Things to Do in South Africa

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Shark Diving
Observing and diving with Great White sharks can provide one of the most thrilling experiences of a lifetime. Numerous operators run cage diving trips around Gansbaai (two hours from Cape Town) where the open stretch of water between Dyer Island and the mainland is referred to as the shark diving capital of the world. Trips aim to educate people about the Great White shark as well as provide an up close and personal encounter from within the safety of a cage lowered into the water from the boat. People have the opportunity to watch and photograph the sharks feeding at the surface alongside the boat, and the very brave can then take turns inside the cage, which is let down about three feet (1m) below the surface of the water. Great White sharks are in the Gansbaai area all year round, but are here in their highest density during the winter months from May to October.

Game Safaris
One of the main attractions of a trip to South Africa is a game-viewing safari. Numerous game parks are scattered throughout the country, but it is the oldest, largest and most well-known wildlife conservation area, the Kruger National Park, that is the destination of choice for most international visitors. 'Big Five' viewing opportunities abound in many of the parks and many private game reserves, such as Shamwari in the Eastern Cape, have the added attraction of being malaria-free. Parks offer guided walking and jeep safaris, and night drives, as well as self-drive safaris for those with their own cars.

Bungy jumping
The historic Bloukrans River Bridge at Storms River, situated on South Africa's scenic Garden Route, is the setting for the highest commercial bungy jump in the world, at 525ft (160m). The actual bridge is higher, but jumpers gain access to the arch support below the road by way of a specially designed walkway, which is a breathtaking experience in itself. The jump is operated by Kiwi Extreme who have more than 10 years experience in bungy jumping.

Whale watching
Every year from July to November whales can be seen along the southern coast of South African shores, traveling thousands of miles to mate and calve in the safe and warm waters of protected bays. The 'heart of the Whale Coast' is Hermanus, renowned as the best whale-watching area in the country, where Southern Right whales can be seen in Walker Bay, often within 33 feet (10m) from shore. Walker Bay is recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the top 12 whale viewing destinations in the world. In general, the whale route stretches from the Western Cape up the east coast, including places along the Garden Route such as Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay (especially Keurbooms River and Robberg Peninsula), and the Tsitsikamma National Park coastline. The De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve is also popular during the whale season for its relatively new Whale Trail, a five-day hiking trail that offers fantastic whale viewing opportunities for three days along its coastal stretch. Numerous whale-watching boat excursions are offered in the Western Cape.


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