Africa

South Africa Holidays

Wildlife

Go on safari and search for South Africa’s famous ‘Big Five’

Activities

Hike to the top of Table Mountain, or taste delicious wines in Stellenbosch

Best for

Equally exciting and romantic, South Africa is great for couples and families alike

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South Africa

Step into South Africa

A trip to South Africa is a bucket list dream for many travellers. This country of contrasts has it all – beaches and cities, culture and history, wildlife and wine. And, thanks to the minimal time difference, you can explore this far-flung land without fear of jet lag. Combine this with the favourable exchange rate, and it’s easy to see why South Africa holidays are more popular than ever.

Five times the size of the United Kingdom, South Africa packs an incredible amount into its borders. The Rainbow Nation boasts dramatic mountains, rugged coastlines, pin-striped vineyards and more. So, when you’re deciding how to spend your time here, you’ll be spoiled for choice. You can sip chenin blanc in the Cape Winelands, admire the scenic Garden Route, and learn about the country’s history in cosmopolitan Cape Town.

But there’s no doubt that wildlife plays a big part in any holiday to South Africa. Brushed by two oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian – South Africa’s surrounding waters are filled with dolphins, whales and sharks. Meanwhile, the vast plains and national parks are home to more than 850 bird species and 300 species of mammal. The ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – are the most famous. But you’ll see plenty of other creatures on your South Africa holiday, including cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and warthog.

There’s so much to see and do in South Africa that it can be difficult to know where to start – and that’s where our travel experts can help. We can tailor your trip to you and your interests, so that you can experience South Africa your way. Tick off Cape Town, the Winelands and Kruger National Park. Or opt for a multi-centre holiday to Hermanus and the Garden Route, followed by a three-day safari. Prefer to take a tour? Our experts will help you choose the right one for you. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ll make sure your South Africa holiday is everything you want, and more.

The Garden Route

South African safari

Cape Town

Best time to go

Essential Information

The Garden Route

When you talk about South Africa holidays, you’ll often hear about the Garden Route. Stretching for nearly 200 miles, this scenic drive meanders from Mossel Bay all the way to Storms River – but you can easily extend your journey and continue on to Cape Town. The route runs parallel to the rugged coastline, and weaves past rolling hills, sweeping lakes and the stunning Tsitsikamma mountain range. You’ll also see rich forests and beautiful wild flowers – hence the name.

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Most people spend about five days making their way along the Garden Route, as it’s not something you want to rush. There are some great viewpoints on the way – the most famous of which is Bloukrans Bridge – and several places to stop and explore. Plettenberg Bay has a fantastic beach and some lovely coastal walks. And the town of Kynsna boasts a beautiful lagoon, where you can go kayaking, sailing and paddle-boarding. If you have time to spare, you could also take a detour north to Oudtshoorn. This place is home to vineyards, enormous limestone caves and the Swartberg mountain range, which is part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site.

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Safaris and game drives

No holiday to South Africa would be complete without a safari – even if you just go for the day. As you explore the wilderness in a 4x4, your knowledgeable guide will be able to point out all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds, including the ‘Big Five’. And, when it comes to game reserves, you’ve certainly got plenty of choice.

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Tucked in the northeast corner, on the Mozambique border, you’ll find Kruger National Park. Covering a whopping 7,000 square miles, this is probably the country’s most famous safari spot. Kruger is filled with wildlife and a range of accommodation, and it’s all just a few hours away from Johannesburg. But there are loads of fantastic game reserves in South Africa, so it’s worth doing your research. If you’re travelling with young children, for instance, you may wish to head to a reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. Just a stone’s throw from Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Kariega Game Reserve and Shamwari Private Game Reserve all offer amazing safaris and luxury lodges.

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Cape Town

Instantly recognisable thanks to the imposing backdrop of Table Mountain, Cape Town is a must-visit on your South Africa holiday. Home to fascinating museums and bustling markets, this city – one of South Africa’s three capitals – gives you an insight into the country’s mish-mashed heritage and poignant history. Discover art and culture at Iziko South African Museum, and book a Robben Island tour to learn more about apartheid and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. Ride the cable car up Table Mountain or, if you’d prefer to get your heart pumping, why not hike up to the top of Lion’s Head and admire the view?

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As a coastal city, Cape Town also has a number of beaches. Unwind on the sands of Camps Bay, or hop along the four beaches of Clifton. Or you could head out on a whale-watching trip – sightings are pretty much guaranteed between August and November. Alternatively, visit Boulder’s Beach to see Cape Town’s famous colony of wild penguins.

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Best time to visit South Africa

Since South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, its seasons are the opposite of those in the UK. The summer months are December to March, while winter runs from June to August. But the weather varies by area, so you’ll need to plan your trip carefully.

If you’re planning to hit Cape Town, the Western Cape or the Garden Route, summer is the best time to go – you’ll have long, dry days. This is also a great time to go on safari in any of the Eastern Cape’s game reserves, on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth.

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But if you want to visit Johannesburg and go on safari in the northeast, it’s actually best to book your South Africa holiday between May and October. Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal experience dry winters – which makes it easier to spot wildlife – but see heavy thunderstorms in the summer. It’s also worth remembering that July to November is the best time to see whales in South Africa.

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Essential Information

Visa: No visa required for visits lasting less than 90 days
Language: Afrikaans, English and Zulu
Currency: South African rand (R)
Time difference: GMT +2 hours
Flight duration from London: 11 hours direct to Johannesburg
Capital city: Pretoria (executive capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital); Cape Town (legislative capital)

Show Less

The Garden Route

When you talk about South Africa holidays, you’ll often hear about the Garden Route. Stretching for nearly 200 miles, this scenic drive meanders from Mossel Bay all the way to Storms River – but you can easily extend your journey and continue on to Cape Town. The route runs parallel to the rugged coastline, and weaves past rolling hills, sweeping lakes and the stunning Tsitsikamma mountain range. You’ll also see rich forests and beautiful wild flowers – hence the name.

Show Less

Most people spend about five days making their way along the Garden Route, as it’s not something you want to rush. There are some great viewpoints on the way – the most famous of which is Bloukrans Bridge – and several places to stop and explore. Plettenberg Bay has a fantastic beach and some lovely coastal walks. And the town of Kynsna boasts a beautiful lagoon, where you can go kayaking, sailing and paddle-boarding. If you have time to spare, you could also take a detour north to Oudtshoorn. This place is home to vineyards, enormous limestone caves and the Swartberg mountain range, which is part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site.

Show Less

South African safari

Safaris and game drives

No holiday to South Africa would be complete without a safari – even if you just go for the day. As you explore the wilderness in a 4x4, your knowledgeable guide will be able to point out all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds, including the ‘Big Five’. And, when it comes to game reserves, you’ve certainly got plenty of choice.

Show Less

Tucked in the northeast corner, on the Mozambique border, you’ll find Kruger National Park. Covering a whopping 7,000 square miles, this is probably the country’s most famous safari spot. Kruger is filled with wildlife and a range of accommodation, and it’s all just a few hours away from Johannesburg. But there are loads of fantastic game reserves in South Africa, so it’s worth doing your research. If you’re travelling with young children, for instance, you may wish to head to a reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. Just a stone’s throw from Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park, Kariega Game Reserve and Shamwari Private Game Reserve all offer amazing safaris and luxury lodges.

Show Less

Cape Town

Instantly recognisable thanks to the imposing backdrop of Table Mountain, Cape Town is a must-visit on your South Africa holiday. Home to fascinating museums and bustling markets, this city – one of South Africa’s three capitals – gives you an insight into the country’s mish-mashed heritage and poignant history. Discover art and culture at Iziko South African Museum, and book a Robben Island tour to learn more about apartheid and the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela. Ride the cable car up Table Mountain or, if you’d prefer to get your heart pumping, why not hike up to the top of Lion’s Head and admire the view?

Show Less

As a coastal city, Cape Town also has a number of beaches. Unwind on the sands of Camps Bay, or hop along the four beaches of Clifton. Or you could head out on a whale-watching trip – sightings are pretty much guaranteed between August and November. Alternatively, visit Boulder’s Beach to see Cape Town’s famous colony of wild penguins.

Show Less

Best time to go

Best time to visit South Africa

Since South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, its seasons are the opposite of those in the UK. The summer months are December to March, while winter runs from June to August. But the weather varies by area, so you’ll need to plan your trip carefully.

If you’re planning to hit Cape Town, the Western Cape or the Garden Route, summer is the best time to go – you’ll have long, dry days. This is also a great time to go on safari in any of the Eastern Cape’s game reserves, on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth.

Show Less

But if you want to visit Johannesburg and go on safari in the northeast, it’s actually best to book your South Africa holiday between May and October. Kruger National Park and KwaZulu-Natal experience dry winters – which makes it easier to spot wildlife – but see heavy thunderstorms in the summer. It’s also worth remembering that July to November is the best time to see whales in South Africa.

Show Less

Essential Information

Visa: No visa required for visits lasting less than 90 days
Language: Afrikaans, English and Zulu
Currency: South African rand (R)
Time difference: GMT +2 hours
Flight duration from London: 11 hours direct to Johannesburg
Capital city: Pretoria (executive capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital); Cape Town (legislative capital)

Show Less

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Popular places in South Africa

Choose where to go on your holiday

Cape Town

Johannesburg

Kruger National Park

Durban and KwaZulu-Natal

Stellenbosch and Cape Winelands

Eastern Cape game reserves

Garden Route

ITINERARIES

Hotels

How to do South Africa

Whether you’re planning your honeymoon or heading off on a family holiday, our experts can tailor-make a holiday to suit you.

3 Day Rovos Rail - Pretoria to Cape Town

3 days From £989pp

TOUR ONLY

You’re destined to fall in love with the mix of wild beauty and heritage-rich towns and cities as you journey from Pretoria to Cape Town on this deluxe three-day rail tour.

Explore

Escorted Tour

4 Day Garden Route Highlights

4 days From £669pp

TOUR ONLY

This compact four-day adventure will see you journey from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape, along scenic Route 62.

Explore

Self-drive

7 Day Garden Route Explorer

7 days From £1099pp

Take the ultimate road trip with this leisurely seven-day self-drive adventure. You’ll explore some of South Africa’s most stunning landscapes from your bases in Montagu, Oudsthoorn and Plettenberg Bay – entirely at your own pace.

Explore

Escorted Tour

8 Day Wildlife & Warriors Tour

8 days From £1799pp

Stretching from Johannesburg to Durban, this scenic eight-day journey will take you through some of South Africa’s most spectacular landscapes while you spot wildlife and explore cultural traditions along the way.

3 Day Blue Train - Pretoria to Cape Town

3 days From £859pp

TOUR ONLY

You’re destined to fall in love with the mix of wild beauty and heritage-rich towns and cities as you journey from Pretoria to Cape Town on this deluxe three-day rail tour.

Explore

Self-drive

10 Day Cape Town Garden Route Safari

10 days From £2499pp

Includes hotel stays and car hire - selected May 2022 travel

You’ll explore some of South Africa’s most stunning and contrasting highlights, with this packed 10-day adventure through city and safari via the picturesque Garden Route.

Explore

Escorted Tour

7 Day Kwazulu Natal Highlights

7 days From £2059pp

This comprehensive seven-day tour will see you uncover KwaZulu Natal’s fascinating heritage, visiting its eclectic highlights before experiencing the exhilaration of a game drive through a private reserve.

Explore

Self-drive

12 Day Essential South Africa

12 days From £2019pp

Immerse yourself in South Africa’s contrasting highlights, with this packed 12-day journey through Cape Town, the Winelands, the picturesque Garden Route, and Kruger National Park.

Explore

16 Day Grand Tour of South Africa

16 days From £3099pp

You’ll journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town on this immersive 16-day adventure, showcasing South Africa’s contrasting highlights – from scenery and wildlife, to high culture and fine cuisine.

4 Day Rovos Rail – Pretoria to Victoria Falls

Call to book

Sit back and relax, as you travel through the spectacular scenery of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe on this luxurious four-day rail tour.

Explore

Escorted Tour

6 Day Garden Route, Safari & Cape Winelands

6 days From £1399pp

You’ll experience some of South Africa’s highlights while witnessing its diverse and beautiful scenery on this six-day circular adventure.

Escorted Tour

Culture

Adventure

6 Day Garden Route Splendour

From £1739pp

8 nights including tour, cape town stay and flights

Take a tour of one of South Africa’s most renowned areas, the scenic and culture enriched Garden Route where travellers can revel in the wonders of this beautiful stretch of land.

Explore

Wildlife

7 Day South African Essentials

South Africa is well known for its lively cities, rich wine and, of course, safaris – and you can experience all three at your own pace on this suggested self-drive multi-centre holiday.

Family

Multi-centre

Wildlife

Hog Hollow Country Lodge & Villas 4

Call to book

On South Africa’s famous Garden Route, Hog Hollow Country Lodge & Villas is just 18 kilometres from Plettenberg Bay.

Safari

Self-drive

Bayethe Tented Lodge 5

Call to book

Accredited as a five-star hotel by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, Bayethe provides all the extras that make your South African safari special.

Luxury

Self-drive

The Plettenberg 5

Call to book

The Plettenberg is the ideal spot for enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Garden Route

City

Family

Southern Sun The Cullinan 4

Call to book

Just moments away from the water’s edge and a short walk from the V&A Waterfront, Southern Sun The Cullinan is perfectly positioned for all of your Cape Town adventures.

Beach

Self-drive

The Bay Hotel 5

Call to book

Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Town’s renowned Table Mountain, The Bay Hotel is the place to be for nature-lovers.

Luxury

City

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel 5

Call to book

Walk in the footsteps of the likes of Winston Churchill, John Lennon and Charlize Theron at this chic hotel, designed to encapsulate the paradise of Cape Town’s natural surroundings.

Luxury

City

One&Only Cape Town 5

From £1479pp

5 nights bed & breakfast including flights

You would never guess you were in the heart of the V&A Waterfront when you stay at One&Only Cape Town.

Adventure

Self-drive

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa 4

Call to book

Nestled on the edge of the small town of Franschhoek, this hotel offers a peaceful stay in the heart of South Africa’s wine and culinary region.

Luxury

Golf

Boutique

The Manor House, Fancourt 5

Call to book

A Cotswolds-style mansion, The Manor House is part of the Fancourt property – a sprawling estate at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains along the Garden Route.

Luxury

Safari

Wildlife

Bukela Game Lodge, Amakhala Game Reserve 5

Call to book

Complete with thatched roofs, rustic decor and luxurious touches, Bukela Game Lodge offers a true African escape.

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