South Africa offers dramatic coastlines, wildlife-rich reserves, and vibrant cities, all shaped by diverse cultures and languages. You can experience modern urban energy alongside vast open landscapes on a single journey.
Discover South Africa
Discover South Africa
Why visit South Africa?
What to expect
From Cape Town's ocean-backed mountains to Johannesburg's dynamic urban scene, South Africa blends outdoor adventure, heritage sites, and a thriving arts culture. Each region has its own pace, scenery, and character.
Plan your trip
Use Johannesburg as a gateway to the country and the wider region, or pair it with Cape Town for a classic twin-city journey. Combine city time with coastal drives, wine country, or time on safari.
Top experiences in South Africa
Ride the cableway up Table Mountain
Glide to the summit of Table Mountain for panoramic views over Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Cape Peninsula.
Explore the Cape Peninsula
Drive Chapman’s Peak, visit Cape Point, and meet penguins at Boulders Beach along one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes.
Discover Johannesburg’s history districts
Walk through key neighbourhoods and museums in Johannesburg to learn about South Africa’s complex past and evolving present.
Go on safari in nearby reserves
Use Johannesburg as a springboard to reach renowned game reserves and national parks for wildlife viewing and guided drives.
Taste wines in the Cape Winelands
Head from Cape Town into the surrounding valleys to visit historic wine estates set among mountains and vineyards.
Stroll Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront
Shop, dine, and relax at the harbourfront V&A Waterfront, with views of Table Mountain and easy boat access to Robben Island.
Experience South Africa’s creative scene
Browse contemporary galleries, street art, and design markets in Johannesburg and Cape Town’s revitalised inner-city districts.
Experience South Africa’s way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights connect Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other major centres efficiently, while good highways support self-drive trips between regions. In cities, use vetted taxis, ride-hailing services, and dedicated tourist buses for key sights.
Local life & culture
South Africa blends many languages, music styles, and traditions, from township street culture to coastal café life. You will find a strong emphasis on community, creativity, and sport, especially around big rugby and football events.
Where to unwind
Relax on Cape Town’s beaches, walk mountain and coastal trails, or escape to countryside guesthouses in the Winelands. Around Johannesburg, nature reserves and botanical gardens provide quiet green spaces away from the city rush.
A taste of South Africa
National dishes & specialties
Expect grilled meats, traditional stews, and Cape Malay influences, with regional specialties across Johannesburg and Cape Town. Coastal areas showcase fresh seafood, while inland regions focus on hearty, meat-forward dishes.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Food halls, café districts, and relaxed bistros are common in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, offering everything from local comfort food to global flavours. Trendy neighbourhoods feature contemporary African cuisine alongside international favourites.
Signature & scenic dining
In Cape Town and the surrounding Winelands, many restaurants pair creative menus with mountain, vineyard, or ocean views. In Johannesburg, rooftop venues and refined dining rooms offer city skylines and polished service.
Retail therapy in South Africa
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Johannesburg and Cape Town feature large malls and lifestyle centres where you can find international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining. Many complexes combine shopping with entertainment, beauty services, and family facilities.
Markets & local crafts
Look for weekend markets and craft hubs in Cape Town and Johannesburg to find beadwork, textiles, art, and handmade souvenirs. Smaller towns in the Cape Winelands and along the coast also host markets showcasing regional creativity.
Evening retail scene
Selected malls in Johannesburg and Cape Town stay open into the evening, with well-lit promenades and lively restaurant terraces. Night and twilight markets sometimes appear over weekends, adding music and street performances to the shopping mix.
Best time to visit South Africa
South Africa spans several climate zones, so conditions vary between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Summer (November to March, peak season) brings warm to hot weather, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F) inland and slightly cooler on the coast, ideal for beaches and city breaks. Autumn and spring (April to May and September to October, shoulder season) offer mild days of about 18–25°C (64–77°F), often with clearer skies and fewer crowds, suiting safaris and road trips. Winter (June to August, low season) is cooler, with Johannesburg averaging 10–18°C (50–64°F) and Cape Town around 8–18°C (46–64°F); inland regions are dry and crisp, while the Cape can be rainy but great for quieter travel.