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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

  • 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.
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    Johannesburg

    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.
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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.
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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.
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    Drakensberg

    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.
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    Port Elizabeth

    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.
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    Stellenbosch

    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.
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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.
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    Kruger National Park

    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.
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    Garden Route

    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.
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Restaurants

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    The Test Kitchen

    The Test Kitchen

    A creative space that offers an experimental dining experience where the boundaries of traditional cuisine are constantly redefined.
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    Cube Tasting Kitchen

    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.
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    Carnivore Johannesburg

    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.
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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.
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    Baobab Cafe & Grill

    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.
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    Gold Restaurant

    Gold Restaurant

    A 14-course menu from across the African continent, complemented by interactive drumming sessions and vibrant atmosphere.
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    Two Oceans Aquarium Restaurant

    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.
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    Die Strandloper

    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.
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Hotels

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    The Silo Hotel

    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.
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    Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

    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.
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    Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel

    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.
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    Giraffe Manor

    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.
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    Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa

    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.
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    Tsala Treetop Lodge

    Tsala Treetop Lodge

    Stay in a secluded forest canopy suite nestled high above the floor of the ancient indigenous forests on the Garden Route.
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    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.
    Map IconSunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria (400.67 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Nov 2024
    Picture for Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Kool & The Gang with special guest Earth, Wind & Fire Experience by Al Mckay | Pretoria
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    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.
    Map IconSunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria (400.67 mi)
    Calendar Icon7 Mar 2025
    Picture for Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Cigarettes After Sex | Pretoria
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    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.
    Map IconGrand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Sep 2024
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    Atlantic Starr Live

    Atlantic Starr Live

    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Sep 2024
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    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.
    Map IconGrand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)
    Calendar Icon22 Oct 2024
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  • Event Icon

    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.
    Map IconGrand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Nov 2024
    Picture for Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience
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    Cigarettes After Sex

    Cigarettes After Sex

    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
    Map IconGrand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)
    Calendar Icon5 Mar 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    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
  • Reddit Icon

    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
  • Reddit Icon

    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
  • Reddit Icon

    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
  • Reddit Icon

    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
  • Reddit Icon

    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
  • Reddit Icon

    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
  • Reddit Icon

    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

Music for Your Journey

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    Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata - Stereo Version

    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.
    Listen on Spotify
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    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)

    An energetic song with powerful rhythms that became an anthem during the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Shakira - Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) [The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup (TM) Song] (feat. Freshlyground)
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    Billy Eichner - The Lion Sleeps Tonight

    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.
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    Master KG - Jerusalema (feat. Nomcebo Zikode)

    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.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Eddy Grant - Gimme Hope Jo'anna

    Eddy Grant - Gimme Hope Jo'anna

    An upbeat song with a deeper political message reflecting on the era of apartheid in Johannesburg.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Johnny Clegg - African Sky Blue

    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.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Mafikizolo - Ndihamba Nawe

    Mafikizolo - Ndihamba Nawe

    A vibrant and catchy South African song that embodies the joyful and social nature of the nation's culture.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Cobra Man - Weekend Special

    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.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Flavour - African Dream

    Flavour - African Dream

    A powerful ballad that speaks to the hope and aspirations of the African continent, with a melody that touches the heart.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Lemuel Tay - Homeless Expansion

    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.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Lemuel Tay - Homeless Expansion