The Best Places to Visit in South Africa

Few places in the world rival South Africa for sheer diversity. Often described as “a world in one country,” it offers everything from safaris and beautiful sights to fantastic food, wine and shopping.

There is a region for every season in South Africa—there isn't a single month of the year when we wouldn't recommend visiting this country! In this blog, we share the places that continue to draw us back to help you see why South Africa is a vacation destination that never stops giving.

Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Reserve

In the Greater Kruger, you can enjoy off-roading, night game drives, walking safaris, stargazing, birdwatching, or relaxing by the pool. One of the main highlights of this gorgeous area is enjoying a Big Five safari in the Kruger National Park or Sabi Sands Reserve for a more intimate safari experience.

When to visit the Greater Kruger

Best: May – October

These are the dry winter months, when vegetation thins out and wildlife gathers around water sources, making game viewing exceptional.

Good: November – April

Summer ushers in the green season after the rains. While animals are more dispersed, the scenery is lush, birdlife is prolific, and this is the time for calving.

The Cape Winelands

As you may have guessed, this is the place to enjoy delicious food and wine. Winelands vacations give you the chance to indulge in outstanding cultivars and culinary masterpieces at some of South Africa's most celebrated wine estates in Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and beyond. All have charming Cape Dutch architecture, views of stately peaks, and pretty nearby historic towns.

When to visit the Cape Winelands

Best: October - April

Warm, sunny days and long evenings make this the ideal time for lunches in the vineyard while the vines are in full leaf, wine tastings, and scenic drives.

Good: May - September

The cooler months are perfect for cozy cellar tastings and relaxed stays among misty valleys.

Garden Route

The Garden Route is a wondrous strip of coastline striking a picturesque path from Mossel Bay in the west to Storms River in the east. This 125 mile route is flanked by mountain ranges and dotted with protected indigenous forests and sandy, family-friendly beaches. It’s heaven for outdoor enthusiasts, as there’s hiking, bungee jumping, canoeing, surfing, marine safaris, and lovely seaside restaurants.

When to visit the Garden Route

Best: October - March

These warm, sunny months with long days are perfect for beaches, coastal walks, and outdoor adventures.

Good: April - September

Quieter and cooler, this is whale-watching season along the coast.

Cape Town

Cape Town is an eclectic mix of gorgeous hotels, spectacular scenery, a renowned culinary scene, and amazing outdoor experiences. One of the most popular destinations in Southern Africa, the city is watched over by magnificent Table Mountain. Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head, visit the Apartheid Museum, explore the foodie scene, and take a slow drive to the Cape of Good Hope. There are so many wonderful things to see in this glorious city. However you decide to spend your vacation time in Cape Town, there is something to satisfy every traveler.

When to visit Cape Town

Best: October - April

Summer in the Mother City means long, warm days perfect for beaches, outdoor dining, and exploring Table Mountain or the Cape Peninsula.

Good: May - September

Cooler and quieter, this season offers excellent whale watching nearby. It’s also a wonderful time for hiking, wine tasting, and enjoying Cape Town’s food scene without the crowds.

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape offers a long and rugged coastline with wild beaches, rich marine life, as well as the wide, open spaces and sparse beauty of the Great Karoo semi-desert. The appeal doesn’t stop there—the private reserves and national parks have the Big 5 and are malaria-free, making it ideal for families with small children who are wanting to avoid taking antimalarials whilst on safari. It also boasts a wealth of flora and fauna and some incredible wildlife in family-friendly private reserves such as Kwandwe, Shamwari and Amakhala, or the famous Addo Elephant National Park.

When to visit the Eastern Cape

Best: January – December

The Eastern Cape is a year-round vacation destination, offering something different for every season.

Western Cape's Whale Coast

As its name suggests, the Western Cape’s Whale Coast is one of the world’s premier destinations for whale watching. Take to the water on a guided boat tour and witness Southern right and humpback whales, dolphins, and even sharks as they glide past your vessel. After a day at sea, retreat to your luxury accommodation or enjoy fantastic cuisine at one of the region’s acclaimed seaside restaurants. For those who prefer to stay on land, scenic hiking trails wind along dramatic cliffs and beaches, offering beautiful ocean vistas.

When to visit the Whale Coast

Best: January - December

The Whale Coast can be enjoyed at any time of year. While winter and spring are prime for whale spotting, the warmer months are perfect for coastal walks and beach days.

KwaZulu-Natal

There are so many amazing things to do in KwaZulu-Natal, from hiking in the Drakensberg to see rock art, going on Big 5 safaris, exploring the fantastic beaches along the dolphin coast, and embarking on a tour around the historic battlefields to name a few. Awash with stunning scenery, a vacation in KwaZulu-Natal offers laid-back escape with amazing wildlife and scenery. Throw in the sub-tropical climate, Indian curries and ‘bunny chows’, and ultra-luxe lodges and you’ve just scraped the surface of what this province has to offer. It really is an all-in-one vacation destination.

When to visit KwaZulu-Natal

Best: May - September

The dry winter months are ideal for game viewing in the province’s renowned reserves.

Good: October - April

Summer brings green lands, warmer temperatures, and the rain. While game can be harder to find, this is the best time to enjoy the beaches.

Madikwe and the North

This area is known by its semi-arid savanna that’s home to black rhinos and Kalahari lions. As a malaria-free area, it is ideal for family safaris and considered a hidden gem of South Africa with fewer visitor numbers than the Kruger Park. Both Madikwe Game Reserve and the Marataba Reserve offer beautiful scenery and Big 5 game viewing, as well as a host of luxurious lodges and tented camps.

When to visit Madikwe and the North

Best: May - September

The dry winter months make wildlife sightings easier as animals gather around water sources. Days are mild, skies are clear, and conditions are ideal for safari drives and photography.

Good: October - April

Summer brings the green season. While wildlife is more dispersed, this period offers fewer visitors, and the chance to see lots of newborn animals.

South Africa offers a myriad experiences that will stay with you long after your journey ends. From some of the best places to go on safari in Africa to cosmopolitan cities, amazing beaches, beautiful mountain trails, rich cultures, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, its diversity is truly unrivaled. The list could go on, but hopefully we’ve already convinced you to visit this astonishing country. If so, get in touch with one of our travel experts to customize a once-in-a-lifetime, luxury vacation to South Africa that reflects your interests, passions and dreams.