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Introducing South Africa

South Africa has a diversity in landscape and beauty that is as varied as the rainbow of cultures that inhabit the land. From the precipitous mountains of the Cape with its picturesque vineyards to the iconic savannahs of the Kruger National Park where lions & elephants roam, South Africa has something for everyone.
 
An extensive road and air network allow travelers to get around during their holiday easily. You can combine world-class wildlife safaris, many different African cultural experiences, beautiful and vibrant cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Durban, the vast open spaces of the Great Karoo, the warm & blue waters of the Indian Ocean with its golden beaches, and the green mountains known as the Drakensberg, famous for its vast collection of Bushman paintings.
 
South Africa serves as an important hub for the Southern African region, which means you can combine your trip with the highlights of neighboring countries, such as the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, or the Namibian desert.

Getting Around South Africa
Getting around South Africa's major cities/regions (such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Kruger Park) is typically done by flight, although self-drives around certain regions is also a popular option. Read more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

South Africa Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Spot elephants on your South African safari
Map of 10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari

This tour takes you from the sights of Cape Town to the lush Overberg, followed by an exceptional safari experience. Enjoy some of South Africa's most sought-after destinations across the diverse Western and Eastern Cape Provinces.

Bloukran's Bridge
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days

Spend 10 days taking in the Western Cape with this trip plan. You'll explore Cape Town and see Table Mountain from both a distant beach and right under your feet, sample the wines of Stellenbosch, and dive into a great white cage encounter before you hit the road on the Garden Route for canoeing, hiking, animal encounters, and more.

Cape Winelands
Map of Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari - 8 Days
Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari - 8 Days

Enjoy a majestic eight-day tour of Cape Town and Kruger Park Safari, two of South Africa’s top highlights. You will take in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula, Winelands, and the city of Cape Town, followed by a great safari experience in the Kruger National Park, where the iconic African wildlife roam free.

Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg Mountains
Map of Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days
Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days

South Africa contains multitudes—of people, landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and more. With three weeks to explore, you'll travel through the highlights of contemporary Cape Town, visit the beach towns of the Wild Coast, experience the animal attractions of Addo Elephant National Park and Kruger National Park, and traverse highs and lows from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Cango Caves. Along the way, you'll gain insight into the country's complex history and ecosystems with the help of local experts and experienced guides.

Blyde River Canyon near Graskop, South Africa
Map of South Africa, Zimbabwe, & Botswana - 14 Days
South Africa, Zimbabwe, & Botswana - 14 Days

This exciting Southern Africa itinerary offers a perfect mix of self-drive and guided tours. Start in Cape Town, where you can explore the Cape Peninsula, head to the top of Table Mountain, or sample native wines in the area's sprawling vineyards. Fly to Johannesburg for the second leg of your trip—you'll enjoy multiple safari excursions and visit magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Close-up of male ostrich in Little Karoo
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 14 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 14 Days

Take a two-week adventure from one of the world's highest bungee jumps down into a cage next to a great white shark with this trip plan. Start on Table Mountain in Cape Town, followed by a culinary tour, treetop walkway, and wine tastings. Once you get onto the Garden Route, you'll make your way around canoeing through lagoons, hiking in national parks, and spelunking through caves.

Make the Most of Your Time in South Africa

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
See impressive Drakensberg's Amphitheatre—crescent shaped cliffs of basalt rock
How Many Days to Spend in South Africa

While 10 days is the most popular duration for kimkim travelers, two weeks is recommended for a satisfying trip to South Africa. You can venture farther outside Cape Town,...

South Africa Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Cape Wine Lands in Autumn
Best Time of Year to Visit South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination thanks to its varied landscapes—it's always sunny somewhere. No matter what season you visit, you'll find something to do: Kruger...

Cape Town and Table Mountain from the air
Best Time of Year to Visit Cape Town

Planning your trip to Cape Town requires flipping your mental calendar, as the southern hemisphere’s seasons are a reverse of the northern hemisphere. South Africa’s hot, dry,...

South Africa Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

South Africa Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Sindile Shamwari Lodge (photo courtesy of Shamwari Lodge)
The 5 Best Safari Lodges in South Africa

South Africa is home to world-famous national game reserves such as the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, recognized for rhino conservation, and the Kruger National Park, the...

Our Latest South Africa Content

Enjoy spending quality time with the family as you explore South Africa together
Map of 2 Weeks in South Africa - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in South Africa - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in South Africa, you and your family can tick off the highlights of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Victoria Falls on a best-of itinerary crafted especially with younger ones in mind or opt for a fun and wildlife-filled trip that includes stays at Club Mykonos and Kruger National Park. Active families will enjoy a self-drive adventure along the Garden Route, while families with older children looking for a more relaxing trip can split their time between the beaches of Cape Town and Sun City.

Meet the penguins at Boulders Beach
Map of 1 Week in South Africa - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in South Africa - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With one week in South Africa, you can visit two to three destinations. First-timers can hit the highlights in Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg. Or wildlife enthusiasts can combine whale watching and game drives on a tour focusing on the coast, while families keen on cultural experiences and waterparks will enjoy adding Sun City Resort and Johannesburg to the mix. Those with little ones will appreciate the variety of kid-friendly activities, including the Adventure Center in Shamwari, with time spent in the Eastern Cape.

Introduce the kids to the South African bush on Big Game safaris of the wildlife-rich country
Map of 10 Days in South Africa - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in South Africa - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in South Africa, your family can embark on a highlights tour that ticks off the famous sites of Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg. For a wildlife-focused trip, opt for an adventure along the Garden Route, stopping at Gondwana Private Game Reserve and Featherbed Nature Reserve, or for families with younger children, discover the quirky side of South Africa and split your time between Cape Town and Sun City resort.

South Africa Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
South Africa map: Guide to South Africa's Top Regions: Where to Go for Safari, Culture, Hiking, & More
Guide to South Africa's Top Regions: Where to Go for Safari, Culture, Hiking, & More
View article
South Africa map: 14 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
South Africa map: 10 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for South Africa
Travel specialist Deborah Smook
active 14 hours ago

Deborah Smook

I get super excited every time I get to share my country with anyone and I want to make sure that when someone does come, they are blown away by the people, the beauty, and the incredible value for...

read more...
Travel specialist Lize Enderstein
active 12 hours ago

Lize Enderstein

I work as a senior consultant for African Travel Gateway and have 18 years of experience in the travel industry. We plan, book and implement tailor-made holidays for our clients that fit within...

read more...
Travel specialist Lucy Berndt
active 12 hours ago

Lucy Berndt

Mother, wife, traveller and dreamer! Having travelled extensively throughout Southern Africa, I know the importance of logistics and selecting the right product offerings. Southern Africa...

read more...
Travel specialist Carla Ferreira
active 1 day ago

Carla Ferreira

I have traveled to over 50 countries and know the importance of having someone with local knowledge and advice to give you tips on where to go for those unforgettable experiences. A born and bred...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit South Africa also visit these destinations

Why travelers love kimkim

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Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

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Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
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A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
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Trip Reviews for South Africa

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Wonderful service , I never used to book thro...
South Africa | May 17 - May 24, 2023

Y
yousef a.
the United Arab Emirates | Reviewed on May 25, 2023

Wonderful service , I never used to book through an agency but Lucy really changed that for us… the recommendations the support and service all throughout our travels was on the highest levels and worth every penny paid..

Highly recommended

Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on May 25, 2023

Hi Yousef and Mona

WOW, thank you. I really appreciate this wonderful review!
I am so happy you loved every minute of your time with us.

Thank you again for taking the time to write a review.

Southern African Family Adventure
South Africa | Apr 12 - Apr 21, 2023

Julia
Julia M.
New Zealand | Reviewed on Apr 25, 2023

We enlisted the help of Deb and the Kim Kim team to help us organize a whistle stop trip to S. Africa and Zimbabwe. We only had 10 days so needed help getting the most out of our limited time.
We were so impressed with the level of communication throughout the planning process and whilst on the trip itself. Some great dinner spots and additional activities were suggested which made a huge difference to our experience. It was also great to be given a variety of accommodation options which we... read more

We enlisted the help of Deb and the Kim Kim team to help us organize a whistle stop trip to S. Africa and Zimbabwe. We only had 10 days so needed help getting the most out of our limited time.
We were so impressed with the level of communication throughout the planning process and whilst on the trip itself. Some great dinner spots and additional activities were suggested which made a huge difference to our experience. It was also great to be given a variety of accommodation options which we could select to best suit our budget.
All transfers and activities ran like clockwork and took the worry out of traveling in a new country with kids. Every guide we came across was exceptionally knowledgeable and professional.
We would definitely use the Kim Kim service again and wholeheartedly recommend Deb and her team for anyone considering a trip to S. Africa. Thank you for the most amazing holiday - we didn’t want to come home!

Hotel Reviews
Parker Cottage
Cape Town

This was a holiday highlight for us. Tomas and his team and the accommodation was exceptional - a home away from home and a blissful sanctuary after a busy day sightseeing. Outstanding!

Authenticity & Character
A beautiful old heritage villa.
Location
A safe walking distance to restaurants in the area and close proximity to Table Mountain and the Waterfront.
Staff
Great advice and super friendly!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Southern Sun De Wagen
Stellenbosch
Authenticity & Character
Location
Walking distance to restaurants.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms/ beds needed to be bigger!
Phezulu Guest Lodge
Victoria Falls
Authenticity & Character
Location
Lovely quiet location but it was easy to organise taxis.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Capital On The Park
Sandton
Authenticity & Character
A big hotel with a great pool area.
Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the shopping mall.
Location
Close to the shopping mall.
Staff
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
A great 2 bed apartment for our final night.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A great 2 bed apartment for our final night.
Chobe Savanna Lodge
Chobe, Kasane
Authenticity & Character
The isolation of this place was quite special - we loved the open air dining areas and viewing deck and of course the thatched roof.
Location
It took 3 border crossings to reach this lodge but it actually added to the experience. Loved that it was only accessible by river.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Super big beds!
Activity Reviews
Horseback Riding in the Winelands
South Africa

My kids loved this activity! It was an amazing setting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Table Mountain
Cape Town

We loved this trip! We headed straight here after checking in at our accommodation. We took a later cable car up to catch the sunset. It was super quiet and the sunset/ views were beautiful!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa

We had a friendly and experienced guide. We loved the penguins, haggling with the street vendors and the views.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Robben Island
Cape Town

This is something I have wanted to do for a long time. We had an amazing guide on the bus around the island and a former inmate for the prison tour. Very interesting and humbling. It was quite a big group and sometimes hard to follow what was being said when we were off the bus.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dinner at GOLD Restaurant
Cape Town

The additional drumming workshop was well worth it. We all loved it! It was great to taste various dishes from around the continent and to watch the dancing/ entertainment. This was definitely a very touristy activity but something I would recommend.

Quality of Experience
Food
Authentic and rustic - some dishes were really tasty, some were more interesting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Gourmet Dinner on a Sunset Cruise
Victoria Falls

This was outstanding! It was stunning scenery on the Zambezi and we saw our first hippo! The 4 course meal was delicious.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Tour of Vic Falls
Victoria Falls

What’s not to like? The Falls are breathtaking!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dusty Road Township Dinner Experience **highly recommended by our team
Victoria Falls

Loved the little tour that you get upon entry. Great atmosphere and loved the community aspect of this place and the focus on sustainability.

Quality of Experience
Food
The authenticity. Some of the dishes took me back to my own time living in Africa.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We took our own taxi and paid more than we were told to pay.
Arrival at Chobe Savanna Lodge
Chobe National Park

We crossed 3 borders to get here. This sounds overwhelming but each crossing was slick and efficient and we were directed by the driver on where to go. It added to the whole experience. The river ride to the lodge was beautiful - we spotted lion, hippos and elephants. It was nice to be offered a cold drink on board.

Quality of Experience
Food
N/a
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Last morning at Chobe Savanna Lodge
Chobe National Park

We actually saw very little wildlife on the morning safari. We ended up watching a troop of baboons for ages. The river ride and sunset was perfect though.

Quality of Experience
Food
N/a
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Deborah Smook
Deborah
Deborah Smook
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Apr 29, 2023

Hello Julia

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this detailed review. It was such a pleasure planning this trip for you and your family and I am so glad that you enjoyed it.

Deb

We were met upon arrival at Cape Town airport...
South Africa | Mar 31 - Apr 12, 2023

Keith
Keith R.
Bakersfield, CA | Reviewed on Apr 15, 2023

We were met upon arrival at Cape Town airport by Jennifer who escorted us thru the the car rental site and out the door. What a lovely assistance, she provided. She also provided us with a couple bottle of wine for the nights relaxation. Lindi, our coordinator, did a wonderful job of putting together some really nice B&B's for your trip to SA. The Cape Riviera Guest House was centrally located to a lot of the attractions available in Cape Town. It was also within walking distance to many... read more

We were met upon arrival at Cape Town airport by Jennifer who escorted us thru the the car rental site and out the door. What a lovely assistance, she provided. She also provided us with a couple bottle of wine for the nights relaxation. Lindi, our coordinator, did a wonderful job of putting together some really nice B&B's for your trip to SA. The Cape Riviera Guest House was centrally located to a lot of the attractions available in Cape Town. It was also within walking distance to many restaurants. The Guest House is a little dated but that added to the ambiance of the place. The grounds were nice to stroll in. Owen, the proprietor , was very pleasant and informative. The breakfast was a great way to start the day.

Our first day got off a little late due to our intended guide becoming deathly ill. Lindi scrambled to get us a replacement on short notice. Not having the itinerary, Micheal, our guide, started us with a trip to the top of Table Mtn. We rode the gondola to the top. What a gorgeous view of CapeTown from there. Michael walked us around the paths, introducing us to the plants, animals, and, the water gathering systems up there. After getting back to the vehicle, We got a history lesson from Michale about apartheid and the changes that came with it as we drove to the waterfront for lunch. We strolled around there for a bit and lost track of time. We drove by the Church of Good Hope but had insufficient time to wander thru the inside.

Day 2, Michael drove us along the Camps Bays, Chapman's Peak scenic hwy to Cape Point. What a great drive. We did a little hiking on the head lands before taking the obligatory photo of the Cape of Good Hope sign. From there, we wandered up the east side of the Cape Peninsula making our way to Groot Constancia winery for lunch and to taste a few of their wines. After lunch, a visit to Kirshtenbosch Botanical Gardens was made. Michael introduced us to the miriad of plants , trees, ferns, their medicinal uses, etc and the history of the gardens. Two days is not near enough to spend in CApeTown. THere's just too much to see and experience. We will spend some more time here when we return.

Day 3 and beyond, we were on our own. We drove thru the Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Specifically, we stopped at KanonKop, Babylonstroen, Boschendal and Lanzerac wineires. We strolled around the grounds and tasted their wines. Very impressive farms, they all were, especially Babykonstroen. we ended our day at Herman's, late. We found our B&B...Whale Rock Lodge right after sunset. THis is a very nice establishment, nice grounds, well kept.

Day 4, Melanie, the proprietor, met us in the AM for Breakfast and gave us info on beach walks from the Lodge, We wandered along the rocky coastline for a morning stretch before getting back in our vehicle and driving onward. We made our way thru the scenic countryside and back roads to Cape Agulhas where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. After stretching and picture taking, it was back in the car and off to the Garden Route and Knysna for a couple of days. Lindi's choice of the Blackwaters River Lodge was a nice stay. Jane and Bonita made our two night stay very pleasant. They do a very nice meal service and breakfast here. The veranda was a nice, quiet place to relax and sip some of the wines we sourced on our trip.

We did some mountain hiking in the morning, then down to Robberg Nature Reserve for some more hiking. The trails in the Reserve can be somewhat daunting for the uninformed, as we found out. the 5.5K trail around the peninsula included a lot of rock hopping and sands. we were bushed when we finished. We dined on oysters and seafood in Knysna at 34 street, on the water front. We ran out of time for the sunset cruise of the Knysna Estuary and headlands, but would recommend it for the future .

From Knysna, we continued our drive along the West Cape and into the East Cape on N2 thru Port Elizabeth, then headed north on N10 before turning westward on R400, inland to Kuzuko Lodge in the Central Karoo and Greater Addo Elephant Reserve. The first 10k of R400 is extremely rough. We found a better alternative on the way out, using R335, a much smoother, unpaved road, 15 K out of the way but quicker over all. The Kuzuko Lodge is a great stay in the middle of nowhere. The Reserve consists of 15000 Hectare of the Karoo. We did four game drives on the reserve, one each morning and each evening. We saw plenty of wildlife to keep us happy: Elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetah, a miriade of antelope from small to large, raptors, cranes, meerkats, mongoose, jackles and more. The staff at Kuzuko were very accommodating and pleasant. Their meals were very nice, too. Got to give a shoutout to our game driver, Quinton, very informative on the the animals and history of the Reserve. The spa staff at the Lodge did an incredible job of working all the kinks and knots out of our muscles after a jostling game drive. Highly recommend their services.

Lindi, of Salty/KimKim Tours did a great job of arranging our rental car, guide and stays for our trip. The BNB'S were 4 star and higher. The included meals were a nice addition. The Kuzuko Game Lodge and staff were really great too. AS I mentioned before, two days in Cape Town is not near enough time to see all that is available. The same can be said of all the stops along our route . We will need to return to South Africa again to capture more of its scenic wonders. Thanks Lindi for giving us a glimpse of this great county.

Local specialist: Lindi Swales
Lindi
Lindi Swales
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Apr 17, 2023

Thank you so much for your lovely, detailed review... it was such a pleasure making the arrangements for yourself, Les and Tracy! I hope we will see you in South Africa again soon x