Holidays to South Africa
South Africa
South Africa is like nowhere else on Earth. No wonder it's at the top of so many people's bucket lists.
This is a country where you can spot the Big Five on safari, taste some of the world's best wines (believe us, we've tried), and watch penguins waddle along a beach. And that's before we've even mentioned the mountains, dramatic coastlines, incredible food, vibrant cities and some seriously spectacular road trips.
For many travellers, seeing the Big Five is the big draw. South Africa is home to some of the world's most famous national parks and private game reserves, giving you an incredible opportunity to see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo in their natural habitat.
But a South Africa holiday can be so much more than a safari. Constant Travel specialises in creating tailor-made South Africa holidays, whether you're looking for a once-in-a-lifetime safari, a Cape Town and beach escape, a scenic road trip, a wine holiday or a guided group tour.
Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit: Coupes and adventure seekers
Currency : South African Rand (ZAR)
Average Flight Time: 11 Hours
Time Difference: GMT +2 hours
Average Temperatures: 22°C
Best for: Coupes and adventure seekers
Why Book a Holiday to South Africa
South Africa is one of those destinations where every few days can feel like a completely different holiday. Start in Cape Town, where Table Mountain overlooks one of the world's most beautiful cities. Head into the Winelands for a few days of wine tasting and incredible food, before travelling along the coast towards the Garden Route.
Then swap vineyards for the bush and head north for a safari. One of the biggest advantages of travelling to South Africa is the sheer variety of experiences available. You can combine a city break with a safari, add a few days on the beach or build an entire holiday around a road trip.
And because we create tailor-made holidays, you don't have to fit your trip into someone else's itinerary.
- Go on safari in search of the Big Five
- Explore Cape Town beneath the famous Table Mountain
- Taste world-class wines in the Cape Winelands
- Meet the penguins at Boulders Beach
- Drive the spectacular Garden Route
Things to do in South Africa
Go on a Safari
For many people, a South Africa safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Kruger National Park is one of the country's most famous safari destinations, while private game reserves offer a more exclusive experience with expert guides and fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffalo.
Explore Cape Town
Cape Town is one of the world's great city destinations. Set between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, the city combines incredible scenery with beaches, restaurants, history, culture and a brilliant food and wine scene.
Take the cable car up Table Mountain, explore the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap, visit Robben Island or simply enjoy the views from the V&A Waterfront.
Visit Boulders Beach
Yes, there really are penguins in South Africa.
Boulders Beach, near Cape Town, is home to a colony of African penguins and is one of the most memorable stops on any South Africa itinerary. You can watch them waddling along the beach, swimming in the clear water and generally getting on with their day while you stand there thinking, "I'm actually watching penguins in Africa."
Explore the Cape Winelands
South Africa produces some seriously impressive wine. The Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are famous for their vineyards, beautiful scenery, fantastic restaurants and historic wine estates.
Spend the day wine tasting, enjoy a long lunch overlooking the vineyards and take your time exploring the charming towns and surrounding countryside.
Drive the Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of South Africa's most famous road trips.
Stretching along the country's southern coastline, the route combines dramatic scenery, beaches, forests, wildlife and charming coastal towns. It's ideal for travellers who want to explore South Africa at their own pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and discover somewhere unexpected.
Discover South Africa's Beaches
South Africa has some incredible beaches, from the Atlantic coastline around Cape Town to the warmer waters of KwaZulu-Natal. Whether you're looking for somewhere to relax after a safari or want to add a few beach days to your itinerary, there are plenty of options.
Where To Go in South Africa
Cape Town & the Western Cape
For first-time visitors, Cape Town is an obvious starting point.
Combine the city with the Cape Winelands, the Cape Peninsula, Boulders Beach and the spectacular scenery of the surrounding coastline.
Cape Winelands & Cederberg Mountains
Head beyond Cape Town and you'll discover vineyards, mountains, historic towns and some of South Africa's best food and wine experiences.
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are particularly popular, while the Cederberg offers a more rugged and adventurous side of the Western Cape.
Kruger National Park & Big Five Safaris
Kruger is one of the best-known safari destinations in Africa and an incredible place to experience South Africa's wildlife.
For a more exclusive safari experience, private reserves bordering Kruger offer luxury lodges, expert guides and smaller game-drive groups.
The Garden Route & Beyond
Perfect for a South Africa road trip, the Garden Route takes you through some of the country's most spectacular coastal scenery.
You can combine it with destinations such as Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Addo Elephant National Park.
Durban & KwaZulu-Natal
For warmer weather and a different side of South Africa, head east to KwaZulu-Natal.
Durban is famous for its beaches, Indian-influenced cuisine and warm climate, while the wider region offers wildlife, mountains and fascinating Zulu culture.
South Africa Safari Holidays
A safari is one of the biggest reasons people dream of visiting South Africa — and for good reason.
But there isn't just one way to do it.
You could stay in a luxury private game lodge, spend several nights exploring Kruger National Park or combine a safari with Cape Town and the Garden Route. For first-time visitors, we'd usually recommend allowing at least three or four nights on safari. This gives you several opportunities to head out on game drives at different times of the day and increases your chances of seeing a wide range of wildlife.
And if you've never been on safari before, don't worry. You don't need to know the difference between a leopard and a cheetah before you arrive. That's what your safari guide is there for.
FAQs
How many days do you need in South Africa?
We recommend at least 10–14 days for a South Africa holiday, particularly if you want to combine Cape Town with a safari or road trip. Two weeks gives you enough time to experience several different regions without rushing between destinations, but if you only want to do part of a trip then 7 days is plenty.
What is the best time to go on safari in South Africa?
June to September is one of the most popular periods for safari. These are the dry winter months, when vegetation is thinner and wildlife often gathers around water sources, making animals easier to spot.
Is South Africa good for a honeymoon?
Absolutely. South Africa is an incredible honeymoon destination because you can combine luxury hotels, wine tasting, beautiful scenery and beaches with the unforgettable experience of a private safari.
What should I pack for a South Africa safari?
Comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colours is ideal, along with comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Early morning and evening game drives can be surprisingly cool, particularly during the South African winter, so layers are essential.
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
British passport holders can generally visit South Africa for tourism without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, provided they meet the entry requirements. Always check the latest requirements before travelling as entry rules can change.
What currency is used in South Africa?
The currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, although it's useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tipping.
