South Africa Safari Holidays, Best Safari Vacations in Africa 2025.
A travel guide to South Africa that covers safaris, lodging, attractions, and activities.
With a land size of 1,219,090 square kilometers, South Africa is the 25th largest country in the world and is located at the southern tip of Africa. Its coastline runs along the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic, and it encircles the kingdom of Lesotho. To the north and northeast, it is bounded by Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana; to the northeast, it is bounded by Mozambique and Swaziland.
With a population of 1,619,438 people, Pretoria serves as both the capital and the political hub of South Africa. Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Durban, and Port Elizabeth are a few more major cities. There are 55.91 million people living in South Africa as of 2016. The majority of the nation’s ethnic groups speak Bantu; the Rand is the currency used there, and the languages spoken there are English, Afrikaans, Zulu, and Xhosa, among others.
South Africa’s climate varies from region to region; the center plateau experiences a temperate temperature, the southwest corner experiences a Mediterranean climate, and some parts of the Northwest have a desert environment. The majority of the country often experiences warm, sunny days and cold evenings. South Africa’s geography, which includes the immense Karoo plateau, water bodies, mountains, and rocky hills, varies in similar ways to its climate.
The Western Cape’s stunning beaches, the country’s stunning coastline that offers a chance to see the sunrise, and a variety of other activities like hiking, climbing, and golfing are just a few of South Africa’s many tourist attractions.
Other attractions include the country’s main inland safari destination, Kruger National Park, which is home to the country’s big game, the Table Mountain, the rocky cliffs at Cape of Good Hope, lagoons and forests along the Garden route, and cities like Cape Town that have a vibrant daytime and nightlife.
There are plenty of opportunities for informal dining and shopping, so don’t pass them up. In the meantime, learn about South Africa’s history and Mandela’s contributions to it, including his battle to free the nation from colonial rule. Learn about the many civilizations in the nation as well, as South Africa is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups and customs.
The various tourism destinations in South Africa are listed below.
Kruger National Park
One of the best game reserves in Africa, Kruger National Park spans 19,485 square kilometers and is situated in the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in the northeastern region of South Africa, as well as other areas of the park in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The park was created in 1898 with the intention of conserving wildlife and became South Africa’s first national park in 1926. It is a part of the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere.
There are about nine gates in the park that provide entry to various campgrounds. Known for its incredible wildlife and game viewing opportunities, Kruger National Park is home to a variety of species, including 147 mammals, 114 reptiles, 507 birds, including the Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbill, Pel’s Fishing, and Martial Eagle, 34 amphibians, 49 fish, and 336 trees, including fever trees, knob thorns, baobabs, and mopane.
Elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the big five are among the various wild animals that can be seen. Additionally, keep an eye out for the park’s natural and cultural treasures, including as the Letaba Elephant Museum, the Stevenson Hamilton Memorial Library, the Albasini Ruins, and the Jock of the Bushveld Route.
Savor pursuits such as mountain biking, bird viewing, game drives, guided hikes, backpacking trails, wilderness trails, and golf. Both self-drive and tour companies offer road access to the park. Additionally, it is accessible by air, with the majority of tourists traveling from Johannesburg to Skukuza Airport, Kruger International Airport, and other airports. Camps, bungalows, safari tents, cottages, guest homes, huts, and opulent lodges are among the park’s lodging options.
Mount Table
With a flat summit and a height of 3560 feet, Table Mountain is one of the most well-known natural landmarks in the world. Table Mountain gets its name from its flat summit, which provides a view of Cape Town, South Africa. Hiking is the most popular tourist activity on this peak since it offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas. One of the main components of Table Mountain National Park, this mountain is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
The animals and flora in Table Mountain National Park are abundant and varied, and any time spent there is not wasted—rather, it is well spent. Hiking (visitors should wear suitable hiking shoes, and bring hats, cameras, sunglasses, and plenty of water), taking beautiful drives around Signal Hill, doing guided nature tours in the park, and lounging at Boulders Beach in the Cape Town region are just a few of the activities available here. Since the park is close to Cape Town, lodging options are available. Guests can stay overnight at the Orange Kloof Tented Camp, Overseers Cottage, and Silvermine Tented Camp (a luxurious tented camp).
Island of Robben
You should include this location on your itinerary since, in contrast to other islands, Robben Island’s charm lies in its rich history rather than its stunning beaches and palm trees. It is an island in Table Bay, around 6.9 kilometers west of Cape Town’s Bloubergstrand. With a total area of 5.07 square kilometers, 1.9 kilometers in width, and 3.3 kilometers in length from north to south, the island is not particularly large.
Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was primarily used as a prison between the 17th and 20th centuries. Nelson Mandela spent 17 of his 27 years there, and the island has a rich history of prisoners who were imprisoned there, including those who escaped and those who completed their sentences. The buildings on Robben Island are of late 20th-century architectural design. Jacob Zuma and Kgalema Motlanthe, two previous South African presidents, have also visited.
The island is reachable by ferry, and by the time the ferry departs, it is possible to spend around two hours exploring the island, including the jail visit and guided island driving.
Addo Elephant National Park
Situated close to Port Elizabeth, this park is one of South Africa’s 19 national parks. More than 550 elephants, hyenas, black rhinos, zebras, antelopes, lions, and leopards can be found there due to its unique biodiversity. The park is also home to a variety of plant species that contribute to its breathtaking appearance.
Hiking, game drives, 4×4 trails, marine eco-tours, and horseback riding are among the activities available to visitors. The park offers a variety of amenities, including dining options, a swimming pool, and lodging options that range from luxury hotels to campers like Addo Rest Camp and Narina Bush Camp.
The National Botanical Garden of Kirstenbosch
The most well-known botanical garden in South Africa and the entire globe, Kirstenbosch is spread across about 36 hectares and is teeming with diverse cape floras. Cape Town’s eastern slopes of Table Mountain are home to this botanical garden. It was established in 1913 with the primary goal of conserving South Africa’s distinctive flora; the majority of the plants cultivated there are native, particularly those found in the winter rainfall zone.
In addition to taking walks in the gardens, visitors enjoy themselves much, especially in the summer months of December through March, when they can enjoy picnics and musical sunset concerts, among other activities. For those interested in African goods, there are artisan fairs across from Kirstenbosch. Additionally, there is a tourist center with a wealth of information.
Kirstenbosch is roughly 13 kilometers from Cape Town and may be reached by road.
The Waterfront at Victoria & Alfred
The Atlantic beachfront, Table Mountain, Table Bay Harbor, and the City of Cape Town are all part of what is also known as the V&A Waterfront. In honor of Queen Victoria of Great Britain and her youngest son, Alfred, V&A Waterfront was called.
Throughout the year, a large number of people of all ages, including tourists and local families, visit this location. With so much to offer, V&A is a really intriguing site. Visitors can choose from a variety of options, including excellent eating, shopping, curio shops, and live entertainment such as puppet shows, concerts, and seminars. Markets, museums, and aquariums in the ocean are other attractions. The experience I had at V&A was very amazing and unforgettable.
Tsitsikamma National Park
The Khoi name Tsitsikamma, which translates to “place of abundant water,” refers to a protected section of the Garden Route National Park on South Africa’s southern coast. Tsitsikamma is home to a variety of small animals, including bush pigs, and is blessed with deep gorges, rivers, and native vegetation. The Big Tree, which is the main feature that makes this place special, is a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
It is estimated to have been there for nearly 800 years and is 36.6 meters high. It takes about ten minutes to walk through the cool forest to get there. Even if some routes are difficult, tourists can nevertheless get through them.
Take part in outdoor pursuits such as hiking, swimming, kayaking, and nature walks. Any lodge, including Oyster Bay Lodge, Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa, Tsitsikamma on Sea Luxury Lodge, and Tranquility Lodge, is open to guests for a night.
Johannesburg
It is the capital of Gauteng province and the biggest city in South Africa. Amazingly, it is the hub of the massive diamond and gold trade despite not being one of the nation’s three main cities. It is situated in the mineral-rich Witwatersrand hills. It was founded in 1779 following the discovery of gold and is sometimes referred to by names like Johannesburg or Jozi.
The Nelson Mandela Square, the Lion Park, the Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary, the Apartheid Museum, which contains various facts about the start and finish of the Apartheid regime, and the Satyagraha House—Matma Gandhi’s South African base—are just a few of the attractions Johannesburg has to offer tourists. Cultural sites like the Absa Museum (Banking and Money Museum) and the Adler Museum of the History of Medicine are also worth visiting.
There are also shopping options including the African Craft Market, Abafazi African Style, and Art Africa Collectible. Enjoy activities such as the Capsule Festival, Andy Warhol Unscreened, the Adrienne Hersch Challenge, and Babylon Bar and Cool Runnings club while in Johannesburg. Additionally, visitors can dine at a few nearby eateries, including Bayleaf & Sage, Assaggi, Beirut Restaurant, Allora, and Annic’s Deli. Johannesburg is prepared to provide for all of your needs, whether you are traveling for business, leisure, or a cultural experience.
Boulder Beach
The Boulders Beach is a protected beach in False Bay, South Africa, on the Cape Peninsula, close to Simon’s Town. The beach is a part of Table Mountain National Park and got its name from the granite rocks that make it up. More than 3000 African Penguins and other birds call this stunning location with white sand home.
Whales and dolphins can also be seen there. With its wonderful atmosphere and breathtaking views, the beach is a terrific place to rest and unwind while you and your kids enjoy getting up close and personal with the penguins. Since this beach may be visited while traveling through Table Mountain National Park, lodging alternatives are available. You can also stay at any hotel close to the Beach Penguin Colony.
The Birthplace of Humanity
Situated on 47,000 hectares in Gauteng Province, about 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, is the Cradle of Humankind, a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site. About 40% of the world’s human fossils can be found there, along with a variety of other creatures, plants, and birds, the majority of which are endangered.
In addition to providing tourists with knowledge on bones, stones, and wine, the Cradle of Humankind also offers the possibility of hosting a wedding here, dining nearby, and seeing more incredible species.
The Large Hole
The Big Hole, also called the Kimberly mine or Open mine, is the largest hand-dug pit in the world and was mined to a depth of approximately 800 meters. It was closed in 1914, but it contained a lot of diamonds. In the shape of a carter, it is currently a tourist attraction that is filled with water. Enjoy the breathtaking views and learn more about the mining while having a fantastic time here. Visit the museum close to the mine and get some refreshments from the bar. I’m having a great time here as well.
The Drakensberg
One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world is the Drankensberg, which spans 200 km. The most magnificent portion of Drankensberg finishes in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. There are many hiking trails, woodlands, waterfalls, and stunning cliffs to be found there. While here, visitors can also see a variety of plants and animals.
About 48 mammal species, 290 bird species, and stunning and unusual vegetation can be found there as well. There are further adventure sports including rock climbing, abseiling, and river rafting. Since it’s what most people pick, you can also decide to take a helicopter ride to see the entire region.
The ideal time to travel to South Africa
The optimum time to visit the country and see the Big Five is thought to be from May to September, when the northern regions are going through a chilly winter. However, the months of November through February are perfect for bird viewing because they typically see rain and have warm temperatures between 22°C and 33°C.
The best time to visit Cape Town is during the summer months, which run from November to February. The weather is often hot and dry, with temperatures between 22°C and 26°C. The months of July through November are the best times for visitors to see the whales at the Cape.
A monthly calendar of South Africa travel dates
January
January is a great month to visit the Cape because it’s usually hot and dry, making it a great time to see Cape Town and the gorgeous Garden Route. During this time of year, Kwazulu-natal and Kruger National Park see high temperatures and bright days interspersed with rainstorms. The yearly commemoration of the fight of Rorke’s Drift and the battle of Isandlwana are two of the frequent celebrations held during this month.
February
Even though the coastal regions typically enjoy a delightful, refreshing sea breeze, this is the hottest month, particularly in Cape Town. If you want to visit South Africa’s coastline region, you should book your lodging many months in advance because many of the seaside hotels and resorts are packed with visitors during this time.
March
Due to the approaching Easter holiday break, this is a popular time of year for tourists to travel to South Africa. Even while some rainfall is still falling in the country’s northern region, it is generally warm. Because of the impending rain, the foliage is typically dense and most rivers and other water sources are still inundated when you visit national parks like Kruger. Game watching is a little difficult because the animals are scattered over the park.
May
Even if the evenings and early mornings are cool, the western portion of the country is enjoying warm, dry weather in May. In South Africa, now is a great time to go on safari.
June
June is regarded as the middle of winter, with milder weather, particularly in the Cape region. Although there are sporadic fires in the Winelands, the scenery is breathtaking when the sun shines.
July
In South Africa, the Western Cape’s whale-watching season starts in July. The southern right whales, which typically swim close to the coast to give birth, are clearly visible on Plettenberg Bay and Hermanus. With the majority of the animals congregating around the furious waterhole, this time of year is ideal for game viewing because it is typically cold with a distinctive drizzle along the cape, while the eastern and northern regions of the country are enjoying drier and warmer conditions.
August
August marks the start of spring, when wild flowers bloom all over the northern and western coast. You may take in breathtaking sights of the vibrant blooms that cover the countryside like a gorgeous carpet when you visit the Northern Cape. The famous cable used on Table Mountain was shut down at the beginning of this month for annual repair. The greatest time to visit KwaZulu Natal, however, is during this month because of the pleasant weather and a variety of activities available.
September
Beautiful flowers are still in bloom throughout the western coast this month, and although the country’s temperatures are steadily rising, the evenings and early mornings are still rather chilly. Since whales may be easily seen near the coast during this period, when most wild animals are giving birth, you can combine a safari to see different sections of the country.
October
Even if the rains haven’t started yet, October has seen a warming of the temperatures across South Africa. Nevertheless, because the flowers are still in bloom and the weather is nice, now is an excellent time to combine a safari.
November
The country’s rising temperatures cause the rains to start in places like KwaZulu Natal and Kruger National Park. Usually occurring in the afternoon, these are ideal for photography because the sky clear following the thunderstorms. This is the last month to see whales in the cape locations, but you can also travel to other island nations.
December
Due to the festive season, December is typically an extremely busy month in South Africa. Since many tourists come to experience the charismatic vacation, most lodging and excursion reservations should be made in advance. The cape is dry, although there is some light rain in KwaZulu Natal and the north.
Accommodations in South Africa
Although South Africa has a wide range of lodging alternatives that can accommodate all types of guests regardless of their budget, some individuals may view the country as being pricey given the typically high standards of life. These include all-inclusive hotels, resorts, and lodges, as well as self-catering cottages, B&B guest houses, country lodges, caravan parks, and camping areas.
Regardless of the type of lodging you choose, the most crucial piece of advice when searching for a place to stay while on safari in South Africa is to always make reservations in advance, particularly if you are going during the busiest safari season, which includes the midsummer Christmas holiday, Easter, and the school break holiday that falls during the European holiday season. There are a lot of vacationers in the nation around that period, which increases demand for lodging and causes many places’ costs to almost double.
An estimate of South Africa’s lodging expenses is provided below.
US$600 to US$1,000 for luxury lodges
Hotels in the middle range R800
Between R1,500 to R2,000 for country lodges
R400 to R1,000 guest houses with en suite bathrooms
Camping Areas: R150–R250
Lodges for Backpackers: R125 to R300
