8 Unmissable Urban Experiences in South Africa
South Africa is worldly known for its epic safaris, vast national parks and iconic landmarks that have been etched on traveler’s to –do-lists. South Africa’s vibrant cities are now some of the world’s iconic destinations, the country is more than just cosmopolitan Cape Town and Johannesburg.South Africa is a magical destination offering amazing safaris, rugged mountains, world-class wineries, and endless coastline and lively cities like Cape Town.
In this blog, we list the 8 Unmissable urban experiences in South Africa.
- Head to the beach
Cape Town and Durban have some of the best stretches of beach right in South Africa on their doorsteps, and you have to make good use of them. Put on your flip flogs and join the Capetonians and Durbanites as well as visitors on the powdery golden sands.
Lying on the Indian Ocean, the rolling waves and warm waters of Durban’s Golden Mile are perfect for learning to surf (booking in advance with Living the Dream Surf School is recommended). For cyclists, you can hire some wheels at The Bike and Bean to pedal the promenade with the locals.
Cape Town’s Atlantic Ocean beaches are an easy hop from the city, offering prisitine sand, lush landscapes, and spectacular sunsets. For sunbathing and people watching, try Fourth Beach in upscale Clifton, a popular, sheltered Blue-Flag Beach (the Blue-Flag is a coveted award given for sustainability and high eco-standards), then head to The Bungalow for cocktails when you have had your fill of the sun.
- Dine around Durban
Regardless of your taste or budget, Durban delivers something quick and cheap to go. Dip into CaneCutter’s in Glenwood to try bunny chow-the city’s trademark take on a sandwich – a hollowed out half or quarter while loaf filled with curry, just one of the perks of Durban having the largest Indian Population outside of Indian.
For a long, relaxed Sunday Brunch overlooking the Indian Ocean? Head to Surf Riders Café at Addington Beach, which serves burgers, pastas and pizzas, and cocktails to complement the vibe.
Enjoy an adventurous, seasonal menu served in a stylish, contemporary setting? Award-winning executive chef, Kayla – Ann Osborn works her art in the open-plan kitchen at The Chef’s Table in upmarket Umhlanga Rocks, just a short skip from the sea. Osborn explains “What is happening in the kitchen really creates the atmosphere in the restaurant. Our menu changes every day, and were all about working with small-scale, organic, sustainable, free-range producers. We use whatever they drop off in the morning, and this makes our offering as diverse, fresh and unique as Durban itself”
- Take a leap of faith
South Africa’s mountain ranges and oceans are ripe for adventure, and for thrill seekers will find plenty of urban highs here too. From being harnessed to one of Fly Cape Town Paragliding’s pros a top Signal Hill or Lion’s Head, you will be swooping over the city, before coming gently down to land on the shores of the Atlantic.
South Africans are very active people with their weekends being about outdoors: hitting the beach, hiking, cycling or hurling overselves off stuff.
Join the locals in Johannesburg, where Soweto Towers Vertical Adventure Center offers 300ft bungee jumps from a bridge connecting the township’s two iconic cooling stacks, while the Big Rush Big Swing – the world’s tallest rope swing at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium see riders free fall 260ft into the stadium bowl.
- Catch some culture on the Cape
In the recent years, Cape Town has been throbbing with the energy of young, talented artists, showcasing their work in neighborhood galleries and event space. In 2014, the city was named the World Design.
The opening of The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) in 2017 beneath one of the city’s most stylish hotels, The Silo, cemented the city’s place on the international art and design scene.
MOCAA occupies nine floors of a converted, historic grain store and holds the continent’s largest collection of contemporary African Art. With 100 galleries, a sculpture garden and a soaring, cathedral-like atrium, it is an impressive yet chilled space, showcasing work from artists including South Africa’s William Kentridge, Zanele Muholi and Athi-Patra Ruga. And while MOCCA’s gone straight to the top of International visitors and locals, free entry for Africans citizens each Wednesday has ensured the gallery is accessible to all.
- Hit the town in Johannesburg
Many of Johannesburg’s historic building are being imaginatively repurposed as industrial drinking dens and exciting entertainment venues, thanks to a number of regeneration initiatives happening across the city. The neighborhoods of Manoneng and Newtown are now magnets for hip Johannesburgers in search of music, craft beers and botanical gins, while near the city’s university, bohemian suburb Melville attracts a student crowd. The site of a former 1880s gold-mining camp in Ferreirasdrop has been reimagined as 1 Fox Precinct, offering live music and events, bars, restaurants, plus a crat distillery and brewery.
Industrial 1930s buildings now house independent restaurants and bars around the leafy courtyard, fountain and arcades at 44 Stanely in Braamfontein, and a laundromat in Illovo provides the unlikely secret entrance to one of the city’s hottest speakeases, J.Rabbit Tequileria, which serves the biggest selection of premium tequila and mezcal.
- Meet the makers
Nobody loves the mall more than South Africans, with just under 2,000 shopping centers in the country offering everything from high-end fashion to the latest tech. However, for a real glimpse of what of the country’s artists and markers are up to, head to one of its city markers or art and design fairs.
Each Saturday, the hip Neighbourgoods Market bring color and creativity to the Old Biscuit Mill in Cape Town and Braamfontein in Johannesburg, with a diverse range of food and designer stalls, and live music to entertain you while you browse. The Township of Soweto in Johannesburg hosts an excellent monthly arts and crafts market, while Durban’s I Heart Market at the Moses Mabhida Stadium showcases jewelry, ceramic and vintage goods.
The First Thursdays program offers the chance to visit a range of galleries and cultural attractions in Cape Town and Johannesburg for free until 9 pm or latter on the first Thursday of every month.
- Get a local view of Soweto
Former home of both Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu , Soweto was once he heart of political resistance in South Africa. But now, besides the Mandela House National Museum, blue plaques around the city remind us of its defining place in history.
In Soweto you will still find traditional shebeens (a term brought over by Irish miners and traditionally used to describe unlicensed drinking houses), the former mining center offers eateries, night clubs, a four-star hotel and homes on Airbnb.
While in Soweto, join a grassoroots quad-bike tour to drive the township’s backstreet, meet locals, and eat traditional shisa nyama (barbecue). Festivals like the Soweto Festival of Wine, Food and Culture provide a unique opportunity to connect with this very special South African Community.
- Go global in Cape Town
For travelers interested in international dishes with a unique, South African spin, book a table at The Test Kitchen in Cape Town’s Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, where owner and chef, Like Dale-Roberts, serves tantalizing small bits in The Dark Room and gives exceptional tasting menus the illumination they deserve in The Light Room.
Boundary pushing Dale – Roberts is one of the most innovative chefs working in Africa today.
In Cape Town, you can eat your way around the globe, but when it comes to wine, there is no need to stray further than the world-lass vineyards of the Cape. The wineries of Stellenbosch, Constantia and Franschhoek produce award-winning bottles to savor in the city, or to sink in situ at the wineries on a lazy, sunny afternoon.
Start planning your South Africa Adventure today with Petnah Africa Tours.
