South Africa holidays & tours 2026 / 2027 - book today
South Africa holidays
Vibrant cities, lush winelands, and endless coastlines

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South Africa's highlights are as varied as they come, balancing raw, natural wonders with culinary highlights and unparalleled cultural experiences. Each visit reveals something new to discover, making it that rare thing – a destination worth returning to time and again.

Discover a land where every journey feels extraordinary

South Africa offers the vibrant streets of Cape Town and the majestic beauty of Table Mountain, alongside the rugged cliffs of Cape Point and the Garden Route’s coastal splendour. Inland, you can venture into the arid deserts of the Northern Cape or the heart of the savannah on a luxury safari. Or perhaps explore the rolling, sunlit vineyards of the world-renowned wine country before hitting the shores of the Indian Ocean. No two regions of this southernmost tip of the African continent look or feel the same, so whatever your dream South Africa adventure looks like, you’ll find it waiting here.

Top Experiences

From its rich culture to its world-class hospitality, the wonders of South Africa will capture your imagination at every turn.

Safari in Kruger National Park

Safari in Kruger National Park

Discover the majesty of the Big Five

Experience exhilarating game drives in search of the Big Five and stay at luxury lodges offering gourmet dining under the African stars. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, with lush greenery, rolling hills, and expansive plains, making it the perfect destination for a first safari adventure.

Embark on early morning and late afternoon game drives through the park with experienced guides who'll help you spot some of the most iconic animals in South Africa. You can also go on guided bush walks to get up close and personal with nature and learn about the smaller creatures that call this park home.

Hike Table Mountain 

See flora, fauna and fabulous views

Take a guided trail up Table Mountain for unforgettable panoramic views of Cape Town, or opt for the cable car for a more leisurely ascent. There's a range of routes, so all fitness levels can manage the ascent.

One of the most popular hikes is the Platteklip Gorge route, which takes 2-3 hours depending on your pace. This route starts at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and winds up through the gorge to reach the summit. Along the way, you'll encounter spectacular views and an extraordinary range of flora and fauna.

Hike Table Mountain 
Tour the Cape Winelands

Tour the Cape Winelands

Enjoy fine wines and unforgettable settings

Immerse yourself in the lush vineyards of Stellenbosch, enjoying private tastings and artisanal pairings amid breathtaking landscapes. Explore the beautiful town of Franschhoek, known for its French influence and gourmet cuisine. And don't miss a visit to Paarl, home to some of South Africa's oldest and most prestigious wineries.

You'll have the chance to visit historic landmarks such as the Dutch East India Company's former headquarters and the iconic Afrikaans Language Monument.

Explore Robben Island

Experience history first hand

Dive into the nation’s complex history with a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was famously imprisoned—an educational yet profound experience. The island, located just off the coast of Cape Town, has a long and storied past. Originally used as a place of banishment for political prisoners during apartheid, it later became a maximum-security prison for those deemed to be threats to the ruling regime.

Today, you can take a ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island and explore the former prison with an expert guide. Walk through the cell blocks and see where Mandela spent 18 years of his life in captivity. Learn about the harsh conditions prisoners faced and hear first-hand accounts from former inmates.

Explore Robben Island
Delve into local history and traditions

Delve into local history and traditions

Culture, community and traditions

Beyond nature and wildlife, South Africa provide a wealth of stories and traditions. With 11 official languages and a rich, multi-faceted history, they offer a deep connection to a diverse cultural heritage, including the Khoisan and Bantu people. European influences and the country’s tumultuous apartheid history can be explored through museums, traditional ceremonies, music, and art.

Farm-to-table in Franschhoek Farm-to-table in Franschhoek

Farm-to-table in Franschhoek

Clean cuisine in a beautiful setting

Babylonstoren is one of the must-visit destinations in Franschhoek, offering visitors an immersive experience of traditional farming methods and sustainable agriculture. The farm - one of the oldest Cape Dutch farmhouses in Africa - boasts over 300 hectares of land, growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Farm-to-table meals are served in its picturesque greenhouse restaurant and at the award-winning Babel, a clean, cool, and creative space in the old cow shed.

It's the perfect base to explore nearby Franschhoek, known as the 'Food and Wine Capital' of South Africa, full of charming shops, galleries, renowned restaurants, and over 50 local wineries.

Contemporary cuisine

Sophisticated and innovative delights

Located in an affluent suburb of Cape Town, La Colombe is known for its contemporary cuisine, innovative presentation, and setting in the beautiful Silvermist Estate. The atmosphere at La Colombe is elegant yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special celebration.

Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia also comes highly recommended and has beautiful views across the valley.

Contemporary cuisine Contemporary cuisine
Foodie hot spots Foodie hot spots

Foodie hot spots

Bites with personality

Kloof Street is a lively street that runs through the heart of the city, lined with charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. A top spot is the Kloof Street House, an elegant restaurant housed in an old Victorian-style manor. 

Bree Street, on the other hand, is known as the "design district" of Cape Town and is home to trendy bars and pop-up shops that showcase local designers and artists. It's just a few blocks from Kloof Street but offers a slightly different vibe and is an increasingly hot spot for foodies. Grub & Vine, an unpretentious yet upmarket bistro, is a popular choice here.

The finest surf and turf

Forward-thinking seafood delicacies

Don't miss the local seafood, including kingklip, snoek, tuna, oysters, and mussels. Great venues range from Cape Town’s trendy, sustainably minded Galjoen with its harbour-like feel and set tasting menu that limits food waste, and Plettenberg’s Ristorante Enrico with its wooden tables, beach views, and live music.

In Soweto, head to Sakhumzi for ‘burnt meat’ – traditional South African shisa nyama (barbecue) dishes. Other places taking their meats very seriously include Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery, and Marble with its coal-roasted dishes including ribeye or sirloin steak - both in Joburg.

The finest surf and turf The finest surf and turf
Brais and fine wines Brais and fine wines

Brais and fine wines

Embrace the very best of local

For foodies, South Africa is a culinary treasure trove, with experiences ranging from traditional braais to the spiced dishes of Cape Malay cuisine. The Cape Winelands, meanwhile, offer tours that combine world-class wines with gourmet dining.

Pumba Private Game Reserve Pumba Private Game Reserve

Pumba Private Game Reserve

Luxury safari in Eastern Cape

At Pumba Private Game Reserve, near Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape, you can experience an intimate safari with a real sense of luxury. Stay in stylish thatched chalets or suites with private plunge pools, looking out over bushveld or a tranquil lake. Twice‑daily game drives offer the chance to see the Big Five, including rare white lions. Between drives, you can unwind by the lodge pool, enjoy spa treatments and savour excellent South African cuisine paired with fine local wines at this wonderfully wild yet beautifully comfortable reserve.

One&Only Cape Town

Marina luxury with Table Mountain views

One&Only Cape Town boasts a spectacular temperature-controlled infinity-edge pool, ideal for unwinding while soaking in unparalleled views of the surroundings. Each room at this property redefines luxury with unparalleled space, elegant modern design, and private balconies offering sweeping vistas of either Table Mountain or the sparkling marina. Dining here elevates your culinary adventure, with restaurants that fuse global inspirations with the finest local ingredients, creating exceptional dishes to suit every occasion. For total relaxation, the spa is a serene haven, featuring personalised treatments that rejuvenate both the body and mind.

 

One&Only Cape Town One&Only Cape Town
Gondwana Game Reserve Gondwana Game Reserve

Gondwana Game Reserve

Laid-back safari on Garden Route

Gondwana Game Reserve sits on a vast private reserve along South Africa’s famous Garden Route, so you can easily combine safari with coastal touring. You'll stay in contemporary thatched suites or spacious villas that blend African decor with modern comfort, many with sweeping valley views. The main lodge has a relaxed bar, firepit deck and pool, while the spa offers indulgent treatments with a wilderness backdrop. Morning and afternoon game drives bring you closer to the Big Five, and the laid‑back, family‑friendly atmosphere makes it ideal for first‑time safari‑goers.

Kapama River Lodge

Luxury safari on Kapama Reserve

Kapama River Lodge is a stylish, contemporary safari lodge on a private reserve near Kruger National Park, perfect if you want top comfort with excellent game viewing. You stay in spacious, modern rooms and suites with warm African touches, many overlooking the bush or dry riverbed. The large central pool, open‑air boma dinners, multiple dining areas and sociable bar create a lively, friendly atmosphere. There is also a superb spa with hydrotherapy facilities. With twice‑daily game drives, bush walks and smooth logistics, it is a brilliant choice for an effortless, luxury safari.

Kapama River Lodge Kapama River Lodge
The Oyster Box The Oyster Box

The Oyster Box

Heritage glamour on Umhlanga coast

Umhlanga, meaning 'place of the reeds' in Zulu, delivers warm Indian Ocean waters, ancient coastal forests, and is mere minutes from King Shaka International Airport, with The Oyster Box positioned as South Africa's most cherished hotel along this coveted stretch of coastline. The property features two swimming pools plus direct beach access to Umhlanga's golden sands, where you can swim and bodyboard in the warm waters. Accommodation spans 86 individually styled rooms and suites, each adorned with original artwork and elegant furnishings that speak to the property's rich heritage. Dining reaches celebrated heights with The Grill Room's fresh seafood and contemporary cuisine, complemented by The Ocean Terrace's famous curry buffet featuring at least 11 curries daily alongside tandoori and pizza ovens. The spa features six treatment rooms, a traditional hammam, sensation shower, and tranquillity lounge, creating a wellness sanctuary that incorporates B|Africa, Elemis, and Tata Harper products.

Cape Grace, Cape Town

Timeless luxury on V&A Waterfront

Cape Grace sits in a prime spot on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, with Table Mountain and the marina right outside your window. You can expect classic, elegant interiors with a strong sense of South African character, from antiques to local art. Relax by the heated outdoor pool, enjoy refined dining and creative cocktails in the restaurant and bar, and retreat to the spa for soothing treatments after busy days exploring. The atmosphere is warm, intimate and discreetly luxurious, making it a superb base for both first‑timers and repeat visitors to Cape Town.

Cape Grace, Cape Town Cape Grace, Cape Town
Cape Town to Mauritius: Wine, Wildlife & Island Bliss Cape Town to Mauritius: Wine, Wildlife & Island Bliss

Cape Town to Mauritius: Wine, Wildlife & Island Bliss

Discover the wonders and wildlife of Cape Town and Mauritius on this 16-day adventure here.
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Seasonal Experiences

Our experts know when to visit

Spring Icon
Harvest & hiking
Mar – May

Autumn colours set the Winelands aglow and the Drakensberg mountains are at their best for hiking.

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Safari season
May – Sep

Cool, dry winters bring the Big Five into the open, making it the best time for game drives and safaris.

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Whales & wildflowers
Jul – Nov

Majestic Southern Right Wales make their annual migration to the Cape, while fields of spring flowers blossom from September.

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Coastal escape
Dec – Feb
Sunshine, beach days, and wine festivals galore make South Africa's summer the perfect time to explore the coast.
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Stress-free travel, and more time for what matters most

Over the years, we’ve crafted over two million tailor-made holidays, and we know that your time away should be stress-free, easy, and seamless from start to finish. So, we take care of all the details for you - from ATOL protection and flexible payments to the myTC app keeping everything in one place. And when the unexpected happens, you can rest easy - knowing that last-minute changes, flight cancellations, or disruption will be resolved by your Travel Counsellor before you even pick up the phone – leaving you happy, carefree, and ready to make the most of every moment.

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