7 Surprising Activities to Experience on a South Africa Cruise

1. Enjoy a Game Drive

Have you ever imagined witnessing an elephant in its natural environment? Port Elizabeth is the ideal destination to turn that dream into reality. Hop on an off-road safari vehicle and embark on a game drive through Addo Elephant National Park, just 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth. Established in 1931 to protect the last 11 South African bush elephants, Addo now serves as a safe haven for over 600 of these magnificent animals. Black rhinos, Cape buffalo, zebras, and lions are just a few of the other residents of Addo.

2. Explore Robben Island

Located less than 5 miles from Cape Town's stunning beaches, Robben Island is one of South Africa's most infamous historical landmarks. For nearly 400 years, it was a site of imprisonment, isolation, and exile. Most famously, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was a maximum-security prison for political detainees during South Africa's apartheid era from the 1960s to the 1990s, including Nelson Mandela. Today, Robben Island serves as a poignant reminder of this difficult chapter in South African history and the resilience of the human spirit.

3. Cage Dive with Great White Sharks

Are you ready for the ultimate thrill? Mossel Bay, with its rich marine biodiversity, warm waters, pleasant climate, and calm seas, ranks among the best locations globally for diving with great white sharks. Simply board a boat, await the arrival of the sharks, and then enter the cage for an intimate encounter with these apex predators. In the summer, you might spot as many as 17 sharks in a single trip.

4. Look for Rare Birds

While visiting Richards Bay, take a leisurely walk through Umlalazi Nature Reserve. This 2,500-acre coastal park is home to lush forests and unspoiled beaches, making it a true paradise for nature enthusiasts. Renowned for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty, the reserve offers stunning views of the reed beds and mangroves from the footbridge spanning the Siyaya River. Birdwatchers will delight in the chance to see various bird species that inhabit the area, including the elusive palm-nut vulture, which you might spot among the towering trees at Raffia Palm Monument.

5. Taste Award-Winning Wines

If you have a passion for wine, don’t miss the chance to explore the robust offerings of the renowned Cape Winelands region on a tour from Cape Town to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. As you travel through some of South Africa’s most stunning landscapes, you’ll discover the history of winemaking in the region and learn about the techniques and traditions that local vineyards employ to craft their distinctive wines. You’ll also have the opportunity to peek behind the scenes at a functioning cellar, unwind on vine-draped patios, and sample a variety of wines from across the area.

6. Mail a Letter at the Post Tree

Local legend has it that an ancient milkwood tree at the Bartholomeu Dias Museum Complex in Mossel Bay became South Africa's first mailbox in the 1500s. Sailors traveling through the region would often leave messages for each other hanging from the tree in old boots and pots. Today, visitors continue to flock to this landmark to send letters globally via a large mailbox shaped like a boot at the base of the tree. After sending your letter, take some time to explore the rest of the complex, including a replica of the ship Bartolomeu Dias used to navigate the African coastline.

7. Experience a Helicopter Tour

One of the most exhilarating ways to take in the Cape Peninsula is from the sky. Enjoy a stylish and comfortable ride aboard a helicopter for an unforgettable 360-degree tour of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Cape Town Stadium, Lions Head, and other iconic attractions. As you soar high above, you'll gain a fresh perspective on South Africa's breathtaking landscapes.