SOUTH AFRICA HOLIDAYS
Experience incredible safaris, vibrant Cape Town, spectacular scenery and unforgettable journeys across South Africa.
SOUTH AFRICA SAFARIS AND TOURS
A South Africa holiday offers an extraordinary variety of experiences, combining outstanding wildlife, spectacular scenery, vibrant cities and beautiful coastlines. From thrilling Big Five safaris to stylish lodges and exceptional food and wine, every journey can be tailored to suit you.
Explore cosmopolitan Cape Town, discover the vineyards of the Cape Winelands, travel along the beautiful Garden Route or experience the wildlife of Kruger National Park and its surrounding private game reserves. South Africa is ideal for combining safari, culture, scenery and relaxation in one unforgettable holiday.
When Is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?
- South Africa is a wonderful year-round destination, although the best time to visit depends on where you are travelling and what you want to experience. The dry winter months from May to September are particularly good for safari, while Cape Town and the coast are especially popular during the warmer summer months from November to March.
3 Nights / 4 Days
Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls
from: £ 1,255.00 per person
Quite simply the rail journey of a lifetime. Combine the glamour and excitement of the golden age of steam on the Rovos Rail from Preterio to Victoria Falls. Inclusive of free night in luxury Hotel in Pretoria.
5 Nights / 6 Days
Durban – Phinda Game Reserve
from: £ 2,015.00 per person
Visit Durban with its golden sun-kissed beaches, fabulous scenery, and the warm Indian Ocean waters, combined with a wildlife adventure in Phinda Game Reserve and experience luxury as never before.
7 Nights / 8 Days
Kruger – Mozambique
from: £ 3,155.00 per person
Begin with a journey to one of South Africa’s premier private game reserves for amazing wildlife inclusive of bush breakfasts, bush dinners and star gazing; then on to the beautiful paradise-like beach in Mozambique for an unforgettable experience.
Inspiring Highlights on a South Africa Holiday
Experience thrilling Big Five safari encounters in some of South Africa’s outstanding private game reserves.
Explore Cape Town, from iconic Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront to its beautiful beaches and vibrant food scene.
Discover the Cape Winelands, with picturesque vineyards, historic estates and exceptional food and wine.
Journey along the spectacular Garden Route, combining dramatic coastline, forests, charming towns and outdoor adventures.
Visit Kruger National Park and the surrounding private reserves for superb wildlife viewing and memorable safari experiences.
Discover South Africa’s fascinating history and culture, including Robben Island and the Cradle of Humankind.
Combine safari with the coast for a wonderfully varied holiday, from wildlife-filled wilderness to beautiful beaches.
Fascinating Facts
South Africa has 11 official languages, reflecting the country’s remarkable cultural diversity.
Table Mountain is home to an extraordinary variety of plant life and forms part of the Cape Floristic Region.
South Africa is one of the best places in Africa to experience the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.
The country has nearly 3,000 kilometres of coastline, stretching between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
South Africa is internationally renowned for its wine regions, particularly Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl.
Rovos Rail offers one of Africa’s most celebrated luxury rail journeys, travelling through some of Southern Africa’s spectacular landscapes.
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and best-known wildlife reserves, covering almost two million hectares.
Planning Your Safari?
Our Safari Planning Guide has useful information about safari accommodation, game drives, fly-in and road safaris, what to pack, baggage, photography, tipping and more.
South Africa Travel Information
South Africa is a wonderful destination for safari, culture and sightseeing, and millions of visitors enjoy trouble-free holidays each year. As with any destination, it is sensible to take normal precautions, particularly in larger cities and unfamiliar areas.
We work with experienced local partners and carefully selected hotels, lodges and guides, helping our clients travel with confidence throughout their South Africa holiday.
South Africa also offers excellent malaria-free safari options, including reserves in the Eastern Cape, Madikwe and other malaria-free areas — particularly appealing for families and travellers who prefer to avoid malaria medication.
Planning a South Africa holiday can feel overwhelming simply because there is so much to experience. Whether you dream of an unforgettable safari, exploring Cape Town and Table Mountain, discovering the Cape Winelands or taking a scenic self-drive along the Garden Route, we can help create the right itinerary for you.
When it comes to a South Africa safari, the choice is wonderfully varied. Stay in an intimate luxury lodge with private plunge pools and exceptional dining, or choose a more adventurous safari experience with game drives, guided walks and plenty of time in the wilderness.
We’ll recommend the reserves, lodges and experiences that best suit your interests, travel style and budget — whether you’re travelling as a couple, family, honeymooners or enjoying a special celebration.
From a few nights on safari to a complete tailor-made journey combining wildlife, cities, winelands and coast, we’ll help you plan a South Africa holiday that feels completely your own.
South Africa is a fantastic year-round destination, with the best time to travel depending on the regions you plan to visit and the experiences you want to enjoy.
For Cape Town and the Cape Winelands, the warmer months from October to April are particularly popular, with long sunny days ideal for sightseeing, beaches, outdoor dining and exploring the vineyards.
For a South Africa safari, the dry winter months from May to October are generally excellent for wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park and the northern game reserves. Vegetation is thinner and animals tend to gather around available water sources, making wildlife easier to spot.
South Africa’s different climates mean there is always somewhere rewarding to visit. A safari can also be combined with Cape Town, the Winelands, Garden Route or coast to create a varied South Africa holiday at almost any time of year.
December and January are particularly popular holiday months, so early booking is recommended for the best choice of accommodation and safari lodges.
Language: South Africa has 12 official languages, including English. English is widely spoken throughout the tourism industry, while Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa and many other languages are spoken across the country.
Time zone: GMT +2
International dialling code: +27
Visas: British passport holders visiting South Africa for tourism can normally enter without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking the latest official requirements before travel.
Passports: Your passport must have an expiry date at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages. Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking the latest official advice before travelling.We recommend checking the latest passport requirements before travelling.
Travelling with children: Additional documentation may be required when travelling with children, particularly when a child is travelling with only one parent or without their parents. Please check the latest requirements before departure.
Health: Health and vaccination requirements depend on your itinerary and personal circumstances. Malaria precautions may be recommended for certain areas, including parts of Kruger National Park and northeastern South Africa. We recommend seeking up-to-date advice from a travel health professional before travelling.
Romantic Safari Lodges & Exclusive Game Reserves
Kwazulu-Natal – Beaches, Safaris & Historic Battlefields
From the broad beaches of the sunny KwaZulu-Natal subtropical coast and the luxury accommodation of its big game reserves to its soaring mountain peaks and historic battlefields – this is where to go in South Africa for game viewing, bird watching, adventure, history and on-the-beach relaxation.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Set within an ancient volcanic landscape, Pilanesberg Game Reserve offers excellent Big Five game viewing within easy reach of Johannesburg. Its varied habitats support an impressive diversity of wildlife, including elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and a wealth of birdlife.
Although Pilanesberg can be visited on a day trip, we recommend staying for a night or two to enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives and experience the reserve at a more relaxed pace. With a good choice of safari lodges, it is also an excellent addition to a wider South Africa holiday.
Madikwe Game Reserve – Exclusive Big 5 Game Viewing
Around a 3½-hour drive or a short flight from Johannesburg, Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s largest private wildlife reserves. Its diverse landscapes of open grassland, woodland and rocky hills provide superb opportunities to see the Big Five, along with cheetah, hyena and the endangered African wild dog.
Madikwe is also malaria-free, making it an excellent choice for families as well as couples looking for a more exclusive safari experience. With luxurious lodges, excellent guiding and fewer vehicles than many better-known safari areas, it is a wonderful addition to a South Africa safari holiday.
