South Africa is one of the most popular safari and holiday destinations on the African continent. With easy access from various countries in Europe and USA as well as a good travel infrastructure and facilities, South Africa offers a huge variety of accommodation and regions to suit all manner of travellers, including families, honeymooners, hikers, birdwatchers, wine tasters, horse riders and has a range of choices for self drive, adventure travel, luxury lodge and boutique hotels, stunning beaches, city culture, wine tours and of course safaris.
Things to See
South Africa has some of the best national parks where tourists can enjoy an African safari. It is the country’s extraordinary diversity that makes it so attractive, encapsulating so much of what the continent has to offer, and thereby making South Africa a perfect choice for an African safari or holiday. We can tailor make your South Africa holiday to suit your requirements, mixing and matching the best choice of hotels and activities to fit with you.
Where to Go
There are over 300 game reserves and national parks, making it possible to search out specific animal species or to get an overview of the natural world. You can chose to stay in luxury safari lodges or budget national parks accommodation. It is even possible to choose a reserve in a malaria-free zone.
There are cosmopolitan cities, world renowned vineyards, and stunning beaches on the Cape, and the picturesque Garden Route which follows the coast between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Add to this a melting pot of different cultures, with tribal heritage and traditions from distinctive peoples like the Zulu, and South Africa becomes a great place for a holiday, whatever your interests.
The two small countries of Swaziland and Lesotho can also be easily included in a visit here, adding another dimension to an already varied South African safari holiday or honeymoon.
Top Highlights of a Safari
- Famed wildlife of Kruger National Park, and over 300 other parks and reserves.
- Incredible diversity of landscapes, environment, wildlife, cultures and available activities.
- Malaria-free African holidays.
- The beauty of the Garden Route, and the world-renowned Winelands.
- Stunning beaches, and cosmopolitan cities.
- Swaziland and Lesotho add another dimension to this vast land.
Country Information
Language
English is South Africa’s main administrative language and is widely spoken. There are 11 official languages, corresponding to the main tribal groups.
Visas
Visas are not required for British passport holders.
Health
No vaccinations are compulsory. Malaria is found in certain areas (mainly Kruger and the east coast towards Mozambique), but not throughout the country. Please ask for detail of the area you are considering.
Best times to go
Since the country is so huge, there is vastly differing weather patterns in different areas. Very generally, from about April to October, the Cape tends to be cool and wet, whilst Kwazulu Natal and the eastern regions are mostly warm and dry. From roughly October to April, the reverse is the trend. Ask for our Trip Planner for more detail and refer to the region pages.
Getting there
There are daily flights from Europe to Johannesburg (about 10 ½ hours direct) and Cape Town (about 11 hours direct). There is also a good network of domestic flights connecting all the main towns.
