Language: English    |    Currency: Rand (R)    |    Local time: SAST   |    Avg. Flight time: 12 hrs

Why go?

There are so many types of holiday to have in South Africa. For instance, you could take a sophisticated food and wine journey through the Cape Winelands, relax at a beach retreat in Durban, spot mighty lions in Kruger National Park, or tour a multitude of museums and historical sites – the list goes on and on.

 What’s more, South Africa is one of the best ‘bang-for-your-buck’ holiday destinations in the world. 

The wonder of wildlife

One of the biggest lures of South Africa is its wild animals. In Hermanus, a quaint seaside town south-east of Cape Town, you can enjoy some of the world’s best whale watching between August and November, while between May and July, South Africa’s east coast experiences the Sardine Run, one of nature’s most spectacular migrations. During this time, millions of sardines swim northward to warmer waters, creating a spectacular display in which thousands of predators, including sharks, dolphins and whales, join in to feed on the migrating fish.

On land, there are game reserves and safari parks all over the country, where the ‘Big Five’ – that’s the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros and leopard – can be spotted in their natural habitat. A mix of options are available, from single afternoon visits around a game reserve to luxury safari stays for several days. Most safari lodges operate on an all-inclusive basis and include game drives, but it’s possible to find cheaper package holidays too.

For a wildlife experience that’s easy on the budget but still breath-taking, plan a trip to Boulders Beach, where thousands of penguins cluster together on the sands, oblivious to the gawping tourists snapping photos around them.

When to go

The best time to go on holiday to South Africa depends largely on your destination and desired activities. May to September is the best time for seeing wild animals – there’s not as much foliage in which they can hide and less water available in the bush, forcing them out to water holes. However, if a beach holiday is what you’re after, a good bet is to visit Durban between June and August when the weather is dry and comfortably warm. 

You can visit Cape Town pretty much any time of the year, although you should expect to pay more for a package holiday to Cape Town in December and January.

Events for your diary

Cape Town International Jazz Festival, held in March and April, features a series of concerts and classes for jazz fanatics.

The Hermanus Whale Festival in late September offers visitors some of the best whale watching opportunities in the world.

Looking to visit South Africa? Make sure to check out our Tips and Advice first