6 Best Places to Visit in South Africa

• Big Five Safari: An iconic game drive in the Greater Kruger Region, tracking lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo in their natural savanna habitat.
• Cosmopolitan Exploration: Ascending the majestic Table Mountain for panoramic views of Cape Town, followed by an exploration of the city's lively culture, history, and culinary scene.
• World-Class Wine Tasting: A sophisticated journey through the Cape Winelands, sipping award-winning wines at historic estates set against a backdrop of stunning mountains and rolling vineyards.
• Coastal Road Trip: A breathtaking scenic drive along the famous Garden Route, discovering pristine beaches, ancient forests, and charming seaside towns.
• Marine Wildlife Encounters: Witnessing majestic southern right whales from the shores of Hermanus or getting up close with a charming African penguin colony at Cape Town’s Boulders Beach.
• Poignant History: A powerful and educational visit to Robben Island or other historical sites that offer deep insight into South Africa's journey to democracy.

In the northeastern corner of South Africa, the Greater Kruger Region is one of the most iconic and rewarding safari destinations on the African continent. This vast conservation area, encompassing the world-famous Kruger National Park and a collection of unfenced, elite private game reserves, is the undisputed home of the Big Five. The classic safari experience comes to life amidst a backdrop of savanna plains, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests. It’s a place where the thrill of the bush, the vast open spaces, and the blissful tranquility of the wilderness combine to create lifelong memories.

Highlights

• Kruger National Park: Explore one of the world's greatest national parks, a vast public reserve known for its incredible density and diversity of wildlife. With a well-maintained road network, it offers fantastic opportunities for guided or self-drive safaris, providing reliable sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, and much more.
• Sabi Sands Game Reserve: Considered the pinnacle of luxury safari in South Africa, Sabi Sands is world-renowned for offering the most intimate and reliable leopard sightings on the continent. The ability for vehicles to go off-road, coupled with expert trackers, ensures extraordinarily close and personal wildlife encounters.
• Timbavati Private Game Reserve: Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger, the Timbavati is famous for the legendary and naturally occurring white lions. It offers an exclusive safari experience similar to Sabi Sands, with fewer vehicles, night drives, and guided bush walks that allow for a deeper connection to the wilderness.
• Luxury Safari Lodges: The Greater Kruger is home to some of the world's most exquisite safari accommodations. Often described as "art galleries in the bush," these lodges offer unparalleled luxury, from private plunge pools and gourmet dining under the stars to exceptional service and expert guiding, all seamlessly integrated into the natural environment.

Best Time to Visit

The dry winter season, from May to September, is the prime time for game viewing. During these months, the vegetation is sparse and water is scarce, causing animals to congregate around rivers and permanent waterholes, which makes them much easier to spot.

Best for: Classic safari purists and luxury travelers seeking guaranteed Big Five encounters and world-class lodging.

Take look at our Kruger National Park safaris for more information.

Dramatically located at the southwestern tip of Africa, Cape Town is consistently voted one of the most beautiful cities in the world. This vibrant, cosmopolitan hub is majestically set between the iconic, flat-topped Table Mountain and the glistening Atlantic Ocean. The city's stunning natural beauty is matched by its rich history, diverse culture, and a world-class culinary scene. From scenic promenades and picturesque parks to colorful neighborhoods and award-winning vineyards just on the city’s edge, Cape Town offers an endless array of captivating experiences.

Highlights

• Table Mountain: A visit to this Natural Wonder of the World is essential. Ascend to its iconic summit via the revolving cable car or a scenic hiking trail to enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, its surrounding coastline, and the vast ocean beyond.
• V&A Waterfront: This bustling and picturesque working harbor is a hub of activity. It offers a huge variety of world-class restaurants and shops, boat trips to Robben Island, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and lively street performers, all with a stunning mountain backdrop.
• Boulders Beach: Get up close with a charming colony of endangered African penguins. A series of boardwalks allows you to wander through their sandy nesting ground, observing these delightful birds as they waddle, swim, and socialize just a few feet away.
• Cape Point: Journey to the dramatic tip of the Cape Peninsula within the Table Mountain National Park. Here, you can hike or take a funicular to the historic lighthouse to witness the spectacular meeting of rugged cliffs and the powerful ocean at the continent's southwesternmost edge.
• Robben Island: Take a powerful and historically significant ferry trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tour of the former maximum-security prison, often led by a former political prisoner, offers profound and moving insights into Nelson Mandela’s incarceration and South Africa’s struggle against Apartheid.

Best Time to Visit

The warm, dry, and sunny summer months, from November to March, are ideal for enjoying the city's beautiful beaches, outdoor cafés, and hiking trails.

Best for: Urban explorers and nature lovers who enjoy a dynamic mix of culture, history, culinary delights, and stunning natural landscapes.

Our best Cape Town vacations will provide you with more inspiration.

Just a short and scenic drive from Cape Town lies the Cape Winelands, a breathtakingly beautiful region of rolling vineyards, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and dramatic mountain ranges. This is a world-class destination for food and wine connoisseurs, centered around the charming, oak-lined towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. Tantalize your taste buds with award-winning wines and innovative cuisine in some of the most stunning settings in the world, feeling the relaxed and romantic ambiance that defines this lush corner of South Africa.

Highlights

• Historic Stellenbosch: As South Africa's second-oldest town, Stellenbosch is the heart of the wine region. Its historic core is a maze of oak-lined streets, art galleries, and beautifully preserved Cape Dutch buildings. The surrounding wine route is the oldest and largest in the country, boasting hundreds of renowned estates.
• Gourmet Franschhoek: Nestled in a magnificent valley, Franschhoek is celebrated as the culinary capital of South Africa. It is home to an exceptional concentration of award-winning, fine-dining restaurants and boutique wineries. The famous Franschhoek Wine Tram offers a unique hop-on, hop-off experience to explore the valley's estates.
• Picturesque Paarl: Set beneath three enormous granite domes, the historic town of Paarl is known as the birthplace of the Afrikaans language. Its wine route is famous for its robust Shiraz and classic Chenin Blanc, offering a slightly more laid-back tasting experience than its neighbors.
• Tasting Experiences: The Winelands offer an incredible variety of experiences. Enjoy private tastings in charming cellars, indulge in sophisticated food and wine pairings, savor a gourmet picnic on a lush estate lawn, or take a guided tour to learn about the entire winemaking process, from vineyard to bottle.

Best Time to Visit:

The Winelands are a wonderful year-round destination. The summer, from November to March, is the vibrant harvest season, while autumn, in April and May, offers stunning fall colors. Winter, from June to August, is perfect for cozying up by a fireplace with a glass of red wine. However, this is the rainy season in the Cape.

Best for: Food and wine connoisseurs and couples looking for a romantic escape amidst stunning scenery and historic charm.

Our Exploring the Wilderness and Winelands Tour of South Africa will place you in the heart of the region.

Stretching along South Africa's stunning southern coastline is the Garden Route, one of the most scenic drives in the world. This journey of natural wonder typically begins in the Western Cape on the Whale Coast, home to the famous whale-watching town of Hermanus, and continues for nearly 190 miles eastward. It is full of pristine beaches, ancient indigenous forests, tranquil lagoons, charming seaside towns, and dramatic coastal cliffs. From land-based whale watching to thrilling treetop canopy tours, the route is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Highlights

• Whale-Watching Hermanus: Recognized as the world's premier land-based whale-watching destination, Hermanus is a must-visit from June to November. During these months, majestic Southern Right Whales come to the sheltered bay to calve and nurse their young, and they can be clearly seen from the town's scenic cliff-top paths.
• Charming Knysna: Set on the banks of a beautiful turquoise lagoon that opens to the sea between two towering sandstone cliffs known as The Heads, Knysna is the heart of the Garden Route. It is famous for its fresh oysters, beautiful surrounding forests, and relaxing lagoon cruises.
• Pristine Plettenberg Bay: Affectionately known as "Plett," this chic holiday town boasts some of the country's most beautiful golden-sand beaches. It is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions like the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve and various wildlife sanctuaries.
• Lush Tsitsikamma Forest: Part of the Garden Route National Park, this ancient coastal forest is a realm of giant Outeniqua yellowwood trees and deep river gorges. It is a hub for adventure, offering everything from scenic hikes to the iconic Storms River Mouth to thrilling treetop canopy tours and one of the world's highest commercial bungee jumps.

Best Time to Visit:

For the best beach weather, the warm summer months from November to March are ideal. For whale watching in Hermanus, the peak season is from June to November. Spring, in September and October, is also beautiful, with pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers.

Best for: Road-trippers, families, and nature enthusiasts seeking a scenic journey packed with adventure, marine wildlife, and charming coastal towns.

Spend a month traveling in South Africa when you embark on our Garden Route Adventure.

Located in the magnificent Mpumalanga Province, the Panorama Route is all about dramatic geological formations and truly breathtaking vistas. This famous drive traces the edge of the Blyde River Canyon along the Drakensberg escarpment, offering a series of awe-inspiring viewpoints, plunging waterfalls, and unique natural wonders. As one of the largest canyons on Earth and the world's largest "green canyon," its scale and lush subtropical beauty are simply spectacular, making it the perfect scenic complement to a safari in the nearby Kruger National Park.

Highlights

• Blyde River Canyon: The centerpiece of the route is this immense natural marvel. Stop at the main viewpoint to gaze out over the vast, lush canyon and the glistening Blyde Dam, a truly spectacular vista that showcases the incredible scale of the landscape.
• God’s Window: This iconic viewpoint offers one of the most famous panoramas in South Africa. On a clear day, the view from the edge of the escarpment stretches for miles across the vast, flat Lowveld, dropping nearly a kilometer below you and sometimes extending as far as the Kruger National Park.
• Bourke’s Luck Potholes: Witness a fascinating display of natural artistry at this geological feature. Over millennia, the swirling waters at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde rivers have carved a series of intricate, deep, cylindrical potholes into the sandstone bedrock, which can be viewed from a series of suspended bridges.
• Three Rondavels: This is one of the most iconic sights along the route. These three massive, rounded peaks of dolomite rock rise majestically from the canyon wall, their shape resembling the traditional beehive huts (rondavels) of the indigenous people. They stand as silent sentinels, providing a truly unforgettable view over the canyon.

Best Time to Visit:

The dry winter months from May to September typically offer the clearest, haze-free conditions for the best panoramic views. The wet summer season from October to March brings more powerful waterfalls and a greener landscape, but views can sometimes be obscured by mist.

Best for: Landscape photographers and sightseers looking for dramatic vistas and geological wonders as a perfect scenic prelude to a Kruger safari.

For more inspiration, take a look at our African Safari to Coast Explorer: A Loop Across South Africa Tour.

In the northern part of the KwaZulu-Natal province, the historical kingdom of Zululand is a region rich in Zulu culture, royal history, and exceptional natural biodiversity. It offers a unique and compelling combination of Big Five safari reserves, a glorious subtropical coastline that stretches for miles along the warm Indian Ocean, and the incredible iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This corner of the country allows for a perfect "bush and beach" holiday, where you can discover the majestic spirit for which South Africa's safaris, cultural heritage, and coastlines are celebrated.

Highlights

• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park: As the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, this park is world-renowned for its incredible conservation success story that single-handedly saved the white rhino from extinction. It offers a fantastic opportunity to see the Big Five in a uniquely hilly and scenic landscape.
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park: This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place of incredible diversity, containing eight interlinking ecosystems, including coral reefs, coastal forests, vast lakes, and savanna grasslands. A highlight is a boat cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary to see the huge concentrations of hippos and crocodiles.
• Coastal Paradise Sodwana Bay: Considered one of the top ten scuba diving destinations in the world, Sodwana Bay is a paradise for marine life enthusiasts. Its warm waters, incredible coral reefs, and amazing biodiversity offer sightings of turtles, dolphins, rays, and, in season, migrating whale sharks and humpback whales.
• Pristine Thonga Beach: Experience true barefoot luxury on a remote and beautiful stretch of the iSimangaliso coastline. This area is a critical nesting site for endangered leatherback and loggerhead turtles (from November to January), and offers incredible snorkeling, guided forest walks, and opportunities for cultural visits to the local Thonga community.

Best Time to Visit:

This is a year-round destination with distinct seasonal highlights. Game viewing is best during the dry winter months from May to September. For incredible turtle nesting and hatching experiences on the coast, visit from November to March. Diving and beach weather are excellent during the warm summer months from October to April.

Best for: Divers and culture enthusiasts who want a unique “bush and beach” experience combining rhino conservation with Zulu history and a world-class coastline.

Take a look at our Luxurious African Safari Honeymoon: Kruger, Zululand, and Mozambique to see what awaits you in the Kingdom of the Zulus.

Kruger National Park vs a Private Game Reserve?

The main difference comes down to exclusivity and flexibility. Kruger National Park is a large public park with a great road network, ideal for self-drivers or guided tours that stick to designated routes. A private game reserve like Sabi Sands or Timbavati shares an unfenced border with Kruger, but offers a more exclusive experience with far fewer vehicles. The key advantages are off-road driving for closer wildlife encounters, especially with predators, night drives, and guided bush walks, all of which are generally not permitted in the national park.

How does South Africa compare to East Africa?

South Africa offers incredible diversity and world-class infrastructure. You can easily combine a premier Big Five safari with cosmopolitan cities, beautiful coastlines, and wine regions all in one trip. The quality of lodging and roads is generally very high. East Africa, which includes Kenya and Tanzania, is often celebrated for its vast, unfenced landscapes and the sheer scale of its wildlife migrations in iconic parks like the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. The experience can feel more raw and focused purely on the safari, with a strong emphasis on traditional safari culture. To find out more about how a safari might differ in these iconic safari destinations, take a look at Zicasso’s Kenya vs South Africa: Where Should I Travel?.

How much does a South Africa safari cost in 2025?

South Africa offers a wide range of options to suit various budgets. A comfortable mid-range trip in 2025, combining a few days on a guided safari in Kruger National Park with time in Cape Town and the Winelands, might cost between $400 to $700 per person per day. For a luxury experience, staying at a premier lodge in a private reserve like Sabi Sands and boutique hotels in Cape Town, costs typically start from $800 and can easily exceed $1,500 per person per day.

Is South Africa safe for tourists?

This is a common concern, but tourist travel in South Africa is safe, especially when planned with Zicasso’s reputable operator. The main tourist areas, game reserves, and national parks have excellent security and are far removed from the areas with high crime rates. Standard precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings in cities and not displaying valuables, are advised, just as they would be in any major international destination. Traveling with an experienced guide and pre-arranged transfers adds an extra layer of comfort and security.

What are travel times like?

South Africa is a large country, but it is well-connected by an excellent network of domestic flights and high-quality roads. This makes combining far-flung regions remarkably easy. A direct flight of about two hours connects the Greater Kruger Area with Cape Town, allowing you to seamlessly transition from a morning game drive in the bush to an evening dinner with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. While self-driving is popular in the Cape and along the Garden Route, flying between major hubs is the most efficient way to experience the country’s diverse highlights.

The best places to visit in South Africa combine wildlife and wilderness with culture and beauty to create a tapestry of evocative landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are looking for the perfect safari getaway in the Greater Kruger, eager to stand before the rugged beauty of the Cape Peninsula, or wish to savor world-class wine amidst rolling vineyards, South Africa’s wonders are sure to inspire.

From the vibrant urban energy of Cape Town to the pristine beaches of the Garden Route and the cultural heartland of Zululand, South Africa truly offers a world of discovery in one country. For more information on the Rainbow Nation, see our South Africa travel guide. Further inspiration can be found in our South Africa tours and vacations.