South Africa offers dramatic coastlines, big-sky savannahs, and modern cities that blend African, European, and Asian influences. You can pair wildlife encounters with vibrant urban culture and coastal escapes in one trip.
Discover South Africa
Discover South Africa
Why visit South Africa?
What to expect
Expect a diverse mix of experiences, from the energy of Johannesburg to the ocean-meets-mountain scenery of Cape Town, plus world-renowned safaris and wine regions within easy reach of major cities.
Plan your trip
Use Johannesburg as a gateway to the country’s interior and neighbouring nations, and Cape Town as a base for the Western Cape, Winelands, and Garden Route, allowing you to see very different sides of South Africa in a single journey.
Top experiences in South Africa
Explore Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula
Ride the cableway or hike up Table Mountain for sweeping views, then follow the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point and Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins.
Go on a South African safari
Head from Johannesburg to iconic reserves to seek the Big Five, stay in safari lodges, and experience sunrise and sunset game drives across wide open landscapes.
Discover Cape Town’s neighbourhoods and waterfront
Stroll the V and A Waterfront, explore colourful Bo-Kaap, and wander through inner-city streets lined with galleries, design studios, and historic buildings.
Tour the Cape Winelands
Take a day trip or longer stay in vineyard towns such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, tasting regional wines against a backdrop of mountains and historic estates.
Dive into Johannesburg’s history and art
Visit major museums, explore Soweto with a local guide, and discover Johannesburg’s growing art and design districts.
Drive the Garden Route
Follow the coast east from Cape Town for beaches, forests, and coastal towns, with options for whale watching, hiking, and adventure activities along the way.
Relax on South Africa’s beaches
Choose between trendy city beaches near Cape Town, family-friendly bays along the Garden Route, and quieter stretches of coastline backed by dunes and fynbos.
Experience South Africa’s way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Johannesburg and Cape Town with other major cities and safari gateways, while well-maintained highways make self-drive trips to the Winelands and coastal regions straightforward. Guided tours and transfers are widely available from city bases.
Local life and culture
You will encounter a blend of languages, music, and traditions, from street art and live music venues in Johannesburg to creative districts and gallery hubs in Cape Town. Local festivals, craft markets, and neighbourhood tours offer insight into contemporary South African life.
Where to unwind
Relax on Atlantic and False Bay beaches, escape to tranquil wine estates surrounded by mountains, or unwind at lodges overlooking bushveld and rivers. Many city hotels also offer rooftop pools and spas for a quiet break between days of sightseeing.
A taste of South Africa
National dishes and specialties
Try South African favourites such as braai-style grilled meats, Cape Malay-inspired dishes around Cape Town, and traditional stews often found near Johannesburg. Coastal areas highlight fresh seafood, while the Winelands pair regional cuisine with local vintages.
Casual and modern dining hubs
Cape Town and Johannesburg offer relaxed bistros, cafés, and food halls that mix local flavours with global influences. You will find everything from quick street-side bites to contemporary eateries in regenerated warehouse districts and waterfront areas.
Signature and scenic dining
Book a table at restaurants set on wine estates with vineyard views, or choose city venues with mountain or skyline outlooks for sunset dinners. In safari regions, lodge dining often includes open-air settings under the stars for a memorable evening.
Retail therapy in South Africa
Malls and lifestyle hubs
Johannesburg and Cape Town feature large malls and lifestyle centres with international brands, local fashion labels, and homeware stores, often combined with cinemas, cafés, and family-friendly entertainment.
Markets and local crafts
Look for hand-crafted jewellery, textiles, and art at markets and design collectives across Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as in smaller Western Cape towns known for ceramics, leatherwork, and decor pieces.
Evening retail scene
Selected waterfront precincts and major malls in Cape Town and Johannesburg stay open into the evening, with illuminated promenades and nearby restaurants, making it easy to combine shopping, dining, and nightlife in one place.
Best time to visit South Africa
South Africa spans several climate zones, so conditions vary between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Winter (June to August) is generally cool and dry in Johannesburg, with average temperatures around 10–18°C (50–64°F), and cool with more rain in Cape Town; this is often considered low season for coastal holidays but a good time for some safari areas. Summer (December to February) is warm to hot, with Johannesburg experiencing afternoon thunderstorms and average temperatures around 17–27°C (63–81°F), while Cape Town is dry and sunny, averaging 18–27°C (64–81°F); this period is usually peak season along the coast. Spring and autumn (September to November and March to May) bring mild, comfortable temperatures of about 15–24°C (59–75°F), fewer crowds, and good conditions for city breaks, making them attractive shoulder season months.