South Africa
Why Visit South Africa?
South Africa, the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup host country, offers the chance to experience a melting pot of diverse cultures, spectacular scenery and world-class attractions. Experience a Big Five safari in Kruger National Park, climb Table Mountain in Cape Town, watch Zulu dancers in Durban and visit the thriving township of Soweto in Johannesburg.
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South Africa Overview
South Africa has often been hailed as the Rainbow Nation, and has a diverse, young and thriving population that is equally matched by a diverse natural heritage.
From a scenic point of view, South Africa is renowned for its wide diversity of wildlife, birdlife and plant life. Bush grasslands with stalking lions, clear blue seas and pristine beaches, lush green vineyards bursting with grapes ripe for the picking and towering mountain passes dotted with indigenous flora – these are just some of the landscapes that may be discovered in South Africa.
Shopping centres can be found widely across the country, with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, takeaways, 5-star establishments, bars, pubs, clubs and lounges on offer.
Highlights & Places in South Africa
South Africa is one the most developed countries within Africa. Landscapes and regions vary from game reserves to mountainous regions, coastal towns, farmlands, deserts, lush forests and thriving cities, with an equally diverse range of cultures found across the country.
The country’s largest cities are Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, with a number of small towns to be found throughout. While Johannesburg lies inland, Cape Town is flanked by both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and Durban falls on the Indian Ocean coastline.
The country also offers a wide selection of activities, such as safaris, township tours, city tours, scuba diving, cultural tours and an array of adventure sports.
Best Time to Visit South Africa
South Africa Weather
South Africa has a moderate climate. Summers are hot, running from November to March, with cool winters from June to August.
Maximum temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C. Minimum temperatures vary between 0°C to 16°C.
When to Go
Cape Town has a mild Mediterranean climate. Warm and dry summers. Rainfall in winter.
Durban has a warm, sub-tropical climate with mild weather most of the year round offering plenty of beach activities.
Johannesburg has a dry, sub-tropical highland climate, with clear winters and summer rain.
Getting There & Getting Around
Getting To South Africa
There are many ways to get to South Africa, with modern international airports in all major cities including Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. Domestic flights to neighbouring countries are also on offer, with a number of local and international airlines represented.
Various bus services run in most cities and towns, offering long-distance trips from neighbouring countries. There are also some train routes, but air travel is generally the easiest way to get into South Africa.
Getting Around South Africa
A number of rapid bus services are offered in most of the cities, offering a cheap and relatively reliable option to get around South Africa. Trains are less reliable, and mini-bus taxis may be cheap but can also be confusing. Private taxis offer a good way to get around for short distances.
Many cities offer cycling options, especially Durban, Cape Town and small towns. Busier cities may not have adequate cycling routes however. Scooters are readily available in most cities.
Low cost airlines connect Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and other locations in South Africa.
South Africa Tips : Know Before You Go
ATMs:
ATMs are widely available in even the small towns in South Africa. Major banks include Absa, FNB and Standard Bank.Forex/Money:
Foreign exchange facilities can be found in cities and some towns, and many banks offer this service too.Credit/Debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most large hotels, restaurants, stores and other outlets – small towns do not always accept cards however.Internet availability:
Internet in South Africa is improving all the time, with reliable, fast WiFi and broadband available at internet cafes, libraries and some coffee shops in the cities and larger towns.Drinking water:
Water is safe to drink in most cities and towns, straight out of the tap.Hospitals & Medical:
Healthcare in South Africa is good. The best in Africa. Government hospitals, private hospitals, clinics and facilities are found throughout the country.Visa Requirements:
Visitors from some countries may require a visa, so it is best to speak to your travel agent to see whether you will need to arrange a visa for your trip to South Africa.
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South Africa Accommodation: This page features 5 recommended places to stay in South Africa. View all 230 South Africa accommodation options.
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Blaauwbosch Private Game Reserve Addo Elephant National Park Priced from ZAR 1,950 pps
Category : Safari LodgesBlaauwbosch Private Game Lodge is an exclusive Big Five private game reserve, located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.
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Gorah Elephant Camp Addo Elephant National Park Price On Request
Category : Tented CampsThis exclusive Relais & Chateaux safari lodge recaptures the romantic essence of an authentic African safari of yesteryear. Merging the luxurious colonial style suites with the simply beautiful natural world that surrounds, makes a stay at Gorah Elephant Camp, a truly unforgettably unique 5 star adventure.
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Kuzuko Lodge Addo Elephant National Park Priced from ZAR 1,700 pps
Category : Safari LodgesKuzuko Lodge offers the best of the bushveld experience. Kuzuko Lodge, being built high upon a hill in a private section of the northern part of the Malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park, ensures guests will have the pleasure of enjoying the best of their African safari adventure.
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Woodall Country House & Spa Addo Elephant National Park Priced from ZAR 795 pps
Category : Boutique HotelsWoodall Country Estate has on offer excellent 5* quality of service, accommodation, location and proximity. A mere stroll away from the Addo Elephant Park, guests flock to this destination as a wildlife haven. Apart from the award winning winelist, gourmet cuisine and spa, Woodall Country Estate also has the natural surrounds that compliment.
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Zuurberg Mountain Village Addo Elephant National Park Priced from ZAR 765 pps
Category : HotelsEnjoy luxurious accommodation overlooking Addo Elephant Park at Zuurberg Mountain Village, a premier establishment dating back to 1861.
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South Africa Tours: This page features 5 package tours that visit South Africa. View all 57 South Africa tours and safaris.
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Addo Elephant & Eastern Cape Self Drive Tour Priced from ZAR 5,805 pp
Category : Museums, Safaris, Self Drive Holidays8 days in South Africa, Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park
From the vibrant buzz of the city to the quiet, tranquil setting of the Valley of Desolation, discover the area’s culture, flora and fauna. This trip takes you on a scenic route of Eastern Cape discovery; including an elephant back safari and a series of great accommodation.
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Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari: Family Holiday Priced from ZAR 21,080 pp
Category : Beach Holidays, Guided Tours, Safaris11 days in South Africa, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Addo Elephant National Park, Cape Town
Enjoy a fun, safe, adventure filled family holiday exploring the Cape’s wonderland of activities. From Table Mountain’s view-from-the-top to rubbing noses with wildlife, this trip not only brings you closer to nature, but to your family too.
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Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari Self Drive Holiday Priced from ZAR 12,391 pp
Category : Safaris, Self Drive Holidays11 days in South Africa, Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, Port Elizabeth
This tour is packed with highlights. Starting in Cape Town you will drive further to discover the Cape Winelands, the famous Garden Route and end the tour in the Amakhala Game Reserve.
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Cape Town + Kruger Park Safari Priced from ZAR 8,967 pp
Category : Beach Holidays, Guided Tours, Safaris6 days in South Africa, Cape Town, Kruger National Park, Cape Winelands
Explore the scenic twists of Cape Town, the flavour of the Cape Winelands and the wildlife of the Kruger National Park. Awaken your senses with a taste of Southern Africa!
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Cape Winelands Fine Dining Holiday Priced from ZAR 6,300 pp
Category : Honeymoons, Self Drive Holidays, Short Breaks & Getaways3 days in Cape Winelands, Cape Town
What better setting for a fine dining experience than that of the lush Cape Winelands and the national monument of Grande Roche Hotel. Experience the efficient hospitality and delectable cuisine offered by the hotel and its amazing Bosman's Restaurant.
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Things to do in South Africa: This page features 5 "must see" South Africa activities. View all 52 South Africa highlights we recommend.
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Aquila Big Five Safari Cape Town Priced from ZAR 2,028 pp
Category : Parks & Nature, Wildlife & Game ViewingCape Town Full Day Activity, Guided
Enjoy a day in Aquila Game Reserve on an adventure to view South Africa's Big 5. This 4x4 adventure promises an experience of African wildlife, history and natural beauty.
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Aquila Game Drive & Horseback Safari Cape Town Priced from ZAR 3,484 pp
Category : Wildlife & Game ViewingCape Town Full Day Activity, Guided
View stunning Aquila Game Reserve from the back of a vehicle and a horse! View South Africa's Big 5 and soak up a day experiencing wild Africa, first-hand.
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Aquila Horseback Safari Cape Town Priced from ZAR 2,370 pp
Category : Parks & Nature, Wildlife & Game ViewingCape Town Full Day Activity, Guided
View Aquila Game Reserve from horseback for an epic game viewing adventure.
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Cape Point & Winelands Bicycle Tour Cape Town Priced from ZAR 795 pp
Category : Adrenaline Activities, Parks & Nature, Wildlife & Game ViewingCape Town Full Day Activity, Guided
Enjoy a day of cycling through the exquisite beauty the Cape Winelands have to offer.
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Cape Point and Boulders Beach Cape Town Priced from ZAR 490 pp
Category : Parks & Nature, Wildlife & Game ViewingCape Town Half Day Activity, Guided
Visit Cape Town's breathtaking coastal destinations of Cape Point Nature Reserve and Simon's Town in all their natural beauty.
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South Africa Map





