South Africa
South Africa’s landscapes are as varied as they come, balancing raw, natural beauty with a sophisticated travel experience. Each visit offers a sense of discovery, making it that rare thing – a destination worth returning to time and again.
Natural beauty
You will never forget your first safari and South Africa is frequently the place to start. Home to the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—the wildlife here is both abundant and awe-inspiring. From the majestic giraffes and zebras of Kruger National Park to the playful penguins at Boulders Beach, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of nature in South Africa.
Private game reserves such as Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park offer unparalleled accommodations with expertly guided game drives, ensuring close and respectful encounters with some of the planet's most majestic creatures. Many include spas and award-winning culinary experiences, and this combination of wildlife and indulgent comfort makes it a standout destination.
When to visit
South Africa is a brilliant year-round destination with fabulous festivities and events to immerse you in local life. May to October is the best time to visit, as this is when the weather is at its coolest, driest, and most comfortable.
South Africa's Luxurious Garden Route
Drive one of South Africa’s most scenic routes, where the journey is just as rewarding as the stops along the way. The Garden Route links lively coastal towns, ancient forests and wide open beaches, with time for wildlife encounters, local food spots and relaxed nights by the ocean. It’s an easy going way to see a lot without feeling rushed, perfect if you like freedom, great scenery and memorable moments built into each day.
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Safari in the Kruger National Park
Experience exhilarating game drives in search of the Big Five and stay at luxury lodges offering gourmet dining under the African stars. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, with lush greenery, rolling hills, and expansive plains, making it the perfect destination for a first safari adventure.
Embark on early morning and late afternoon game drives through the park with experienced guides who will help you spot some of the most iconic animals in Africa. You can also go on guided bush walks to get up close and personal with nature and learn about the smaller creatures that call this park home.
Hike Table Mountain
Take a guided trail up Table Mountain for unforgettable panoramic views of Cape Town, or opt for the cable car for a more leisurely ascent. There's a range of routes, so all fitness levels can manage the ascent.
One of the most popular hikes is the Platteklip Gorge route, which takes 2-3 hours depending on one's pace. This route starts at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and winds up through the gorge to reach the summit. Along the way, you will encounter spectacular views and diverse flora and fauna.
Tour the Cape Winelands
Immerse yourself in the lush vineyards of Stellenbosch, enjoying private tastings and artisanal pairings amid breathtaking landscapes. Explore the charming town of Franschhoek, known for its French influence and gourmet cuisine. And don't miss a visit to Paarl, home to some of South Africa's oldest and most prestigious wineries.
You'll have the chance to visit historic landmarks such as the Dutch East India Company's former headquarters and the iconic Afrikaans Language Monument.
Explore Robben Island
Dive into the nation’s complex history with a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was famously imprisoned—an educational yet profound experience. The island, located just off the coast of Cape Town, has a long and storied past. Originally used as a place of banishment for political prisoners during apartheid, it later became a maximum-security prison for those deemed to be threats to the ruling regime.
Today, visitors can take a ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island and explore the former prison with an expert guide. Walk through the cell blocks and see where Mandela spent 18 years of his life in captivity. Learn about the harsh conditions prisoners faced and hear firsthand accounts from former inmates.
Discover South Africa's Vibrant Cities
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is a city with so much to offer: there are wonderful restaurants, relaxed sidewalk cafes, laughter-filled shebeens, glitzy shopping malls, tranquil parks, unique emotive museums and monuments, thrilling casinos, busy townships, stunning galleries, funky nightclubs, and more...
Must-do activities include the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill. Shopping up a storm at any of the many designer malls such as Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, Rosebank Mall and Soweto's Maponya Mall; and, as a fitting end to all the fun, a visit to one of many health and beauty spas, or a walk in one of the many parks.
Durban
Durban is South Africa’s self-styled 'playground', where year-round warm weather encourages visitors to make the most of the province’s outdoor lifestyle.
Also known as 'Surf City', Durban is renowned for its magnificent bathing and surfing beaches, which stretch along the city's beachfront from Durban harbour in the south to the upmarket suburb of Umhlanga in the north.
Cape Town
With its mild climate and strong connection to the outdoors, Cape Town invites visitors to spend their days moving easily between city life and nature. Beaches, coastal walks, food led neighbourhoods and a wide choice of accommodation create a relaxed but engaging setting for a stay, whether you are exploring for a few days or using the city as a base for the wider region.
Often described as South Africa’s most scenic city, Cape Town is shaped by its setting between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. From the lively V&A Waterfront and the beaches of Camps Bay to nearby wine regions and mountain viewpoints, the city offers variety without long travel times. It is a place where sightseeing, dining and time outdoors fit naturally into each day.
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth (PE) is not only home to stunning beaches, interesting museums and award-winning wildlife destinations, but also some of the friendliest people in the country. It’s no surprise to visitors that it’s called the “Friendly City”.
Port Elizabeth – or the Friendly City – is a coastal hub in the Eastern Cape where everything is only a 15-minute drive from the airport.
If you’re interested in culture, you’ve got to check out the Red Location Museum, a museum in New Brighton Township that portrays “both the horrors of institutionalised racism and the heroic efforts of the anti-apartheid movement”.
Then there’s the Donkin Reserve, where you can enjoy birds, walking paths, an opera house, a lighthouse and a memorial.
