Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to South Africa

Discover South Africa

Discover South Africa

Why visit South Africa?

South Africa brings together dramatic coastlines, wildlife-rich reserves, and energetic cities in one diverse country. You can combine safari adventures, wine country escapes, and urban culture in a single trip.

What to expect

Expect lively city life in Johannesburg, coastal charm in Cape Town, and easy access to iconic national parks and wine regions. Distances are wide, but air links and scenic drives make exploring the country straightforward.

Plan your trip

Use Cape Town and Johannesburg as gateways for journeys across South Africa and into neighbouring countries. Allow time for regional hops, whether to the bush, the Garden Route, or beyond.

Top experiences in South Africa

Ride the cableway up Table Mountain

Glide to the summit of Table Mountain for sweeping views over Cape Town, the Atlantic coastline, and the surrounding peaks.

Explore the Cape Winelands

Visit vineyard towns such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek for wine tastings, historic architecture, and mountain-backed landscapes.

Discover Johannesburg's art and heritage districts

Spend time in neighbourhoods like Maboneng and Newtown, where galleries, museums, and street art tell stories of the city's creative spirit.

Drive the Garden Route

Follow the coast from Mossel Bay towards the Eastern Cape, with stops for beaches, forest walks, and ocean viewpoints along the way.

Join a safari in a private game reserve

Head from Johannesburg or Cape Town to renowned reserves for guided game drives in search of lions, elephants, and other iconic wildlife.

Walk Cape Town's historic waterfront

Stroll the V&A Waterfront for harbour views, local design shops, and easy departures for harbour cruises and Robben Island tours.

Take in city views from Johannesburg's hilltops

Look out over the skyline from viewpoints and rooftop spaces that showcase the scale and energy of South Africa's largest city.

Experience South Africa's way of life

Getting around

For longer distances, domestic flights link Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other major cities efficiently. In popular regions such as the Cape and the Garden Route, self-drive itineraries and guided transfers give you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Local life & culture

South Africa's cities blend many languages, music styles, and creative scenes, from galleries and live performance venues to township cultural tours. You will find a relaxed yet vibrant rhythm, with friendly locals and a strong sense of place in each region.

Where to unwind

Unwind on Atlantic and Indian Ocean beaches, in tranquil wine estates, or at lodges set within game reserves and mountain landscapes. Wellness retreats and spa hotels in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and resort areas offer quiet spaces between days of exploring.

A taste of South Africa

National dishes & specialties

Look out for specialties such as braai-style grilled meats, Cape Malay-inspired dishes, and traditional stews. Cape Town and Johannesburg both showcase regional flavours from across the country on their menus.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In Cape Town and Johannesburg you will find food halls, casual eateries, and neighbourhood bistros offering everything from local favourites to contemporary fusion. Smaller towns in the Winelands and along the coast add farm-to-table cafés and relaxed wine estate kitchens.

Signature & scenic dining

Dine with mountain and harbour views in Cape Town or enjoy tasting menus paired with estate wines in the Cape Winelands. In Johannesburg, rooftop restaurants and refined city venues create memorable evenings above the skyline.

Retail therapy in South Africa

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Johannesburg and Cape Town offer large malls and lifestyle centres where international brands sit alongside local labels. These hubs gather fashion, homeware, dining, and entertainment in one convenient stop.

Markets & local crafts

Browse markets and design spaces in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and the Cape Winelands for handmade jewellery, art, textiles, and decor. Many stalls and studios highlight locally sourced materials and contemporary South African design.

Evening retail scene

In the evenings, selected markets and shopping districts in Cape Town and Johannesburg stay lively with late trading, live music, and dining. Waterfront promenades and mixed-use precincts offer a relaxed atmosphere for strolling and browsing after dark.

Best time to visit South Africa

South Africa's climate varies by region, but you can think in three broad travel seasons. Peak season runs from December to February, when coastal areas such as Cape Town are warm and dry, with average temperatures around 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and long sunny days. Shoulder season spans March to May and September to November, bringing mild, often clear weather across much of the country, with averages of about 18–24 °C (64–75 °F), making it a comfortable time for both city breaks and wildlife viewing. Low season is typically June to August, when Cape Town and the south-west see cooler, wetter conditions at roughly 12–18 °C (54–64 °F), while many inland safari regions are dry and crisp, with daytime highs near 20–23 °C (68–73 °F).

Frequently Asked Questions