South Africa Holidays 2025 / 2026 | Tailor-Made

Why visit South Africa with Original Travel ?

When it comes to South Africa, our inspiration doesn’t run dry. Be it a wine-tasting tour by horseback, a photography course in Cape Town, a sundowner picnic up Table Mountain or a family-friendly safari in Madikwe, we’ve tried and tested the best. Our consultants have extensive experience with family travel in South Africa, and know the best lodges for young families in non-malarial locations. What’s more, with our conservation knowledge, we work alongside lodge owners and local communities so you can be sure your stay will have a meaningful impact.

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Travel to South Africa by Region

Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa’s so-called ‘mother city’, is also arguably the highest of the country’s many highlights. Sitting at the foot of a continent - and a spectacular mountain - the city faces the ocean in one of the most iconic of all urban settings. As a result, Cape Town holidays are all about outdoor activities, be that exploring the glorious Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Silvermine Nature Reserve, Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula or the scenic drive to Chapman's Peak. Nearby, the vineyards of the Cape Winelands, established by the Dutch and French Hugenots in the late 17th century, stretch for miles around Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. Visit for an alluring combination of charming Cape Dutch architecture and ever better vintages of classic European grape varieties such as sauvignon, merlot and cabernet. Then try the local favourite - pinotage. As you’d imagine, we like to give things an Original twist, so how about visiting the Cape wineries by motorbike or sidecar? Ask our Africa experts for other ways to enhance your Cape Town holiday.

Eastern Cape

The diversity of the scenery is one of the most striking characteristics of any Eastern Cape holidays, with the chance to explore everything from the arid Great Karoo of the interior to endless sweeps of sandy beaches, the big game safari parks in and around Addo National Park (which are malaria-free so great for families) to the lush green forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Eastern Cape is particularly renowned for its coastline, which is a paradise for watersports enthusiasts. Surfers come from far and wide to ride the waves at Jeffreys Bay, and there are many spots that make for an ideal seaside escape such as Plettenberg Bay (technically just over the border in Western Cape). Other attractions include safaris in Addo National Park, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve and Shamwari Game Reserve and, for adrenalin junkies, the world's highest bungee jump, over the Storms River.

Johannesburg

In a country as special as South Africa, Johannesburg might not seem an obvious highlight, but bear with us. Like all urban legends this is a city of villages: Houghton; Newton, the former industrial area now cultural centre; Braamfontein, the student district where art galleries pop-up on a weekly basis. Then there’s the Fashion District, where the fast growing middle class shop in an area previously known only for the poor district of Hillbrow. This gentrification hasn’t entirely changed the city’s identity, though, and on a Johannesburg holiday you can still walk in the footsteps of Gandhi - one of the city’s most famous residents - at the elegant museum/hotel Satyagraha House (Gandhi’s one time home), or learn about the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela in Soweto.

Kruger National Park

Along with adjoining private reserves such as the Sabi Sands, Kruger National Park holidays offer some of the best game viewing in what is one of Africa's largest game reserves. With ideal habitats such as baobab tree-dotted plains in the north and rolling hills to the south, all of the 'big five' - lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos - are present, as well as dozens of species of plains game and several hundred different bird species. Together with neighbouring parks in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, the Kruger National Park and private reserves form part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, with a combined area the size of Portugal. On your Kruger National Park holiday, make sure to visit the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon on the planet and the fracture that separates the Highveld (high plateau) and Lowveld (lowland). Make sure to peer down at the river some 2,200ft below. Then take a dip in one of the region’s many natural pools, scented by orange and tea plantations. Explore by 4x4, on foot, by mountain bike or canoe.

Madikwe & the Waterberg

Located on the edge of the Kalahari in South Africa's North West province, the Madikwe Game Reserve is a 290 square mile expanse bordering Botswana, and is a great alternative to the Kruger National Park. It is the fourth largest game reserve in South Africa, and has a range of habitats allowing for a wide variety of wildlife to flourish. These include white and black rhino, a thriving population of endangered wild dog, lions, elephants, and over 350 species of birds. Not far away, in Limpopo Province, are the Waterberg Mountains - an ancient escarpment rising dramatically from the surrounding plains. Like Madikwe, this is an interesting conservation story and a stunning wilderness area, with the mountains and ravines adding an extra dimension to the beautiful scenery. The area has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Waterberg and Madikwe holidays are particularly good for families, because both regions are to all intents and purposes malaria-free and have excellent family-friendly accommodation and activities.

The Drakensburg Mountains and KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is one of South Africa's largest provinces but is often overlooked by visitors who tend to enjoy a Kruger safari, go to Cape Town and the Winelands and then perhaps along the Garden Route. We think they're missing out by not including KwaZulu-Natal holidays as well. There's Anglo-Zulu War heritage to discover, the dramatic Drakensberg Mountain range for superb trekking, excellent game reserves and some of the Rainbow Nation's finest coastline. Elsewhere, between the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the waterways of the one-time Greater Saint Lucia Wetland Park (now iSimangaliso Wetland Park - a World Heritage Site), Phinda Game Reserve's 17,000 hectares span seven unique ecosystems and host an unrivalled diversity of wildlife including the 'Big Five', almost 400 species of bird and superb marine wildlife such as dolphins and turtles - perfect for a luxury safari. KwaZulu-Natal holiday activities range from game drives to diving, and it's possible to spot a lion in the morning and a whale shark in the afternoon. Then throw in Durban for a fun city break, and Maputaland for a beach break and you could actually just do a KwaZulu-Natal holiday and ignore the rest of the Rainbow Nation!

The Winelands and Cape

Just an hour's drive inland from Cape Town, at the heart of the Cape Winelands, is the historic town of Franschhoek. Founded in 1688 by French Huguenots (protestants) who brought with them a Gallic appreciation of all things epicurean, Franschhoek is the gastronomic capital of South Africa, its many excellent restaurants offering a world-class gourmet experience. The vineyards around Franschhoek and nearby Stellenbosch produce some of the finest New World wines, best sampled on a tour of the local wine routes which pass through picturesque landscapes punctuated with characteristic Cape Dutch architecture. Another must-visit on your Cape and Winelands holiday is the small coastal town of Hermanus, famous for its superb whale-watching, especially between June and October when southern right whales are in residence in Hermanus Bay. Inject some action into your holiday with sea-kayaking, deep-sea fishing and hiking, mountain biking or riding in the local hills with their unique 'fynbos' heathland.

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South Africa Travel Advice & Information

South Africa Testimonials

5 reviews

4.6 / 5

"The choice of lodges to stay in were brilliant. The settings were amazing as was the food! We were very well looked after. The guides were great too. So knowledgeable. We saw so much. It was good to have the Concierge always available in the background, though everything was so well organised beforehand we didn't really need to use them."

Jill - Surrey
Published on 11th March 2025

"Our honeymoon was absolutely incredible. The booking process was excellent, our consultant showed a great deal of expertise, listened to what we wanted and reassured us. The wraparound services you provide are superb, the whole honeymoon was easy and relaxed. The Original Travel app is extremely clear, as was the itinerary, and it was really useful and exciting to be able to refer back to this. The Concierges were AMAZING. They were so kind, kept in regular communication and were really helpful with recommendations."

Louise - London
Published on 5th September 2024

"To say we had the holiday of a lifetime would be an understatement. The attention to detail was unbelievable and it's those things that helped contribute to the great time we had. Given my brief was pretty vague(!), you did an incredible job at creating the most magical of holidays. I could wax lyrical about all the amazing things we saw and did but I won't bore you. But suffice to say, it really surpassed all of our expectations and then some! My husband loved it and both boys have got some memories that will last them a lifetime. The team (and I mean a team!) listened to my rather vague ideas and came up with a wonderful plan for my holiday, which had a significant meaning and they were really respectful of that. Their attention to detail was fantastic, their communication was great and the holiday itself was wonderful in every way. They even handled my last-minute panic (my son was ill 48 hours before we were due to travel!) with calmness, reassuring me and putting an alternative plan into place, should we have needed it (thankfully we didn't!). I would not hesitate to recommend them or indeed use them again. The only downside - they have rather spoilt me for holidays as I only want to do big, 'holidays of a lifetime' with them....! Incredible on every level. The locations, the staff, the resorts, the little touches, the smooth transitions, the planning, the detail - just fantastic. "

Peter - London
Published on 24th April 2018

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Useful information for your South Africa holiday

What can I experience in South Africa?

Among South Africa’s top sights are the Big Five animals (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and Cape buffalos), the iconic Table Mountain and the world-renowned wineries. In short, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Best known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, this spectacular nation entices travellers with its eclectic experiences.

Where should I visit in South Africa?

If seeing the Big Five is your primary reason for visiting South Africa (and who can blame you?), head to Kruger National Park – one of the world’s most famous – for unparalleled wildlife viewing. Here, you can access the insider knowledge of Kruger’s experienced guides on a private safari tour.

If you’d rather sample South Africa’s finest produce, then focus your trip on the Cape Winelands. Culture lovers should base themselves in cool Cape Town, which has earned a reputation as one of the best city break destinations in the world (and rightly so). The city is framed by Table Mountain and is brimming with world-class restaurants and some of South Africa’s most glorious beaches. The city also provides easy access to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was notoriously imprisoned for 18 years.

What wildlife can I see in South Africa?

As well as the Big Five in Kruger National Park, South Africa is home to plenty of other wonderful wildlife, thanks to its varied 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 to maximise your chances of spotting these creatures. Late summer is also excellent, but with temperatures averaging around 29°C in September, it can be too hot to stay outside for extended periods in the middle of the day. Our top tip? Head out on wildlife-viewing excursions in the mornings and early evenings.

What wine is South Africa known for?

The most famous grape varieties grown in South Africa are chenin blanc, pinotage and cabernet sauvignon. Thanks to their coastal locations, wineries here are blessed with warm (but not too hot) summers, and little frost in the winter. The mountainous geography is also beneficial, creating microclimates which protect the vines from extreme weather conditions.

What historical landmarks can I see in South Africa?

Given South Africa’s long and at times turbulent history, it’s no surprise there are many must-visit historical landmarks. From Robben Island 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 learn about and reflect upon the history of the ‘Rainbow Nation’.

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

The best times to visit South Africa are February to March, August, October and December, with opposite seasons to the UK (South African summers are between December and February). Due to South Africa’s size, the rainy season can vary depending on where you travel to, 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 want to travel to different parts of South Africa during your trip, you may need to consider domestic flights. South Africa is five times the size of the UK, so driving often isn't feasible (unless you have time on your side).

For shorter journeys, there’s 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 fancy going off the beaten path, be it for wildlife spotting or beauty spot-searching, you’ll want to hire a car.

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 even at 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 don’t use daylight saving hours, so in the summer months, the time 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 (with three large, round pins), M (similar to D, but larger) and N (three smaller round pins). While D and M aren’t dissimilar to UK plugs, they have round pins, so you’ll need an adaptor. The standard voltage is 230v, the same as 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 is still widely spoken.

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 are usually to Cape Town or Johannesburg. The former takes around 11-and-a-half hours, and the latter, around 11 hours. To reach other locations, you’ll likely have 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.

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.

South Africa Holidays

South Africa holiday ideas

Why visit South Africa with Original Travel ?

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to South Africa

Travel to South Africa by Region

Our South Africa holiday collections

South Africa Guide

South Africa Testimonials

Our South Africa specialists

Useful information for your South Africa holiday

What can I experience in South Africa?

Where should I visit in South Africa?

South Africa holidays in more detail

What are the best options for a South Africa holiday?

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