South Africa – Come Find Your Luxury
Luxury in South Africa means variety without limits. In KwaZulu-Natal, experience private safaris paired with sweeping ocean views. In the Northern Cape, enjoy star-studded skies and exclusive desert lodges. Sip world-renowned wines, journey through majestic mountains, or retreat to coastal hideaways where serenity meets sophistication. Every region offers its own unique brand of indulgence – and together they create a truly unforgettable journey. South Africa redefines what luxury travel can be.
Recommended Luxury Tour Itineraries
Drawing on the knowledge of Africa’s top travel experts, we’ve handpicked itineraries that embody true luxury – combining impeccable service, refined details, and unforgettable experiences.
18-Day Spectacular South Africa Including Rovos Rail Tour
South Africa offers vibrant cities, dramatic coastlines, diverse wildlife, rich history, and a superb climate—an ideal setting for touring. This 18-day escorted tour blends guided sightseeing with time to relax, featuring superior stays and a luxury Rovos Rail journey, creating an unforgettable and exceptional holiday experience.
** SAVE up to £300 per couple **
From £5,545pp
Including flights
Operated by Distant Journeys
- Take a cable car to the summit of Table Mountain and soak up sweeping views of Cape Town from one of the world’s most iconic landmarks
- Explore Cape Point where two oceans meet and visit Boulders Beach to see its charming African penguin colony
- Discover the Cape Winelands with wine-tastings, vineyard tours, and strolls through the Dutch-influenced streets of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
- Cruise across Knysna Lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve and enjoy coastal scenery while spotting rare wildlife in this heritage site
- Journey in opulent comfort aboard Rovos Rail, travelling in vintage wood-panelled coaches while enjoying fine dining and ever-changing scenery
- Embark on an exhilarating 4WD safari at Nambiti Private Game Reserve, home to the Big Five and extraordinary biodiversity
- 5 nights stay at President Hotel, Cape Town
- 3 nights stay at Protea Hotel Knysna Quays, Knysna
- 3 nights stay at Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga
- 2 nights aboard Rovos Rail on an All-Inclusive basis
- 2 nights stay at Irene Country Lodge Hotel, Pretoria
- Daily breakfast, five lunches and two dinners
- Sightseeing tours in Cape Town, Knysna, Durban and Pretoria
- Visit Cape Point and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Tour along South Africa’s world renowned Garden Route
- Choice of a safari in Spioenkop Game Reserve or tour of the Spioenkop battlefields
- Safari experience in Nambiti Private Reserve
- Services of an experienced Tour Manager
- All overseas transfers and modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
13-Day Cape And KwaZulu-Natal City, Beach & Safari Honeymoon
Celebrate your honeymoon in style with a journey that blends coastal glamour, iconic hotels, and thrilling wildlife encounters. From Cape Town’s chic Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa to the legendary Oyster Box in Umhlanga, ending with an all-inclusive safari at Phinda Mountain Lodge, this African escape promises romance and adventure.
** Luxury, beaches, wildlife, and iconic landmarks on your special getaway **
From £6,300pp
Including flights
Operated by Mahlatini
- Discover Cape Town’s landmarks, from Table Mountain and Cape Point to Robben Island and the lively V&A Waterfront
- Indulge in a luxurious stay at the Twelve Apostles Hotel, famed for its breathtaking sea views
- Stroll along Durban’s golden beaches and soak up the Indian Ocean sunshine
- Unwind at the legendary Oyster Box Hotel, an icon of coastal elegance
- Embrace the relaxed charm of South Africa’s east coast in Umhlanga
- Embark on unforgettable Big Five safaris at the spectacular Phinda Private Game Reserve
- 4 nights stay at Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- 4 nights stay at The Oyster Box Hotel, Durban on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- 4 nights stay at Phinda Mountain Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve on an All-Inclusive basis
- All scheduled safari activities offered by the camps or lodges
- Car hire, group B car (Toyota Yaris or similar) including full cover, unlimited km and taxes
- National Parks and conservation entry fees
- Carbon-offsetting with One Tree Planted
- Conservation donation to Save the Rhino
- Community projects contribution with Uthando
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
13-Day South Africa Uncovered
Feel on top of the world on a Drakensberg road trip, with dramatic peaks, wild swimming, and hikes through historic battlefields. Track white rhino on foot with expert guides and explore St Lucia’s vast dunes and wetlands. A unique adventure, perfect for Africa’s second-time visitors seeking something unforgettable.
** Exclusive Big Five safari at Phinda **
From £7,000pp
Including flights
Operated by Scott Dunn
- Begin in Durban, where oceanfront luxury meets vibrant culture—unwind at the Oyster Box before sampling the city’s famous Bunny Chow and lively dining scene
- Journey into the Drakensberg Mountains, where vast panoramas invite mountain biking, wild swimming, birdwatching, and evenings by the fire overlooking the mighty Amphitheatre
- Step back in time at Rorke’s Drift, with expert-led tours bringing the Anglo-Zulu battles to life, blending stirring history with scenic trails and peaceful evenings by the fire
- Embark on a Phinda safari, tracking the Big Five across rolling hills and lush valleys, with the chance to witness African wild dogs in full pursuit
- Feel your senses sharpen on guided bush walks, where rhino encounters and the intricate details of the wilderness offer a deeper connection to South Africa’s wild heart
- Conclude on the Maputaland Coast, where barefoot luxury meets natural wonder—snorkel coral reefs, kayak tranquil waters, and, in season, witness turtles nesting under starlit skies
- 1 night stay at Oyster Box, Durban
- 2 nights stay at Montusi Mountain Lodge, Drakensberg
- 2 nights stay at Fugitives’ Drift, Rorke’s Drift
- 3 nights stay at &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve
- 3 nights stay at Thonga Beach Lodge, Maputaland Coast
- Activities as detailed in the itinerary
- SUV car hire
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
15-Day Highlights of South Africa Self-Drive
Embark on a two-week self-drive adventure through South Africa’s most captivating landscapes. From Cape Town’s vibrant cityscape and the rolling vineyards of the Winelands to the golden beaches of the Garden Route and wildlife-rich reserves of the Eastern Cape, each stop reveals a different facet of the country’s allure.
** Incredible, luxurious accommodation options **
From £5,820pp
Including flights
Operated by Audley
- Begin your adventure in Cape Town, where rugged mountains meet the sparkling ocean, vibrant streets pulse with culture, and gardens and historic neighborhoods invite slow exploration
- Wind through the Cape Winelands, surrounded by rolling vineyards, charming towns, and elegant estates, where the landscape itself feels like a sensory indulgence
- Discover the Garden Route, a stretch of pristine coastline, golden beaches, and lush forests, alive with dolphins, whales, and breathtaking vistas at every turn
- Explore the dramatic Tsitsikamma and Robberg Peninsula, where rivers plunge into the ocean, suspension bridges frame wild scenery, and walking trails lead through ancient forests
- Immerse yourself in the Eastern Cape’s private game reserves, where vast savannahs teem with wildlife, from the iconic Big Five to elusive antelope and birdlife, all within intimate, luxurious lodges
- End your journey savoring South Africa’s contrasts, from vibrant cityscapes and tranquil beaches to rolling vineyards and untamed bush, each stop offering a blend of elegance, adventure, and natural beauty
- 3 nights stay at Four Rosmead Guest House, Cape Town
- 2 nights stay at Avondrood, Franschhoek
- 1 night stay at Rothman Manor Guesthouse, Swellendam
- 3 nights stay at Periwinkle Guest Lodge, Plettenberg Bay
- 4 nights stay at Marks Camp, Lalibela Private Game Reserve
- Activities as detailed in the itinerary
- Transfers
- Return international flights
- ATOL protected
12-Day Luxury Cape Town, Rovos Rail and Pilanesberg Safari
Discover South Africa in style with five-star stays in Cape Town and Pretoria, a nostalgic Rovos Rail journey, and a luxury safari at Ivory Tree Game Lodge. Enjoy gourmet dining, elegant service, and unforgettable wildlife encounters amid dramatic scenery for a seamlessly curated, indulgent escape from coast to bushveld adventure.
** SAVE up to £810pp **
From £4,299pp
Including flights
Operated by Premier Holidays
- Wake up to views of Cape Town’s iconic skyline during a four-night stay at the Taj Cape Town, combining refined heritage with effortless access to the city’s landmarks, galleries, and waterfront promenades
- Enjoy leisurely breakfasts before setting out to explore Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, and the Winelands, returning each evening to elegant surroundings and attentive, five-star service
- Step aboard Rovos Rail for a three-night journey from Cape Town to Pretoria, where nostalgic glamour, fine dining, and open-carriage vistas showcase South Africa’s ever-changing landscapes
- Savour full board and all beverages on Rovos Rail as you glide past mountains, vineyards, and wide-open plains, pausing at historic towns that reveal the stories and spirit of the country
- Spend a night at the Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel in Pretoria, where tranquil gardens, gracious hospitality, and half-board dining create a restorative interlude between rail adventure and safari
- Venture into the heart of the bush with three nights at Ivory Tree Game Lodge, enjoying full board and selected beverages in an exclusive setting surrounded by rugged hills and pristine wilderness
- Experience exhilarating game drives in search of the Big Five, guided by expert rangers who bring the sights, sounds, and secrets of the African bush to life
- Conclude each day with sunset drinks, starlit dinners, and luxurious lodge comforts, where warm service and immersive nature moments define a truly unforgettable South African journey
- 4 nights stay at 5* Taj Cape Town on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- 3 nights aboard Rovos Rail on a Full Board basis with all beverages included
- 1 night stay at 5* Ivory Manor Boutique Hotel, Pretoria on a Half Board basis
- 3 nights stay at 5* Ivory Tree Game Lodge on a Full Board basis with selected beverages included
- 2 safari activities per day at Ivory Tree Game Lodge
- Return international flights
- ABTA & ATOL protected
9-Day Beyond the Big Five
Immerse yourself in an extraordinary South African safari experience, where conservation, wildlife, and culture intertwine. Explore vast private reserves on game drives and walking safaris, encounter rhinos and meerkats, discover ancient rock art, learn at research centres, and enjoy gourmet dining, horseback adventures, and the thrill of Africa’s nocturnal wildlife.
** Led by eco-team specialists **
Price available upon request via partner website
Operated by Carrier
- Track and observe black and white rhinos with expert eco-guides, gaining insight into their conservation and daily routines
- Embark on private game drives across Kwandwe and Tswalu, spotting both majestic wildlife and hidden natural wonders
- Wander on foot to ancient rock art sites, discovering engravings, paintings, and the stories they reveal of past cultures
- Experience meerkats up close, witnessing their playful interactions at dawn and dusk in their natural habitat
- Saddle up for horseback safaris, traversing Tswalu’s sweeping landscapes and connecting with the terrain in a unique, intimate way
- Explore the nocturnal world with guided night safaris, encountering elusive species such as aardwolves, brown hyenas, and pangolins
- Stay at Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
- Stay at Loapi Tented Camp, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve
- As this is a tailor-made sample itinerary, please speak with our partner Carrier via the website link below to discuss your specific requirements
- ABTA & ATOL protected
Luxury Stays in South Africa
A stay in one of these unique, luxury accommodations will bring South Africa’s true self right to your door.
Singita Boulders Lodge
Glass-walled suites spill into the wilderness, where private plunge pools mirror the stars. Here, refined safari luxury meets untamed beauty, offering Big Five encounters and serene seclusion. Each detail—from organic architecture to curated cuisine—elevates the experience, crafting an intimate, sensory journey deep into the heart of Sabi Sand.
Tswalu Lodge
Cradled in South Africa’s largest private reserve, Tswalu promises profound exclusivity with vast horizons, personal guides, and unrivalled privacy. Luxurious suites blend seamlessly into the Kalahari, while gourmet dining at Klein Jan redefines bush cuisine. Meerkat mornings and silent landscapes ensure an experience as indulgent as it is unforgettable.
Esiweni Safari Lodge
Perched dramatically above a river valley, Esiweni offers just five exquisite suites, each an enclave of quiet luxury. A Relais & Châteaux gem, it invites couples to sink into candlelit elegance, spa rituals, and cliff-top panoramas. Safari adventure pairs effortlessly with romance, intimacy, and the timeless refinement of the African bush.
Gwegwe Beach Lodge
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:
The Very Best South Africa Luxury Hotel & Lodge Stays
Why do we love South Africa so much? It’s like discovering a whole ‘world’ within just one country’. The landscapes are diverse, as are the types of holiday you can enjoy there.
…And then there are the luxury hotels and lodges. Each and every first-class stay we’ve featured on this specially curated collection of recommended holiday escapes boast fabulous locations, high-end attentive service and supreme comforts.
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