No photograph can capture it; no guidebook can fully portray the diverse landscapes of this inspiring country at the foot of the African continent. Intrepid travellers will just have to discover for themselves the National Parks, the miles of beaches, the mountains that climb high above sea level, and the great wilderness and its variety of animals, from penguins to hippos. Not to mention some of the best wineries in the world.
Direct flights to South Africa take around 12 hours and arrive in a land of wildlife, wild flowers, wild nightlife and locals with a wildly wonderful passion for life.
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) on the south coast for access to the city, the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, plus the best of what the south west has to offer. Ferries also depart from the aptly named Nelson Mandela Gateway in Cape Town to Robben Island, where the now-former President was held as a political prisoner for years.
Cape Town is also a great jumping-off point for seaside adventures along the glorious Garden Route, which runs along the coastline of the Western Cape and takes in the city of George, the old-fashioned resort of Mossel Bay, Wilderness National Park, the glorious beaches at Plettenberg Bay and a host of other lovely temptations, such as a number of vineyards. Further along the coast is “The Friendly City” of Port Elizabeth.
Previously known as Johannesburg International Airport, the OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is the northern gateway to Jo'burg and the riches of the inland regions. Here you'll find gold mines, shopping gems in Pretoria, the Sun City Resort, and, much further north, Kruger National Park where the “Big 5” can be spotted.
As well as the beaches of the south east cost, Durban International Airport (DUR) allows holidaymakers to explore the nearby 'garden' province of KwaZulu Natal and the Drakensburg Mountains, plus the city of Bloemfontein at heart of the nation.
The weather is pleasantly warm and sunny all year in South Africa. Flight prices rise during school holidays and advance booking is always recommended. Use the flight price-comparison tool on TravelSupermarket to find the best deals on South Africa flights.
