1. Show Farms
A visit to one of Oudtshoorn's ostrich show farms is well worthwhile. There is also a reptile and cheetah show farm in the Oudtshoorn district. Crocodile farms are also found in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. Game farms, where wild animals such as cheetah are bred in captivity, occur throughout South Africa. Among these are De Wildt outside of Pretoria and Kapama near Hoedspruit in Mpumalanga, where other endangered species are protected and bred. Show farms generally offer guided tours.
2. Shopping
Local manufacturers set a high premium on workmanship, and at the current Rand value, you can afford to be really extravagant. In cities, you can buy anything from a karakul coat to a crocodile skin bag, hand-woven rugs and designer jewellery. Indian Bazaars specialise in oriental ornaments, silk saris and spices. If its ethnic items you're after, flea markets and curio shops are worth a leisurely browse. Shopping hours are generally 08:00 to 17:00 on weekdays and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Supermarkets and most large shopping centres are open on Sundays. Brochures on arts and crafts routes, such as the Crocodile River Ramble (Gauteng) and the Midlands Meander Arts and Crafts Route (KwaZulu-Natal), are obtainable from local tourism associations.
3. Sun City
In the North-West Province, Sun City, with the Lost Palace close by, is one of South Africa's major pleasure resorts. It offers up-market accommodation and dozens of leisure options, including golf courses and other sports facilities, casinos, cinemas, excellent restaurants and star-studded extravaganzas.
4. Waterfront Entertainment Venues
Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is one of the most exciting tourist attractions in South Africa. This large entertainment venue features speciality shops, craft markets, museums, an aquarium, movies, theatres, pubs and restaurants. On a much smaller scale, Latimers Landing in East London is a fairly recent development on the banks of the Buffalo River. Not having the advantage of an ocean nearby, Gauteng residents gravitate to Bruma Lake and Randburg Waterfront.
5. Wine Routes
The winelands of the Western Cape are among South Africa's greatest draw-cards and are immensely popular throughout the year. They provide opportunities for wine lovers to sample fine vintages, to explore gracious Cape Dutch manor houses and to enjoy excellent cuisine in beautiful surroundings.
6. Wining and Dining
South Africa is acclaimed for its top quality fresh produce and culinary excellence. In most cities and towns, menus feature a cosmopolitan choice. The standard ranges from inexpensive and unexpectional to the sublime. The country is also internationally renowned for its fine wines.
Many estates have been producing world-class wines for years - and they are improving all the time. Most unlicensed restaurants invite patrons to bring their own wine. Restaurant guides are available from tourism associations in most cities.
Six Must Do's in SA