South Africa Travel Guide

South Africa is a country of extraordinary contrasts. Dramatic mountains give way to sweeping coastlines, vineyards sit beneath rugged peaks, cosmopolitan cities buzz with energy and vast wilderness areas are home to some of Africa's most iconic wildlife.

One day you could be watching elephants on safari, the next sampling award-winning wines in Stellenbosch or enjoying dinner overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Town. Add spectacular road trips, fascinating history, beautiful beaches and adrenaline-fuelled adventures and you have a destination that can deliver several completely different holidays in one.

South Africa's cultural diversity is every bit as impressive as its landscapes. Its food, languages, music, neighbourhoods and traditions tell the story of a complex country with a remarkable past and a vibrant modern identity.

Weather in South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on where you are travelling and what you want to experience.

Because South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite to those in the UK. December means summer sunshine, while June and July fall in the South African winter.

Summer – November to March

Summer is particularly popular around Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route. Expect warm temperatures, long days and a lively atmosphere, especially over Christmas and New Year.

This is one of the busiest periods for the Western Cape, so popular hotels, lodges and restaurants can fill well in advance.

Autumn – April to May

Autumn can be a fantastic time to travel, with generally pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors in many destinations. The Winelands are particularly attractive around harvest season and the landscape begins to take on beautiful seasonal colours.

Winter – June to August

Winter is one of the best periods for wildlife viewing in many of South Africa's safari regions. Vegetation becomes less dense and animals often gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot.

Days can be pleasantly warm in areas such as Kruger, although early morning and evening game drives may be surprisingly cold.

Spring – September to October

Spring brings colourful landscapes and warmer temperatures. The wildflower displays of Namaqualand and the Western Cape can be spectacular, while whale watching along the southern coastline is another seasonal highlight.

Food & Drink in South Africa

South African food reflects the country's remarkable cultural diversity, with influences from African, Dutch, Cape Malay, Indian and European traditions.

You'll find everything from relaxed neighbourhood cafés and colourful food markets to internationally recognised restaurants and beautiful vineyard estates. For UK visitors, dining out can also offer excellent value compared with many European destinations.

Braai

A braai is much more than simply a barbecue. It is an important South African social tradition that brings friends and family together around an open fire.

Expect anything from steaks and lamb chops to sausages, chicken and sosaties – skewered meat often marinated with fragrant spices.

Bobotie

One of South Africa's best-known dishes, bobotie combines spiced minced meat with a savoury egg-based topping. Its sweet and aromatic flavours reflect the influence of Cape Malay cooking.

Biltong

Biltong is dried, cured meat and one of South Africa's most popular snacks. Beef is common, although other varieties are also available throughout the country.

Cape Malay Cuisine

Cape Town's Cape Malay heritage has created a distinctive cuisine filled with aromatic spices. Curries, bredies and samosas are among the dishes worth trying while exploring the city.

Seafood

South Africa's long coastline means excellent seafood is easy to find, particularly around Cape Town, the West Coast and Garden Route.

Depending on the region and season, menus may include fresh line fish, mussels, oysters, calamari and other locally landed seafood.

The Cape Winelands

Less than an hour from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands combine outstanding food and wine with some of the most beautiful scenery in South Africa.

Vineyards stretch towards dramatic mountain ranges and historic Cape Dutch buildings house tasting rooms, boutique hotels and acclaimed restaurants.

Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is one of South Africa's most famous wine destinations. Its oak-lined streets, historic architecture and surrounding estates make it an excellent base for exploring the region.

Franschhoek

Surrounded by mountains and vineyards, Franschhoek is known for fine dining, boutique hotels and beautiful wine estates. The town's French Huguenot heritage is still reflected in its name, architecture and food culture.

Paarl

Paarl completes the trio of the best-known Winelands towns and offers more beautiful estates, mountain scenery and opportunities to experience South African wine.

Top Places to Visit in South Africa

South Africa rewards travellers who explore beyond a single resort or city. Combine several regions and you can experience beaches, wildlife, vineyards, cities and spectacular road trips in one holiday.

Cape Town

Few cities in the world enjoy a setting quite like Cape Town. Table Mountain towers above the city while the Atlantic Ocean wraps around a coastline filled with beaches, bays and spectacular scenic drives.

Take the cableway to the top of Table Mountain, explore the V&A Waterfront, discover the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap or head towards Cape Point and the Cape Peninsula.

Cape Town also makes an excellent base for Robben Island, the Cape Winelands and some of South Africa's finest restaurants.

Kruger National Park

For many travellers, seeing African wildlife in its natural environment is the highlight of a trip to South Africa.

Kruger National Park is one of Africa's great wildlife destinations and is home to an extraordinary variety of species, including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – collectively known as the Big Five.

Visitors can stay inside or around the national park, while neighbouring private game reserves offer luxury safari lodges, guided game drives and intimate wildlife experiences.

The Garden Route

Stretching along South Africa's southern coastline, the Garden Route is one of the country's classic road trips.

Forests, mountains, beaches, lagoons and seaside towns make the journey every bit as enjoyable as the destinations along the way. Popular stops include Knysna, Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay, with Tsitsikamma adding dramatic forest and coastal scenery.

It is a particularly good choice for travellers wanting to combine self-driving, outdoor activities, wildlife and coastal relaxation.

Blyde River Canyon & the Panorama Route

Mpumalanga's Panorama Route is home to some of South Africa's most dramatic landscapes. Blyde River Canyon, sweeping viewpoints and waterfalls make this a natural addition to a safari itinerary in the Kruger region.

Stops including God's Window and the Three Rondavels provide spectacular views across this remarkable corner of the country.

Johannesburg & Soweto

Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and an important place for understanding the country's modern story.

The Apartheid Museum provides powerful insight into South Africa's history, while visits to Soweto introduce travellers to one of the country's most famous urban communities.

Vilakazi Street is particularly significant because both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu once lived there.

Hermanus & the Whale Coast

South Africa is also an outstanding destination for marine wildlife. Hermanus, southeast of Cape Town, is particularly famous for seasonal whale watching, with southern right whales visiting the coastline during parts of the year.

Even outside whale season, the dramatic coastline makes this region well worth exploring.

Safari in South Africa

South Africa is a fantastic introduction to safari and offers options ranging from self-drive national parks to luxurious private game reserves.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives are usually when wildlife is at its most active. Depending on where you stay, you may also be able to enjoy guided bush walks, photographic safaris and night drives.

Kruger is the best-known destination, but it is far from the only choice. South Africa has numerous national parks and private reserves, including malaria-free options that can be particularly attractive to families.

Adventure in South Africa

If you prefer your holidays with an adrenaline rush, South Africa has plenty to offer.

Hiking, surfing, mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing and zip-lining can all be incorporated into an itinerary, while the country's mountains and coastline provide some spectacular settings for outdoor adventure.

Bloukrans Bridge

Near the Garden Route, Bloukrans Bridge is famous for its dramatic bridge bungee experience. Even if jumping from a bridge isn't quite your idea of a holiday, the surrounding Tsitsikamma landscape is well worth exploring.

Hiking Table Mountain

Cape Town offers numerous hiking opportunities, including routes on Table Mountain and neighbouring Lion's Head. Conditions can change rapidly, so choose routes carefully and follow local safety advice.

Shark & Marine Experiences

South Africa's oceans support an incredible variety of marine life. Responsible boat trips can provide opportunities to see whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and seabirds depending on the destination and season.

Language in South Africa

South Africa is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world and has 12 official languages.

These include English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, isiNdebele, Siswati, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Tshivenda, Xitsonga and South African Sign Language.

English is widely used throughout tourism, hotels, restaurants and public life, so English-speaking visitors will generally find travelling around straightforward.

You'll also hear local words and expressions from South Africa's many languages woven naturally into everyday conversation.

South Africa's History & Culture

Understanding South Africa's history adds enormous depth to a visit. Apartheid shaped the country for much of the 20th century before the first democratic election based on universal adult suffrage took place in 1994.

Important places for learning more include the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, Robben Island off Cape Town and historic sites throughout Soweto.

Today, South Africa's extraordinary range of cultures can be experienced through its food, art, music, languages and communities.

South Africa by Road

South Africa is one of the best destinations in Africa for a self-drive holiday. A good road trip allows you to combine cities, countryside, coastline and wildlife while travelling at your own pace.

Cape Town to the Winelands

Combine Cape Town with Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for a relatively short journey that packs in city sights, mountain scenery, excellent restaurants and vineyard estates.

The Garden Route

Continue east along the Garden Route for forests, beaches and coastal towns. Many travellers combine this route with Cape Town and the Winelands to create a varied two-week itinerary.

Panorama Route & Kruger

In the northeast, the Panorama Route combines beautifully with Kruger National Park, allowing you to experience Blyde River Canyon before heading into safari country.

Interesting Facts About South Africa

1. South Africa has three capital cities: Pretoria is the administrative capital, Cape Town is the legislative capital and Bloemfontein is traditionally regarded as the judicial capital.
2. South Africa has 12 official languages, reflecting the country's extraordinary cultural and linguistic diversity.
3. The country is home to nine provinces, each offering very different landscapes, cultures and travel experiences.
4. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu both had homes on Vilakazi Street in Soweto.
5. South Africa sits between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, creating an enormous and varied coastline.
6. South Africa is famous for the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – all of which can be found in the country.

South Africa Travel Advice

Entry requirements, health advice, local regulations and security guidance can change, so travellers should check the latest official information before departure.

British citizens should check current passport and visa requirements and any additional arrival documentation required for their journey.

View the latest UK Government travel advice for South Africa

Discover South Africa

South Africa is a destination where no two days need to feel the same. Watch elephants at sunrise, sip wine beneath the mountains, drive along a dramatic coastline and finish your adventure overlooking the ocean in Cape Town.

Whether you're planning your first safari, a romantic escape, an unforgettable road trip or a combination of them all, South Africa has an incredible amount to discover.

Call 0161 440 6735 or speak to one of our travel experts to start planning your South Africa adventure!