10 things to do in South Africa that are not total tourist traps

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Hout Bay South Africa Unsplash/Tim Johnson

Known for its natural beauty and some of the best cuisine in the world, South Africa is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. Travelers should make the long flight worth it by touring it like the locals do. Here are the top 10 things to do in South Africa, according to locals.

Hang out with some penguins

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Rather than taking a train to Boulders Beach and paying the R70 entrance fee (about $5), locals hit the adjacent beach.

Simon’s Town is home to the largest colony of African penguins in the world. Although they are used to people watching and sitting near them, don’t get too close: they bite!

Marguerite Smit, a South African consultant at Travel Beyond, recommends skipping Boulders Beach altogether and heading east. Travelers can hop in a catamaran and see the penguin colony that way.

Take a ride on the Garden Route

Amanda Eisenberg

Americans are generally wary of driving through a foreign land, says Smit. Still, travelers should not miss out on the Garden Route, which spans about 186 miles from Mossel Bay to Storms River.

Although there are touristy stops on the way, like bungee jumping and lion walks, the beautiful views are not to be missed. Smit suggests opting for a meerkat experience along the route.

Shop sustainably

South African designers are known for their use of sustainable fabrics. Shop locally, regardless of the region you’re in.

The best shopping in Cape Town proper can be found on Kloof Street and Long Street; the latter is the host of a bevy of vintage stores, such as Afraid of Mice and Second Time Around. Neighborhoods like Claremont and Woodstock have a handful of independent stores and co-ops that sell unique goods found nowhere else.

In Maboneng, Johannesburg, the arts district is a great place to shop for locally-designed clothing and jewelry, says Smit.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider