Discover dramatic mountains and breathtaking oceans, wildlife-rich parks and culturally rich cosmopolitan cities when you visit South Africa.
South Africa Holidays
Top 5 Places to Visit on South Africa Holidays
Johannesburg: Known as the “City of Gold,” Johannesburg is the vibrant capital of South Africa. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, the city is an intoxicating cocktail of history and modernity. Johannesburg is a hub of activity, with bustling markets, world-class museums and lively nightlife. Learn about the country’s tumultuous past at the Apartheid Museum or sample one of the high-end restaurants serving delicious cuisine from around the globe.
Cape Town: Located on the southwestern tip of South Africa, Cape Town is a city of stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage. Famous for its diverse landscapes, from the iconic Table Mountain to its pristine beaches and lush vineyards, Cape Town is a unique mix of chic urbanity and natural wonders. The city is a melting pot of cultures, which are reflected in its vibrant art scene, world-class cuisine and friendly locals. Explore historic landmarks like Robben Island and the vibrant neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap or simply relax on the white sands of Camps Bay Beach.
Kruger National Park: A paradise for wildlife lovers, Kruger National Park spans over 19,000 square kilometres and is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic Big Five made up of lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinoceros. Embark on thrilling safaris to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and enjoy bush walks, bird watching and cultural experiences.
The Drakensberg Mountains: This stunning natural wonder is sure to captivate you with its awe-inspiring beauty. These majestic peaks reach heights of over 3,000 metres and are known for their dramatic cliffs, lush forests and cascading waterfalls. The Drakensberg Mountains are also home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including indigenous species that are found nowhere else on Earth. For outdoor lovers, the region offers plenty of activities such as hiking, rock climbing and birdwatching.
Tsitsikamma National Park: A beautiful coastal reserve located along the Garden Route in South Africa, Tsitsikamma National Park is a pristine natural wonderland renowned for its dramatic landscapes of dense forests, rugged cliffs and sparkling ocean views. You can explore a network of hiking trails that meander through indigenous forests, cross suspension bridges over rivers, and listen to the thunder of majestic waterfalls. The park also boasts colourful marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking.
South Africa Trips
Our Top Destinations in South Africa
Activities in South Africa
FAQs on South Africa Tours
What kind of holidays does South Africa have?
South Africa is one of the most remarkable and diverse countries in the world where you can enjoy everything from cycling around the cape and trekking through the Drakensberg Mountains to safari tours of Kruger National Park. South Africa safaris offer unparalleled wildlife experiences where you’ll see animals such as lions, elephants, hippos and giraffes roaming free in their natural environments.
Or maybe you prefer to immerse yourself in the culture of the country with fabulous food and wine-tasting experiences, city tours and trips to traditional villages. Our guided South Africa holidays are a great way to see the country with the expertise of one of our knowledgeable tour leaders.
Is South Africa good for a holiday?
With such a vast choice of places to explore, extraordinary wildlife and history to uncover, South Africa is a fantastic place for a holiday. A South Africa safari tour is the way to go if you want to discover the national parks and get up close to endemic animals. Or perhaps you prefer to immerse yourself in the culture and learn about the indigenous tribes. Nature is profuse in South Africa and with trips to the famous Garden route, Table Mountain and Victoria Falls, you’ll be in awe of the country’s natural wonders.
Where is the best safari in South Africa?
South Africa never fails to impress with its world-famous safaris in the epic Kruger, Chobe and Hwange national parks. If you’ve set your sights on meeting the Big Five, which consists of the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo, then Kruger is the best place to go. Playing host to the mighty Victoria Falls, Botswana’s Chobe National Park boasts some phenomenal natural sights as well as wildlife. But if you’re a bird lover, Hwange National Park is renowned for more than 400 species of tropical birds, not to mention its elephant herds, lions and wild dogs.
How much does it cost to go on a safari in South Africa?
If you’re considering guided South Africa safaris, the costs can vary based on how long you want to go for and what you want to see while you’re there. Our guided South Africa safaris range from £1,749 for 8 days to £3,899 for 20 days and include expert tour guides and action-packed itineraries.
Where should I travel to in South Africa?
South Africa is a huge country and there are plenty of places and landmarks to visit during your stay. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga & Limpopo
- Cape Town, Eastern Cape
- The Garden Route, West & Eastern Cape
- The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal
- Pilanesberg National Park
This list is in no way exhaustive and we cover a lot of the most popular attractions in the country, so check out the tours available and choose one that meets your travel needs.
What do I need to travel to South Africa?
As per the Government’s travel advice, South Africa’s entry requirements are as follows:
- Passport validity of at least six months
- Visa if you’re staying for more than 90 days
- Necessary vaccinations
Do I need vaccinations to travel to South Africa?
The following vaccinations are recommended when you enter South Africa:
- Hepatitis A
- Tetanus
- Typhoid
Some travellers may also need extra vaccines too including:
- Cholera
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
What do I pack for a trip to South Africa?
To get the most out of your trip to South Africa, you’ll want to make sure you pack your suitcase with all the essential items you’ll need such as:
- Passport
- Money
- Lightweight clothes
- Waterproofs (just in case)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Binoculars
- Water bottles
- First aid kit
- Hiking boots
How do I plan a trip to South Africa?
South Africa is a big country, which means planning an epic trip can be a huge task. However, you can take on one of our action-packed adventure holidays in South Africa instead and leave all the planning to us. We have a range of trip durations, locations, and activities available to choose from, so you can pick your dream South Africa tour when you book with Exodus.
What do I wear in South Africa?
South Africa can be very hot during the day and so breathable and lightweight fabrics will be your friend during your stay. Try wearing long-sleeved tops and trousers, along with head protection to prevent sunburn from affecting you. In the evenings, you can usually opt for whatever style you’d like to match the activity. South Africa is home to plenty of restaurants and bars, so packing a nice outfit is a good idea too.
What is the best time to visit South Africa?
One of the best times of year to explore South Africa is between June and August. This is the country’s winter and so temperatures are a little bit cooler at around 17°C, which is great weather for taking on the activities available on our tours. It’s worth noting that this season is also the best time of year for safaris too, so you can expect to see plenty of different animals but this may be reflected in higher prices for safari holidays in South Africa.
Visiting between November and March is ideal for beach holidays and festivals, with temperatures sitting at around 25°C. Head to Cape Town for stunning beaches and fun times with friends and family.
South Africa Untamed
Anne Edwards Cape Town & the Garden RouteThis tour was well paced and a great introduction to South Africa, especially for travelers who enjoy exploring the world and finding the unexpected. One of the biggest surprises was the food. The cuisine was so unique and, as our guide advised us, plentiful. Paired with excellent South African wine, you are completely spoiled. Don’t hesitate to try new things such as Bobotie or ostrich.
All of the areas we visited were beautiful. I particularly loved Hermanus with its charming vibe and a spectacular whale watch, and I will dream of Tsitsikamma for a long time. Gazing into tide pools and spotting a beautiful octopus was incredible. Of course, a big part of Africa is the wildlife and this tour gives you plenty of exposure to many of the animals you hope to see. The elephants at Addo felt like something out of a movie. Cape Town is also fascinating. I had no idea the Cape of Good Hope was so vast. The beauty cannot be surpassed. We were lucky enough to have a perfect view at the top of Table Mountain, as well. The people are incredibly kind and friendly wherever you go and it we enjoyed experiencing the mixture of cultures.
The accommodations on this tour vary, but we enjoyed them all. The guesthouse in De Rust was so special as the hosts cooked incredible meals for us each night and treated us like special friends.
All in all, the time in South Africa was something I will never forget. The people, the scenery, the animals, the food…all of it was so much more than what I expected.
Anna Lastuvkova Cape Town to Victoria Falls – Hotel/LodgeGreat adventure and my first trip to Africa. Starting in South Africa with good wine and penguins, onto Namibia seeing the second largest canyon in the world, ancient cave paintings and sunrise at the Sossusvlei dunes. It’s a great trip if you are no rush and limited by time. Sit back and enjoy the scenery go by. Extend your trip both at the beginning and end. There’s lots to do in Cape Town and many adventure activities to try in Victoria Falls. Wildlife in Etosha and Chobe was incredible. Abundance of zebras, giraffes, elephants and special spottings of cheetahs, lions. Kanoeing on the Orange river and the mokoro ride in Botswana were also special things to mention. The long drive days are a small sacrifice to see all there is on the itinerary!
Joyeeta Deb Cape Town & the Garden RouteI have never been so close to the wildlife, from Addo National park to Harmenus – I been with the nature and the its amazing creatures. This trip is a must go if you want to experience good food, comfortable journey, natural beauties and off course the wild life.
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