South Africa
Spectacular natural beauty with a Mediterranean climate, abundant wildlife, a fascinating mix of cultures and a historic struggle for freedom all combine to make South Africa one of the world’s most compelling destinations. For the beach lovers there are miles of unspoilt coastline, food and wine enthusiasts will be right at home in the Winelands, and wildlife photographers and adventurers won’t be disappointed with the selection of safari camps in and around Kruger National Park.
When to go: June to August are peak times for wildlife viewing when game is most concentrated around watering holes. Cape Town is a year-round destination, but the beaches are best enjoyed December to March.
Great for…
Family
Adventure
Food & Wine
Wildlife
Nature
Family
Adventure
Food & Wine
Wildlife
Nature
Highlights
Cape Town & The Cape
Cape Town is renown for its harbor and stunning natural setting below Table Mountain. Hike or take a gondola to the top for the views, and spend a few days exploring the area. Going south on the Cape peninsula, visit Boulder’s Beach with it’s colony of African penguins, and the Cape of Good Hope National Park.
The Winelands
South Africa’s oldest and loveliest wine-producing area lies in a fertile series of valleys quite unlike the rest of the Western Cape where you can sample from several hundred different wineries. Stay on one of the many historic wine estates or in the charming towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.
Greater Kruger Park Area
South Africa’s flagship national park has some of the best animal viewing in Africa. What’s more, the private reserves that are adjacent to the park—namely Timbavati and Sabi Sands are home to award-winning camps around which large populations of wildlife roam freely.
The Garden Route
Route 62 which runs 850 kilometers from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth is the world’s longest wine route. Sandwiched between the coast and inland mountain range, this scenic route is dotted with wineries, lakes, hiking trails and lush scenery. Visit Tsitsikamma National Park, an elephant sanctuary and towns such as Plettenberg Bay, Krysna, and Oudsthoorn.
KwaZulu-Natal
Ethnically diverse, this state is the homeland of the Zulu tribe and the cosmopolitan, busy port city of Durban. Immerse yourself in Zulu culture at villages around the province and visit the San (Bushmen) and thousands of their ancient rock paintings in Ukhalamba-Drakensberg National Park. In and around Durban, miles of golden beaches front the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Johannesburg
As the air gateway to South Africa, Johannesburg is a good place to get a restful night or two on either entering or leaving the country. The city’s leading attraction is the Apartheid Museum. Combined with a visit to Soweto, South Africa’s largest black residential area, you’ll gain a closer insight into the forces that created modern-day South Africa.
Get Inspired
South Africa’s Western Cape
Culture & Wildlife
Cape Town, Garden Route, & Safari
We believe that to travel responsibly, a portion of our tour cost should benefit the communities we visit. For this trip, we will donate to PATH, an organization working on technologies to predict, prevent and control outbreaks of diseases like COVID-19, polio, and others. You can learn more about our commitment to responsible travel in our Responsibility Pledge.