Why South Africa Is One of the Best Countries to Visit in the World

In a single trip, you can sip wine in a world-class vineyard, hear lions roar on a starlit safari, surf warm Indian Ocean waves, or lose yourself in the vibrant rhythm of Cape Town. But there's something deeper that brings people back — a soulful spirit, a sense of connection, and a unique kind of kindness the locals call ubuntu.

So, what makes South Africa one of the best countries on Earth? Let's explore.

From the legendary Kruger National Park to incredible private reserves like Phinda and Tswalu, South Africa offers some of the most diverse safari experiences on earth. Phinda combines seven different ecosystems — from grasslands and woodlands to wetlands and forests — creating a haven for both the Big Five and rare species like cheetah and black rhino. Tswalu, on the other hand, is a vast, remote wilderness on the edge of the southern Kalahari where travellers can experience wide-open landscapes, desert-adapted wildlife, and one of the most exclusive safaris in Africa.

We've spent years guiding travellers on Big Five safaris through Kruger's iconic landscapes, and when you ask us about a volunteer or eco-safari, we might suggest heading deep into the malaria-free Kalahari. Why? Because we've been there ourselves. We know how special it feels to walk those wide-open spaces, meet the people protecting them, and see the impact you can make. And we want you to experience that too.

South Africa's scenery changes dramatically as you travel through it. Towering mountain ranges, golden beaches, arid semi-deserts, dense forests, and rolling plains all sit within a short distance of one another.

A road trip along the Garden Route is a perfect example. One moment you're driving through the dry, ochre-coloured earth of the Klein Karoo, a valley framed by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, and the next you're winding down the green, misty Outeniqua Pass toward the sparkling Indian Ocean. At the base of the pass, you can head west to Mossel Bay with its long, sandy beaches and fascinating maritime history, or east toward Knysna, where tranquil lagoons and indigenous forests whisper tales of the elusive forest elephants said to still roam there.

We've driven the Garden Route more times than we can count, yet every twist and turn of the Outeniqua Pass still takes our breath away. When we tell you to stop for fresh wild oysters in Knysna or wander Mossel Bay's historic harbour, it's because we've done it ourselves — and we know how much it will add to your journey.

Few cities in the world rival Cape Town for beauty. In 2025, it was named the Best City in the World in the Telegraph Travel Awards, with Time Out also ranking it among the top 50 cities worldwide for food, culture, nightlife, and affordability.

Dominated by Table Mountain, Cape Town is an energetic blend of ocean views, hiking trails, wine farms, street markets, world-class restaurants, and Afro-house nightlife. It's also a city with deep historical roots: South Africa's oldest city offers moving insights into the country's past through sites like Robben Island, the District Six Museum, and its vibrant townships.

The Garden Route is where we're based, but many of our safari specialists are from Cape Town or have lived in the Mother City for years. We know all the little touches that make it special — from watching the sun rise over Lion's Head, to finding tucked-away wine bars, to visiting Robben Island with guides who lived its history. We love helping you experience the city the way locals do.

International visitors are often surprised at how far their money stretches here. Whether you're dining at award-winning restaurants, booking a luxury safari lodge, or enjoying a guided road trip along the Garden Route, South Africa offers excellent value compared to many other destinations.

We understand what it's like to stretch a travel budget, and that's why we're so passionate about South Africa's affordability. From five-star luxury to quirky, off-the-beaten-track B&Bs, we've personally tried and tested experiences at every price point — so we can match you with options that give you the best value without compromising on quality.

With mild winters, long summers, and plenty of sunshine year-round, South Africa is ideal for outdoor activities no matter when you visit. And while summer days can reach the high thirties, we don't have the very long days of northern Europe, so evenings cool down quickly, making it comfortable to sit around the fire or enjoy a meal outside.

This balance makes it possible to plan safaris, wine tours, hikes, and beach days at almost any time of year.

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or simply want to explore, South Africa has something for you. You could bungee jump off the world's highest commercial bridge, dive with great white sharks, zipline through forest canopies, or hike along dramatic coastal cliffs.

For something different, take the wheel of a vintage-style AC Cobra sports car and cruise along scenic routes like Chapman's Peak Drive or through the Cape Winelands. Or experience the Boomslang Walkway at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden in Cape Town, an elevated boardwalk that curves through the treetops with unforgettable views of Table Mountain.

Rolling waves, endless stretches of untouched sand, and family-friendly tidal pools, South Africa's beaches have it all.

On the Wild Coast, the famous Hole in the Wall is a dramatic rock formation framing the turquoise ocean, while the windswept West Coast National Park offers calm lagoons and is one of the best places to see the country's spring flower display. Nearby, the Fossil Park has uncovered over 200 prehistoric species, giving travellers a unique glimpse into South Africa's ancient natural history.

South Africa's cultural and historical depth sets it apart. You can explore San rock art sites that date back thousands of years, learn about Zulu traditions in KwaZulu-Natal, or visit battlefields where colonial and indigenous forces once clashed.

In Soweto, stroll down Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where three Nobel Peace Prize winners once lived: Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Chief Albert Luthuli. Each site and story you encounter adds a deeper layer to your understanding of this diverse country.

South Africans are famous for their friendliness and openness. We genuinely enjoy welcoming visitors, sharing meals, and exchanging stories. It's not uncommon for strangers to become friends after just a few hours around a braai (barbecue) or on a safari drive.

Our take: We love nothing more than showing guests our favourite places and traditions, from bushveld dinners under the stars to spontaneous conversations with petrol attendants that give you a sense of life here.

South Africa takes conservation seriously. More than 112,000 km² of land — an area larger than Portugal — is legally protected for biodiversity, covering 9.2% of the country's mainland. National parks, private reserves, and marine protected areas all play a role in safeguarding species and habitats for future generations.

We're also proud to support organisations like SATSA (Southern Africa Tourism Services Association), which promotes ethical and sustainable travel across the country. Many lodges and operators also invest heavily in community initiatives, ensuring that tourism benefits the people who live closest to the wildlife.

South Africa's enduring popularity isn't just about what you can see and do — it's about how this country makes you feel. And that has everything to do with ubuntu.

Ubuntu is a Nguni word meaning "I am because we are." It's a philosophy of shared humanity, and it's alive in the quiet acts of generosity that define everyday life here.

Take Johan Scott, who planted a free veggie garden after noticing a cauliflower had gone missing — not out of anger, but compassion. Or Warren Bhebhe, a petrol attendant who filled a stranger's fuel can with his own money — and then slipped him R100 for the road. These are ordinary South Africans doing extraordinary things, with no expectation of reward. Just kindness.

These are our heroes.

As one traveller put it, "This country will break your heart — and then restore it a hundred times over."

Ready to plan your own unforgettable journey? Let's start building your dream South African safari.