5 Things to do on a South African VacationAre you planning a holiday to South Africa, and hoping to avoid the tourist crowds while experiencing the day-to-day life of the locals? Then you won’t want to miss out on these 5 things to do on a South African vacation:

Township tour

South Africa often feels like two different countries. Most visitors only see the smart, first-world infrastructure of the cities that house the minority of the country’s population. While these areas offer excellent accommodation, restaurants and night-life, a visit to the townships offers a glimpse of the country’s soul. A number of recognised tour operators conduct township tours in Cape Town, Soweto, Port Elizabeth and other cities, as well as cultural village tours. You’ll get to see a side of South Africa that is foreign to many locals, and the trip usually includes a stop-off at a popular township restaurant for some local cuisine. You can even opt to go on a shebeen tour, or explore the wares at the local markets.

Shark-cage diving

The coastline of South Africa is patrolled by a variety of the ocean’s powerful predators. The coasts of Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape are home to the Tiger Shark, while the Great White Shark lurks off the scenic beaches of Cape Town.

South Africa gives you the unique opportunity to have a close encounter with these creatures. Various tour operators in the Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape offer visitors the opportunity to go shark-cage diving amidst enormous sharks - an experience you’ll never

forget.

Sports match

South Africa’s excellent climate has resulted in one of the most sports-mad countries on the planet. A great way to enjoy a day with the locals is to attend a sports match. Cricket matches take place throughout the summer, and are a great excuse to laze in the sun drinking beer amongst a friendly crowd.

During winter you can get tickets to a rugby or football game. Crowds for the rugby tend to be quite big, particularly in the Western Cape region, so it’s never a bad idea to book your Western Cape accommodation in close proximity to the Newlands rugby stadium.

Take a surf

South Africa has a strong surfing culture and is home to some of the planet’s best training grounds for beginner surfers. If you’ve booked Western Cape accommodation, take a trip to Kalk Bay or nearby Muizenberg, where the gentle rollers provide a forgiving training ground.

If you’re anywhere between the ages of 3 and 65, there will be a surf school willing to help you find your feet with a rented wetsuit and longboard. This is a great way to spend a day in the sun, burn off those extra calories, and get a whole new perspective on the nation’s favourite city.

The culture of the braai

The braai or outdoor barbecue is the one thing that unites South Africans across all spectrums of race and culture. When the sun’s out, you’ll find the locals soaking up the rays and having a drink as they cook their food over an open fire. A number of hotels host braais for their guests, so enquire beforehand whether this option is available from your Western Cape, Gauteng or Kwa-Zulu Natal accommodation venue. If you’re traveling in a group, you can skip the hotel braai, and simply make use of the facilities in one of South Africa’s many scenic outdoor picnic areas.

The ideal South African accommodation

If you’re still searching for the ideal accommodation in South Africa, be sure to browse the host of options available via e-southafrica.com. From budget to luxury venues, you’ll find the right establishment for a comfortable, relaxing and fun-filled holiday in South Africa.