Flights from Darwin (DRW) to South Africa

Discover South Africa

Discover South Africa

Why visit South Africa?
South Africa offers dramatic coastlines, wildlife-rich savannahs, and cosmopolitan cities, all within one diverse country. You can move from ocean panoramas to wine valleys and vibrant urban neighbourhoods in a single trip.

What to expect
You will find iconic regions such as Cape Town and the Western Cape, the highveld city of Johannesburg, and famous reserves and parks. Each region has its own pace, landscapes, and blend of cultures, from coastal towns to inland plateaus.

Plan your trip
You can combine cities, safaris, and coastal drives in one itinerary, using major hubs as your base. South Africa also serves as a convenient gateway for onward travel in southern Africa, whether you head to neighbouring countries or extend your coastal journey.

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 waterfront.

Discover the Cape Winelands

Visit vineyard towns such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for cellar tours, tastings, and mountain-framed countryside.

Experience Johannesburg's urban energy

Explore Johannesburg's art districts, museums, and regenerated neighbourhoods that showcase the city’s creative spirit.

Go on a South African safari

Join guided game drives in renowned reserves to look for lions, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Drive the coastal routes

Follow scenic coastal roads near Cape Town and beyond, stopping at beaches, lookout points, and small seaside towns.

Visit Robben Island

Take a ferry from Cape Town to tour Robben Island, learning about its layered history and coastal setting.

Walk the waterfronts

Stroll lively harbourside precincts where you can enjoy ocean views, street performances, and relaxed outdoor spaces.

Experience South Africa's way of life

Getting around
You can connect South Africa's main cities with domestic flights, especially between Cape Town and Johannesburg. In and around the cities, road trips, rideshares, and guided transfers help you explore nearby coasts, winelands, and countryside at your own pace.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods in cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town blend historic architecture with contemporary art, music, and street life. You will notice strong community ties, outdoor social spaces, and regional accents that reflect many different cultural influences.

Where to unwind
South Africa gives you many ways to slow down, from beaches and coastal promenades to quiet hiking trails in mountain reserves. Wine estates, botanical gardens, and scenic viewpoints invite you to linger, breathe deeply, and take in wide open landscapes.

A taste of South Africa

National dishes & specialties
Across South Africa you can find grilled meats, comforting stews, and dishes cooked over open coals that reflect local traditions. Different regions add their own flavours, from the Cape's spice influences to hearty food on the highveld.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Cape Town and Johannesburg offer laid-back cafés, bakeries, and neighbourhood eateries serving everything from local favourites to global classics. Food halls and mixed-use districts bring together quick bites, family-friendly spots, and contemporary restaurants in one place.

Signature & scenic dining
You can enjoy memorable meals at wine estates, cliffside venues, and city restaurants with dramatic skyline or mountain views. Tasting menus, chef-led kitchens, and vineyard dining experiences make lingering over a long lunch or dinner especially rewarding.

Retail therapy in South Africa

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town feature large shopping centres that combine international brands, local labels, and entertainment. Many of these precincts are designed as lifestyle hubs, with restaurants, cinemas, and outdoor terraces alongside retail.

Markets & local crafts
You can browse markets and creative districts for handmade crafts, art, and textiles that reflect South Africa's varied regions. Cape Town, Johannesburg, and smaller coastal or inland towns often host weekend markets where local makers showcase their work.

Evening retail scene
In key urban areas, shopping streets and entertainment districts stay lively into the evening, with illuminated storefronts and relaxed cafés. Some markets and mixed-use precincts offer extended hours, creating a sociable atmosphere after dark.

Best time to visit South Africa

Peak season: December to February brings warm summer weather, with average temperatures around 20–30°C (68–86°F) in many regions, especially along the coast and in major cities.

Shoulder season: March to May and September to November offer mild, comfortable conditions between roughly 15–25°C (59–77°F), ideal for sightseeing, road trips, and mixed city-and-nature itineraries.

Low season: June to August is cooler, with averages around 10–20°C (50–68°F), bringing winter rainfall to some coastal areas and clearer, crisp days inland that can suit wildlife viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions