Flights from Cairns (CNS) to South Africa

Discover South Africa

Discover South Africa

Why visit South Africa?

South Africa offers dramatic coastlines, rich wildlife, and vibrant cities, all shaped by diverse cultures and deep history.

What to expect

Explore Cape Town’s mountains and beaches, Johannesburg’s urban energy, world-renowned game reserves, and wine routes that wind through scenic valleys.

Plan your trip

Combine city stays with safaris, coastal drives, or vineyard escapes, and use South Africa as a springboard to discover the wider southern African region.

Top experiences in South Africa

Ride the cableway up Table Mountain

Catch the rotating cable car to the summit of Table Mountain for sweeping views over Cape Town, the peninsula, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Go on a Big Five safari

Join guided game drives in reserves such as Kruger National Park or private lodges to spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo in their natural habitat.

Explore the Cape Winelands

Spend a day in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek sampling award-winning wines, walking historic streets, and admiring mountain-ringed vineyards.

Drive Chapman’s Peak and the Cape Peninsula

Follow one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, stopping at lookouts, penguin colonies, and Cape Point for ocean vistas.

Discover Johannesburg’s cultural districts

Visit neighbourhoods like Maboneng and Newtown for galleries, street art, live music, and a contemporary view of South African creativity.

Tour Robben Island

Take a ferry from Cape Town to Robben Island to learn about the country’s journey to democracy and see historic prison sites with expert guides.

Relax on South Africa’s beaches

Unwind on the sands of Camps Bay, Clifton, or the False Bay coastline, where mountains meet the sea under wide African skies.

Follow the Garden Route

Travel the Garden Route to discover forests, lagoons, seaside towns, and adventure activities like hiking, kayaking, and whale watching in season.

Experience South Africa’s way of life

Getting around

Use domestic flights to cover long distances between cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, and combine this with guided transfers, car hire, or organised tours for visiting game reserves and coastal regions.

Local life & culture

You will find a mix of languages, music, and arts, from energetic townships and creative inner-city districts to coastal communities with a slower pace and strong connection to the outdoors.

Where to unwind

Choose from coastal retreats along the Western Cape, tranquil lodges on private game reserves, and mountain escapes offering hiking trails, spa treatments, and star-filled night skies.

A taste of South Africa

National dishes & specialties

Look for classics such as braai (barbecue), Cape Malay curries, biltong, and hearty stews, with the Western Cape and Johannesburg offering especially rich regional variations.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Cape Town and Johannesburg host relaxed bistros, food halls, and neighbourhood eateries where you can sample everything from local comfort food to contemporary global flavours.

Signature & scenic dining

Dine at vineyard estates in the Winelands, enjoy ocean-view restaurants along the Atlantic Seaboard, or book chef-driven tasting menus that showcase South African ingredients with modern techniques.

Retail therapy in South Africa

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Find large malls and lifestyle precincts in Johannesburg and Cape Town, where international labels sit alongside local designers, homeware, and lifestyle boutiques.

Markets & local crafts

Browse craft markets and design collectives in Cape Town, the Winelands, and Johannesburg for handmade textiles, beadwork, ceramics, and art pieces to take home.

Evening retail scene

In major cities, some shopping districts and markets extend into the evening, with illuminated streets, live entertainment, and pop-up stalls adding to the atmosphere.

Best time to visit South Africa

South Africa spans several climate zones, so conditions vary by region. Summer (November to March, peak season) brings warm to hot weather, especially in Johannesburg and much of the interior, with average temperatures around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Coastal Cape Town experiences dry, warm days, making this a popular time for beaches and the Garden Route. Autumn and spring (April to May and September to October, shoulder season) are generally mild, with many regions seeing pleasant days around 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F), fewer crowds, and good conditions for city breaks and safaris. Winter (June to August, low season) is cooler, with Johannesburg averaging 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) and Cape Town around 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F), bringing green landscapes to many safari areas and occasional rain and cooler nights in the south-west.

Frequently Asked Questions