South Africa Holidays and Safaris
The ‘Rainbow Nation’ is a country of fascinating cultures and glorious natural riches. From the world’s most famous safari parks, replete with wild animals, to tropical beaches, iconic mountains, historic Winelands and vast empty deserts: South Africa holidays are nothing if not diverse.
To say that the country’s major cities and their inhabitants are also varied, is an understatement. Indigenous, Dutch, English and Indian cultures all meet in the metropolises, and their ever-evolving relationships are fascinating to witness.
Places to stay
Cape Town
Cape Town must boast one of the most stunning locations of any city worldwide, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the towering Table Mountain, and provides the perfect gateway to all this beautiful country has to offer. Cape Town is a multicultural city, bringing together a range of excellent art galleries, restaurants, bars and shops.
Cape Winelands
A wine lovers paradise the Cape Winelands has more than 20 wine-growing regions with the three most popular being; Fanschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. Each vineyard is set in sun-splashed valleys and against the mountains. The Winelands are also well known for their grand old estates and oak lined picturesque towns. It also happens to be the culinary capital of South Africa.
Garden Route
Stretching from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route is over 120 miles of pure natural beauty. It is easy to why it is one of the most desired places to go in South Africa with the Big Five game reserve, historic sleepy towns, endless blue skies and white sandy beaches. The Garden Route is perfect for anyone looking for safari, culture and beach holidays.
Kruger National Park
The world famous Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and the perfect place to see all the South African wilderness from the elephants and rhino to the lions and cheetahs. Located in the north east region of South Africa, all types of animals and birds can be found around the water holes. There are also various lodges and safari options to suit most budgets.
Things to do
Big Five Safari
No holiday to South Africa would be complete without going out on at least one safari to see the Big Five - lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards and buffalo. In South Africa there are plenty of private game reserves across the country, many of which can be found extending across the coast and inland of the Eastern Cape, which is perfect for those unable to get up to Kruger National Park.
Table Mountain Cable Car
See South Africa and Cape Town from atop of the iconic Table Mountain by taking the Cableway. The short cable car ride takes only minutes to get you to the summit where you can take in the panoramic views, grab a bite to eat, enjoy a glass of wine or go for a hike. And if you are feeling adventurous abseil down a cliff face!
Wine Tasting Lunch and Tour
If you are going to visit the Winelands (which you should), then make sure you go a wine tasting lunch and tour. Learn all about the process of making these world famous wines from grape to bottle and finish off your tour with tasting the wine whilst having lunch and enjoying the sun in the garden of the grand old estate.
Boulders Beach
South Africa has many amazing beaches, but none like Boulders beach as it is the only place you can get up close to wild African Penguins. These little crowd-pleasers have settled on this beach since 1982 and their population is between 2,000 and 3,000 birds. If you are looking to see these fellas when they are at their most lively then make sure to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon once the sun starts to dip.
As the beach falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, it is well maintained and safe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is hard to pinpoint one place to go on holiday in South Africa as each region is different and unique. Our suggestion would be to go on a tour around this great country rather than pick a single place to visit.
Depending on your budget, there are various ways to see Kruger National Park. If it is your first time to the park then we highly recommend having an experienced guide rather than self-drive as they will know where the animals are. We also recommend going on an open safari vehicle as it gives a better view of the animals.
There are many great coastal towns, especially along the Garden Route. Our favourite has to be Simon’s Town outside of Cape Town and close to Boulders Beach. Hermanus is also a fantastic place to visit if you are partial to a bit of whale watching between June and November.
It is not uncommon for tourists to be concerned about crime in the area. However, Cape Town has been transformed into a safe place for tourists to visit. Since 2005, the Cape Town authorities have put in a lot of safeguards around the main tourist areas as well as the bigger shopping malls and national landmarks. Just like with all the other major cities around the world, Cape Town is safe when you take certain universal safety measures in order to safeguard yourself and your belongings from criminal activity and local hazards.