South Africa Tours and Vacations

The best time to travel to South Africa is from June through January. In the southern hemisphere, winter is from June to August and summer is from November to January, both excellent times depending on the type of trip you plan.

Winter is the best time for a safari as it coincides with South Africa’s dry season. The animals are far easier to spot during this time of the year as they search for water and rain rarely impacts visibility. Spring and summer are fantastic times to visit popular cities like Cape Town or to travel along the southern coastline. Summer in the Cape is warm and dry, and the conditions are perfect for a beach vacation.

Fall is an excellent option to escape the crowds that flock to safari reserves from June to August or the Cape beaches from November to January.

As a year-round destination, the right time for your trip depends on what you would like to experience, and you can learn more in our guide on the best time to visit South Africa.

From Cape Town’s bustling cosmopolitan city hugging the foothills of Table Mountain to the Kruger National Park’s private game reserves and the Garden Route’s cinematic stretch of coastline, here are some of the best places to visit in South Africa:

• The Great Kruger Region: The Kruger National Park teems with wildlife, including the famous Big Five, springbok, wild dogs, and more top animals. Within the park and surrounding areas there are a variety of private game and nature reserves, including Sabi Sands and Mala Mala, that offer luxurious safari experiences.
• Cape Town: South Africa’s Mother City, Cape Town, is a cultural hotspot tracing the country’s dramatic history in museums, at landmarks, and around historic neighborhoods. Home to Table Mountain, Robben Island, the prison island where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his imprisonment, and South Africa’s best beaches, Cape Town offers an array of unforgettable things to do.
• The Cape Winelands: Just around the corner from the city of Cape Town you can visit the famous wine estates of the Cape Winelands. From the Franschhoek valley to Paarl’s award-winning vineyards, Stellenbosch’s prestigious wine farms, and beyond, there are a range of iconic destinations in the Winelands where you can taste South Africa’s signature wines.

Whether going on safari to see the Big Five, tasting world-class Cape wines, or exploring charming beach towns, there is an endless list of experiences and activities for your trip to South Africa.

Here are some of the top things to do:

• Search the Kruger Park or Sabi Sands for the Big Five, elusive wild dogs, endemic birds, and more wildlife on guided game drives.
• Visit award-winning wine estates in the Cape Winelands to sample a selection of prestigious wines and tuck into signature South African farm-to-table meals.
• Watch for marine life ranging from Great White Sharks to Southern Right Whales when visiting fishing towns along the South African coast.
• Explore museums and exhibits that reveal more about the country’s dramatic history, from Nelson Mandela’s prison cell on Robben Island to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.

South Africa is most famous for its world-class safari experiences, deep cultural heritage referred to as the Rainbow Nation, and UNESCO Heritage Sites and archeological sites revealing the origins of mankind.

With a long history of winemaking that dates back to the 17th century, South Africa produces some of the finest wines in the world. Ranging from sparkling to sweet, from white to red, and from classic to modern, here are some of the most popular wines to taste on tours of the wine country in South Africa:

• Chenin Blanc: a versatile grape that can produce dry, off-dry, sweet, or sparkling wines with aromas and flavors of apple, pear, peach, pineapple, honey, and floral notes. Some of the best examples come from the Swartland and Stellenbosch regions.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: This is the most popular red grape variety in South Africa, producing full-bodied and structured wines with blackcurrant, plum, cedar, tobacco, and mint notes. Some of the best regions for Cabernet Sauvignon are Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek.
• Pinotage: This is a unique grape variety that was created in South Africa in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault. It is a signature grape of South Africa, producing wines that are rich and robust, with flavors of blackberry, cherry, plum, chocolate, coffee, and smoke. Some of the best regions for Pinotage are Stellenbosch, Swartland, and Wellington.
• Sauvignon Blanc: This is a refreshing and crisp white grape variety that is widely planted in South Africa, especially in the cooler coastal areas. It produces wines that are aromatic and zesty, with flavors of gooseberry, passion fruit, lime, green apple, and grass. Some of the best regions for Sauvignon Blanc are Constantia, Elgin, and Walker Bay.
• Shiraz: This is a spicy and fruity red grape variety that is also known as Syrah in other parts of the world. It produces wines that are full-bodied and smooth, with flavors of blackberry, raspberry, pepper, clove, licorice, and vanilla. Some of the best regions for Shiraz are Swartland, Stellenbosch, and Paarl.

South Africa is a country with a rich and diverse culinary heritage. From the indigenous tribes to the European colonists, Asian and Malay immigrants to French settlers, food in South Africa has been influenced by many cultures and cuisines over the centuries. Here are some of the most popular foods that you can enjoy on a South Africa tour:

• Biltong, a cured meat snack that is made from beef, game, or ostrich
• Boerewors, a traditional sausage made from beef, pork, or lamb, and spiced with cloves, nutmeg, coriander, and vinegar
• Bobotie, a baked dish that consists of spiced minced meat topped with a custard-like egg and milk mixture
• Cape Malay curry, a fragrant and mild curry made with meat, chicken, or fish, and spiced with cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, and chilli
• Potjiekos, a stew that is cooked in a cast-iron pot over a fire

South Africa is a safe country to travel to.

When staying in populated areas, safari lodges, or accommodations arranged by your safari specialist, it is unlikely that you will experience crime. As it is around the world, pickpocketing is a risk in South Africa, and you should stay vigilant and watch over your belongings.

Follow the guidance of your travel specialist, game rangers, or any guides arranged by your safari specialist at all times to ensure your safety and comfort.

There are 11 official languages in South Africa. While Zulu is the most widely spoken native language, English is commonly spoken in all major tourist destinations, game reserves, and national parks.

The South African rand (R).

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to South Africa and inspiration in our South Africa travel guide.