Flights from Seattle (SEA) to South Africa

Discover South Africa

Discover South Africa

Why visit South Africa?
South Africa offers dramatic coastlines, wildlife-rich parks, and vibrant cities that feel instantly welcoming. You can experience safari adventures, ocean drives, and creative urban neighbourhoods in a single trip.

What to expect
From Johannesburg and Pretoria on the highveld to coastal Cape Town and Durban, each region feels distinct. You will find wine country, mountain passes, surf beaches, and vast reserves home to the Big Five, all stitched together by lively music and arts.

Plan your trip
You can use Johannesburg as a gateway to southern Africa or combine it with Cape Town for a varied itinerary. With efficient domestic links, it is easy to add side trips to game reserves, the Garden Route, or neighbouring countries.

Top experiences in South Africa

Explore Cape Town and Table Mountain

Ride the cableway or hike up Table Mountain for sweeping views, then wander Cape Town's historic streets and oceanfront promenades.

Go on a Big Five safari

Join guided game drives in reserves near Johannesburg and across the country to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo in their natural habitat.

Drive the Garden Route

Follow the coastal highway between the Western and Eastern Cape, stopping for forest walks, whale watching, and sheltered beaches.

Discover Johannesburg's cultural districts

Spend time in districts such as Maboneng and Rosebank, where galleries, design shops, and cafés sit side by side with street art.

Tour the Cape Winelands

Visit historic wine estates around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, tasting local varietals against a backdrop of mountains and vineyards.

Walk the beachfronts of Durban

Stroll or cycle along Durban's Golden Mile, where surf breaks, public art, and family-friendly pools line the Indian Ocean.

Visit dramatic coastal viewpoints

Travel to Cape Point, the Cape Peninsula, or the Wild Coast to see cliffs, lighthouses, and beaches where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

Experience South Africa's way of life

Getting around
Domestic flights link Johannesburg with Cape Town and other centres, making it easy to cover long distances quickly. Well-maintained highways, car rentals, and organised tours help you explore coastal drives, wine valleys, and safari regions at your own pace.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods in Johannesburg and Cape Town host a rich mix of music venues, galleries, and creative studios. You will notice strong regional identities, from Cape heritage districts to townships and rural communities, all with their own traditions, crafts, and celebrations.

Where to unwind
You can slow down in the Cape's vineyards, at Indian Ocean beaches, or in mountain lodges overlooking valleys and fynbos. Many game reserves offer peaceful stays where you can relax between drives, listen to wildlife at night, and enjoy wide, starry skies.

A taste of South Africa

National dishes & specialties
Across South Africa you can try grilled meats, stews, and baked treats that reflect local produce and long-standing cooking traditions. Different regions add their own influence, from Cape flavours to hearty highveld favourites.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town, you will find easygoing cafés, food halls, and contemporary bistros. Menus often mix local ingredients with global ideas, and you can sample regional styles in everything from small eateries to relaxed hotel restaurants.

Signature & scenic dining
Many visitors seek out vineyard restaurants, clifftop venues, or ocean-view terraces for memorable meals. In both major cities and countryside settings, restaurants make the most of views of mountains, skylines, or coastline to turn dinner into an occasion.

Retail therapy in South Africa

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Johannesburg and Cape Town feature large shopping centres where international labels sit alongside local brands. These lifestyle hubs often combine retail, cinemas, and dining in one place, making them convenient stops during your stay.

Markets & local crafts
You can browse for textiles, beadwork, and design pieces at markets and craft centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Smaller towns in the winelands and along the Garden Route also showcase handmade goods from local artisans.

Evening retail scene
In major cities, selected malls, street markets, and mixed-use districts stay lively into the evening. You will find illuminated promenades, pop-up stalls, and night-time events, especially over weekends and holidays.

Best time to visit South Africa

Summer (peak season)
From November to February, many parts of South Africa are warm to hot, averaging around 20–30°C (68–86°F). Coastal areas are popular for beach holidays, while some inland regions can experience afternoon thunderstorms.

Shoulder seasons (shoulder season)
March to May and September to October bring mild, comfortable conditions of about 15–25°C (59–77°F). These months are often favoured for sightseeing, wine country visits, and safaris, with less heat and generally good visibility.

Winter (low season)
From June to August, inland areas around Johannesburg are cool and dry, averaging 5–18°C (41–64°F), while Cape Town can be cooler and wetter. This period is often considered strong for wildlife viewing in some reserves due to thinner vegetation.

Frequently Asked Questions