South Africa

About the Destination Photo gallery Accommodations

Oh how South Africa captivates. This is the world’s most beautiful country. A bold claim we know, but everybody who visits will agree.

Plan your trip

Explore South Africa

Springbok skipping across the grasslands, elephants drinking from your private plunge pool, lions and leopards meeting your eye. The Rainbow Nation will indulge all your senses, with its premium mix of nature, luxury, culture and individuality. Step into the wild without leaving your comfort zone. Feel humbled by mother nature. Effortlessly combine a remarkable variety of experiences, from the big five to whales and sharks, Cape Town to indigenous culture, the Winelands to South Africa’s underexplored wild corners.

Getting here and around

South Africa has Africa’s largest and 3rd largest airport. Use OR Tambo International in Johannesburg for anywhere in the north and east, which includes all the best safari options. Cape Town is the entry point for the self-proclaimed Mother City, the winelands, whales, sharks and more. There’s a good network of domestic flights, including directly into the safari reserves. If you prefer slow travel, consider the fabulous Rovos Rail train.

Climate & seasons

South Africa is a year-round destination, but each destination has a different best time to visit. For Cape Town it’s the long summer, from October to March. For Kruger and Sabi Sands safari it’s the dry and mild winter, from May to September. Whale watching in Hermanus? That’s September to November. The winelands are better before the February harvest. So think about your ideal time to go on holiday, then we can tailor the adventure dependent on what’s best to do.

Where to go

Variety makes South Africa a safe and thrilling introduction to Africa. Most people combine three or four complementary destinations. With Table Mountain looming large and a trendy new-world atmosphere, Cape Town is Africa’s iconic city experience. The winelands are nearby and they’re so relaxed and indulgent. Whales and shark diving are also highlights of this southwestern region, but don’t do your safari here. Go northeast for this, to one or more of the private concessions that make up the Greater Kruger area - Sabi Sands is the most famous. Phinda is another excellent safari destination. And all this is just for starters. Without even mentioning the Indian Ocean beaches. Whether you want remote and wild or intimate cultural experiences, we’ll show you what’s possible.

What to do

You’re driving a sidecar across Chapman’s Peak to the tip of the continent for a morning surf. The next day you’re walking with giraffe and zebra. Or wine tasting. Or tracking leopards at night. If you visited South Africa every year for an entire lifetime, you still wouldn’t experience everything. Abseil off Table Mountain, learn Cape Malay cooking, participate in elephant collaring and take your kids on a malaria-free safari. South Africa also has some of the world’s finest accommodation, especially the glamorous safari lodges that make a perfect introduction to the world of big five animals and luxury bush living.