Visit South Africa for your next vacation. South Africa is a destination that offers all types of holidays. From excellent safaris to 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.
South Africans are known for their warmth towards guests from all over the world. Including those from the United States. Regardless of politics back home. Political disputes between governments do not affect the day-to-day experience of travelers. Statements from political figures (i.e. Donald Trump) often reflect broader geopolitical considerations. South Africa is not a ”bad place” to visit. We assist our clients to have a safe and fabulous vacation in South Africa.
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.
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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. South Africa fits most people’s budgets with a wide range of accommodation offered. In fact, it is cheaper than its neighbors, so make an affordable holiday package.
The Greater Kruger area includes:
Kruger National Park
MalaMala Game Reserve
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Timbavati Private Nature 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).
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 (the 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’.
KwaZulu Natal
KwaZulu Natal is South Africa’s playground boasting spectacular beaches, year round sunshine, and neverending fun and activities. Durban is the capital of this province. KwaZulu 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.
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 the 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 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.
North West
North West Province is close to Gauteng and its most popular 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.
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.
South Africa seasons are:
Summer – mid-October to mid-February
Autumn – February to April
Winter – May to July
Spring – August to October
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). This is also when the rainfall is lower.
If visiting Cape Town between mid-August and 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.
KwaZulu Natal is on the east coast of South Africa. The coastal towns offer warm waters (Indian Ocean) all year for swimming at the beaches. The climate here is fantastic and the 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.
South Africa Health Information
Most parts of South Africa have a high standard of health and hygiene. We have many well-qualified general practitioners in every town and city to help with medical matters. Large hospitals also have doctors on hand and the country is known for having some of the best trauma units on the African continent.
Malaria is found only in the lowveld of Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park), in Limpopo, and on the Maputaland coast of KwaZulu Natal. It is not much of a risk in winter. The most effective measures against malaria are mechanical barriers and the use of insect repellent, body lotions, and mosquito nets. Visitors are advised to take prophylactics and should always consult a health practitioner or travel wellness clinic before coming to South Africa.
Tap water is of a high standard in South Africa. However, for long trips and remote areas, ensure that you take bottled water along.
South Africa Time
South African Standard Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean (or Universal Standard) Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of the USA’s Eastern Standard Winter Time.
South Africa Accommodation
We have some South African 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. Use the map to search the area you would like to stay.
See South Africa Honeymoon for hotels / lodges that have honeymooners discounts. We also offer South African Destination Weddings (for international guests only).
If you are traveling with the family, our South Africa Family Safari page lists family-friendly accommodations in South Africa.