Live South Africa
Welcome to South Africa, a captivating destination with diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and captivating wildlife. The flight from the UK typically takes around 11 to 12 hours, making it a convenient journey. The time difference is minimal, so jet lag won’t be a concern. Moreover, UK citizens do not require a visa for entry, and driving is on the same side of the road, English is widely spoken, and the country’s extremely favourable exchange rate makes day-to-day expenses incredible value as well. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure and create cherished memories in this mesmerising country. South Africa’s warm and friendly locals look forward to welcoming you to Mzansi.
Recommended Tour Itineraries That Are Perfect To Start Discovering South Africa
We’ve delved into the holiday portfolio from a number of our favourite Africa travel experts and found what we believe are the best trips you can book to introduce you to what this incredible nation has to offer those new to exploring South Africa.
9-Day Kruger & Coast
Discover southern Africa’s diversity on a nine-day adventure through game parks, beaches, wetlands, and villages with a local leader. Spot lions in Kruger, join an all-female anti-poaching unit for a bushwalk, relax on Cape Vidal’s sands, and enjoy a balance of guided experiences and free time.
** Camp with an all-female anti-poaching unit **
From £859pp
Operated by Intrepid
- Experience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to camp at the Black Mambas headquarters, the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit. Join them for a bush walk to search for snares and hear their inspiring stories around the campfire in the evening
- Go on an epic safari in search of lions, hyenas and more through Kruger National Park – one of the largest National Parks in southern Africa
- Go overland in a purpose-built truck and stop to take in geological wonders like Bourke’s Luck Potholes along the Panorama Route
- Experience St Lucia from a whole new perspective on a guided Boat Safari down this UNESCO-listed landmark
- Swap four wheels for two legs on a guided walking safari through the Hlane Royal National Park with an expert Swazi guide, keeping an eye out for antelopes and zebras passing by
- 4 nights camping with facilities
- 3 nights camping with basic facilities
- 1 night hotel stay
- 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
- Activities as detailed in the itinerary including 4WD full-day Kruger National Park safari and Cape Vidal beach day trip
- Overland vehicle
- ABTA & ATOL protected
10-Day On Safari In South Africa
Experience South Africa’s wildlife on a Full Board safari at the five-star Sebatana Rhino Lodge. Set in the malaria-free Waterberg Biosphere, this private reserve spans 100,000 acres, home to diverse wildlife, offering an unforgettable small-group tour immersed in nature’s beauty.
** Stay at the incredible Sebatana Rhino Lodge **
From £2,385pp
Including flights
Operated by Newmarket Holidays
- Spot the ‘Big Five’ on open-air game drives through Sebatana Private Reserve and Welgevonden Game Reserve
- Partake in a sundowner on Sunset Rock while watching the sky transform
- Fascinating guided bush walk
- Complimentary wine-tasting
- Enjoy a tour of Johannesburg, including a visit to the Apartheid Museum
- Seven nights’ carefully chosen Full Board accommodation at the 5* Sebatana Lodge, Lephalale
- Activities as detailed in the itinerary including 5 game drives
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager and wildlife specialist
- Transfers
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
16-Day Classic Garden Route & Safari
Journey from the iconic heights of Table Mountain to the scenic coastal wonders of the Garden Route, then onto the wildlife-rich plains of Eastern Cape game reserves. This fly-drive holiday is perfect for travellers craving adventure, flexibility, and independence in South Africa.
** 6 game drives included **
From £1,469pp
Operated by Trailfinders
- Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain
- Check out the restaurants and bars of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront
- Spend time at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Visit the renowned wine estates in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl in the Cape Winelands
- Discover the Garden Route’s beautiful beaches and the lagoon in Knysna
- See the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) found in the Eastern Cape Reserves
- 15 nights 4* to 4*+ hotel accommodation
- 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- Selected soft & alcoholic drinks on days 13-15
- 6 game drives
- Cape Point & Peninsula tour
- 13 days fully-inclusive car hire
- Private transfer from Cape Town airport to hotel
- ATOL protected
7-Day South Africa Family Safari
Designed to be taken during the UK summer holidays, this family adventure suits both teens and younger children. Start in vibrant Johannesburg, exploring Mandela’s hometown by bike and ancient caves. Then, enjoy malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, spotting wildlife on game drives and toasting marshmallows.
** Safari in Madikwe Game Reserve **
From £3,575pp
Including flights
Operated by Kuoni
- Unwind in Johannesburg or head out at your whim discovering the city’s rich history
- Stay at the family-friendly Lelapa Lodge within Madikwe Game Reserve
- Families can roam the savannah on twice daily game drives while young explorers (3-5 years old) won’t miss out on pancake-fuelled safaris spotting zebra, giraffe and elephant with highly attentive guides
- Try a walking safari connecting you to the intricacies of the bush
- Enjoy the swimming pool backed by a lively waterhole
- Suite’s have a private plunge pool
- Dedicated children’s menu – and not a processed meal in sight!
- 2 nights Johannesburg hotel accommodation
- 4 nights at Lelapa Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve on an All-Inclusive basis
- Twice-daily game drives
- Wi-Fi included
- Price based on family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children under 12)
- Transfers
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
16-Day South Africa For Solo Travellers
This wonderful 16-day tour is designed to highlight South Africa’s truly amazing diversity of cultures, its curious blend of old and new, and it’s phenomenal scenery and wildlife. You leave with the feeling that the new South Africa, open to the world after years of isolation, is a land of superlatives which cannot fail to impress the welcome visitor!
** Great solo group tour option **
From £4,299pp
Including flights
Operated by Riviera Travel
- Tour the Zulu War battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift
- Experience a full-day guided safari in the Kruger National Park
- Stay in the Western Cape’s Winelands with a cellar tour and tasting at a 300-year-old wine estate
- Visit the legendary Cape of Good Hope
- Gaze at the awe-inspiring Blyde River canyon, the third largest in the world
- Enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful small country of Eswatini
- 13 nights 3* & 4* hotel accommodation
- 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
- Activities as detailed in the itinerary
- Expert tour manager
- Transfers
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
12-Day Cape Town, Blue Train & Safari
Experience the best of South Africa on an unforgettable 11-night journey blending luxury and adventure. Travel from Cape Town to Pretoria aboard the iconic Blue Train, stay in top-tier hotels, and enjoy thrilling safaris in a private Big Five reserve near Kruger, surrounded by breathtaking wilderness and diverse wildlife.
** Ride aboard the luxurious Blue Train **
From £4,799pp
Including flights
Operated by Somak Luxury Travel
- In Cape Town, take in breathtaking panoramic views from Table Mountain, explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront, and visit iconic sites like Robben Island and Boulders Beach, home to African penguins
- Experience two nights aboard one of the world’s most luxurious journeys – the Blue Train, indulging in fine dining, South African wines, and impeccable service while admiring diverse landscapes
- Enjoy an off-train excursion to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum, uncovering the fascinating history of South Africa’s diamond rush
- Embark on twice-daily game drives in a remote reserve, spotting lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo in their natural habitat
- Experience the African wilderness up close on guided bush walks, learning about the region’s flora and fauna while encountering everything from giraffes to elusive predators
- 4 nights The Winchester Boutique Hotel, Cape Town on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- 2 nights Blue Train on an All-Inclusive basis
- 1 night Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel, Pretoria on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- 3 nights Welgevonden Game Reserve – Mhondoro Safari Lodge on an All-Inclusive basis
- Activities as detailed in the itinerary
- Transfers
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
The Most Popular Places To Explore in South Africa
South Africa offers an array of popular locations to explore, including the vibrant city of Cape Town with its iconic Table Mountain, the world-renowned Kruger National Park for incredible wildlife encounters, and the breathtaking Garden Route with its stunning coastal landscapes.
Cape Town
Being home to iconic mountain ranges, stunning natural wonders, thrilling landscapes and ocean vistas, Cape Town offers no shortage of adventures. We cherish Cape Town for the vibrancy and the views. The cuisine is top-notch too.
Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands are only an hour from Cape Town, so can easily be integrated within anyone’s South African itinerary. Whether you explore Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, South Africa’s wineries are sophisticated and gorgeous. It’s equally great to explore the vineyards on a bicycle or hop on the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of the world’s best self-driving routes, stretching along 200 kilometres of gorgeous coastline from Mossel Bay in the west to Storms River in the east. We recommend planning a trip by combining a few days in Cape Town with a stay in the Winelands before commencing along the Garden Route.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park, located in northeastern South Africa, is a renowned wildlife reserve covering two million hectares. Home to the Big Five and a diverse range of other animals and birds, it offers guided game drives, self-drive safaris, and bush walks led by knowledgeable rangers. Experience an unforgettable African safari in this untamed wilderness.
Visiting South Africa Throughout the Year
Exploring South Africa throughout the year offers an ever-changing tapestry of experiences, from the golden savannas and diverse wildlife of its national parks to glorious winelands and stunning coastlines.
Confessions of a Globetrotter blog:
Explore These Highlights For Your South African Odyssey
Cape Town is the perfect place to start your South African adventure, with an array of must-see attractions and experiences, as well as acting as the jumping-off point for an expansive selection of tours, from guided tours to self-drive adventures.
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