By Rui Ribeiro Worldwide Specialist

South Africa is a diverse, exciting, awe-inspiring country that deserves a place on every traveller's bucket list. From world-class winelands to spectacular safari parks, it's truly an experiential destination. But, with so much to see and do, planning your trip can be challenging. With this in mind, I've put together the ultimate guide, covering everything from what to pack and when to go, to the best in luxury hotels and safari lodges.

The strikingly different landscapes, from coast to interior, contrast cliffside towns and golden beaches with grassy game reserves and rugged mountains. Hike among Paleozoic rock formations in the Cape Fold Belt or traverse the Drakensberg Mountains, dotted with glassy lakes. In Cape Town, views from Table Mountain reveal a medley of elegant architecture and vibrant coloured houses across the city, along with glimpses of Robben Island, the notorious prison that once held Nelson Mandela. Get out of the city on luxury rail journeys through the country, indulging in gourmet dining along the way, or get lost in the fertile vineyards – the oldest outside of Europe – of the Cape winelands.

Then, of course, the game reserves of Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and Madikwe offer once-in-a-lifetime safari experiences among the likes of buffalo, cheetahs, leopards and gemsbok – you can even spot the Big Five. Visit Zulu battlefields in KwaZulu-Natal, uncover ancient San rock art in hidden caves and search for prehistoric human fossils at the Cradle of Humankind. Or, if relaxation is what you're after, the sub-tropical beaches on the Indian Ocean pair powder-sand beaches with pods of playful dolphins, whales, and seals. In short - wherever you go, it's bound to be special.



Luxury Hotels

Depending on where you're heading, there are myriad luxury hotels in South Africa to choose from. In Cape Town itself, Belmond's grand Mount Nelson blends pared-back elegance with sleek modernity, just a short walk from Kloof and Long Streets. Meanwhile, Cape Cadogan is a quirky, boutique hideaway with just 15 bedrooms and many of Cape Town’s most popular restaurants and cafés within walking distance.

For dedicated oenophiles, Richard Brandon's Mont Rochelle sprawls across a hundred or so acres of gardens and vineyards in Franschhoek, with 26 rooms and suites named after the region's leading wines. Nearby, La Residence's opulent glamour is hard to ignore, close to the Wemmers River and, of course, some of the country's best wineries – the Chamonix and Stony Brook varietals are world-renowned. Alternatively, head to the oldest wine route in South Africa, perhaps staying at Oude Werf, all wood beams and period-style furnishings. Stellenbosch's oak-lined streets are on your doorstep, and the hotel boasts a shaded pool for relaxing afternoons in the sun, post-wine tasting.

If it's relaxation you're seeking, consider the stunning Ocean Eleven Guesthouse in Hermanus, South Africa's whale-watching capital. Perched high on the cliffs above picturesque Walker Bay, you can watch whales calving, between June and November each year, from your balcony or the peaceful pool deck. And, similarly impressive views can be enjoyed from The Plettenberg, on the famous Garden Route. Its two infinity pools overlook the Indian Ocean and surrounding mountains at Plettenberg Bay, on the border of the Western and Eastern Capes. 

Pool view at Ocean Eleven Guesthouse, Hermanus

Ocean Eleven Guesthouse, Hermanus

Mont Rochelle Franschhoek in Cape Winelands

Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek

La Residence, Franschhoek in Cape Winelands

La Residence, Franschhoek


Safari Lodges

South Africa is well-known for its safaris, where seeing the Big Five is commonplace, and luxury lodges offer the chance to experience it all in serious style. One of my favourites is the Great Fish River Lodge in Kwandwe, a vast private game reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape. After days spent on game drives and guided safari walks, you'll return to your suite, complete with outdoor terrace, private plunge pool and indoor and outdoor showers.

A round-up of safari lodges wouldn't be complete without those in Sabi Sands and Kruger – one of the world's most famous safari parks. &Beyond's Tengile River Lodge is an environmentally-conscious property set right on the river in the Sabi Sands reserve, which shares an unfenced border with Kruger itself. The lodge's panoramic views over the surrounding forest are best taken in from your private lap pool and spacious timber deck. Dulini River Lodge is equally picturesque, in the western sector of Sabi Sands, this time on the edge of the Mabrak River. With just eight suites and personal butler service, it's an intimate and luxurious experience, with everything from wilderness dinners and bush breakfasts to Kruger game drives bringing your surroundings to life.

Finally, although not technically a safari lodge, I have to mention Bushmans Kloof. Nestled below the mighty Cederberg Mountains, its remoteness is part of its charm. Here, the elusive Cape leopard roams the mountains, while one of the largest private herds of Cape mountain zebra are protected on the predator-free reserve. It's also endlessly luxurious – the onsite spa was voted Best Luxury Wellness Spa in the country, and there are four pools set in pristine gardens around the resort.

Bushmans Kloof spa overlooking reserve

Bushmans Kloof

Dulini River Lodge by night

Dulini River Lodge

Great Fish River lodge by night

Great Fish River Lodge


Wildlife

If you're heading to one of the safari lodges above, there's no doubt that you're seeking wildlife encounters of the most thrilling kind. South Africa is blessed with an abundance of wildlife – so here's my definitive watch list.

South Africa Wildlife Watch List

  • The Big Five – elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo – originally referred to the most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot. Today, it's simply a list of the animals every safari-goer hopes to see. Kruger National Park and the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal are among the best places to spot the Big Five, although many reserves across South Africa offer the chance, including the smaller ones.

  • Cheetahs – the fastest land animals in the world – are capable of speeds of almost 100 kilometres an hour. If you want to see them, you'll need to head north, to the Kruger National Park, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and certain reserves in KwaZulu-Natal.

  • The Little Five – a miniature version of the big hitters, comprising the elephant shrew, the ant lion, the buffalo weaver, the rhinoceros beetle and the leopard tortoise, can always be found at the Karongwe Private Game Reserve or Kruger National Park.

  • The wild Cape hunting dog, one of Africa’s most endangered mammals, live in small numbers in the Kruger National Park, northern KwaZulu-Natal and the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, the Kalahari, and the Madikwe reserve.

  • South African waters are home to eight whale species, including the blue whale, killer whale, and the most frequently spotted southern right whale – head to Hermanus to see them calving in the sheltered bay in June.

  • Search the skies and the wetlands for 850 or so species of bird, from the ostriches of the Western Cape to several beautiful varieties of crane. 

  • Find African penguins along the Western Cape coastline, and on islands in the Eastern Cape – Dassen Island, St Croix Island, Robben Island, Bird Island, Dyer Island and Boulders beach are the best place to see them.

  • Other quintessentially African animals, including the hippo, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra, are all seen frequently in South Africa’s conservation areas and game reserves.

Lions sleeping in Kruger National Park

Lions in Kruger National Park


What to pack

South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so when travelling from the UK, the seasons will be reversed. With this in mind, here's what you might need:

  • On the cape, you'll need lightweight summer clothing from November to March, when temperatures typically reach 30-40° C
  • Long sleeve shirts, cotton pants, and a light jacket to stay covered when out on safari or in mosquito-affected areas
  • Sturdy walking boots for safari or hiking/outdoors activities
  • A swim suit if you're visiting the coast
  • A hat, Sunscreen and sunglasses, particularly in summer
  • Warmer clothes from June to August, when evening temperatures can dip into the single digits 
  • Hand sanitiser can be useful as some areas are water rationed
  • A camera and binoculars to capture images of wildlife or the landscapes – a zoom lens also comes in handy
  • Malaria medication – parts of South Africa, including Kruger National Park, are in malaria zones – ask your doctor if you need to bring it with you

When to go

The great thing about South Africa is that it's truly a year-round destination. Unlike many other African countries, it does have four seasons, but it's often easier to think about the year as wet and dry. For most of the country, the rains usually coincide with the summer months, although the Western Cape (including Cape Town) is an exception to this rule. So if you're heading out on safari, May through September is dry, covering winter and a short spring – making it a great time of year for game drives and outdoor activities. October to April is wetter, although usually in the form of short showers that won't affect your trip too much. In the height of summer, between December and February, the country is very hot, and school holidays make the tourist hotspots busier. If you're hoping to see whales, June is the best time, coinciding with the Sardine Run off KwaZulu-Natal.

In short, no matter when you decide to travel, there's always something to see and enjoy. For generally good weather for whatever you want to do, I recommend booking your holiday for winter, when the days are clear, warm, and dry.

Whale watching, Hermanus


Getting there & getting around

South Africa is a tourism hub and therefore well-connected with flights from the UK and Europe, including with British Airways. Within the country, there are a number of smaller domestic airlines that connect various parts of the country together.

Self-drives are a popular way of getting around, particularly in the scenic Cape winelands area and along the Garden Route. To hire a car you must be at least 18 and have held a licence for a year, although there is usually a surcharge for young drivers under 25. Petrol stations are always manned, but be aware that the attendants expect a small tip.

Luxury railway journeys like Rovos Rail or the iconic Blue Train are highly recommended if you enjoy exploring by rail, and want to avoid further internal flights. Any taxis and transfers should always be booked in advanced through a reputable company, as the taxi system in South Africa is largely unregulated. 

Rovos Rail in Oudtshoorn

Rovos Rail


Visas & Documentation

It's always worth checking, but currently, citizens of 48 countries including the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia, are able to visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days. Many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. You'll also need other documentation to visit – so make sure you also consider the below just in case.

  • International Driving Permit – If you're renting a car while in South Africa and your current driver’s license is printed in a language other than English, you’ll need to acquire an International Driving Permit before travelling.

  • Yellow Fever Card – proof of yellow fever vaccination is only required if you are arriving from a country that is at risk of yellow fever.

  • Travel Insurance – you should always have it, but you may need to upgrade for things like adventurous activities and rental cars. Make sure you have the right type for what you plan to do.

  • Of course, a valid passport, with at least six months left on it.


If you need help planning your route, browse our suggested itineraries below for inspiration. Remember, all our journeys come with complimentary UK airport lounge access, to help see you off in style. Enquire now to get started – we're here to help you create your perfect South Africa holiday.

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