Why South Africa should be on your radar in 2025

Its cities are full of heart and history

From the vibrant streets of ‘The Mother City’, Cape Town, to the cultural heartbeat of Johannesburg, South Africa’s cities are every bit as dynamic as its landscapes.

Many visits start in Cape Town, where highlights include the buzzing V&A Waterfront, the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap and the iconic Table Mountain. Take the cable car to the summit for panoramic views and leave time for the boat trip to Robben Island. Famous for being the prison where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 18 years, it’s an essential insight into South Africa’s history.

The historical tour continues in Johannesburg. The Apartheid Museum is a must-visit for understanding South Africa’s journey to democracy, while the nearby Cradle of Humankind – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – offers a fascinating glimpse into early human history.

Jo’burg is also where you’ll find the country’s creative heart, and Maboneng encapsulates it in miniature. The up-and-coming neighbourhood is packed with art galleries, rooftop bars and local craft markets, and is well worth exploring.

If you have more time, the KwaZulu-Natal province is an unsung hero. This eastern province mixes surf, history and nature like nowhere else in the country. Base yourself in laidback Durban, where golden beaches fringe the Indian Ocean, then head north to the lesser-known coastal towns of Ballito and Salt Rock for quiet seaside escapes.

The wildlife-spotting opportunities are hard to beat

The wildlife in South Africa is nothing short of incredible. Game drives in any one of its national parks or private game reserves offer unforgettable close encounters with the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo), and you can choose from a variety of accommodation if you want to stay a while.

You’ve probably heard of Kruger National Park. In the far northeast of the country, it’s one of the largest game reserves in Africa and the largest and the most popular in SA. But you’ll find similar, more intimate, experiences in off-the-beaten-track reserves across the country.

Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is one to watch. The Big Five roam freely across 23,000 acres, with sightings of elephants, lions, and rhinos almost guaranteed – but without the jostling 4x4 convoys of larger parks. The reserve also prides itself on its conservation initiatives, helping to protect endangered species while offering luxury lodges and family-friendly safaris.

For a safari with a purpose, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is one of South Africa’s greatest conservation success stories. This park was instrumental in bringing the white rhino back from the brink of extinction, and today it’s home to one of the largest rhino populations in the world. The park’s hilly landscapes, acacia woodlands and river-filled valleys make for some of the most scenic game drives in the country.

The coastline is full of surprises

South Africa’s beaches often play second fiddle to its wildlife – but they shouldn’t. The country’s 2,800km (1,740 miles) coastline is studded with everything from wild, windswept shores to laidback beach towns.

Head for the adorably named Dolphin Coast in the KwaZulu-Natal province to escape the crowds. The long stretches of sand around Umdloti and Zinkwazi are practically deserted outside of peak season, with warm waters and great surf. Further south, the beaches of Umzumbe and Pennington are popular with locals but still feel wonderfully off the beaten track.

On the Eastern Cape, the Wild Coast is as rugged as it sounds – think empty beaches backed by rolling hills, crumbling cliffs and hidden waterfalls. It’s best explored on foot along the scenic Strandloper Hiking Trail.

Closer to Cape Town, Clifton’s four beaches are perfect for sunbathing and sunset picnics. For a quieter spot, head to Llandudno Beach, a hidden gem surrounded by granite boulders – or explore the pristine sands of Noordhoek Beach, which stretch for 8km (5 miles) along the Atlantic coast.

There are outdoor adventures for every traveller

Active types will love the outdoor adventures in South Africa. The Drakensberg Mountains are a dream for hikers, with trails winding through craggy peaks and ancient rock art sites. The Amphitheatre hike is one of the most spectacular, offering panoramic views over the escarpment.

For adrenaline junkies, zip-lining on canopy tours in the Tsitsikamma Forest will get your heart racing, while paragliding over the cliffs of Wilderness or sandboarding on the dunes of Atlantis outside Cape Town provides unforgettable thrills.

Water lover? You can snorkel with seals in Hout Bay or kayak along the coastline of Walker Bay, where southern right whales can often be spotted between June and November.

And if you want to get behind the wheel, scenic drives don’t get much better than Sani Pass, a twisting mountain road that climbs from KwaZulu-Natal into the Lesotho highlands.

How to get to South Africa from the UK

Direct flights from the UK make South Africa more accessible than ever. Norse Atlantic recently launched low-cost flights from Gatwick to Cape Town, and British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both operate non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

KLM also offers a range of one-stop flights from a range of regional UK airports, connecting passengers from Glasgow, Manchester, Norwich, Newcastle and Leeds to Johannesburg, and Edinburgh and Norwich to Cape Town.

For those heading to KwaZulu-Natal, Qatar Airways and Emirates offer one-stop routes to Durban from major UK cities including Manchester and Birmingham.

The best time to visit South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination, so the best time to go really depends on what you’re after.

For safaris, the dry winter months from May to September are ideal, when animals gather around waterholes and the bush is less dense. Beach lovers should aim for the summer months of November to March, though temperatures stay warm along the coast well into April.

Shoulder seasons in spring (September to November) and autumn (April to May) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. These months are perfect for road trips along the Garden Route or wine tasting in the Cape Winelands.

If you're after culture, time your visit with one of the country’s many festivals – like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in April or Durban’s lively Diwali celebrations in October.