South Africa offers dramatic coastlines, wildlife-rich national parks, and vibrant cities, all in one journey. You can experience nature, history, and contemporary culture in a single trip.
Discover South Africa
Discover South Africa
Why visit South Africa?
What to expect
From Cape Town’s ocean-framed peaks to Johannesburg’s urban energy, each region has a distinct character. Expect a mix of coastal escapes, wine country, highveld landscapes, and lively town and city centres.
Plan your trip
Use Cape Town and Johannesburg as gateways to the wider country, from safari reserves to the Garden Route. Combine a city stay with road trips or internal flights to make the most of your time.
Top experiences in South Africa
Take in Cape Town’s Table Mountain views
Ride the cableway or hike for sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, city bowl, and peninsula from the top of Table Mountain.
Explore Cape Town’s historic waterfront
Stroll the V and A Waterfront for harbourside walks, galleries, and attractions set against a backdrop of working docks and mountain scenery.
Discover Johannesburg’s art and neighbourhoods
Spend time in creative districts such as Maboneng and Braamfontein, where galleries, street art, and design spaces showcase the city’s modern pulse.
Drive South Africa’s coastal routes
Use Cape Town as a starting point for road trips along the western coastline or towards the famed Garden Route, stopping at small seaside towns along the way.
Visit wildlife reserves from Johannesburg
Join guided trips from Johannesburg to nearby reserves and parks, where you can experience South Africa’s wildlife and wide-open landscapes.
Experience South Africa’s way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Cape Town, Johannesburg, and other major centres, helping you cover long distances quickly. Within cities, metred taxis, ride-hailing services, and guided tours are common ways to explore key districts and sights.
Local life and culture
You will find a blend of languages, music, and art scenes, from Cape Town’s coastal neighbourhoods to Johannesburg’s inner-city hubs. Museums, theatres, and community-led cultural spaces reveal South Africa’s layered stories.
Where to unwind
Relax on sandy beaches around Cape Town, or escape to wine country for quiet vineyards and mountain views. Near Johannesburg, botanical gardens and countryside retreats offer peaceful green spaces away from the city streets.
A taste of South Africa
National dishes and specialties
Look for South African staples such as grilled meats, stews, and baked treats, often rooted in family and regional traditions. Cape Town and Johannesburg both showcase the country’s classic flavours and updated interpretations.
Casual and modern dining hubs
In Cape Town and Johannesburg you will find everything from relaxed cafes and neighbourhood eateries to contemporary bistros, reflecting influences from across Africa and beyond. Food halls and mixed-use precincts make it easy to try different styles in one place.
Signature and scenic dining
Choose restaurants with views of Table Mountain or the Atlantic shoreline in Cape Town, or elevated city views in Johannesburg. Wine estates and countryside venues add vineyard and mountain backdrops to long, lingering meals.
Retail therapy in South Africa
Malls and lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in Cape Town and Johannesburg bring together international labels, local designers, and dining in one place. Many are part of lifestyle precincts that blend retail with entertainment and workspaces.
Markets and local crafts
Browse markets and craft hubs in Cape Town and Johannesburg for handmade textiles, art, and design pieces. Coastal and countryside regions also offer small studios and farm stalls selling locally produced goods.
Evening retail scene
In major cities, select malls, street-side boutiques, and markets open into the evening, pairing shopping with live music or dining. Illuminated promenades and mixed-use districts create a relaxed atmosphere after dark.
Best time to visit South Africa
Summer (November to March, peak season) brings warm to hot conditions, with coastal areas like Cape Town averaging around 20–27°C (68–81°F) and inland cities such as Johannesburg often reaching 25–28°C (77–82°F). Autumn and spring (April to May and September to October, shoulder season) are generally mild and pleasant across much of the country, with temperatures around 15–24°C (59–75°F). Winter (June to August, low season) is cooler, with Cape Town averaging about 7–18°C (45–64°F) and Johannesburg around 4–18°C (39–64°F), and this period can be popular for certain wildlife experiences.