South Africa Travel Guide

Few destinations can encapsulate astounding wildlife experiences and enthralling cosmopolitan delights like South Africa.

Its famous national reserves, home to the Big 5 and so much more, in addition to a complex culture full of culinary discoveries and sobering history, provides a getaway that encapsulates polar opposite experiences.

To uncover the true wonder of this unique destination explore Zicasso’s South Africa Travel Guide to get inspired for your upcoming trip. When you are ready to learn the full extent of opportunities, submit a Trip Request and speak with a safari specialist.

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Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa.

Best Time to Visit South Africa

The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September. The country is incredibly diverse, offering experiences that range from safaris to wine...
Chapman's Peak scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula near Cape Town, South Africa

Top 9 Things to Do in South Africa

With myriad experiences to enjoy in locations that range from mountainous to coastal to vast wilderness, these top nine things to do in South Africa demonstrate...
Cheetah in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa

6 Best Places to Visit in South Africa

The best places to visit in South Africa reveal diversity and dynamic experiences that can range from “Big Five” safaris to cities and centers teeming...
Father and cub at Kruger National Park, South Africa

How to Plan a Safari in South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions

A safari in South Africa invites you to experience some of the continent’s best wildlife parks and reserves, and knowing how to plan your South African...
Bush walk with Marataba Safari, South Africa

8 Reasons to Choose South Africa for Your Safari

South Africa is often described as “a world in one country,” and for good reason. It is a destination of incredible diversity, where a single journey...
Cheetahs drinking at a watering hole in the Kalahri Desert, South Africa

Top 15 Animals of South Africa and Where to See Them

South Africa is a wild and wonderful destination for wildlife. Here, we have selected the country’s top 15 animals and where you can see them. For optimum...
Family at the beach in South Africa.

12 Best Places to Visit in South Africa with Family

From wildlife safaris to cultural discoveries and thrilling outdoor adventures, the country provides the picture-perfect playground for a South Africa...
Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by SkyPixels - CC BY-SA 4.0

Top 10 Things to Do in Cape Town

South Africa’s “Mother City”, Cape Town, is a melting pot of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking sites brimming with activities, and this article highlights...
Two humback whales breaching off the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape of South Africa

Guide to Whale Watching in South Africa: How to See the Marine Giants

South Africa offers an unparalleled opportunity for whale watching, with several species of these majestic marine mammals migrating along the coasts each...
Addo Elephant Park elephant calves playing

South Africa in January: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in January, the country is alive with the high energy of peak summer. Long, sun-drenched days stretch into balmy evenings under starry...
Vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa

South Africa in March: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in March, the long, hot days of summer in the Southern Hemisphere country soften into the gentle warmth of early autumn. A festive energy...
Aerial view of Table Mountain in autumn

South Africa in May: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in May, the weather is glorious as the Southern Hemisphere country eases into late autumn. The intense heat of summer has faded, replaced...
Senior couple hiking at The Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

South Africa in June: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in June, the first breath of winter in the Southern Hemisphere country brings a crisp clarity to the air and a gentle, golden quality...
Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa in July: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in July, the landscapes unfold under clear blue skies across most of the country and the chill in the air invigorates the senses. The...
Carpet of wildflowers with Table Mountain in the background.

South Africa in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

South Africa in August holds the promise of transition. It’s a time of beauty, when the country begins to shake off the deep chill of winter and hints...
Sailing the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

South Africa, a world in one country that boasts breathtaking landscapes, vibrant and diverse cultures, and a unique blend of natural wonders and urban...
Couples hiking Lions Head in Cape Town.

South Africa in Summer: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Summer in South Africa is full of brilliant sunshine and endless possibilities. The days are long and sun-drenched in the Southern Hemisphere country,...
The blooming spring flowers along the coastline of South Africa, with Table Mountain in the background.

South Africa in Spring: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Spring in South Africa is a season of transformation and renewal. As the chill of winter recedes in the Southern Hemisphere country, the “Rainbow Nation”...
Woman on a safari in Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in winter, the air in the north of the Southern Hemisphere country is crisp and clear, carrying the unfiltered sounds of the bush, while...
"Travelers on a safari game drive watch a rhinoceros grazing in the South African bushveld

Kruger National Park Luxury Safaris

South Africa’s Kruger National Park is renowned for its incredible wildlife, rugged bushlands, and open savannahs, with luxury accommodations that complement...
Balloons over Cappadocia in Turkey.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps

Explore the world with Zicasso by working with top travel specialists who will bring your dream vacation to life. Our primary goal is to make planning,...
Aerial view of luxury overwater bungalows on Bora Bora island in French Polynesia.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Knowing your budget is an essential component of any trip-planning process. Whether the sky's the limit or you have specific parameters, a customized...

4.9

Reviews of Zicasso's South Africa Safari Tours & Vacations

Based on 1070 verified traveler reviews.

Bernard L.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Travel Review: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, 16 Days

Zicasso's trip designer arranged a flawless, extraordinary trip.

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Mona P.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Vacation Review: Safari, Wildlife, Nature, 13-Day Trip

We’re still not over our trip! Everything was absolutely fantastic. Thank you for organizing such a great experience and making it so effortless for me. I already have family and friends asking who I went through, and I’m guessing some of them will be reaching out to you in the next year.

I do have one small piece of constructive feedback about our camp in the Olifants West Nature Reserve. The staff, lodge, and food were wonderful, but unfortunately, the safari guide fell short. We had just come from the camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve (where we left our hearts—the guide there was truly exceptional, with such a great personality), so the difference stood out even more. At the Olifants West Nature Reserve camp, we saw very few animals and the guide didn’t engage much—he barely spoke, and when he did, it wasn’t very professional or kind, especially toward my son. My son even said the trip might have worked better in reverse, since after Botswana it was hard to adjust to seeing only a few animals a day.

That said, I’m so grateful for how smoothly you planned everything, especially on such short notice. It really was a trip of a lifetime for us.

Thank you again!

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Caitlin B.
South Africa, Mozambique Honeymoon Review: Kayaking, Private Wine Tour, Beaches, Wildlife, Nature, Local Cuisine, Culture, 14 Nights

The trip was simply magical. We had the absolute best experience working with Zicasso's travel company, from the planning stage to the best itinerary I've ever seen to every recommended location, transfer, and extra honeymoon surprises. We cannot thank this travel company's team enough for making our honeymoon the absolute best we could imagine.

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Carolyn T.
South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Wildlife, Local Cuisine, 13-Day Trip

Wow, I ran out of superlatives–fantastic, awesome, amazing. Everything was well organized and the recommended accommodations were all top-notch. The guides were so expert in their field. Every activity was well worth the time. Every meal was delicious.

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Celese M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Cape Town, Wildlife, 10 Nights

The trip was very well thought out and organized by Zicasso's travel agency. It was a good trip for a first time to sub-Saharan Africa.

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Anil M.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Tour Review: 10 Nights

Our first trip to southern Africa was amazing, exceeding all expectations. We saw everything we came to see, and more. The game rides were well structured and safe, the visuals were unbelievable, and taking a side trip to Victoria Falls was a great idea. The accommodations were quite luxurious, despite being considered mid-range. There was always someone there to greet us and guide us at every travel point.

Zicasso's tour operator tailored our itinerary to our wishes and was wonderful to work with. Things couldn’t have gone better.

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