South Africa

01 Feb 2025Updated last time

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10 Best Places To For Solo Trips In South Africa

Welcome to South Africa!

Embark on an unforgettable journey across a land that weaves together an extraordinary tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. South Africa, known as the 'Rainbow Nation,' is a country bursting with vibrant cities, iconic wildlife, and awe-inspiring natural wonders. From the majestic Table Mountain that towers over the cosmopolitan Cape Town to the golden savannahs of the Kruger National Park, where the Big Five roam free, there is an adventure waiting for every traveler. Discover the rich history and modern pulse of Johannesburg, and indulge in the sun-soaked shores and culinary delights of Durban. Explore the verdant beauty and serene lagoons of the Garden Route, and feel the heartbeat of the wilderness in the untamed Drakensberg Mountains. This is a land of diversity, where every stop is a story, every meal is a celebration, and every moment is a memory in the making.

Recommended Activities

1
Cape Town
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Cape Town is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, including Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. The city offers an eclectic mix of cultures, cuisines, and scenic landscapes. You can explore world-class vineyards, stunning beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods like the Bo-Kaap.
2
Johannesburg
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Johannesburg, known as the 'City of Gold,' offers rich historical experiences such as the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill. It's a hub for arts and culture with dynamic urban renewal projects, bustling markets, and an energetic nightlife. Together with Soweto, it provides insights into the country’s challenging past and current social dynamics.
3
Durban
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Durban is well-loved for its warm subtropical climate, extensive beaches, and the culturally diverse Golden Mile promenade. It also has a significant Indian influence, providing visitors with exceptional culinary experiences — particularly Indian cuisine — and vibrant cultural festivities.
4
Knysna
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Knysna is set along the stunning Garden Route and is known for its lush forests, tranquil estuary, and the iconic Knysna Heads. This picturesque town offers outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and adventure sports, as well as a thriving arts and crafts community.
5
Drakensberg
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The Drakensberg Mountains are a wonderland of natural beauty featuring the highest peaks in South Africa, with dramatic landscapes ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its significant cultural heritage and ancient San rock art.
6
Port Elizabeth
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Port Elizabeth offers a blend of fine beaches, historical significance, and a conservation culture. Known as the 'Friendly City,' it serves as a gateway to Eastern Cape game reserves and the beginning of the scenic Garden Route, providing a relaxed environment with a warm oceanic climate.
7
Stellenbosch
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Stellenbosch is nestled in the heart of the Cape Winelands and is renowned for its well-preserved historical architecture, vibrant university atmosphere, and some of the finest wine estates in South Africa. The region is also known for its innovative cuisine and picturesque vineyard landscapes.
8
Hermanus
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Hermanus is recognized as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world. Visitors can enjoy sightings of majestic southern right whales from the coastline or via boat tours during the migration season. The town is also known for its beautiful beaches and cliff path walks.
9
Kruger National Park
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Kruger National Park is among the world's premier safari destinations. Home to an impressive number of wildlife species, including the Big Five, the park offers exceptional game-viewing opportunities. Its diverse ecosystems and conservation efforts make it a must-visit location for wildlife enthusiasts.
10
Garden Route
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The Garden Route offers a spectacular coastline of dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and pristine beaches. It's a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with activities such as hiking, surfing, and bungee jumping. It also features charming towns, unique flora, and an array of wildlife, creating a well-rounded and scenic travel experience.

Restaurants

The Test Kitchen
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The Test Kitchen
A creative space that offers an experimental dining experience where the boundaries of traditional cuisine are constantly redefined.
Cube Tasting Kitchen
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Cube Tasting Kitchen
Known for its unique concept of 'tasting' menus in cubes, this spot offers an innovative approach to modern dining with a focus on powerful flavors and creative presentations.
Carnivore Johannesburg
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Carnivore Johannesburg
A meat-lover's paradise, offering a unique 'beast of a feast' with an array of exotic game meats prepared over an open fire in a traditional South African braai style.
Moyo
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Moyo
An African-themed chain of restaurants where traditional African cuisine meets modern innovation amidst live tribal music and face painting.
Baobab Cafe & Grill
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Baobab Cafe & Grill
An unusual eatery offering a menu infused with traditional South African flavors, set under a faux baobab tree which adds an ambient touch to the dining experience.
Gold Restaurant
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Gold Restaurant
A 14-course menu from across the African continent, complemented by interactive drumming sessions and vibrant atmosphere.
Two Oceans Aquarium Restaurant
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Two Oceans Aquarium Restaurant
Dine surrounded by the serene backdrop of marine life in a state-of-the-art aquarium, offering fresh seafood and mesmerizing views of underwater worlds.
Die Strandloper
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Die Strandloper
An open-air, beachfront restaurant where diners can indulge in a 10-course seafood feast while seated with toes in the sand, just steps from the ocean.

Hotels

The Silo Hotel
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The Silo Hotel
This luxury hotel in a transformed historic grain silo offers a unique architectural experience and panoramic views of Cape Town from its glass windows.
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
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Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
Stay in a cave suite or a hut with walls made from natural sandstone formations, blending into the unique Cederberg landscape.
Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel
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Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel
Home to the famous rooftop Airstream trailer park, where guests can sleep in creatively refurbished vintage trailers under the Cape Town sky.
Giraffe Manor
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Giraffe Manor
Although located in Nairobi, Kenya, it's worth the trip for an exclusive boutique experience where giraffes roam the grounds and might join you for breakfast.
Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
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Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
A boutique hotel set within a re-purposed power station on Knysna's Thesen Islands, giving guests a unique mix of modern luxury and industrial design.
Tsala Treetop Lodge
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Tsala Treetop Lodge
Stay in a secluded forest canopy suite nestled high above the floor of the ancient indigenous forests on the Garden Route.

Local Events & Happenings

Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Kool & The Gang with special guest Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al Mckay | Pretoria
Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Kool & The Gang with special guest Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al Mckay | Pretoria
The event will take place at SunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria.
SunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria (400.67 mi)
30 Nov 2024
Visit Website
Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Cigarettes After Sex | Pretoria
Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Cigarettes After Sex | Pretoria
The event will take place at SunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria.
SunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria (400.67 mi)
7 Mar 2025
Visit Website

James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour
James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour
The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)
12 Sep 2024
Visit Website
Atlantic Starr Live
Atlantic Starr Live
The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)
28 Sep 2024
Visit Website
TAKE THAT | THIS LIFE ON TOUR | SOUTH AFRICA
TAKE THAT | THIS LIFE ON TOUR | SOUTH AFRICA
The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)
22 Oct 2024
Visit Website
Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience
Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience
The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)
28 Nov 2024
Visit Website
Cigarettes After Sex
Cigarettes After Sex
The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)
5 Mar 2025
Visit Website

Travel Gems from Reddit

Public transport not good idea unless you know the area - use Uber or mycity busses. Western Cape Region probably most solo traveller friendly but in that same breath, around ...
Tips for a first time (solo) traveller?
Public transport not good idea unless you know the area - use Uber or mycity busses. Western Cape Region probably most solo traveller friendly but in that same breath, around ...
/r/askSouthAfrica
View on Reddit
Hello! My dad is born and raised in Soweto Township, South Africa (but also spent many years in central JoBurg, Cape Town, and Durban) and he frequently visits solo, as recent...
Advice for getting around solo in South Africa?
Hello! My dad is born and raised in Soweto Township, South Africa (but also spent many years in central JoBurg, Cape Town, and Durban) and he frequently visits solo, as recent...
/r/solotravel
View on Reddit

Hello all, I am a woman solo traveling for the first time to Cape Town, South Africa in June for 2 weeks, and I am slightly worried. I just wanted to come on here to ask for s...
Solo traveling to Cape Town and need advice
Hello all, I am a woman solo traveling for the first time to Cape Town, South Africa in June for 2 weeks, and I am slightly worried. I just wanted to come on here to ask for s...
/r/travel
View on Reddit
I booked two multi day tours (viator, get your guide ect.) for the garden route (beautiful) and Panaroma route (AMAZING) /Kruger and ended up in a group with 10/ 12 other trav...
Just finished a 3 week solo trip to South Africa and it was great!
I booked two multi day tours (viator, get your guide ect.) for the garden route (beautiful) and Panaroma route (AMAZING) /Kruger and ended up in a group with 10/ 12 other trav...
/r/solotravel
View on Reddit
Hi Reddit, I read pretty much all the South Africa travel posts but wanted to get some specific suggestions. I plan to go solo this 10/29-11/11 (13 days total). I don't plan t...
South Africa Solo Trip
Hi Reddit, I read pretty much all the South Africa travel posts but wanted to get some specific suggestions. I plan to go solo this 10/29-11/11 (13 days total). I don't plan t...
/r/capetown
View on Reddit
I've traveled alone a good bit so while I'm a bit nervous I have heard lots of good experiences in South Africa from solo female travelers. I'm also used to lots of driving al...
South Africa 14 days in September (29F, solo)
I've traveled alone a good bit so while I'm a bit nervous I have heard lots of good experiences in South Africa from solo female travelers. I'm also used to lots of driving al...
/r/travel
View on Reddit
Just got back from a solo trip through South Africa, and despite all the cautions and reservations I heard on- and off-line, I loved every bit of it! Sharing some quick notes ...
Trip Review - South Africa, May 2023
Just got back from a solo trip through South Africa, and despite all the cautions and reservations I heard on- and off-line, I loved every bit of it! Sharing some quick notes ...
/r/solotravel
View on Reddit
A place for all of those interested in solo travel to share their experiences and stories! Coins. 0 coins. Premium Powerups ... Kruger is too far - theres plenty to explore ar...
Tips for South Africa?
A place for all of those interested in solo travel to share their experiences and stories! Coins. 0 coins. Premium Powerups ... Kruger is too far - theres plenty to explore ar...
/r/solotravel
View on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata - Stereo Version
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Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata - Stereo Version
A joyful and upbeat classic South African song that will immediately bring a sense of the lively spirit of the country.
Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song] (feat. Freshlyground)
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Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song] (feat. Freshlyground)
An energetic song with powerful rhythms that became an anthem during the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa.
Billy Eichner - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
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Billy Eichner - The Lion Sleeps Tonight
A globally known tune, rooted in South African origins, which is sure to bring a smile and sing-along on any road trip.

Master KG - Jerusalema (feat. Nomcebo Zikode)
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Master KG - Jerusalema (feat. Nomcebo Zikode)
A hit that went viral for its infectious beat and dance challenge, representing the vibrant culture of contemporary South African music.
Eddy Grant - Gimme Hope Jo'anna
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Eddy Grant - Gimme Hope Jo'anna
An upbeat song with a deeper political message reflecting on the era of apartheid in Johannesburg.
Johnny Clegg - African Sky Blue
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Johnny Clegg - African Sky Blue
A soulful song that captures the beauty and vastness of the African skies, evoking a sense of wonder and reflection.
Mafikizolo - Ndihamba Nawe
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Mafikizolo - Ndihamba Nawe
A vibrant and catchy South African song that embodies the joyful and social nature of the nation's culture.
Cobra Man - Weekend Special
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Cobra Man - Weekend Special
An iconic South African pop song from the 80s, which remains a firm favorite for its lively beat and funky sound.
Flavour - African Dream
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Flavour - African Dream
A powerful ballad that speaks to the hope and aspirations of the African continent, with a melody that touches the heart.
Lemuel Tay - Homeless Expansion
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Lemuel Tay - Homeless Expansion
A globally recognized song with deeply moving Zulu lyrics and a haunting melody, showcasing the richness of South African vocal traditions.

Your Trips Will Appear Here

10 Best Places To For Solo Trips In South Africa

Welcome to South Africa!

Recommended Activities

Cape Town

Johannesburg

Durban

Knysna

Drakensberg

Port Elizabeth

Stellenbosch

Hermanus

Kruger National Park

Garden Route

Restaurants

The Test Kitchen

The Test Kitchen

Cube Tasting Kitchen

Cube Tasting Kitchen

Carnivore Johannesburg

Carnivore Johannesburg

Moyo

Moyo

Baobab Cafe & Grill

Baobab Cafe & Grill

Gold Restaurant

Gold Restaurant

Two Oceans Aquarium Restaurant

Two Oceans Aquarium Restaurant

Die Strandloper

Die Strandloper

Hotels

The Silo Hotel

The Silo Hotel

Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel

Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel

Giraffe Manor

Giraffe Manor

Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa

Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Tsala Treetop Lodge

Local Events & Happenings

Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Kool & The Gang with special guest Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al Mckay | Pretoria

Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Kool & The Gang with special guest Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al Mckay | Pretoria

Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Cigarettes After Sex | Pretoria

Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Cigarettes After Sex | Pretoria

James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

Atlantic Starr Live

Atlantic Starr Live

TAKE THAT | THIS LIFE ON TOUR | SOUTH AFRICA

TAKE THAT | THIS LIFE ON TOUR | SOUTH AFRICA

Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience

Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience

Cigarettes After Sex

Cigarettes After Sex

Travel Gems from Reddit

Tips for a first time (solo) traveller?

Advice for getting around solo in South Africa?

Solo traveling to Cape Town and need advice

Just finished a 3 week solo trip to South Africa and it was great!

South Africa Solo Trip

South Africa 14 days in September (29F, solo)

Trip Review - South Africa, May 2023

Tips for South Africa?

Music for Your Journey

Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata - Stereo Version

Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata - Stereo Version

Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song] (feat. Freshlyground)

Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song] (feat. Freshlyground)

Billy Eichner - The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Billy Eichner - The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Master KG - Jerusalema (feat. Nomcebo Zikode)

Master KG - Jerusalema (feat. Nomcebo Zikode)

Eddy Grant - Gimme Hope Jo'anna

Eddy Grant - Gimme Hope Jo'anna

Johnny Clegg - African Sky Blue