Visit South Africa for your next vacation. We have great ideas for the best South African vacations.

South Africa is a destination that offers all types of holidays. From excellent safaris to the beautiful mountains and beach holidays. It is suitable for all types of holidaymakers, especially honeymooners and families. Many choose to get married in South Africa and this is a simple process.

Situated at the southern tip of the African continent; South Africa shares its borders with Namibia in the northwest, Botswana & Zimbabwe in the north and Mozambique and Eswatini (Swaziland) in the northeast.

It is fondly called ‘The Rainbow Nation’; due to its transformation after the fall of apartheid. Since then it has increasingly become the destination of choice. Furthermore, it offers the most value for money safari destination in Africa.

Cape Town Waterfront and Table Mountain
Cape Town Waterfront and Table Mountain

Links to South African attractions

South Africa has so many reasons to visit for a vacation. Its attractions are varied from bush to beach, culture to history and fits most peoples budgets. In fact, it is cheaper than it’s neighbors so make an affordable holiday package.

The Greater Kruger area includes:
Kruger National Park
MalaMala Game Reserve
Sabi Sand Game Reserve

While visiting the Kruger, enjoy the scenic Panorama Route:
Panorama Route – including Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window etc.

In the ‘Cape’ we have:
Cape Town
Cape Winelands
Eastern Cape including Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Grahamstown, and East London plus also malaria-free game reserves
Garden Route including Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Oudtshoorn, George and also Storms River (Tsitsikamma)
Hermanus for whale watching and Shark Cage diving
Northern Cape including Kimberley. And the Green Kalahari national parks such as Augrabies Falls, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Plus Namaqua, Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, and Tankwa Karoo.

In Kwa-Zulu Natal, we have:
Battlefields of KwaZulu Natal
Drakensberg
Durban
Midlands Meander
Phinda Private Game Reserve
The Zulu Kingdom incl. Hluhluwe, St Lucia, Lake Sibaya and Sodwana

The main international airport is OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport (JNB):
Johannesburg and Pretoria

For a safari near Johannesburg, visit:
The Waterberg Bioshpere including Welgevonden, Marakele, Lapalala and Entabeni
Madikwe Game Reserve
Pilanesberg National Park

Next to Pilanesberg is the entertainment resort of Sun City
Sun City and The Palace of the Lost City

South Africa Provinces

South Africa is divided into 9 provinces:

Western Cape

The Western Cape is a year-round holiday destination, offering activities for all types of tourists. It is probably most famous for its main city, Cape Town. And of course Table Mountain, The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (V&A), The Cape Winelands (just outside Cape Town), Hermanus (whale watching & Shark Cage Diving), and The Garden Route (from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and the Storms River).

About South Africa - Table Mountain
Table Mountain at sunset from Blouberg side

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is the second largest of South Africa’s provinces. The main city in the Eastern Cape is Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The Eastern Cape offers activities for all ages and interests. From the arid desolate Karoo to Bungi jumping at Blaauwkrans bridge (highest in the world) or a safari at Addo Elephant National Park & Shamwari. Nelson Mandela was born in Qunu in the Eastern Cape.

Northern Cape

The Northern Cape borders Namibia & Botswana. Kimberley is the biggest city of the Northern Cape and is also known as ‘The Diamond Capital’ of the world. The town’s most famous attraction is the Big Hole and the adjoining Kimberley Mine Museum. The Kalahari is an enduring mystery. Its rugged sun drenched landscapes and endless horizons evoke memories of a land before time. One of the most beautiful areas in the world is Namaqualand. In spring, famous for its spectacular wildflowers, unparalleled anywhere.

Free State

The Free State is known as ‘Flower Country’ and its capital is Bloemfontein, literally meaning ‘Flower Fountain’. From the soaring sandstone formations in the Golden Gate National Park to the charming artist’s haven of Clarens. The Free State is a great area to explore if you are interested in the history of the last real ‘gentleman’s wars’.

Kwa Zulu Natal

Kwa Zulu Natal is South Africa’s playground boasting spectacular beaches, year round sunshine, and never ending fun and activities. Durban is the capital of this province. Kwa Zulu Natal offers it all. From Africa’s busiest port, wildlife in the safari game parks up the north coast, to the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains in the north.

Gauteng

Gauteng is home to South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg. Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. Johannesburg is called ‘Egoli’ which means the City of Gold. There is a lot to do in and around Johannesburg such as a visit to Soweto or the Apartheid Museum, Lesedi Cultural Village, Maropeng & Sterkfontein Caves – Cradle of Humankind.

Sandton in Johannesburg
Sandton in Johannesburg

Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga, which means the place of the rising sun, borders Swaziland and Mozambique. It is home to the southern region of the Kruger National Park and has many other attractions such as Panorama Route. These include God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Pilgrims Rest, Three Rondavels, and many more.

Limpopo

Limpopo Province is a destination that offers rich wildlife, scenic splendor, and a wealth of historical and cultural haunts. Home to the Kruger National Park (Northern section – about 80%) and the the scenic Waterberg Biosphere. This includes Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, Marakele National Park, Lapalala Wilderness Reserve and Entabeni Private Game Reserve. It also is the land of Mapungubwe, the site of South Africa’s first ancient city, now a World Heritage Site.

Kruger safari - elephants
Kruger safari – elephants

North West

North West Province is close to Gauteng and its most well known attraction is Sun City & The Palace of the Lost City, only 187km from Johannesburg. It is also home to the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park and the Madikwe Game Reserve which both offer excellent safaris.

Holiday resort in South Africa
Valley of the Waves at Sun City

Best time to visit South Africa on your holiday:

South Africa is a great African country to visit all year round. It offers great wildlife safaris, culture, awesome scenery with mountains, and gorgeous beaches. Throw in the fantastic wine and fine cuisine, and you can see why South Africa is such a popular holiday destination.

Safaris are best during the winter months (May to September). This is also usually a cheaper time of year for accommodation. Temperatures during the day are usually warm (around 20ºC) but the evenings do get chilly. Rainfall in the north is mostly in the summer (Kruger, Madikwe and Waterberg area).

Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Eastern Cape are the best to visit during the summer months (October to March). Rainfall is low during the summer.

If visiting Cape Town between mid-August to mid-September; a visit to see the flowers of Namaqualand is incredible. This is when the desert terrain transforms into a spectacular carpet of flowers. A great self-drive option situated outside of Cape Town, stretching up into the Northern Cape.

Kwa-Zulu Natal is on the east coast of South Africa. The coastal towns offer year round warm waters (Indian Ocean) for swimming at the beaches. The climate here is fantastic and winters are very mild. Inland from Durban; it may be a bit chillier in winter. Here you will find the Midlands Meander, Drakensberg Mountains, and Battlefields.

Please note the South African school holidays can become very busy so you will need to book well in advance. This includes mid-December to late January, April, and July.

All our South Africa Safaris and Tours ↓

We are still working on this and have many more South African Tours available if you get in touch with us.

South African Explorer safari tour

South African Explorer (14 Days)

The 14 day South African Explorer Tour is a combination of the best that South Africa has to offer. It all starts in Cape Town. Traveling through the celebrated Garden Route and experiencing its warm hospitality, quirky towns. Then on to Johannesburg. In Johannesburg, get …

Cape Town Day Tours - Sidecars

Cape Town Day Tours

We offer Full Day and Half Day tours in and around Cape Town when you book your accommodation with us. Scheduled tours operate virtually daily such as; Table Mountain, Cape Town City Tour, Cape Point, Cape Winelands, Township Tours, Hermanus Whale Watching, Cape Winelands, and …

South African Surprise Tour

South African Surprise Tour (15 Days)

An expedition of surprise, this South African Surprise Tour is a collection of experiences unique to South Africa. South Africa is a country of vast contrasts of landscapes.  A thrill seekers paradise. A wildlife enthusiast dream. And a photographer’s canvas. Beginning in Johannesburg, highlights include …

South Africa tour visiting Tsitsikamma Forest

Garden Route, Karoo and Addo Wonders (9 Days)

Garden Route, Karoo, and Addo Wonders Tour is a 9 day tour that departs Cape Town on selected Tuesdays. Finishing back in Cape Town on Wednesdays the following week. Admire the open spaces of the Karoo. The vastness of Addo National Park. And marvel at …

South Africa Odyssey Tour

South Africa Odyssey (14 Days)

The South Africa Odyssey tour is an exceptional, long wandering journey through South Africa. South Africa is a premier travel destination. From city life to adventure, wildlife to culture, and breath-taking scenery to sun soaked coasts. Our Odyssey begins in Johannesburg and travels through Mpumalanga. …

Cape Kaleidoscope Tour on Route 62

Cape Kaleidoscope (6 Days)

Cape Kaleidoscope tour is a 6 day tour that departs and returns to Cape Town. Live the sights and sounds of the Klein Karoo. Meander along the Garden Route and send a postcard from the iconic Post Office Tree. View the ‘Big 5’ and visit …

Kruger and Panorama Route Tour

Wild and Scenic Tour (5 Days)

The 5 day Wild and Scenic Tour is the ideal short tour to see the Kruger National Park and Panorama Route. This English and German guided tour departs and returns to Johannesburg. It is also possible to self-drive or you can have a guide drive …

Rovos Rail Dar es Salaam Journey

Rovos Rail Dar es Salaam (15 Days)

Rovos Rail to Dar es Salaam is an epic train journey that travels through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Tanzania. This journey is one of the most famous in the world. The sojourn begins in Cape Town taking guests to the historic village of …

Rovos Rail Namibia

Rovos Rail Namibia (11 Days)

Rovos Rail to Namibia – travel in style on the iconic luxury train, Rovos Rail either to or from Namibia to Pretoria, South Africa. This journey takes the train from the savannahs of the Highveld to the Atlantic in the west. Departing from Pretoria, the …

Zulu Culture

Zulu & Pearls Package (8 Days)

Zulu & Pearls Package is the ultimate safari and beach package at Thanda Safari in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom in KwaZulu Natal, with the chic beach resort in Southern Mozambique, White Pearl Resorts. A cultural bush adventure meets contemporary beach luxury. Choose which …

South African Highlights (14 Days)

The South African Highlights Tour is a 14 day itinerary visiting the key attractions of South Africa. It departs from Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town. From exploring the majestic Panorama Route to a ‘Big 5’ safari in the Kruger National Park. Ending in the …

South African Discovery Tour Elephants

South African Discovery (16 Days)

South African Discovery Tour is 16-days of exploring South Africa and Eswatini. Starting in Cape Town and ending in Johannesburg. The scheduled tour departs on selected Saturdays – choose to join others on the scheduled departure dates. With a maximum of 14 people. Alternatively; have …

Rovos Rail to Durban

Rovos Rail to Durban (2 nights)

All aboard for the luxury Rovos Rail Train Safari (from/to Durban). Join this three day safari on one of the most luxurious trains in the world. To experience the splendor of KwaZulu Natal. Take in the Big Five, a battlefields tour with a world class …

Rovos Rail Cape Town to Pretoria Journey

Rovos Rail Cape Town to Pretoria (3 nights)

Travel by luxury train on Rovos Rail between Pretoria and Cape Town (or vice versa). There is no finer way to see South Africa than onboard one of the most luxurious trains in the world. This meander is a perfect illustration of South Africa as …

The Blue Train to/from Cape Town

The Blue Train To/From Cape Town (2 nights)

Journey to/from Cape Town to Pretoria on the Blue Train for an unbelievably scenic and interesting journey. On one of the most luxurious trains in the world. This luxury train journey stops at the capital of the Northern Cape province, Kimberley. Which is the diamond …

Best South Africa Locations Package

Best South Africa Locations Package (10 nights)

Best South Africa Locations Package from The Red Carnation Hotel Collection includes three properties in the best locations in South Africa. Cape Town, Cederberg, and Umhlanga Rocks in Durban. Enjoy the very best South Africa has to offer. Location, Location, Location. After an unforgettable wilderness …

iSimangaliso Honeymoon Package

iSimangaliso Honeymoon Package (8 Days)

This iSimangaliso Honeymoon Package offers beaches, forests, and lakes in Kwa-Zulu Natal. A fabulous combination of romance, solitude, and fun. Here is the 7 night honeymoon package at Thonga Beach Lodge and Kosi Forest Lodge. We can customize this package for you by adding or …

Rovos Rail to Victoria Falls

Rovos Rail to/from Victoria Falls (4 or 5 Days)

Rovos Rail to/from Victoria Falls – Embark on a romantic adventure of a bygone era on one of the most luxurious trains in the world, Rovos Rail. The 1400 km journey begins with the train’s departure from Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria or if doing …

The Blue Train to Kruger National Park

The Blue Train to Kruger National Park (3 Days)

The Blue Train to Kruger National Park is a return journey from Pretoria once a year. You will traverse beautiful landscape and spectacular scenery on the way to the Kruger National Park. Where guests enjoy a morning and sunset game drive coupled with a cultural …

Kruger and Mozambique honeymoon

Ultimate Safari and Beach (9 Days Kruger and Bazaruto Archipelago)

The ultimate 5* safari and beach is a 7 day tour combining a Big 5 South African safari with a Mozambique beach holiday. The best adventure for your romantic Africa honeymoon. Or magical luxury bush and beach escape to Africa. Track the Big Five at …

Kruger Quickie Safari Tour from Johannesburg

Kruger Quickie Safari (3 – 7 Days)

The Kruger Quickie safari is designed for those who are budget conscious and only have a few days to explore what the Kruger National Park has to offer. We have other accommodation options so just let us know what you would like and we’ll quote …

Kruger and the Kingdoms South Africa Tour

Kruger and the Kingdoms (7 Days)

The 7 day Kruger and the Kingdoms Tour – culture and wildlife! Combine the Kruger National Park, an icon of the wildlife world and the Kingdoms of eSwatini and Zululand. This creates a mighty experience designed to take your travel desires to new heights. It …

Luxury Trilogy Safari package

Luxury South Africa Trilogy Safari (9 Days)

8 night Luxury Trilogy Safari is a South Africa safari package at three 5 star Luxury Lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve and Kruger National Park (Timbavati and Sabi Sand). In Madikwe, you have a choice of either staying at Madikwe Hills Private Game Reserve or …

Shamwari Walking Safari (3 Days)

During South Africa’s summer season, Shamwari Private Game Reserve extends its offering to include the Shamwari Walking Safari at Explorer Camp. This unique walking experience is ideal for guests looking for an adventurous and authentic safari option. The itinerary comprises a min 2 night trail. …

Gary Player Golf Course 9th-hole

Sun City Golf Tour (2, 3 or 5-nights)

Our Sun City Golf Tour is available as either 2, 3, or 5-night packages. This covers your accommodation and golf at Sun City. Play at the premier Gary Player Golf Course and the legendary Lost City Golf Course. It runs from 1st February – 30th …

Rovos Rail African Collage Map

Rovos Rail African Collage (13 Days)

The Rovos Rail African Collage is a luxury train journey that includes a golfing and non-golfing itinerary. Traveling from Pretoria to Cape Town (southbound). Or, vice versa. It also offers stops in Golden Gate National Park, the picturesque town of Clarens and Bloemfontein, the city …

Rovos Rail Golf Safari Map

Rovos Rail Golf Safari (10 Days)

Rovos Rail (Luxury Train) has designed a delightful ten day golf safari to entertain the most discerning player. With optional excursions for non-playing guests at all venues. Travel from Pretoria to Sun City* in the hills of the Pilanesberg for game viewing. Cross the spectacular …

All our South Africa Golf Tours ↓

We are still working on this and have many more South African golf tours available if you get in touch with us.

Gary Player Golf Course 9th-hole

Sun City Golf Tour (2, 3 or 5-nights)

Our Sun City Golf Tour is available as either 2, 3, or 5-night packages. This covers your accommodation and golf at Sun City. Play at the premier Gary Player Golf Course and the legendary Lost City Golf Course. It runs from 1st February – 30th …

Rovos Rail African Collage Map

Rovos Rail African Collage (13 Days)

The Rovos Rail African Collage is a luxury train journey that includes a golfing and non-golfing itinerary. Traveling from Pretoria to Cape Town (southbound). Or, vice versa. It also offers stops in Golden Gate National Park, the picturesque town of Clarens and Bloemfontein, the city …

Rovos Rail Golf Safari Map

Rovos Rail Golf Safari (10 Days)

Rovos Rail (Luxury Train) has designed a delightful ten day golf safari to entertain the most discerning player. With optional excursions for non-playing guests at all venues. Travel from Pretoria to Sun City* in the hills of the Pilanesberg for game viewing. Cross the spectacular …

South Africa Accommodation

Here is some South Africa accommodation. Obviously, there is lots more and we are continuously adding to this site. If you don’t find the property you are looking for, please get in touch.