating here and I loved it. The bread and Seafood Pasta was amazing. Big Mouth is a MUST eat. Sadly, this restaurant isn't located anywhere else. TRY IT!!!
5. Lion & Safari Park - MUST-SEE TOURIST DESTINATION
Lion & Safari Park is located in Hartbeespoort, Broederstroom, South Africa. This too includes Self-Drive (Drive your own vehicle through the lion and wild dog enclosures), Guided Lion & Wild Dog Tours (Day and Night), Walking Mini Safari Tour and much more. You are able to interact and walk with Cheetahs, Lion Cubs, and Lions. There are many Giraffes and Ostrichies, Kiddie Play Area which is FREE and River Rafting.
Each tour is almost 1-2HRS.
PRICING
Self-Drive: ZAR 165 for Adults which is roughly $12.60 USD, ZAR 60 for Children between 4-12yrs which is roughly $4.58 USD and Children under 4 is FREE.
Guided Lions & Wild Dog Tours (DAY): ZAR 195 for Adults which is roughly $14.89 USD, ZAR 100 for Children between 4-12yrs which is roughly $7.69 USD and of course Children under 4 is FREE. (1 HOUR)
Guided Lions & Wild Dog Tour (NIGHT): ZAR 295 for Adults which is roughly $22.53, ZAR 150 for Children between 4-12yrs which is roughly $11.46 USD and Children under 4 is FREE. (2 HOURS)
Cheetah Interaction: ZAR 70 for Adults which is $5.35 USD - per person (2 minutes per person)
Walk with Cheetah: ZAR 60 which is $4.58 USD - per person (45 minutes)
Lion Cub Interaction: ZAR 65 which is $4.96 USD - per person (2 minutes per person)
Walks with Lions: ZAR 700 for Adults which is $53.47 - per person (45 minutes)
6. Ukutula Lodge & Conservation Center
Ukutula is a nice quiet place to visit. You're able to see variety of wildlife species such as predator, antelope species, giraffes, zebras and much more. Ukutulais also the home to over 100 different bird species. Here you can look at animals and different species while eating or doing shopping or even stay here for a night!
7. Pilanesberg Game Reserve (National Park)
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a provincial park in South Africa. This place is a park where you can drive through and look at the wildlife which includes Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos and much more. Depending on which time you go you're able to see a huge variety of animals. Mankwe Dam is the largest man-made body of water in Pilanesberg. The park also includes birdlife with eagles and ostriches.
8. Mandela House
The Mandela House was the last place I seen. It is located in Soweto. It is a meaningful experience to all visitors. You are able to explore the house Nelson Mandela grew up and learn more about him His story in the context of home, his life, and promoting human rights, democracy, mutual respect and tolerance amongst the people of South Africa.
GO LEARN ABOUT NELSON MADELA & AFTERWARDS CHECK OUT THE LOCAL FOOD AT "Sakhumzi Restaurant!"
9. Hector Pieterson Museum
The Hector Pieterson Museum is a museum located in Soweto just two blocks away from where Hector Pieterson was shot and killed. The museum is named in his honour. Hector Pieterson Museum is walking distance to Nelson Mandela House.
10. Shova Lifestyle Orgin Pty Ltd and Wall Art
Shova Lifestyle Orgin is a boutique with art, accessories and more. Shova Wall Art is MUST SEE in the heart of Soweto where you can eat local food at "Sakhumzi Restaurant" and visit local shops. You can also enjoy local handmade arts and crafts not to mention lots of entertainment from 5PM until on weekend.
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