15 Reasons To Visit (Or Revisit) South Africa

With our company heritage rooted in South Africa, a dedicated Cape Town office, and a host of local team members, there's no other destination we know better (or love more) than South Africa. Home to Big 5 safaris, striking scenery, buzzing cities, diverse culture, and a multitude of exciting expeditions, South Africa has it all. We've hand-picked our top reasons to visit (or revisit) South Africa below.

1. Unmatched Big 5 Safari Encounters

South Africa is one of the most well-known safari destinations on the continent and arguably the best choice for reliable, up-close sightings of the Safari Big 5—lion, leopard, rhino, Cape buffalo, and elephant. In fact, it's not uncommon to witness all these animals on a single game drive. One of our top picks for a memorable Big 5 safari is the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. The summer 'green season' from November to April offers incredible photographic opportunities, busy baby animals, and significant value on lodge rates as it is considered off-peak season.

South Africa is also home to top-class family-friendly lodges with specially designed children's programmes. Children's days are filled with bushcraft activities, game drives, collecting bugs, and learning how to identify game and animal tracks. There is also the added peace of mind that many safari areas in South Africa are malaria-free.

2. Visiting Cape Town, a City of Global Acclaim

Cape Town was recently named one of the best cities in the world by Travel & Leisure for its sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping, and overall value. Conde Nast echoed these sentiments, listing Cape Town as one of the 'Top 10 Friendliest Cities in the World'. It is a city that can be visited year-round, although from April to May and September to October, it quietens down slightly, making it easier to enjoy its many wonders without the crowds. Cape Town's city life pulses with art, bars, museums, markets filled with performers, crafts, and local produce, all at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain.

3. The Coastal Majesty of the Garden Route

Celebrated for its dramatic natural beauty, the Garden Route is a wondrous stretch of road between the Eastern and Western Cape. It is also one of the country's richest botanical treasures and an acclaimed UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From lush fynbos to ancient indigenous forests and lofty mountain ranges, you won't find this mix of vegetation anywhere else! In the off season from June to August, you can enjoy a quieter, more intimate road trip with excellent value accommodation and clear skies for photography.

4. Sustainable Tourism

South Africa leads the way when it comes to eco-friendly and sustainable tourism. Across the country, forward-thinking initiatives are redefining what it means to travel responsibly. Cape Town is often regarded as one of the best cities to visit for a diverse range of experiences with a light carbon footprint. Further afield in the bush, our trusted partners operate with regenerative principles at their core, as we choose to partner with companies who align with our sustainability goals. As a Mahlatini client, this means your tourism directly supports the upliftment of local communities, as well as the conservation of the pristine wildlands and wildlife you encounter on your journey.

5. Whale Watching and the Marine Big 5

The pretty seaside town of Hermanus is renowned for being the breeding ground for migratory Southern Right whales from June through to November and offers some of the best whale watching in the world. Admire these mighty creatures from land in the sheltered waters of the bay or take a boat trip for the best close-up whale encounters. Wildlife enthusiasts are spoiled in South Africa, as it is home to not only the Big 5 on land, but also the Marine Big 5: Southern Right whale, great white shark, Cape fur seal, African penguin, and dolphin. If you choose to visit the Whale Coast during the shoulder months of May and early December, you'll enjoy quieter viewing platforms before the peak viewing season hits its stride or winds down.

6. Discovering South Africa's Beautiful Beaches and Coastlines

South Africa is home to some of the world's most amazing beaches. Whether you are looking for a perfect beach to relax, surf, swim, or snorkel, the beaches are diverse and extensive. From the iconic Boulders Beach on the Atlantic seaboard, with its colony of endangered African penguins, to KwaZulu-Natal's tropical Indian Ocean coastline, there are plenty of beaches waiting to be discovered. The beaches along the Indian Ocean in KwaZulu-Natal offer warm water and consistent sunshine, making them a superb year-round escape.

7. Exploring the Cederberg Mountains

Venture a few hours north of Cape Town to the Cederberg region, home to the exclusive Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve. Witness wildlife like the rare Cape mountain zebra, as well as dramatic sandstone formations, deep kloofs, and towering cliffs. The Cederberg is globally recognised for its concentration of ancient San rock art sites, some dating back thousands of years. Hike along trails that lead to hidden swimming holes, or take in panoramic views from the famous Maltese Cross. Springtime brings a riot of wildflowers carpeting the valleys, while the evenings offer incredible stargazing far from city lights.

8. Exploring Beautiful Hiking Trails

South Africa has some of the most spectacular hiking trails in all of Africa. Hike through its deserts, mountains, rolling grasslands, wildlife parks, huge dune fields, and sweeping beach-fringed coastlines. One of the most popular hiking trails in South Africa is the Otter Trail. It ranks alongside the best trails in the world.

9. A Unique Foodie Destination

The diversity of food in South Africa is immense, with cuisine that spans from freshly shucked oysters in Knysna, impeccable Cape Malay cuisine in Bo Kaap, and Asian influences and street-food culture in Durban. An authentic South African braai is a must-do eating experience not to be missed on any visit!

10. Africa's Natural Icons

South Africa spoils visitors with an abundance of natural wonders, from the utterly iconic, like the dramatic Table Mountain and the sweeping coastline of the Garden Route, to off-the-beaten-track treasures such as the amphitheatre in the Drakensberg and the fascinating World Heritage Site of the Cradle of Humankind.

11. Discovering the Northern Cape

If you’ve already ticked off South Africa’s classic bucket list experiences, the Northern Cape is a remote and untouched wilderness haven for wildlife, from inquisitive meerkats to the rare Kalahari black-maned lions. Our top pick for rare species sightings is Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa's largest private game reserve, where you can encounter the ground pangolin, meerkat, aardwolf, African wild dog, brown hyena, desert black rhino, and bat-eared fox.

Visitors can explore the vast, red sands of the Kalahari, take guided safaris through private game reserves, and marvel at the dramatic desert landscapes at sunrise and sunset. The region is also perfect for stargazing under some of the clearest night skies in the world, while cultural encounters with local communities offer insight into life in this extraordinary, sparsely populated corner of South Africa.

12. Luxurious Train Journeys

Rovos Rail and the Blue Train offer opulent, heritage train journeys through Southern Africa. Both are ranked in the top 10 most popular luxury trains in the world by Japan Rail Pass, so whoever you choose to travel with, you can be confident you’ll enjoy the country's diverse scenery whilst experiencing excellent dining, fantastic local wines, and charming service.

13. South Africa's Year-Round Appeal

South Africa averages up to 9 hours of sunshine a day, regardless of the season! Visit between November and March for some relaxing beach time. Visit between May and October during peak safari season when you can enjoy incredible wildlife viewing in the Kruger. No matter what month you travel we can tailor-make a prime experience tailored to make the most of the seasonal conditions.

14. World-Class Wines in the Winelands

The Winelands in South Africa is a key destination for every expert or wannabe sommelier. Here you can taste some of the finest wines in the world at celebrated wine estates. Explore traditional towns with charming Cape Dutch architecture, all while taking in memorable scenery not only from the vineyards themselves but also the dramatic mountainous backdrops synonymous with the region. The autumn and winter months from April through to August offer a cozy, intimate atmosphere for wine tasting, with less competition for private cellar tours and fireside dining.

15. The Fantastic Urban Culture of Johannesburg

From historic sites, galleries, and museums to meaningful cultural villages, Johannesburg has much to offer cultured travellers. Learn local history and folklore on a Soweto township tour. The city's arts districts are bedecked with murals, urban creative hubs, fascinating architectural rejigs, and a growing wealth of fine dining outlets.

Ready to make South Africa your next travel destination? Visit our Trip Planner or get in touch with a dedicated Travel Expert to design a South Africa holiday that takes into consideration all of your passions and wish list experiences.

If you're not ready to book just yet, browse through our recommended best places to visit in South Africa for some more inspiration.