Holidays in South Africa
South Africa has described itself as a ‘world in one country’ and when you travel around, you can see why. It’s a destination brimming in natural beauty, from coastal forests and wooded hills to open bushland; from rolling fertile plains to towering mountain peaks and dramatic gorges.
Its fine beaches are washed by the wild waters of the Atlantic on one side and the warm seas of the Indian Ocean on the other. Inland, huge private reserves host an amazing variety of bird and animal life, including the ‘Big Five’, and are accessed by 4WD game drives from luxurious lodges.
Travel around South Africa and you will find small colonial towns interspersed with lively townships and, of course, no visit to the country is complete without a stay in beautiful Cape Town. Set underneath an iconic backdrop of Table Mountain and framed by miles of stunning coastline, it is truly a cosmopolitan city surrounded by nature.
Driving in South Africa is easy, with quiet, well-maintained roads wherever you go. Or you can sit back and enjoy the scenery as you let someone else do the work on a small group tour or luxury South African rail journey.
Safari and beach holidays are a very popular choice for those travelling in South Africa. Many will combine the thrill of a South African safari with a stay in an idyllic Indian Ocean beach resort. We have an extensive range of beach destinations to combine your safari with, including Mauritius, Mozambique and the Seychelles. Just let your Travel Consultant know where you’d like to go, and they’ll be happy to put together an itinerary for you.
Cape Town & Western Cape
Most holidays in South Africa begin in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Set between a beautiful harbour and framed by the iconic Table Mountain, it boasts fine colonial buildings, thought provoking museums, great shopping and excellent cafés and restaurants.
Along the city’s coastline is the beautiful Camps Bay, a striking white sand beach with views of the Twelve Apostles mountains.
An hour outside the city, the iconic Boulders Beach is home to a breeding colony of over 2,000 African penguins. These adorable little birds spend their days nesting, waddling along the beach and hanging out in groups sunning themselves.
Further afield in the Cape Winelands are Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, two towns renowned across the globe for their fine wines.
Garden Route & Eastern Cape
The Garden Route is a popular touring route in South Africa, combining impressive mountain scenery with rolling plains, spectacular gorges and dramatic coastlines. You will travel through vineyards, fertile farmland and even ostrich fields as you journey across South Africa’s southern tip. Stay in Knysna or Plettenburg for some great beaches.
Around Port Elizabeth are some superb game reserves and lodges, where you can see the ‘Big Five’ and more, from the relative comfort of a 4WD game drive.
Durban & KwaZulu-Natal
The city of Durban is gateway to this wonderful region, which is easy to explore by coach or as a self drive.
North of Durban is Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park and the world heritage listed St Lucia Wetlands. Head inland to discover the famous ‘Battlefields’, where battles between the native Zulus, Dutch Boers and British troops took place. Around this area and the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains to the west, you will see the thatched roundel homes of the local Zulu people.
Johannesburg & the North West
Many South Africa holidays include Johannesburg and it is worth paying a visit to the city’s Apartheid Museum and massive Soweto Township. Adjoining Pretoria is the centre of government and has a more gentile air. The luxurious Rovos Rail and Blue Train run from here.
To the north west are the casinos, shows and leisure facilities of Sun City and the excellent games reserves of Pilanesberg and Madikwe, on the border with Botswana.
Kruger National Park
One of the most famous game reserves in South Africa, Kruger is home to an amazing diversity of wildlife species, all in their natural environment. The superb game lodges in and around the park provide pampered, relaxing accommodation, with the excitement of 4WD game drives, wildlife walks and other activities. Or drive yourself around Kruger in your rental car and stay in comfortable rest camps overnight.
Further afield, the gorges and spectacular views of the Blyde River Canyon are well worth a visit.
Plan Your Adventure
Holidays in South Africa are truly one of a kind. For travel advice and help planning your trip, talk to one of our Travel Experts today.
Plan your holiday
