SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is a true country of contrasts. With such varied landscapes and a range of activities to suit everyone, it’s no surprise South Africa has earned itself the nickname “A World In One Country.”

Where else in the world can you explore rugged coastline, sandy beaches, spectacular mountains, hundreds of vineyards, world class golf courses, a big 5 safari, whale watching, some of the worlds top restaurants and vibrant city nightlife all within the borders of one country.

Add to the mix the fascinating combination of cultures, languages and its rich if somewhat chequered history and it is easy to see why visitors flock to South Africa often returning year after year.

WHERE TO GO

So where do you start when it comes to planning your South Africa trip?

Realistically there is too much to see on just one visit, so it’s important to have a clear idea as to what your must see’s are.

Cape Town

Most people start in Cape Town as their first stop off point and then build their trip from there. Cape Town is home to Table Mountain, Robben Island and a good base for day trips to Cape Point, Winelands and Whale Coast if you would rather not move around too much.

Easy to navigate and driving on the same side of the road as the UK, means that the majority of visitors self drive. It allows for flexibility, value and is a great way to explore the tourist highlights as well as getting off the beaten track.

Self Drive the Garden Route

A self Drive itinerary can be as as short or as long as you want to make it. You could leisurely work your way into the winelands, down to the coast before returning to Cape Town or if you are keen to explore the garden route, you can drive right through to Port Elizabeth and the private game reserves of the Eastern Cape beyond.

There is a good flight network between the major cities, so if driving is not your thing, or you want to combine different areas easily then linking up is very straightforward.

Safari

Geographically there are many areas that offer a safari, depending on how important this is to the whole trip. The Eastern Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal offer a good safari experience but if you want wide open spaces and a more immersive safari experience then of course Kruger National Park and the surrounding areas is a must.

KZN

Don’t overlook Kwa Zulu Natal for rural retreats, unspoilt coastline, the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains and home to the historic battlefields. If you have interest in history this region really brings the story of the Anglo – Zulu war to life.

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CAPE TOWN

Winelands

Whale Coast

Garden Route

Eastern Cape

Kruger & Surrounds

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ITINERARIES

We have a great selection of sample itineraries below that we have created to provide you with everything you need for a fantastic holiday. These itineraries can be amended to suit your requirements, please get in touch to discuss your bespoke South Africa trip

Exploring Cape Town and the Cape Winelands

Classic Cape Town and Kruger

Exploring Cape Town and the Garden Route

Romantic Cape Town escape

FEATURED CAMPS

We have the best selection of hotels, guesthouse and safari camps in South Africa to suit all of your needs and requirements. If you would like any additional information on any of these resorts & camps, please contact us directly.

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Gondwana Kwena Lodge

Last Word Franschhoek

La Residence

Birkenhead House

Spier

Garonga & Little Garonga

Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Buhala Lodge

Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge

Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa

Nottens Bush Camp

Jock Safari Lodge

Rhino Post Safari Lodge

Hillsnek Safari Camp

Kanonkop House

Abalone Guest Lodge

FEATURED CAMPS

We have the best selection of hotels, guest house and safari camps in South Africa to suit all of your needs and requirements. If you would like any additional information on any of these resorts & camps, please contact us directly.

View All Camps

WHEN TO VISIT SOUTH AFRICA

Western Cape

Climate wise the Western Cape that includes Cape Town, Winelands, Hermanus and the Garden Route through to Port Elizabeth there is a clear winter and summer season. December through to March expect hot and dry weather, getting hotter the further inland you get.

On the coast particularly closer to Cape Town a strong breeze that comes off the sea, offers respite from the summer heat but can get quite strong.

Jun-Beginning October is classed as winter, so cooler temperatures and rainfall is more likely. Although you can see some mild sunny days in between.

East Coast

Kwazulu Natal has a more temperate climate on the coast, especially the further north you head. So the temperature doesnt dip here like in the Cape. Inland however can see snowfall in the Drakensberg Mountains in winter. Oct-Apr expect hot and humid summers, with some rainfall and mild dry winters from May-Sep.

North

Kruger National Park area never really dips below low 20s in the day but expect the winter months of May-Jul to feel chilly first thing and in the evening. Dec-Feb is it’s most rainy, and heavy rainfall can affect access in some remote areas.

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CLIMATE GUIDE

There is real mix of weather depending upon where you’re looking to stay. South Africa is a huge country and rainfall and temperature as this can be quite different if you are in the Western Cape, Kwa Zulu Natal on the North East Coast or Kruger.

The below charts give a guide to the average temperature and rainfall in Cape Town for reference.

Temperatures

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun
Low (°C)	17	17	16	15	13	12
High (°C)	29	29	27	25	22	20

	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Low (°C)	11	12	13	14	15	17
High (°C)	20	20	21	24	25	27

Rainfall

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun
Avg (mm)	15	18	20	40	70	90

	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg (mm)	80	75	40	40	20	20

Currency	South African Rand
Capital City	Pretoria Administrative Cape Town Legislative Bloemfontein Judicial
Population	approx 57million
Language	11 Offical languages including English, Xhosa, Zulu, Afrikaans
Time Zone	GMT +2:00

NEED TO KNOW

When travelling anywhere new it’s good to understand a little bit more about your destination. Below are a few additional details about South Africa.

We advise all travellers to consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice for the country(s) they are thinking of visiting, prior to travel.

Currency	South African Rand
Capital City	Pretoria Administrative Cape Town Legislative Bloemfontein Judicial
Population	Approx 57million
Language	11 Official languages including English, Xhosa, Zulu and Afrikaans
Time Zone	GMT +2:00

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June 5, 2023/by Morella Velazquez