Est. 1970
South Africa
South Africa is a land of outstanding natural beauty. The size of France and Spain combined it boasts an excellent infrastructure, enabling easy travel around the country. And a chance to take in the many types of terrain and scenery that can be found here.
Cape Town sits at the foot of flat-topped Table Mountain; ride the cable car to the top of the mountain on clear days for panoramic views. The Victoria and Albert Waterfront is where it all happens, with free entertainment, restaurants and bars plying their trade. Boat trips can be taken from here to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held. Go shark diving with Great Whites off the cape or bungee jump above the Bloukrans River.
Outside of Cape Town, head to Hermanus to watch whales migrate and breed, or settle down in towns such as Paarl and Stellenbosch in the heart of the Winelands to sample celebrated varieties from the 106 cellars in the region.
Follow the Garden Route along the south coast to see some exceptional coastline, excellent beaches and rugged coves. Nature reserves for dolphins and primates as well as bird watching sites act as further distractions.
The best wildlife watching though is in the Kruger National Park, which is the size of Wales and home to the Big Five and countless other creatures. With accommodation to suit all budgets and the greatest diversity of wildlife on the continent, it's one of Africa's great wildlife reserves.
Alternatively, head into the mountains and hike amidst the peaks and plunging valleys of the Drakensburg, listen to the silence in the Karoo, settle back on the warm sands of KwaZulu-Natal, visit the diamond mines in Kimberley and watch the stark landscape of Namaqualand burst into bloom during springtime.
South Africa luxury holidays
Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in South Africa, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0611.
Cape Town
Eastern Cape
Game Reserves
Garden Route
Johannesburg
Kruger & Surrounds
Kwazulu-Natal
Luxury trains
Northern Cape
Northwest Province
Route 62 & The Karoo
Western Cape
Winelands
The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0611.
Weather
Generally sunny and pleasant. Winters are usually mild.
Festivals
South Africa stages festivals throughout the year, with something for everyone. Food festivals include the Prickly Pear Festival in February/March in the Eastern Cape, and Lambert's Bay Kreeffees in Cape Town in March. Music festivals include the Origin Festival in the Western Cape in January, a trance event, the FNB Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg in February, and Oppikoppi in August, which is held in the bushveld in the north of the country, and is South Africa’s ’Glastonbury’. The gay Pink Loerie Mardi Gras is held in Knysna in the Western Cape in May.
Food & drink
Dishes include sosaties (a type of kebab), bobotie (a curried mince dish), bredies (meat, tomato and vegetable stews). Poetoepap or stywepap, made with white maize meal, is often served with meat. Biltong (dried meat) is a speciality. Excellent red and white wines are produced, as are sherries, brandies and unusual liqueurs.
Etiquette
Normal courtesies apply. Casual dress widely accepted. Evening dress requires a jacket and tie for men, full-length dress for women. Smoking is prohibited in public places and on public transport.
Safety
Politically stable but experiencing high levels of crime, especially in cities and townships. Johannesburg is infamous for carjacking and muggings, rape is a serious problem nationwide.International airport
Cape Town (CPT) is 20 km from city. Johannesburg (JNB) is 25 km from city. Also Durban (DUR), Port Elizabeth (PLZ), Bloemfontein (BFN).
Internal travel
Excellent roads and flights, slightly erratic trains. Several bus companies operate, taxis throughout the country. Car-hire, and chauffeurs are available.
Visa
Not required.Vaccination
BCG, Cholera, Hep. A, Hep. B, Typhoid, Malaria, Rabies, Y. Fever2 (See page 649).Driving
International Driving Permit. Minimum age 23 (21 with Amex or Diners Club card). English language licences valid for six months.Capital
Pretoria.Language
Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu.People
Zulu (23%), Xhosa, Ndebele, European descent (16%), Setswana, Sotho, Venda and other tribal origins.Religion
Various Christian denominations, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish.Size
1,219,090.Population
43,786,115.Population density
35.90.Life expectancy
M 43.30, F 41.42.Currency
Rand (R).Finance
Credit cards and traveller’s cheques widely accepted.Business hours
0830-1630 Mon-Friday.Time difference
+2.Voltage
220/230 AC (250 AC in Pretoria), 50 Hz.International dial code
+27.The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in South Africa. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0611.
Best of Zambia & South Africa
South Africa & Namibia Self-Drive
Best of South Africa
Gourmet South African Adventure
Cape to Kruger
Cape, Wine, Garden Route & Safari
South Africa Wine & Whales
Wildlife of KwaZulu-Natal
Ultimate Kruger Safari
Kalahari, Cape & Coast
The places to stay listed below only represent a handful of the accommodation options available in South Africa. We can also recommend and arrange accommodation to suit your personal tastes and budget. To start planning where to stay in South Africa, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0611.
Phinda Mountain Lodge
andBeyond Exeter River Lodge
The Plettenberg Hotel, South Africa
Bushmans Kloof, Cederberg Mountains
Grande Roche, South Africa
River Manor Boutique Hotel, Winelands
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Cellars Hohenort, Cape Town
The Twelve Apostles, South Africa
Taj Cape Town, South Africa
Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
The types of holiday listed below are just a flavour of the experiences available in South Africa. We can also suggest and plan alternative types of holiday to take into account your individual interests. To start planning what to do whilst away, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0611.
Activity & adventure holidays
Cruise
History and culture
Spa breaks
Alison Kent - Africa Specialist
To make an enquiry or to start planning your trip talk to our team of specialists on 020 7590 0611
WHEN TO GO
- BEST
TIME - GOOD
TIME - SOME LIMITATIONS
Essential Experiences (8)
Recommended Itineraries (5)
Africa Africa
