South Africa

A leopard hiding in the South African bush.

Travel to South Africa

Leopard in the South African bush

© Sundowner Photo Tours

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Travel to the South Africa

South Africa, located at the southern tip of the continent, offers a variety of experiences through its cities and landscapes. Cape Town, sitting at the base of Table Mountain, is known for its historical significance, with sites such as Robben Island providing a look into the country’s past. The Cape Peninsula also offers coastal views and scenic drives.


Johannesburg, the country's largest city, is a commercial hub and a key destination for learning about South Africa’s history. The Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill are important stops for those interested in the country’s journey toward democracy. Soweto, nearby, features landmarks like the Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.


Durban, located along the eastern coast, combines city attractions with access to nearby traditional Zulu villages. It also offers a gateway to the Drakensberg Mountains, a region known for hiking and historical rock art. The Garden Route, another popular area, takes travelers along the southern coast with opportunities to explore towns, nature reserves, and beaches.


For wildlife enthusiasts, Kruger National Park in the northeast is a well-known destination. The park, along with several private reserves, offers opportunities to see local wildlife and engage with conservation efforts. South Africa is also home to various cultural and historical sites, including the Cradle of Humankind and the diamond mining town of Kimberley.


Throughout the country, visitors can experience the diversity of South Africa’s cultures, from the Zulu and Xhosa to the Sotho and Tswana. Whether exploring cities or rural areas, South Africa offers insight into its history, landscapes, and cultural heritage.

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Must Visit in South Africa

Malawi, the land of the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari and the Chobe River

Probably one of the most unique photographic safari destinations in the world!


Madikwe Game Reserve

Located on the border with Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve offers an intimate safari experience with opportunities to see the Big Five and rare species like wild dogs and cheetahs. It is known for its successful conservation programs and luxury lodges.

Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City

The national park, located in northwest South Africa in an extinct volcanic crater offers a Big Five safari at an easy distance from Jo'burg. Nearby, Sun City Resort is a popular entertainment complex with casinos, golf courses, and luxury hotels.

Kruger National Park

One of Africa’s largest game reserves, renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the Big Five and other species. Visitors can enjoy immersive safari experiences and learn about the park’s ongoing efforts in wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, and community engagement.

Panorama Route

A scenic drive through Mpumalanga, the Panorama Route offers waterfalls, dramatic landscapes, and natural attractions such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon, with iconic stops like God’s Window for breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.

Maputoland

Located in the northeastern corner, Maputoland is a region known for its rich biodiversity, coastal dunes, pristine beaches, and marine reserves. Visitors can enjoy diving, snorkelling, and exploring traditional Zulu villages in this less-traveled area.

Isimangaliso Wetland Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park on the KwaZulu-Natal coast is known for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, beaches, coral reefs, and estuaries. It offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and various water-based activities.

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

One of the oldest game reserves in Africa, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is renowned for its successful rhino conservation programs. It offers visitors a prime opportunity to spot the Big Five, including endangered species, in a more tranquil, less crowded safari setting.

Durban North & South Coast and Battlefields

The coastal areas of Durban offer pristine beaches, seaside towns, and activities like surfing and golf. Nearby, the Battlefields features historical sites from the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer Wars, highlighting South Africa's military history.

Drakensberg Mountains

Known for hiking, rock climbing, and stunning natural scenery, the Drakensberg is a majestic mountain range in KwaZulu-Natal. It’s also home to ancient San rock art, several nature reserves, and offers breathtaking vistas for outdoor enthusiasts.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Located in the Free State, this park features striking sandstone cliffs, grasslands, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, horseback riding, scenic viewpoints, and viewing antelope, zebras, and various bird species.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Situated in the Kalahari Desert, this park straddles South Africa and Botswana. It offers a remote wilderness experience and is also known for it´s large predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The park also holds expansive desert landscapes.

Namaqualand National Park

This park in the Northern Cape is known for its springtime display of wildflowers, which cover the landscape in carpets of vibrant colours. The park also offers many hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and a unique desert ecosystem with stunning flora.

West Coast National Park

Located near the city of Cape Town, this park is home to seasonal wildflowers, coastal dunes, and wetlands. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, whale watching, and exploring the Langebaan Lagoon for water sports and kayaking.

Cape Town

Nestled between mountains and ocean, Cape Town offers iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Robben Island, vibrant cultural experiences, scenic coastal drives, and world-class attractions. A must-visit destination for history, adventure, and natural beauty.

Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands region includes towns like Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. All of them offering wine tasting at world-renowned vineyards. The area is also known for its scenic mountain views, culinary experiences, and historical architecture.

The Cape Peninsula

The Cape Peninsula is a scenic drive from Cape Town, offering dramatic coastal views, nature reserves, and the Cape of Good Hope. Highlights include Boulders Beach, famous for its penguin colony, and the spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive with breathtaking vistas.

Hermanus/Cape Agulhas

Hermanus is famous for exceptional whale watching, attracting numerous visitors. Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa, marks the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, offering rugged coastal landscapes and scenic hiking trails.

Garden Route & Oudtshoorn

The Garden Route offers scenic drives through lush forests, dramatic mountains, and beautiful coastal areas. Oudtshoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world, features attractions like ostrich farms and the Cango Caves, a fascinating and extensive limestone cave system.

Wild Coast

A stretch of rugged coastline in the Eastern Cape, the Wild Coast is known for its unspoiled beaches, traditional Xhosa villages, lush green hills, and natural attractions like the Hole in the Wall. Ideal for hiking, cultural exploration, and peaceful retreats.

Addo Elephant National Park

Located in the Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant National Park is home to a thriving elephant population and diverse habitats. It offers safaris to observe not only elephants but also other wildlife, including lions, buffaloes, zebras, hyenas, and leopards.

Johannesburg

The economic heart of South Africa, Johannesburg offers historical insights through the Apartheid Museum and visits to Soweto, where iconic landmarks like the Mandela House and Hector Pieterson Memorial reflect the country’s turbulent history.

Cradle of Humankind

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site of the Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg has yielded fossil discoveries of early human ancestors. Visitors can tour underground caves, learn about archaeology, and explore museums dedicated to human evolution.

South Africa in Video

Nothing documents a destination better than a short video. Discover here South Africa’s diverse landscapes, rich wildlife and vibrant cultures!

Take a look at our Inspiration Africa YouTube Channel where you will find many travel related videos about Africa; don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to be kept up to date with new posts.


Must Do in South Africa

Each destination offers its own experiences and here are some "must do" activities to experience in South Africa!


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Best Time to visit South Africa

South Africa offers unique experiences year-round, with the best time to visit depending on your interests.


May to September is the dry winter season, ideal for wildlife viewing in places like Kruger National Park, where animals gather around water sources. Cooler temperatures make game drives comfortable.


October to April marks the summer and wet season, perfect for visiting Cape Town and the Garden Route. The landscapes are lush, and the beaches are great for outdoor activities. December to February can be hot but is also a popular time for events and festivals.


The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October offer mild weather and fewer tourists, making them ideal for both wildlife viewing and coastal activities. September is especially known for the blooming wildflowers in Namaqualand.


With its varied climates, South Africa provides something for everyone, whether you’re interested in safaris, cultural attractions, or coastal adventures.


Bear in mind that each season has its own particularities, and that a non-advised season may well correspond perfectly to your specific needs. 


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South Africa Travel Tips

By default, since we only work on a tailor-made basis, each of our travel projects will always be accompanied by our travel tips on the destinations to be visited. These will of course be adapted to the type of trip envisaged and the reality of the activities and places visited. If you would like general travel advice for South Africa, please don't hesitate to contact us via the "contact us" button.

Where to Stay in South Africa

South Africa offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges in game reserves to boutique hotels or guesthouses. Coastal cities and rural areas provide diverse stays, while safari lodges offer immersive wildlife experiences.


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South Africa Combines Well With

Botswana is almost exclusively a safari destination. It can easily be combined with its direct neighbors, who bring variety and diversity.


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