South Africa holidays

Welcome to Cape Town, where unique wildlife, world-renowned wines and hair-raising road trips are par for the course. See South Africa as it was meant to be seen.

South Africa’s capital is endlessly exciting and effortlessly cool. Explore its diverse food scene, visit inspiring museums and discover neighborhoods brimming with history.

This subtropical port city is shaking things up. From its cutting-edge music and craft beer scene to its epic surf beaches, Durban is a one-of-a-kind destination.

Spotting ‘the Big Five’ — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo — in the wild is maybe the best thing to do in South Africa. Kruger National Park is rightly famous, but don’t miss Addo Elephant National Park and Mala Mala Game Reserve. It’s not all about game parks either. Visit African penguins at Boulders Beach, or go whale watching off the coast of Hermanus from June through November.

A short boat ride from Cape Town, Robben Island is a former prison that housed legendary activist Nelson Mandela for 18 years. Today, it’s a museum that immortalises Black South Africans’ fight against apartheid and the country’s road to reconciliation. Tours with former inmates walk you through 500 years of life on the island and let you visit the cell where Mandela began drafting his autobiography.

South Africans have been making wine since the 17th century. These days, the country is known for its crisp Chenin Blancs and bold Pinotages. Taste the best in the Cape Winelands region, home to hundreds of wine cellars and estates. Take Route 62 — often called the ‘world’s longest wine route’ — as it winds from Cape Town through charming villages, vineyards and natural wonders.

With over 2,800 kilometres of coastline, there’s no shortage of fantastic beaches in South Africa. In the shadow of Table Mountain, Camps Bay Beach is famous for its soft, white sand, glorious sunsets and trendy restaurants. Surfers flock to Jeffreys Bay to ride some of Africa’s best waves. Feel world’s away at Coffee Bay, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment along Durban’s Golden Mile.

From the iconic Table Mountain to the coral reefs and swamp forests of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa is a mosaic of natural wonders. Hike amid red rock formations in the Cederberg Wilderness Area and the rugged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains. Don’t miss Namaqua National Park in springtime, when dusty valleys turn into a multicoloured sea of wildflowers.

Game meat is the star at restaurants in South Africa, with specialities like kudu, ostrich and springbok on the menu. You’ll also find European, Malay and Indian culinary influences. Make sure you try ‘bobotie’ (ground beef topped with milk and egg custard) and ‘bunny chow’ (hollowed-out bread filled with curry). For something sweet, ‘koeksisters’ (fried dough pastries coated in syrup) are a traditional treat.

Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum is among the most important museums in South Africa. It chronicles the country’s turbulent apartheid years. Admire works by European masters and national artists at Kimberley’s William Humphreys Art Gallery. And experience Cape Malay culture around the colourful streets of Cape Town’s Bo Kaap district. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March is another must when visiting the ‘Mother City’.

The best time to visit South Africa for a safari is during the dry season, May to October — a perfect opportunity to watch wild animals gather at waterholes. Summer is the peak season for exploring the beaches of Cape Town and the Garden Route. Bear in mind that Cape Town’s rainy season (May to August) is different from the rest of the country (November to March).

It’s easy to plan a cheap holiday to South Africa, a country known for its affordability. You can enjoy an inexpensive meal for about 150 South African rand (R) or get a coffee or local beer for under R40. Getting around is also relatively cheap; a short taxi ride will set you back R100.