South Africa
About South Africa
Where Worlds Collide
Forget one-size-fits-all! South Africa delivers knockout adventures whether your style is five-star chic or comfy-chic. Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain? Hike it or take the cable car – the view is priceless either way! Sip award-winning wines without breaking the bank, or simply braai (barbecue!) under stars alive with the sounds of the bush. That feeling? Pure African luxury.
Experience the thrill of the Big 5! For ultimate peace of mind (especially with little ones or if avoiding malaria meds), the Eastern Cape offers fantastic malaria-free reserves like Addo Elephant Park and family-friendly private reserves. Prefer the legendary Kruger? It’s iconic and achievable (just factor in recommended malaria precautions). Authentic & Awesome: Haggle at vibrant markets, feast on bunny chow, learn about resilience on Robben Island, or visit fascinating ostrich farms. Teens, grandparents, honeymooners – there’s pure, practical magic for all.
Dreaming of a private villa in the Winelands? A chic city pad? A rustic bush camp? Or a malaria-free family safari lodge? We craft it all. Our magic lies in matching your dream, your wallet, and your practical needs. We find the hidden gem guesthouse, the exclusive lodge with a plunge pool, the perfect self-drive route, or the ideal malaria-free sanctuaryÍ. From ultra-luxe escapes to authentic, value-packed adventures that feel luxurious in their own wild way – South Africa delivers, and we know exactly how to unlock it for YOU.
Legendary Stops
Vibrant, urban pulse, cultural mosaic
Groovy vibes, stunning vistas
Lush vineyards, gourmet dining, scenic hills, and vibrant wine culture
Gravel-pass thrills, ostrich silliness, and cave wonders collide with star-soaked luxury in Martian silence
A scenic coastal drive, lush forests, beaches, and charming towns await
Lush Zululand, wildlife reserves, cultural heritage, and scenic coastal beauty
Vast savannahs, Big Five, thrilling safaris, and untouched wilderness
Major International Airports
Key Domestic Airports
Johannesburg
Cape Town
Durban
Bloemfontein
Upington
George
East London
Kimberley
Mthatha
Richards Bay
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
Skukuza
Hoedspruit
KZN
Lush Zululand, wildlife reserves, cultural heritage, and scenic coastal beauty
Cape Town & Peninsula
Groovy vibes, stunning vistas
Johannesburg
Vibrant, urban pulse, cultural mosaic
Kruger National Park
Vast savannahs, Big Five, thrilling safaris, and untouched wilderness
Garden Route
A scenic coastal drive, lush forests, beaches, and charming towns await
R62 & Klein Karoo
Gravel-pass thrills, ostrich silliness, and cave wonders collide with star-soaked luxury in Martian silence
Cape Winelands & Whale Coast
Lush vineyards, gourmet dining, scenic hills, and vibrant wine culture
O.R Tambo Internation Airport (JNB)
Cape Town Int. Airport (CPT)
King Shaka Int. Airport (DUR)
Bram Fisher Int. Airport (BFN)
Upington Int. Airport (UTN)
George Airport (GRJ)
East London Airport (ELS)
Kimberley Airport (KIM)
Mthatha Airport (UTT)
Richards Bay Airport (RCB)
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA)
Skukuza Airport
Legendary Stops in South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa?
No visa required for UK passport holders for tourism stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for ≥30 days after departure and have 2 blank pages.
What vaccinations do I need?
Essential: None if arriving directly from the UK.
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid.
Malaria tablets: Required for Kruger Park/Limpopo/Mpumalanga (not Cape Town/Johannesburg/Winelands/Garden Route).
Yellow Fever: Only if arriving from a risk country (e.g., Zambia).
Is South Africa safe?
Avoid: Walking alone at night, displaying valuables, and township visits without guides.
Safest areas: Major tourist hubs (Cape Town waterfront, safari lodges, Garden Route).
Check UK Foreign Office advice.
What’s the best time to visit?
Safaris (Kruger): May–September (dry season, wildlife gathers at waterholes).
Cape Town: November–March (summer, best for beaches).
Whale watching: June–November (Hermanus and Garden Route).
Can I drink tap water?
Yes, in cities (Cape Town, Johannesburg). No, in rural areas – drink bottled water.
What currency is used?
South African Rand (ZAR). Cards widely accepted, but carry cash for tips/markets.
Do I need an adapter?
Yes! Type M (3 round pins) or Type N (3 round pins, newer) sockets. Voltage: 230V/50Hz. UK devices need an adapter; US devices may need a voltage converter.
Is it safe to drive?
Yes, but:
· Drive on the left (like the UK).
· Avoid night driving.
· Lock doors, hide luggage.
· International Driving Permit recommended.
How do I handle loadshedding?
Power cuts are common.
· Prepare: Power banks, headlamps.
· Most hotels/lodges have generators.
Can I see the Big Five?
Yes!
Kruger NP, Addo Elephant Park, and private reserves (Sabi Sands) offer excellent sightings. Book guided safaris.
What’s the tipping etiquette?
Restaurants: 10–15%.
Safari guides: ZAR 150–200/day.
Petrol attendants: ZAR 5–10.
Is Wi-Fi widely available?
Yes, in hotels, malls, and airports. Buy a local SIM (Vodacom/MTN) for data. Coverage is patchy in remote parks.
Any cultural sensitivities?
Greetings: Handshakes common.
Photography: Ask permission in townships/rural areas.
Dress: Modest dress in traditional communities.
Emergency numbers?
Police: 10111
Ambulance: 10177
From mobile: 112
UK Embassy: +27 (0)12 421 7500 (Pretoria).
Can I combine it with Victoria Falls?
Yes! Fly from Johannesburg to Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe). Visas available on arrival (check multi-country requirements).
ORTIA, KMIA & CTNIA as departure to Victoria Falls.
Tips
Planning your Western Cape Holiday
Pro Tips for Tailoring
- Short on time? Focus on Cape Town + Winelands (5 days)
- Self-drivers: Add 2 extra days for scenic detours
- December trips: Book Garden Route first – beaches get packed!
- Mix tiers: Do Eland in Winelands + Springbok on Route 62
Samples for Western Cape Road Trip Madness
(Mix, match & multiply!)
1. The “Cape Classic” (7-10 Days)
Perfect for: First-timers, families, luxury seekers
Route
- Cape Town & Peninsula (3-4 days)
Table Mountain, penguins, sunset champagne cruises
- Winelands & Whale Coast (2 days)
Stellenbosch wine tram, Hermanus whales (seasonal)
- Garden Route (2-3 days)
Knysna oysters, Tsitsikamma ziplining, malaria-free safari
Upgrade It:
- Add a heli-flip over Cape Point
- Swap 1 Winelands night for Sanbona Wildlife Reserve (Luxury)
2. The “Adventure Junkie” (10-12 Days)
Perfect for: Active couples, thrill-seekers
Route
- Cape Town (2 days)
Shark cage diving, Lion’s Head hike - Winelands (1 day)
Mountain biking in Franschhoek - Garden Route (4 days)
Bloukrans bungee, kayak Storms River, Robberg hike - Route 62 & Karoo (3 days)
Swartberg Pass 4×4, Cango Caves, ostrich farm run
Secret Sauce:
- Add skydiving in Mossel Bay
- Sleep in a treetop pod in Tsitsikamma
3. The “Quirky Roadtrip” (10-14 Days)
Perfect for: Offbeat travellers, photographers
Route
- Cape Town (2 days)
Bo-Kaap street art, hidden beach caves - Route 62 & Karoo (4 days)
Ronnie’s Sex Shop, Karoo star baths, Calitzdorp port - Garden Route (3 days)
Wildflower reserves (spring), Knysna forest fairies, Big 5 Game Reserve - Winelands (1 day)
Punk-rock wine farm in Swartland
Weird Wins:
- Stay in a cave house in Montagu
- Try skilpadjies (traditional Karoo liver kebabs)
