Discover the top five ways to see South Africa in all its splendour. Whether you prefer indulgent travel, balanced itineraries, or active adventure, there’s an unforgettable option for you.
Best Ways to See South Africa
Driving the Garden Route
Renowned as South Africa’s ultimate road trip, the Garden Route showcases all the highlights of this diverse country, from amazing wildlife to glorious coastline. It runs for 185 miles from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, a key heritage site with sweeping golden bays, to Storms River in the Eastern Cape, a premier eco-tourism destination within Tsitsikamma National Park where the river meets the Indian Ocean.
The full journey can take anywhere between 3 and 10 days, depending on your mode of transport – there’s the option for guided tours or even cycling the roads – and how much you want to do along the way. Adventure enthusiasts will love the chance to do kayaking and longer hikes en route.
Traveling by Train
There are few things as idyllic as travelling through some of the world’s most celebrated scenery by train. You can sit back and soak it all in while remaining at the heart of local culture.
South Africa boasts one of the most revered luxury rail journeys in the world, from the fair Cape to the administrative capital Pretoria, aboard the indulgent Rovos Rail. Starting in the Cape Winelands, slide past terraced vineyards and through the vast Karoo desert to historic Kimberley and the broad grasslands of Highveld, over 2,000 metres above sea level.
Spotting the Big Five
When you think of South Africa, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s the wildlife, and Kruger National Park is undoubtedly the best destination. For one thing, it’s one of the few places in Africa where you can see the Big Five – lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant, and buffalo. For another, it’s a flagship for conservation on the continent, spanning almost 20,000 square kilometres to provide a safe home for hundreds of species of animals and plants across 16 distinct habitats.
Guided jeep safaris are the best way to traverse this sprawling park, led by local spotters with an intimate knowledge of the area and animal tracking. You can also explore some areas on foot, a wonderful way to spot some of the 507 species of birds that have been recorded here.
Walking in the National Parks
Prefer being active during your holidays? A guided circular walking tour beginning and ending in Johannesburg will take you to some of the country’s most awe-inspiring wonders, from the San rock art in the Royal Natal National Park to Tugela Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the world.
Most walking itineraries balance full-day hikes with more opportunities for outdoor adventure amongst South Africa’s unforgettable wildlife, including river cruises and game walks. UNESCO-recognised iSimangaliso Wetland Park in coastal St Lucia is a special spot, providing the chance to see everything from hippos and crocodiles to vast flocks of vivid flamingos.
Exploring the Winelands
If you want to explore South Africa at a slower pace, the classic Cape Town and vineyards combination is the superlative option.
South Africa’s capital is an astounding balance of natural beauty and urban culture, with iconic sites ranging from Table Mountain and Lion’s Head to Robben Island and the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Travelers of all ages will delight in seeing the Boulders Beach penguins! Less than an hour east of the city, you’ll find Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second-oldest town and gateway to the Cape Winelands and the mountainous nature reserves of Jonkershoek and Simonsberg.