Our South Africa vacations
Given its mammoth size, the ‘Rainbow Nation’ fittingly offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for travelers. Our South Africa vacations take in Kruger and other national parks and their wildlife – the Big Five are present and correct. But they also explore the majestic Garden Route (self drive vacations are ever popular), the wild and remote KwaZulu-Natal, Victoria Falls and even the beguiling beaches of nearby Mauritius. Your vacation can support conservation projects, such as the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre or lodges helping to train rangers. You may also visit local communities for a true insight into residents’ lives and issues.
Our top South Africa vacations
South Africa vacation
From
£3395
15 days
inc UK flights
Explore Cape Town, the Winelands and the Garden Route
Tailor made
7 day big five safari in South Africa
From
£2105 to £2250
7 days
ex flights
7 Day Safari with wildlife conservationists
Small group2023: 18 Nov, 2024: 3 Mar, 17 Mar, 31 Mar, 14 Apr, 28 Apr, 12 May, 26 May, 9 Jun, 23 Jun, 7 Jul, 21 Jul, 4 Aug, 18 Aug, 1 Sep, 15 Sep, 29 Sep, 13 Oct, 27 Oct
South Africa vacation, Cape Town to Kruger
From
£3580
10 days
ex flights
Cape Town, Kruger and Victoria Falls
Tailor made
South Africa & Vic Falls active safari vacation
From
£4000 to £5000
10 days
ex flights
Self guided active adventure around three African landmarks
Tailor made
Ten day wildlife safari, South Africa
From
£2995 to £3225
10 days
ex flights
10 day big game wildlife safaris in South Africa
Small group2024: 2 Mar, 16 Mar, 30 Mar, 13 Apr, 27 Apr, 25 May, 8 Jun, 22 Jun, 6 Jul, 20 Jul, 3 Aug, 7 Sep, 18 Sep, 12 Oct, 23 Oct, 2 Nov, 16 Nov, 30 Nov, 14 Dec
Zimbabwe & Botswana game tracker safari
From
US $2975
16 days
ex flights
A lodge safari through Kruger, Zimbabwe & Botswana
Small group2024: 6 Jan, 3 Feb, 24 Feb, 23 Mar, 6 Apr, 13 Apr, 4 May, 11 May, 18 May, 1 Jun, 29 Jun, 6 Jul, 13 Jul, 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 17 Aug, 24 Aug, 7 Sep, 21 Sep, 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 19 Oct, 26 Oct, 9 Nov, 16 Nov, 23 Nov, 14 Dec
South Africa and Swaziland safari
From
US $2730
17 days
ex flights
Lodge safari all encompassing South Africa & Swaziland
Small group2024: 13 Jan, 3 Feb, 24 Feb, 9 Mar, 6 Apr, 27 Apr, 4 May, 11 May, 25 May, 22 Jun, 6 Jul, 13 Jul, 20 Jul, 27 Jul, 3 Aug, 10 Aug, 17 Aug, 24 Aug, 7 Sep, 14 Sep, 21 Sep, 5 Oct, 12 Oct, 2 Nov, 16 Nov, 23 Nov, 30 Nov, 14 Dec, 21 Dec
South Africa luxury vacation, Garden Route & safari
From
£6595
18 days
ex flights
South Africa Super luxury Cape town, Garden Route and Safari
Tailor made
South Africa safari vacation, 14 days
From
£4495
14 days
ex flights
Award winning safari in South Africa
Small group2023: 5 Dec, 2024: 8 May
About our South Africa vacations
Why visit South Africa?
South Africa is a great introduction to Africa. It’s accessible, with good roads and infrastructure, and there’s a hugely diverse sweep of sights. Kruger National Park could be the poster boy for safari vacations, whilst Cape Town and its surrounding Winelands know how to wine and dine visitors. In a country this large, don’t just visit one place. Road trips in the country are popular for a reason. Add Johannesburg after Kruger National Park or combine KwaZulu-Natal with the Elephant Coast. It’s South Africa’s variety that makes it so compelling.
Kruger National Park
Tell people you’re going to South Africa on safari, and they’ll probably think you’re going to Kruger National Park. This huge game reserve is four hours’ drive or a flight from Johannesburg, and is home to black and white rhino, big cats and African wild dogs. Most people visit the wildlife-rich south and it can be a busy place; if you spot a lion, you won’t be the only ones watching. However, the park is ringed by private game reserves that offer more secluded excursions, and the north of Kruger is quieter, too.
Self drive vacations in South Africa
Driving along South Africa’s coast, you might be distracted by a whale spout out to sea or do a double-take at the sight of penguins on the beach. Head inland and there are ostriches running alongside the road in the Karoo and warthogs trotting ahead in the game parks. The country’s good roads and big scenery is perfect for self drive vacations, and there are some well-known routes to follow. The best known is the Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, enjoying the green corridor of land that lines the coast – less a garden and more an adventure playground.
Family vacations in South Africa
Whilst family vacations to South Africa are both safe and wonderful, to get the most out of safari – which can often involve long drives and patient waiting – it’s best if your children are over the age of eight. Older children and teenagers can start to learn about South Africa’s challenging history and multifaceted culture, too, by visiting Johannesburg and having a guided tour of Soweto. If you’re traveling with younger children, you might even want to consider a volunteering vacation. Young children can work with orphaned primates; age is no barrier to having a monkey cuddle.
Types of tours & vacations in South Africa
From Addo to Hluhluwe, you’ve got your pick of parks and private reserves on a safari vacation in South Africa. It goes without saying that this is a marvellous wildlife vacation destination. And think beyond big cats: you could visit the coast to see dolphins and whales chasing the annual sardine run instead. Joining a small group vacation can be a really fun way to drink your way through the Winelands. Feeling intrepid? Consider an adventure vacation – you could get up close to great white sharks or stick to dry land on an overland tour.
Going beyond South Africa
From here, the only way is up: South Africa is a gateway into the whole continent of Africa and a great starting point for an overland tour. The most popular route from Cape Town to Victoria Falls goes via Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, and takes around three weeks. If you have less time, you could just nip into Namibia – where its vast deserts provide a contrast to the Cape Winelands. Alternatively, combine safari with a beach break by visiting South Africa and Mauritius – the island is the perfect place to wind down after all those lion encounters.
[Why visit South Africa?: Marcelo Novais]
[Kruger National Park: Juanma Clemente-Alloza]
[Self drive vacations: South African Tourism]
[Traveling in South Africa with kids: Tim Williamson]
[Types of vacations: South African Tourism]
[Going beyond South Africa: Sunway Safaris]
