South Africa Travel Guide
South Africa Travel Guide
South Africa is Africa's most visited country, and is known as the "world in one country". If you travel to South Africa, you have the opportunity to see Africa's magnificent wildlife, sunny beaches, vibrant cities, rich culture and history, and breathtaking nature. From deserts to forests, from mountains to beaches, from grasslands and wetlands to the dry savanna of the Kruger National Park, South Africa is known for its natural beauty, scenic splendour and warm hospitality.
Highlights
- Kruger National Park safaris
- Scenic Cape Town
- Rich culture and history
- Big 5 game viewing
- World-class dining and entertainment
- Favourable exchange rate
- Easy to get around
- First world infrastructure
- Safe for tourists
South Africa is known for its history, its wines, its wildlife, its breathtaking landscapes, sunshine and beach weather, and its diversity of peoples and cultures. Whatever your travel interests, South Africa has something for you.
The top two travel destinations in South Africa are the greater Kruger National Park, one of the world's greatest game reserves, and the city of Cape Town, famously perched on the slopes of Table Mountain, recently voted top destination city in the world by New York Times and UK Guardian readers.
Distances
South Africa is a big country, and it is impossible to see all of South Africa in one trip. Flights are affordable and safe, so the best way to get around is to fly between your main destinations, then rent a car when you get there or let us arrange guided tours and transfers for you.
From Johannesburg to Cape Town it's a two-hour flight. From Johannesburg to George or Port Elizabeth (to visit the Garden Route or Eastern Cape) it's just less than a two-hour flight. The Garden Route is about four to five hours from Cape Town by road. The Kruger National Park is about five to six hours driving from Johannesburg, or a one hour flight. From Cape Town, Kruger Park is a three-hour flight (to Nelspruit, the nearest town).
Please have a look at our map of South Africa to help orientate yourself. You can use the map as a basis from which to plan your trip to South Africa.
Overview of the most popular tourist regions
The Greater Kruger National Park

Game viewing in Greater Kruger National Park
The Greater Kruger National Park is found in the far northeast corner of South Africa and is the country's premier safari destination. The Greater Kruger includes the Kruger National Park itself (a vast national park of over 2 million hectares) as well as the adjacent private game reserves, such as the famous Sabi Sand and Timbavati reserves.
- The average length of stay in Kruger is between three and six days.
Greater Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa
Greater Cape Town is known for its beautiful scenery, pristine beaches (although the seawater is very cold all year), Table Mountain and other majestic mountains, the Cape Winelands (where some of the world's best wines are produced), a rich cultural and historical heritage, and plenty of activities to enjoy (including shark cage diving and whale watching). It's a world-class tourist city that offers something for everyone.
Cape Town is not known as a safari destination, however. The Cape Peninsula forms the southwestern tip of South Africa, and the popular viewing area at Cape Point is famously regarded as the point where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.
- The average length of stay in greater Cape Town is between four and six days.
The Garden Route

Sedgefield on The Garden Route
The Garden Route is a scenic region along the southern Cape coast, from Mosselbay to Tsitsikamma. The area is known for its beaches, mountains, forests, lakes and beautiful coastal scenery. The Garden Route is about four to five hours east of Cape Town and stretches for about 200 km along the coast.
Along the way, you can stay in picturesque coastal towns and villages like Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Storms River Village. Further inland is Oudtshoorn, famous for the Cango Caves, arid landscapes and for being the heart of South Africa's ostrich farming industry.
- The average length of stay along The Garden Route is two to four days.
The Panorama Route

Panorama Route, South Africa
The Panorama Route is found along the Mpumalanga escarpment which separates the Highveld from the Lowveld, close to the Kruger National Park. This area is known for its breathtaking viewpoints and waterfalls, and the highlights can be seen in one or two days. However, many visitors combine it with a longer stay in the adjacent Lowveld or nearby Kruger National Park.
- The average length of stay along The Panorama Route is one or two days.
Northern KwaZulu-Natal

Lakes and mountains in KwaZulu-Natal
Northern KwaZulu-Natal is a warm, subtropical region of South Africa along the east coast. The city of Durban is a one hour flight from Johannesburg and the gateway to Kwazulu-Natal Province. The northern part of the province is the best area to combine bush and beach (a safari combined with a beach holiday). There are some wonderful game reserves in this region, and pristine beaches along the coast, where the water is warm most of the year.
Further inland, the Drakensberg mountains and a number of historical battlefield sites are popular attractions, too, which is why the region is known for its Bush, Beach, Battlefields and Berg (Mountain) tours. Or just Bush and Beach trips, if you leave out the battlefields and the Drakensberg mountains.
- You can easily spend an entire two-week trip exploring this beautiful province.
Malaria-free safaris

Madikwe Game Reserve male lion
Malaria-free safaris are also possible in South Africa. The most popular malaria-free safari destinations are found in the Eastern Cape (greater Addo National Park and surrounding private reserves such as Shamwari), Madikwe and Pilanesberg in the North West Province, the Waterberg region (although a few isolated cases of malaria have occurred there so it is not entirely malaria-free), and the Kalahari region (Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and nearby private reserves such as Tswalu). While the risk of contracting malaria is low in greater Kruger, these malaria-free options are popular among families with young children or expectant mothers.
Other regions

Hole in the Wall, Wild Coast
There are so many other popular regions in South Africa worth visiting, such as the Karoo, the Wild Coast, Namaqualand (famous for the annual flower season in August and September), the Drakensberg Mountains, and various other game reserves and mountain ranges in South Africa.
It truly is a world in one country, and it would take you months, perhaps years, to see it all.
Weather
The weather in South Africa is usually mild to warm. We seldom get any snow, and even in winter, the average daytime temperatures are reasonable (around 15°C to 20°C depending on the region). The weather differs from region to region.
The northern and eastern areas (including the Kruger National Park) are hot in summer and mild in winter. Summer is the rainy season. It does not really get very cold in these areas, except at night when temperatures can drop to below 10°C in winter, and sometimes even reach freezing point.
In Cape Town, winter is the rainy season and it gets rather cold and windy between June and August, but never below freezing. Summer is usually dry and sunny (from October to April). The central parts of South Africa (the Highveld, Karoo, Kalahari and the mountain regions) do experience frost in winter, and occasional snow in the high lying areas.
Any time of year is great for visiting South Africa, although generally summer is considered better for Cape Town and winter is considered better for safari destinations. This is why autumn (April and May), as well as spring (August to November), are popular for trips that combine these destinations.
Safety
Safety is a concern for most visitors to a foreign country. As far as tourists are concerned, South Africa is as safe or safer than many other tourist destinations in the world. The tourist areas are generally not crime hotspots, and millions of tourists visit South Africa each year without incident. That said, we are aware that South Africa sometimes receives bad press regarding the crime situation. However, most incidents of crime involving tourists occur in areas or situations that are known to be unsafe. Please read this blog post about safety in South Africa.
Speak to us before you travel to South Africa, so we can give you advice on where to go and where not to go. Venturing into a township on your own, for example, is not safe. We only recommend lodges and hotels in safe areas and have never had an incident of violent crime on any of our safaris.
Don't let the fear of crime stop you from visiting this beautiful country!
South Africa

South Africa is Africa's most visited country, and is known as the "world in one country". If you travel to South Africa, you have the opportunity to see Africa's magnificent wildlife, sunny beaches, vibrant cities, rich culture and history, and breathtaking nature. From deserts to forests, from mountains to beaches, from grasslands and wetlands to the dry savanna of the Kruger National Park, South Africa is known for its natural beauty, scenic splendour and warm hospitality.
Kruger National Park

The Greater Kruger National Park is South Africa's premier safari destination: it's the largest wildlife conservancy in Africa, set in one of the most accessible yet unspoilt wilderness areas in South Africa. It encompasses the Kruger National Park and a number of adjoining private reserves which share unfenced boundaries with the park; including Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie and Balule Game Reserves, which are home to a wide variety of private game lodges, each with its own brand of style and luxury.
Thornybush Game Reserve
Thornybush Game Reserve recently dropped their eastern boundary fence and now forms part of the Greater Kruger conservation area. Thornybush has a diverse collection of safari lodges.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Bordering Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a collection of privately-owned game reserves which have dropped their fences by mutual agreement. There is also no fence between the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger, allowing the free movement of animals through the reserve. Sabi Sand is without a doubt South Africa's top luxury safari destination and the best place in the world to see leopards in the wild.
Timbavati Game Reserve

The Timbavati Game Reserve is most famous for its white lions, which are still spotted in this area from time to time. The Timbavati is a collection of privately-owned game reserves which share an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. It is a vast Big 5 game reserve situated to the west of Kruger, and to the north of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The bush and game viewing in the Timbavati is similar to what you will find in the Kruger National Park.
Klaserie Game Reserve

The Klaserie Game Reserve is a privately run game reserve that forms part of the Greater Kruger Park. You'll find a variety of safari lodges here, ranging from rustic bush camps and walking trails to luxury game lodges. Klaserie offers a tranquil, private and unhurried safari experience. Guest numbers are low and the lodges are small and intimate.
Balule Game Reserve

Balule Private Game Reserve is a collection of private game farms and reserves with no fences between them, allowing for the free movement of game throughout the 2 million hectare Greater Kruger conservation area. The perennial Olifants River flows through the centre of the reserve, which attracts a wide variety of wildlife to this plentiful water supply.
Panorama Route

The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga Province is one of South Africa's most scenic road-trip routes. It follows the Drakensberg Escarpment, where the Highveld dramatically drops into the Lowveld, creating a landscape filled with towering cliffs, plunging waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking viewpoints.
Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe is one of South Africa's popular Big 5 safari destinations for those looking for a malaria-free safari. It's especially family friendly as there's no need for malarial prophylactics. Most lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve welcome children and offer specially designed child-friendly programmes to keep the little ones busy and to help them really enjoy their safari experience, too.
Cape Town

Cape Town is South Africa's oldest and most beautiful city and the top travel destination in Africa. Built on the slopes of Table Mountain, the city offers something for everyone, from beautiful views and beaches to world-class cuisine and inspiring culture. Cape Town is a must-see destination for anyone travelling to South Africa.
Garden Route

The Garden Route is the coastal area between Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth along the southern Cape coast of South Africa. It is known for its beautiful scenery, mountains, rivers, lakes, forests and beaches. A number of interesting, laid-back coastal towns add character to the Garden Route, including Knysna, Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay, Nature's Valley, Sedgefield and, of course, George with its regional airport.
Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda Private Game Reserve is not far from the well-known iSimangaliso/Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Phinda offers you abundant wildlife, courtesy of its incredibly diverse habitats. There, a handful of private lodges share excellent game sightings in a 23,000-hectare wilderness. Within easy distance of the warm Indian Ocean and its pristine beaches, Phinda makes for an ideal "bush and beach" safari destination.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

Formerly Hluhluwe–Umfolozi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa (1895) and, for many, certainly the most scenically beautiful reserve in southern Africa. It's also the only state-run park in KwaZulu-Natal province with the Big 5.
Greater Addo National Park

Greater Addo and the nearby private game reserves are among the most popular malaria-free safari destinations in South Africa.
Johannesburg

Johannesburg is Africa's most modern city. It is the thriving commercial, financial, industrial, mining, retail and business hub of South Africa. Generating 16% of South Africa's GDP, Johannesburg is one of the world's leading financial centres. Welcome to eGoli, the City of Gold!
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park along with the nearby Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve is a fantastic, semi-arid safari destination. The Kalahari desert teems with wildlife and boasts dramatic scenery.
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5 Day Kruger Safari & Private Lodge Combo
Choosing between a Kruger National Park safari and a private game lodge can be tough—each offers unique advantages. This 5-day Kruger safari package gives you the best of both worlds! Spend two nights inside Kruger Park, where expert-guided game drives take you through diverse habitats teeming with wildlife. Then, transfer to a private game lodge in Greater Kruger, where off-road game drives bring you closer to the action, offering intimate encounters with the Big Five and other iconic species. This customisable Kruger safari lets you experience the best of both, with flexible options to suit your travel style.

4 Day Kruger Park and Panorama Route Safari
Our 4-day Kruger Park and Panorama Route Safari combines two of South Africa's most popular destinations in one affordable fully-guided tour. Go on small-group open safari vehicle game drives in the Kruger National Park and explore scenic Panorama Route highlights in an air-conditioned minibus while overnighting in comfortable, air-conditioned bungalows. Feel free to ask us about group discounts.

8 Day Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari
Discover the best of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa with our unique 8 Day Battlefields, Bush & Beach Safari. This exceptional journey combines the rich history of British, Zulu, and Boer wars, unforgettable Big 5 safaris at Phinda Game Reserve, and the pristine beaches of a remote beach lodge. Immerse yourself in historic battles, spectacular scenery, vibrant culture, and abundant wildlife.

5 or 6 Day Garden Route & Addo Elephant Park
This 5-day Garden Route Safari is an exciting way to explore the Garden Route, Little Karoo, the Whale Route, Addo Elephant National Park and Route 62, the world's longest wine route! An active tour with a good mix of culture, adventure and wildlife. Departs on Mondays from Cape Town, ends in Port Elizabeth. (A 6-day option starts and ends in Cape Town. May go in reverse itinerary order as a private tour option, availability permitting).

9 Day Cape Town and Kruger Park Safari
This trip idea combines the best of South Africa's top two destinations - Cape Town and the greater Kruger National Park. Spend four nights in Cape Town, often voted the most beautiful city in the world, followed by four nights on safari in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, home to a diversity of wildlife larger than anywhere else in Africa. This trip will use accommodation to match your intended budget level, and can be booked as a budget, mid-range, or luxury tour.

4 Day Luxury Northern Kruger Park Safari
Our 4 Day Luxury Northern Kruger Park Safari is a luxury safari based at The Outpost, a beautiful, remote safari lodge overlooking the Levuvhu River in the community-owned Makuleke Conservancy in the far north of the Kruger National Park. This is one of Kruger Park's most breathtaking and remote locations, with beautiful scenery, good game viewing and fantastic birding opportunities.

5 Day Best of Kruger Safari | Classic Big Five Adventure
Discover the ultimate Kruger National Park safari on this 5-day African safari, featuring open vehicle game drives, a guided bush walk, and an exciting night safari. Stay at two different camps in Southern Kruger Park, maximising your chances of spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and abundant birdlife. Whether you're looking for an affordable Kruger Park safari or a well-rounded Kruger Park tour, this is one of the best Kruger safari options available.

3 to 4 Day Flexible Walking Safaris - Greater Kruger
This Flexible Walking Safari is ideally three or four days and offers a combination of guided bush walks and game drives, giving you greater flexibility to choose your preferred game viewing activity day by day, depending on your group's preferences. Our guided walking safaris are within the Greater Kruger Park, possibly the greatest nature conservancy on Earth.

3 Day Kruger Park Safari
Our popular 3 Day Kruger Park Safari is designed for those who want a quick and affordable way to experience the incredible wildlife of the Kruger National Park in the company of an expert guide. With regular scheduled departures from Johannesburg or Nelspruit, custom departure dates and private departures can also be arranged on request. Book early to avoid disappointment!

4 Day Kruger Park Budget Safari
Our 4 Day Kruger Park Budget Safari is a cost-effective yet authentic way to experience South Africa's most famous wildlife destination. This small-group safari departs regularly from Johannesburg or Nelspruit, offering expert-guided open-vehicle game drives and comfortable en-suite accommodation inside Kruger National Park. Book early to secure your spot!

15 Day Southern Africa Signature Safari
Our 15-Day Southern Africa Signature Safari is what we consider to be an ideal safari itinerary on a mid-range budget to see the best of Southern Africa within a limited time frame. Take in some of Southern Africa's top destinations – the spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe; Chobe National Park in Botswana; picturesque Cape Town and the Garden Route; the Kruger National Park and the famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa.