South Africa
Discover the ‘Rainbow Nation’ from its sophisticated cities and diverse culture to dramatic landscapes and beautiful wildernesses teeming with wildlife.
Our South Africa safaris and tours will take you on a journey of contrasts that you will never forget, from game drives through magnificently wild landscapes seeking out the ‘Big 5’ to strolling along golden beaches, visiting award-winning wine regions and exploring exciting, cosmopolitan cities. Our selection of preferred South Africa accommodation ranges from extravagant luxury hotels and luxury safari lodges to rustic bush camps.
South Africa is populated by a mix of African, Asian and European people, with a rich variety of languages and cultures. Equally diverse is its variety of landscapes, including spectacular mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, forests, deserts, sun-drenched beaches as well as renowned game reserves teeming with iconic species. At the same time, South Africa offers a refined tourist infrastructure, excellent road and air networks, and top-drawer accommodation.
South Africa’s most famous national park – Kruger – is approximately 19,485 km2 and bordered by a number of equally well-known private game reserves. The Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve offers some of the best leopard viewing in Africa.
Popular with young families are South Africa’s malaria-free reserves, including Madikwe and Tswalu Kalahari game reserves. To the south, award-winning Grootbos Private Nature Reserve offers a unique experience overlooking South Africa’s famous Walker Bay. It is home to the “Marine Big 5” – Southern Right Whales, African Penguin, Dolphins, Cape Fur Seal and the Great White Shark.
The perfect finish to a South African safari is a stay in beautiful Cape Town, where Table Mountain forms a stunning backdrop to the city. Of the many tours available one of the most worthwhile is a visit to Robben Island – where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. Less than an hour’s drive from the city are the fabulous Cape Winelands, another popular destination for couples after a safari.
Finally the country also boasts two of the finest luxury train experiences in the world. The luxurious Blue Train operates between Cape Town and Pretoria and offers all the comforts of a 5-star hotel. Re-creating the old-world charm and romance of the golden era of train travel, legendary Rovos Rail operates journeys between a number of destinations within South Africa as well as to neighbouring countries. Their elegantly restored 1920s carriages have been painstakingly refurbished over the years, fitted with traditional furnishings, period décor and fine wood panelling.
Our Recommended
South Africa Itineraries
Explore some of the best holidays & experiences that we can custom-design for you. All of our safaris and tours are tailor-made to suit your interests, budget and timeframe.
Best of South Africa
Experience the very best of South Africa from vibrant Johannesburg and spectacular Cape Town to seeking out the 'Big 5' on safari and discovering the beautiful Cape Peninsula.
Essential South Africa and Victoria Falls by Rail
Experience an unforgettable safari in the Sabi Sand Private Reserves, be awed by Victoria Falls then journey aboard Rovos Rail back to Johannesburg.
Kruger and The Cape
Discover some of South Africa's best known attractions on this journey that begins with a big game safari in the world-renowned Sabi Sand and concludes in beautiful Cape Town.
Our Preferred
Accommodation in South Africa
Like many other African countries, South Africa offers a wealth of sophisticated camps and lodges as well as opulent city hotels – many of which have been awarded Relais & Châteaux or National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World status. Many others offer a level of sophistication, intimacy and service seen in few other places around the world. Our preferred lodges, hotels and camps in South Africa have been carefully selected for their superior location, service and comfort. Explore our handpicked accommodation options available across the many highlights of South Africa.
andBeyond Kirkman’s Kamp
One of South Africa's most prestigious luxury safari lodges, andBeyond Kirkman's Kamp is situated in the leopard-rich Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves.
andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Adjoining Kruger National Park, the andBeyond Private Game Reserve is home to all of the "Big 5", a classic safari lodge and luxury tented camp.
andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge
In the heart of a rare sand forest lies andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge, a collection of serene, contemporary glass houses.
andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge
On a crest in a dramatic mountain range, andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge offers breathtaking views of the wildlife-rich landscape below.
andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge
andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge is an architectural wonder - a collection of suites seemingly suspended from cliff face over a valley many metres below.
andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
Blending beautifully into the surrounding bush, andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge is the kind of place where you’re much more likely to see wildlife than people.
Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa
At the edge of charming Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa offers the ultimate in luxury accommodation and fine dining.
Dulini Lodge
Dulini Lodge nestles in a grove of ancient hardwood trees on the peaceful banks of the Mabrak River in the celebrated Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Franschhoek Country House and Villas
Just outside of Franschhoek village lies a lovely original homestead with many decorative accents that allude to the property’s rich history. Innovative regional cuisine awaits you at the
Greenfire Game Lodge
Situated on the 50,000 hectare privately owned Balule Nature Reserve, this small luxury safari lodge virtually guarantees good game sightings.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Overlooking Walker Bay on South Africa's Western Cape, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an oasis of luxury set amid unique native wilderness - a magnet for rare birds.
Idube Game Lodge
Idube is a classic safari lodge that offers all the wildlife found in South Africa's celebrated Kruger National Park with none of the crowds.
Kings Camp
In the Timbavati Private Reserve which shares a boundary with Kruger National Park, Kings Camp faces a waterhole visited by an endless parade of wildlife.
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Malaria-free Kwandwe Private Game Reserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape offers five safari lodges, each designed to showcase the remote beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Le Quartier Francais
Set in the peaceful village of Franschhoek, Le Quartier Francais invites visitors to indulge in absolute luxury and sumptuous cuisine.
Leadwood Lodge
Stunning Leadwood Lodge sits in a grove of ancient hardwood trees at the confluence of the Sand and Mabrak rivers in the exclusive Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves.
Leeu Estates
Leeu Estates is a 17-room country house and boutique winery in the Frankshoek Valley and is the flagship property of Leeu Collection
Leeu House
Elegant Leeu House is an enchanting combination of casual country living and world-class luxury set in the charming, historic village of Franschhoek.
Londolozi Founders Camp
This relaxed safari lodge nestles in ancient forest along the Sand River, offering activities for all the family from yoga to an entertaining kids' program.
Londolozi Pioneer Camp
Luxurious Londolozi Pioneer Camp consists of 3 secluded suites in the heart of the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve near Kruger National Park.
Londolozi Private Granite Suites
Londolozi’s adults-only Private Granite Suites are set amid great boulders and large trees, natural features which have influenced the property’s interiors and organic colour palette.
Best
Places to go in South Africa
Our pick of some of the best places to visit and things to do during your visit to South Africa, and favourite places to stay.
Be transported to a more glamorous era while travelling on our selection of luxury trains across the spectacular landscapes of southern Africa. Choose from the Blue Train, Rovos Rail or the Shongololo Express.
South Africa Train Journeys
South Africa Train Journeys
Phinda Private Game Reserve is a majestic mosaic of woodland, grassland, wetland, mountains and rivers. Phinda has a range of exquisite five-star properties, each unique in location and character.
Phinda Private Game Reserve
Phinda Private Game Reserve
The captivating Cape Winelands and Garden Route regions are best explored on a self-drive holiday, staying along the way at a beautiful historic homestead or a premium luxury lodge.
Cape Winelands & the Garden Route
Cape Winelands & the Garden Route
South Africa has a wonderful range of malaria-free game reserves throughout the country. Enjoy an authentic safari experience with complete peace of mind at these exceptional properties.
Malaria Free Game Reserves
Malaria Free Game Reserves
Kruger National Park is home to a mind-boggling array of game but where should you stay? We’ve featured a range of premium safari lodges and camps that promise unrivalled gameviewing experiences.
Kruger, Sabi Sands and Surrounds
Kruger, Sabi Sands and Surrounds
For a destination that has great gameviewing, is conveniently malaria-free, and provides entertainment for all ages, look no further than Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City.
Pilanesberg and Sun City
Pilanesberg and Sun City
A popular gateway to southern Africa’s prime safari areas, Johannesburg has a wealth of quality hotels in vibrant inner-city locations, as well as close to the airport.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Talk to one of our Africa Experts
Michael Fitzgerald
Senior Destination Specialist
Georgia Cowling
Destination Specialist
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
South Africa is very much a year-round destination with many camps and lodges open throughout the year. However, certain times of the year offer a better game-viewing experience. Like many other countries across Southern Africa, the best time to visit is from June to October during the dry season. Game viewing in national parks and game reserves is superb at this time of year, and coincides with whale watching season (June-November) along the Eastern Cape coast – a popular add-on to see the marine “Big 5”.
A visit to Cape Town and the renowned Cape wine lands area is perfect at any time of year. However winters can be cool and wet whilst the weather during the summer months between November and February makes is sunny and dry.
In the north of the country July marks the beginning of peak season. Wildlife viewing is excellent with animals congregating around the remaining water sources and accommodation space is limited around the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve. July also marks the start of whale watching season. Southern Right Whales reside around Walker Bay between June and December and boating tours are a major highlight of the region. Renowned Grootbos Private Nature Reserve overlooks the bay and whales can come as close as 30 metres from the shoreline.
November marks the final month of whale watching season and Walker Bay and Plettenberg Bay remain two of the best spots to see marine life. December is busy in South Africa during the school holidays and festive period. Game viewing is still good, but the rains have transformed the landscape and finding and viewing wildlife becomes a bit more difficult.
January to March is fantastic time visit South Africa’s Cape with hot days and little rainfall. Cape Town and other coastal towns such as Hermanus, George and Knysna are popular destinations with cool ocean winds combating the hotter temperatures. It is a popular time to travel the famous Garden Route or explore the famous Cape Winelands. January and February are particularly popular times so bookings well in advance is important.
A quieter time of year, the landscape is starting to dry out, particularly in the north – including Kruger National Park. April and May is a nice time of year to combine different regions. May is a shoulder month, before game viewing and crowds begin to pick back up leading into the peak wildlife viewing months of July to October. June is a fantastic time to visit too, when the days are cool and dry. It can be very chilly at night so layers are necessary.
South Africa FAQ’s
Can I see the Big 5 in South Africa?
South Africa is one of the best countries to see the legendary “Big 5” – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. There are a number of national parks and reserves where you can see all members of the “Big 5”. The country remains a stronghold for rhino whilst the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is one of the best places in Africa to see leopard.
Are there malaria-free game reserves in South Africa?
South Africa does have some malaria-free game reserves including Madikwe and Tswalu Kalahari game reserves ideal for family safaris. There are also a number of reserves along the Eastern Cape easily combinable with a stay in Cape Town or a tour along the renowned Garden Route.
Where in Africa can I do a train safari?
South Africa has two of the world’s best luxury train experiences. Rovos Rail offers luxury rail safaris between major destinations including Cape Town to Pretoria and Pretoria to Victoria Falls. Many departures stop at famous national parks including Kruger and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
South Africa Overview
Why travel to South Africa?
Described as “a world in one country” South Africa is more than just a safari destination. The wildlife of Kruger and the many private reserves throughout the country are complemented by South Africa’s fascinating history and diverse cultures, the beautiful coastline and majestic landscapes of the Cape.
When is the best time to view animals in South Africa?
Gameviewing is best during the dry season (May-Oct); however the summer months are good for general touring and sightseeing.
What is the culture of South Africa?
There are many different cultures including Zulu, Swazi, Xhosa, Indian, Cape Malay and European. As a result, there are many unique culinary dishes as well as distinct music and dance. Elegant Cape Dutch architecture is also a highlight of South Africa’s cape.
What is the climate in South Africa?
The inland plateau has a temperate climate (17°-30°C), whilst the coast is subtropical and more humid (22°-30°C). The seasons are the same as Australia, however most of the rain falls in summer. Winters are dry and sunny, but nights can be very cold. The Western Cape is the exception, with a “Mediterranean” climate – cool, wet winters and warm dry summers (17°-24°C).
What can I combine South Africa with?
South Africa is easily combined with neighbouring Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia or the nearby tropical island of Mauritius. Johannesburg is a very popular gateway to most of southern and eastern Africa.
How to get to South Africa?
Many major airlines including South African Airways, Qantas, Etihad, Emirates, Kenya Airways, Qatar, Singapore Airways and British Airways fly into Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. There are also many regional and domestic carriers that service local cities such as Cape Town and the Kruger National Park area.
US – South African Airways fly’s directly to east coast cities including New York and Washington. Delta Airlines is another option to consider flying directly to Johannesburg from Atlanta.
UK / Europe – There are direct flights to OR Tambo International Airport with South African Airways from London-Heathrow, Frankfurt and Munich. Major European Airlines flying directly into Johannesburg include British Airways, Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss International Airlines.
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