10 Best Places To For Solo Trips In South Africa

02 Jun 2026Updated last time

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Restaurants

  • Picture for The Test Kitchen

    The Test Kitchen

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

    Cube Tasting Kitchen

    24 Albrecht St, Jeppestown, Johannesburg, 2043, South Africa
    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.
  • Picture for Carnivore Johannesburg

    Carnivore Johannesburg

    69 Drift Blvd, Estate, Muldersdrift, 1747, South Africa
    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.
  • Picture for Moyo
    Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Drive, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
    An African-themed chain of restaurants where traditional African cuisine meets modern innovation amidst live tribal music and face painting.
  • Picture for Baobab Cafe & Grill

    Baobab Cafe & Grill

    Menlyn Shopping Centre, Shop UF 53-55, Atterbury Rd, Menlyn, Pretoria, 0063, South Africa
    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.
  • Picture for Gold Restaurant

    Gold Restaurant

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

    Two Oceans Aquarium Restaurant

    Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8002, South Africa
    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.
  • Picture for Die Strandloper

    Die Strandloper

    Die Strandloper, Langebaan, 7357, South Africa
    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

    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

    R303, Koue Bokkeveld, Cederberg, 6836, South Africa

    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

    Home to the famous rooftop Airstream trailer park, where guests can sleep in creatively refurbished vintage trailers under the Cape Town sky.
  • 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

    36 Sawtooth Ln, Thesen Island, Knysna, 6570, South Africa

    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

    Off N2 10km W Of Plettenberg, Plettenberg Bay, 6600, South Africa

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

Local Events & Happenings

  • Picture for 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

    SunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria (400.67 mi)30 Nov 2024
    The event will take place at SunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria.
  • Picture for Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Cigarettes After Sex | Pretoria

    Discovery Bank Pre-Sale | Cigarettes After Sex | Pretoria

    SunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria (400.67 mi)7 Mar 2025
    The event will take place at SunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria.
  • Picture for James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

    James Blunt: The Who We Used To Be Tour

    Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)12 Sep 2024
    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
  • Picture for Atlantic Starr Live

    Atlantic Starr Live

    Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)28 Sep 2024
    The event will take place at Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town.
  • Picture for TAKE THAT | THIS LIFE ON TOUR | SOUTH AFRICA

    TAKE THAT | THIS LIFE ON TOUR | SOUTH AFRICA

    Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)22 Oct 2024
    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
  • Picture for Kool & The Gang - special guest Al Mckay's Earth,Wind &Fire Experience

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

    Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)28 Nov 2024
    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.
  • Picture for Cigarettes After Sex

    Cigarettes After Sex

    Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town (407.96 mi)5 Mar 2025
    The event will take place at Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town.

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Seeking Advice for South Africa Solo Road Trip

    /r/askSouthAfrica

    Kruger to sodwana and sodwana to Durban . And the Port Alfred to Capetown your GPS should be fine .

  • Solo traveler (F25) heading to South Africa any advice?

    /r/askSouthAfrica

    I would start with a week in Cape Town, then fly to Skukuza in Kruger National Park and do a week in Kruger. Followed up with your final week doing the Panorama Route in Mpuma...

  • Advice for getting around solo in South Africa?

    /r/solotravel

    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...

  • South Africa itinerary - Suggestions?

    /r/solotravel

    Hi, M30 here that got some great help recently, but now my plans have changed so Im asking again. Just booked my flights to South Africa. Will be

  • Best way to travel around to these destinations

    /r/askSouthAfrica

    Hi, Im going with to South Africa in May, with 2 other friends. We are flying into Johannesburg and weve come up with some stuff wed like to do

  • Is solo-travel in South Africa a bad idea right now?

    /r/capetown

    All places except Durban and Johannesburg is safe for Solo travel. In fact, I would skip Joburg all together. Durban has its charm tho ... I wouldnt recommend Port Elizabeth t...

  • Travelling around SA by Public Transport - Safety and frequently ?

    /r/solotravel

    34 M , travel alone, budget 1600 Euros, 1.5 months / Cape town, The garden Routh, Port Elizabeth Durban, Lesotho, Joburg (The mark cities are the more important ones to visit)

  • Any tips to travel Durban, Drakensberg and the surroundings?

    /r/askSouthAfrica

    Hire a car and drive around or ... is magical. Safety tips: it's safe overall, nothing to worry about, may encounter higher chargers if found speaking german, stick to En...

  • Please share some tips for my South Africa trip

    /r/travel

    Ill try to be more aware .. any hostels or stays near Kruger that are super safe ? ... Im just done booking everything for my FIFTH trip to South Africa - what Info are you af...

  • South Africa - Hiking and Itinerary

    /r/travel

    You will want to dig into the specifics of it because it has now been a decade since I lived in SA and went on that road trip, but if you are willing to drop the wine region s...

  • Solo travel in South Africa - safe for women (& Drakensberg area advice)

    /r/solotravel

    Make sure the place you stay have security, since South Africa relies a lot on tourism most bnbs, guesthouses and the like take the safety of the guest really seriously.

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

    /r/solotravel

    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...

  • First (and only?) time in South Africa- trip advice

    /r/southafrica

    (Especially in Johannesburg and Cape Town ) We usually have done the asian countries by landing there and then figuring it out. We've never done a safari before so it wou...

  • Solo traveling to Cape Town and need advice

    /r/travel

    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...

  • Planning a trip to south-Africa! Any tips on which route or ...

    /r/geography

    I did the coast trip in late 1995. I hitchhiked (it was safe then) from Cape Town to Knysna, then on to Port Elizabeth. I wish I had stopped at Cape Agulhas. From Port Elizabe...

  • Road trip South Africa 4 weeks

    /r/solotravel

    The exact route is still in planning. Start is in Johannesburg, then probably to the Drakensberg region, Bloemfontein, Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Knysna/Plettenberg Bay, Hermanu...