South Africa Holidays

What are the best options for a South Africa holiday?

Our experts at Original Travel have travelled the length and breadth of South Africa, staying at the best lodges, trying out the best activities and sampling the finest wines (how could they not). Our favourites include the Kruger National Park and adjoining private game reserves, which are easily combined with those in KwaZulu-Natal, the kingdom of the Zulus, where some of the fiercest battles of both the Anglo Zulu and the Boer Wars took place, under the peaks of the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains. The Kruger National Park is a haven for wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for anything from elegant impalas and waterbucks to trundling warthogs and zebras zipping to and fro.

The Cape Province, stretching the length of the southern coast, has a marvellous Mediterranean climate so it ideal for South African luxury holidays between December and April. The province’s capital, Cape Town, is the ideal place from which to begin an exploration of the south, starting with its own stand out attractions of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens and Robben Island, followed by a road trip along the Wine Route and further still into the Great Karoo or east via the Garden Route.

South Africa is a great destination for couples, solo travellers or families (owing to the fact that many parts, and game reserves, are malaria free). The safari experiences, which are somewhat overlooked compared to other African counterparts, exhibit wide varieties of wild game and stunning landscapes, especially in the likes of the Eastern Cape and Sabi Sands Game Reserve. However, if you are short on time and fancy a quick getaway, Cape Town and the Winelands are ideal for a long weekend of wine, walking and whale watching. At risk of sounding like a broken record, South Africa can cater for all, making it a perfect destination for a tailor-made experience.

CAPE TOWN

The city of Cape Town is a great place to stay on any South Africa holiday. Bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and nestled at the foot of the amazing Table Mountain, Cape Town offers multigenerational activities that will be loved by couples, honeymooners, families and solo travellers alike. The city boasts fantastic white sandy beaches, such as Camps Bay, and plenty of great places to explore local drinks and cuisine along the Waterfront or on Long Street. There are also lots of sporting activities available for those who want an adrenaline kick, including hiking Table Mountain, shark cage diving, parachute jumping, surfing and kitesurfing. There are many remarkable sites to visit: Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, the Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope, as well as Hermanus for one of the world’s best whale watching spots. From Cape Town, take a trip along the wine route into the Cape Winelands. A weekend gives you plenty of time to discover the vineyards of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, with afternoons spent in the sunshine with a picnic. Finally, Cape Town is also the starting point for a road trip around South Africa, along the Garden Route, exploring the beaches of Plettenberg Bay, Knysna (famous for its oysters), Tsitsikamma Park and Jeffrey's Bay - a surfer's paradise. Some trips to South Africa will take you further north, to Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, and Swaziland, where you can admire beautiful handicrafts or even for a stay in the Drakensberg Mountains or on the wild beaches of Maputaland.

PARKS, LODGES AND SAFARIS

South Africa is an exceptional country for a safari holiday. The country has about twenty national parks and many private reserves brimming with wildlife and wilderness. The most famous is still Kruger National Park: one of Africa's largest animal reserves (roughly 7,500 square miles), which is a five-hour drive from Johannesburg. During your South African safari in a 4x4, you will have the chance to see the 'Big Five': lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes, which can all be seen throughout the year, with the best period between July and October.

Heading east to Limpopo, you will have the chance to discover the amazing views of the Blyde River Canyon. From here, head to Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Range where you can make a pit stop at the Marakele Animal Sanctuary, before venturing further north, on the border with Zimbabwe, to Mapungubwe National Park, which offers a vast zoological and archaeological heritage. Accommodation within the park is usually in lodges and these luxury establishments have been designed to protect the environment and to extend the animal watching experience as much as possible. If you want to travel with your family to South Africa, be sure to let us know in advance as lodges sometimes only accommodate children of a certain age.

JOHANNESBURG

Johannesburg has a bad reputation, yet it has many historical, natural and cultural treasures as any other South African hub. Spending two or three days in the city is a must when on a South Africa holiday. A particular favourite of ours is discovering the many sites linked to Gandhi, who lived in this country for 21 years. Among them is Constitution Hill, the seat of the current parliament and the place where Gandhi was previously imprisoned. Travel to Soweto and follow in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle, with a visit to Mandela House and Museum. Equally worth a visit is the deeply moving Apartheid Museum for an insight into South Africa’s traumatic past. Johannesburg is also an artistic city, with many galleries including 70 Juta as well as plenty of opportunities for shopping in the CBD and Sandton neighbourhoods.

Discover our homely hub in Johannesburg - Satyagraha House. Built at the turn of the last century, it was home to a special guest: Mohandas Gandhi. Now restored to its former glory, it is listed as part of the city's historic heritage and is home to a museum – history afficionados will love it. This site of historical importance has also been converted into a guesthouse so take the opportunity during your stay in South Africa to relive an important part of the country and the Mahatma's history.

FAQs

Things to do

What can I experience in South Africa?

Home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo), the iconic Table Mountain, and world-renowned wineries, South Africa has plenty to keep all different types of holidaymakers entertained. It’s a country that is particularly renowned for its natural beauty and range of wildlife, with people travelling from all over the world to see the amazing animals that live here.

Where should I visit in South Africa?

If seeing the Big Five is the primary reason for your visit to South Africa, then head to Kruger National Park on the eastern side of the country. Here, you’ll be able to access the expert knowledge of Kruger’s experienced guides through an organised safari tour.

If you’re more concerned about sampling the finest produce that South Africa has to offer, then focus your trip on the Cape Winelands. Culture lovers, meanwhile, should base themselves in Cape Town, which has earned a reputation for being one of the best holiday destinations in the world, with plenty of restaurants to choose from, as well as easy access to some of South Africa’s premier beaches. You can also visit the famous Table Mountain, as well as Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

Culture

What wildlife can I see in South Africa?

As well as the Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalo), Kruger National Park, South Africa, has plenty of other wildlife to see, thanks to the variety of habitats, including dense forests and arid deserts. These include:

- African wild dogs
- Mountain zebras
- Whales
- Shrews
- Springboks
- Bats
- Dolphins
- Oystercatchers
- Cranes
- Parrots
- Tortoises
- African penguins

Spring is the best season to visit if you want to increase your chances of spotting these extraordinary creatures. Late summer can also be excellent, but with temperatures averaging around 29 degrees in September, it can be too hot to stay outside for extended periods in the middle of the day.

What wine is South Africa known for?

The most famous grape varieties grown in South Africa are chenin blanc, pinotage and cabernet sauvignon. The location of the traditional wineries on the coast allows for warm (but not too hot) summers and little frost in the winter. The mountainous geography also means that microclimates can develop, protecting the vines from extreme weather conditions.

What historical landmarks can I see in South Africa?

South Africa has seen a lot of change, and as such, there are plenty of fascinating historical landmarks and monuments to visit on your trip to South Africa. From Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, to the ‘Cradle of Humankind’, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can explore the origins of the human race, there are plenty of places to step back and reflect on the history of the ‘Rainbow Nation’.

Planning your trip

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

The best times to visit South Africa tend to be February-March, August, October and December, with seasons working in the opposite way to the UK – summer here lasts from December to February. It’s good to note that because of the size of this widespread country, the rainy season can vary depending on where you travel, so it’s important to do your research if you’re hoping to spend a lot of time outside.

What is the best way to travel in South Africa?

If you’re hoping to travel to different parts of South Africa during your holiday, you may need to consider flying unless you have plenty of time. Given that it’s five times the size of the UK, driving or taking a bus often isn't feasible unless you don’t mind taking your time.

For shorter journeys, there is an established bus network between towns and cities, so this can be a great option if you’re sticking to established routes. However, if you want to go off the beaten path to do some wildlife spotting or visit some of the beauty spots, you’ll want to hire a car.

Local information

What currency is used in South Africa?

The official currency used in South Africa is the rand. Common bank cards such as Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted, although you’ll want some cash for tipping, which is common here, even at places such as petrol stations, which are not self-service.

What is the time difference between South Africa and the UK?

The time difference in South Africa is GMT+2. They do not use daylight saving hours, so in the summer months, this means the time difference is only one hour ahead of the UK.

What plugs are used in South Africa?

Three types of plugs are used in South Africa – types D, M and N. Whilst D and M don’t look too dissimilar to UK plugs, they have round pins, meaning you’ll need an adaptor. The standard voltage is 230v, the same as in the UK.

What language is spoken in South Africa?

South Africa has 12 official languages, far more than many other countries. These are English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda, Ndebele and Sign Language. English is not the primary native language for most people but it is still widely spoken.

Travel information

Where can I find the latest travel advice for South Africa?

You can find the latest travel advice for South Africa on the UK government’s foreign travel advice pages.

How long does it take to fly to South Africa from the UK?

Direct flights to South Africa usually land at Cape Town or Johannesburg. The former takes around 11 and a half hours, whereas the latter is slightly quicker, at around 11 hours. To get to other locations, you’ll likely need to change at one of these major airports.

Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?

If your holiday in South Africa will last less than 90 days, you don’t need a visa.

What are the passport requirements for South Africa?

As a British passport holder, you’ll need to have at least 30 days left on your passport, marked from the day you leave South Africa. You’ll also need to have at least two blank pages inside.

Do I need vaccinations to visit South Africa?

If you’re arriving in South Africa from a country that has a risk of yellow fever, you’ll need a vaccine certificate before you can enter. The UK is not currently on the list of countries at risk. It’s recommended that you have your measles-mumps-rubella and a diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination, but these are not compulsory.