Stunning scenery, long sandy beaches, vibrant city life, and excellent game viewing are making South Africa one of the fastest growing holiday destinations in the world. Steeped in history and culture, there are world class attractions in every part of this vast country, and this South Africa Travel Guide can help you research and plan your dream holiday to this exciting country.
The excellent road infrastructure, and wide choice of hotels, safari lodges and other accommodation means that South Africa is ideal for independent travellers...and as this is Africa you still get a real sense of adventure!
You can find out more about the many highlights of South Africa by clicking on the map on the left, or if you would like to get some personal help and guidance on your trip from one of our experienced travel consultants then enquire now.
Highlights of South Africa
Cape Town, nestled at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain, is consistently voted amongst the top cities in the world to visit, and was recently the highest placed city on the BBC's list of the top 50 Destinations in the world.
The Winelands and the Garden Route offer beautiful scenery, historic buildings, and, of course, wineries and beaches galore. The combination of Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, and a safari is the most popular holiday itinerary for visitors to South Africa.
Moving further east, the Eastern Cape is one of the unsung gems of South Africa, and boasts long unspoilt beaches with fantastic surf, buzzy seaside resorts, as well as numerous excellent safari lodges and a proud and vibrant Xhosa culture.
For many (if not most) visitors, one of the main attractions of a holiday to Africa is the chance to go on safari, and the game viewing experience in South Africa is second to none. The country is home to some of the contient's best known wildlife reserves including the vast and magnificent Kruger National Park , the multi-award winning Shamwari Game Reserve, as well as Sabi Sands, Phinda, Madikwe, and many others.
There are a wide range of options including luxurious safari lodges, budget safari lodges, inexpensive camps in Kruger, and family and malaria-free options. You can reads more about these in our extensive safari guide.
KwaZulu-Natal has everything - from bustling Durban with its miles of beaches and activities, to the spectacular Drakensberg mountains, eerie battlefields, and wonderful wildlife.
The Lowveld area around Kruger has enough attractions to merit staying a few days either en-route to the Park or to relax after your safari.
Johannesburg has a wealth of attractions from museums to amusement parks, and some excellent accommodation, restaurants and shops. Nearby Sun City is certainly an experience!
Wherever you decide to go, we are sure that you will find that The 'Rainbow Nation' has something for everyone, and whether you spend 2 weeks or 2 months here, one visit will simply not be enough!
If you would like to get some personal help and guidance on your trip from one of our experienced travel consultants then enquire now.
Practical Travel Advice
As well as details of the country's many highlights, you will find more information on the practical side of travel to South Africa in this online travel guide including visa & passport requirements, a guide to driving in South Africa, what to expect from the weather at different times of year, some background on the people and languages of the rainbow nation, money and sales tax / tipping advice, and details on the telephone and mobile / cell phones networks.
24hr weather forecast for Cape Town at 12/05/2008
Monday: heavy showers, Max Temp: 19°C (66°F), Min Temp: 17°C (62°F)
If there is anything else that you need advice on that you cannot find in our Facts for the Visitor section, then please feel free to contact us - we would be delighted to try and help wherever we can!
Further Reading
For a wide selection of books, holiday guides and maps for South Africa, please see the South Africa - Recommended Reading section in this website.
