South Africa safaris, tours & holiday packages
A self-styled "World in One Country"
Africa's most popular and best-developed travel destination is famed for its sun-soaked beaches and vast game reserves, but it also provides exceptional opportunities to indulge in pursuits as varied as wine-tasting, hiking and museum-hopping
South Africa is a land of extraordinary natural wealth and variety. Indeed, one recent ecological survey ranked it as the third-most important country in the world in terms of biodiversity. The Big Five – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino – roam freely through South Africa's premier safari destination, the vast Kruger National Park, along with a host of other iconic large mammals.
And the country is even more remarkable when it comes to smaller creatures – it is home, for instance, to more endemic and near-endemic bird species than any other African country, while the tiny Cape Floral Kingdom in the southwest contains around five percent of the world’s plant species.
Popular South Africa safaris
These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates
Sabi Sand Game Reserve safari
You'll trek Africa's Big Five members in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
$ 2,382
£ 1,762
R 31,715
€ 1,984
per person
4 days
Cape Town, Kruger and Vic Falls Deluxe Honeymoon
Combine three of Southern Africa's most loved destinations into one romantic getaway and you'll share the memories forever
$ 5,703
£ 4,218
R 75,920
€ 4,748
per person
11 days
South Africa Big Five safari and Zimbabwe luxury Itinerary
Explore Johannesburg and spot the Big Five in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve as well as enjoy Victoria Falls ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.
$ 3,680
£ 2,722
R 48,993
€ 3,064
per person
8 days
Mauritius and South Africa honeymoon safari
Start your trip in South Africa and finish in Mauritius. Experience the stunning beaches and the Big Five in the Phinda Private Game Reserve.
$ 5,036
£ 3,725
R 67,050
€ 4,193
per person
11 days
Garden Route safari adventure
Discover one of South Africa’s best kept secrets - the Garden Route
$ 5,225
£ 3,865
R 69,560
€ 4,350
per person
14 days
Sun City and Madikwe Luxury Safari
From Sun City's hedonistic pleasures to the majesty of nature at Madikwe Game Reserve, this journey combines the best of two very different worlds
$ 2,419
£ 1,789
R 32,205
€ 2,014
per person
6 days
Sabi Sands & Madikwe Combo
Our selection of South Africa's top safari lodges and game reserves are guaranteed to suit every taste and budget. Consider this exciting safari package.
$ 5,305
£ 3,924
R 70,625
€ 4,417
per person
7 days
Big Five South African safari
Get the best possible chance to see the Big Five wildlife in the iconic Kruger National Park
$ 3,527
£ 2,609
R 46,950
€ 2,936
per person
7 days
Thornybush Game Reserve Safari
Enjoy the city life in Johannesburg and track the Big Five in the Thornybush Game Reserve
$ 1,351
£ 999
R 17,980
€ 1,124
per person
4 days
Southern Africa safari adventure
Majestic wildlife and the riches of Africa.
$ 7,157
£ 5,294
R 95,290
€ 5,960
per person
14 days
“I've probably travelled in South Africa for more than two years in total, and I've yet to exhaust its incredible variety. Obvious favourites spots include Cape Town and the Kruger Park, but I'm equally drawn to lesser-known highlights such as the remote Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Augrabies Falls National Park in the little-visited Northern Cape.”
More on South Africa holidays
Introduction
The main coastal tourist focus is Cape Town, which ranks alongside San Francisco and Sydney among the world’s most beautiful harbour cities. Elsewhere, a 3,000-kilometre coastline includes the wild forested dunes of Cape Vidal, the family-oriented resorts of the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, and the spectacular cliffs of the Garden Route and Cape Point.
The interior is even more varied. Contrast the mesmerising red dunefields of the Kalahari region with the autumnal purple winelands inland of Cape Town. Or the tangled green forests that blanket parts of the eastern coastal belt with the spring wildflower displays that enliven the wide open plains of Namaqualand.
At the heart of it all rises the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, a hiker's paradise known for its imperious montane landscapes and immense wealth of prehistoric rock art.Part of South Africa’s fascination is its emergence as a unified nation, boasting a unique multicultural cocktail of indigenous, European and Asian influences, following the 1994 elections that swept Nelson Mandela to power. This achievement is placed in perspective by Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum and Cape Town’s District Six Museum, which confront the country's racially divisive recent past. Elsewhere, traditional Zulu and Ndebele cultural villages offer insight into life here prior to the arrival of Europeans.
Know before you go
South Africa has 11 official languages, however English is widely used in most areas, learn a local saying and impress the locals.
South Africa is a lively new democracy and a multi-racial society with a liberal constitution.
Landscape wise South Africa is extremely diverse and many have called it a world in one country.
Cape Town is often ranked as one of the world’s best cities especially for tourists and it has been compared to other great cities around the world including the iconic San Francisco.
South Africa is often credited for leading the way in Africa as being a highly developed country, with fantastic amenities such as world class airports, beaches and natural splendor in vast abundance.
The South African population also makes up 5% of the entire population of Africa with just over 50 million people.
When to go
Most of the country experiences 4 seasons, however in the coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal the weather is more subtropical and winter and autumn are extremely mild with no real need for warm clothes. It’s considered that this is the best area to visit KZN around June till the end of August.
There is no set time to travel to South Africa as even in the colder areas of the country winters are generally mild compared to Europe or The United States. Snowfall happens fairly regularly in certain mountain areas especially in neighboring Lesotho, which is unique as it’s a country within South Africa’s borders. Travel in South Africa is entirely governed by what you would like to experience at a particular time of year.
What to pack
Lightweight summer clothes when visiting during the hotter months
An assortment of shorts, T-shirts, skirts and sundresses
Sweater or long-sleeved button-down shirt
Swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
Sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat
Long pants and a heavy windbreaker
If you are going to be in colder areas make sure you pack for possible snow, South Africa’s weather changes drastically from area to area.
Weather and Climate
Summer is generally mid-October to mid-February
Autumn is February to April
Winter is May to July
Spring falls between August and October
Safari / Holiday Styles
South Africa has a world of natural game parks such as the famed Kruger National Park where luxury game Safaris are a must.
Road trips are also a very popular way of seeing the country as there are many well-kept roads to explore with splendid wine estates, resorts and world class hotels just waiting to pamper you.
The Garden Route is particularly spectacular.
Hiking is a hugely popular activity in the country and some of the trekking trails even boast wonderfully luxurious lodges to stay at on in-between gazing at amazing natural sites and scenes.
Urban holidays in the bigger cities such as Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg are also popular and all the major cities are in close proximity to world class natural scenery, whilst boasting top restaurants, coffee shops, and 5 star accommodation facilities.
South Africa also has world class rail travel, where your every wish will come true as you travel through majestic African landscapes.
Golfing holidays and resorts are also popular in South Africa.
Where to stay
Aforementioned South Africa has some of the best accommodation facilities in Africa there really is a world of beautifully kept establishments to suit any budget.
From KwaZulu-Natal’s Oyster Box to Cape Town’s Mount Nelson. You really don’t have to worry about finding the perfect place to stay and be pampered at on your South African adventure.
Our Recommended Accommodation
Savanna Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Situated in the internationally famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve, this exclusive five-star lodge boasts nine beautifully appointed, thatched…
nThambo Tree Camp, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
nThambo Tree Camp is located in the Klaserie Private Game Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The reserve shares…
The Oyster Box Hotel, Durban, South Africa
Standing proud on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the historical Umhlanga Lighthouse, The Oyster Box has long been one of South Africa’s…
Peermont Mondior Hotel at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, South Africa
Enjoy elegance at an attractive price. The four-star Peermont Mondior hotel at Emperors Palace sets an exciting standard in world-class…
South Africa Map
South Africa's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about South Africa
All game reserves in Madikwe, the Pilanesberg and the Eastern Cape are malaria-free. go there.
Most lodges and hotels will have safes for your valuables either in your room or at the reception. go there.
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). There are numerous currency exchange outlets and the main credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex and Diners) are normally accepted everywhere. Most petrol stations and toll roads take credit… go there.
Tipping is common practice in South Africa. Some guidelines concerning tipping are - in the bars and restaurants, the tipping is normally 10%. The car parks are monitored by guards or watchmen, they will often ask if you want them to keep an… go there.
You may visit Wolhuterskop Game and Nature Reserve all year around - winter (during the months of June and August) are chilly, and summer (during the months of November and January) are hot. Enjoy horse rides, mountain bike and game drive. go there.
The best time to visit Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is during the dry months of May through September. go there.
May through September, during the winter months, is the best time to visit Mala Mala Game Reserve. Animals are easier to spot, as they convene at trusted water sources. go there.
May to September are the best time to visit Manyeleti National Park - during the dry season. The wildlife seek for waterholes and other sources for water. go there.
Reviews on our South Africa safaris
We went on Safari to Phinda Game Reserve which was our choice as was the choice of two nights on the Rovos train.Our agent was quite happy with helping us with anything we requested. We worked out dates of where we wanted to be and when and…
Madeline & Raymond Goodman
from
I am copying Megan in case she is back from maternity leave (congrats Megan!). We are having an absolutely WONDERFUL trip. It has far exceeded our expectations! Everything has been perfect, the accommodations, transport, tours, etc. We…
Monica
from South Africa
We could not have been more pleased with "Discover Africa." Our agent, Megan W, was knowledgeable, accommodating and highly responsive. She asked pertinent questions, listened carefully to our needs, then organized a personalized tour- the…
Margery
from United States of America
We went on Safari to Phinda Game reserve which was our choice as was the the choice of 2 nights on the Rovos train.Our agent was quite happy with helping us with anything we requested. We worked out dates of where we wanted to be and when…
Madeline & Reymond Goodman
from Australia
Although our safari was very expensive for us as South Africans we were satisfied that we got a value for money experience. It was a once in a lifetime safari. Knowledgeable, professional guides - experience far beyond our expectations. They…
Uwe and Doreza Kersandt
from South Africa
We first reached out to two agencies when we were looking to book our trip to South Africa. They didn't really answer our questions and took days to respond. One actually stopped responding altogether and we gave up after 3-4 follow ups.
Julia
from United States of America
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