South Africa travel guides
Those who travel to South Africa are truly spoilt for choice. A holiday here can cover the scenic, patchwork vineyards of the Cape, the crashing surf of the coast, an exciting Big Five safari, and the historic Battlefields of KwaZulu Natal. With such a wealth of experiences to choose from, our South Africa travel guides are an invaluable reference for those looking to tailor their visit to specific interests. Read about our specialists’ advice whether planning your honeymoon or a self-drive tour, and start planning your own custom journey.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our South Africa specialists on 01993 838 550
Ideas for how to explore South Africa
Our travel guides share our specialists’ passion and knowledge for South Africa. We travel here regularly to discover new experiences, explore untried areas and dig deeper into the better-known places and attractions. At the same time, we gather advice and up-to-date information on the best-quality guides, new hotels and restaurants, and the most memorable forms of transportation.
Whale watching in South Africa
The annual migration of southern right whales to South Africa’s coast creates a flurry of excitement around Walker Bay, where the whales come to have their young. From boat trips to coastal walks and whale festivals, South Africa specialist Jaanki shares her whale-watching tips.
A trip of two halves: the Garden Route and Eastern Cape safari
You can take in many of South Africa’s highlights along the Garden Route, from Plettenberg Bay’s golden sands to the Tsitsikamma Forest. End with a Big Five safari in the Eastern Cape. South Africa specialist Cara outlines things to see and do along the route.
South Africa safaris: our guide to the parks & reserves
South Africa offers some of the continent's premier wildlife destinations, such as the private reserves of the famous Greater Kruger Park. The country is also home to the largest number of places where you have an opportunity to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo).
What to do in South Africa: our highlights
From the vibrant capital city, Cape Town, to the world-famous Kruger National Park, home of the Big Five, South Africa is a land of exciting contrasts. Our specialists can help plan your ideal first visit to this African giant.
Activity holidays in South Africa
From great white shark cage diving and whale watching, to exploring caves and a stroll around a beautiful vineyard, there's plenty our country specialists can recommend if you would like to organise a tailor-made holiday to South Africa that's full of activities.
Madikwe and the North
The swathe of country stretching from the Kruger Park in the east to the Botswana border in the west is known as Madikwe and the North. It is home to some of South Africa's most dramatic scenery, Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the remote Madikwe Game Reserve.
Grand tour of South Africa
South Africa has so many highlights that many people choose to revisit. However, if you would like to experience all of the main attractions in one trip, you can do so as part of a grand tour. Our specialists will help you make the most of your time in South Africa.
Wine regions of South Africa
Within easy driving distance of Cape Town are the valleys of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, also known as the Winelands. If you enjoy a nice Merlot or Chardonnay, our specialists can help you to plan a trip that includes a visit to this area of South Africa.
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal has many of South Africa’s greatest attractions crammed into one province: Durban, green rolling countryside, the Drakensberg Mountains and the Battlefields, an area containing legendary military sites such as Spioenkop, Blood River, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.
Luxury holidays in South Africa
South Africa can pull out all the stops for a luxury trip, and a safari’s just the start. Here, country specialist Tom shares ways to elevate your trip to the rainbow nation, from Cape Town comforts to wine tasting.
Self-driving in South Africa
With well-maintained roads and little traffic, a self-drive trip is a flexible way to explore South Africa's southern coast. Country specialist, Toby, selects his favourite drive, taking in the Garden Route, South Africa’s Winelands and finishing with time on safari.
Family holidays & safaris in South Africa
From sunny beaches to remarkable whale watching and child-friendly safaris, South Africa offers a huge variety of experiences for families of all ages. Our South Africa specialist Toby explains how to get the most of your time in the country.
Train journeys in South Africa
Watch the scenery unfold as the clackety-clack of rail tracks pass beneath you. A trip on the famous Blue Train or Rovos Rail in South Africa are two of the great train journeys of the world.
What to do in Cape Town
Cape Town is a fantastic, cosmopolitan city with a superb location under Table Mountain. Any trip to South Africa is likely to include a few days here and our specialists can advise you on the many things you can see and do in this iconic city.
The Northern Cape
The Northern Cape is the most sparsely populated province of South Africa. It encompasses Namaqualand, famous for its spring flowers; the red sand desert of the Kalahari with its black-maned lions; and the Cederberg Mountains, the last haven of the Bushmen, or San.
Honeymoons in South Africa
For intrepid couples with a sense of adventure, South Africa can be an ideal fit for a honeymoon. South Africa specialist, Toby, discusses the country’s best experiences for honeymooners, from Big Five safaris to wine tasting and scaling Table Mountain.
Wine tours of South Africa
South Africa's wine is world-renowned and there are a number of tours you can include in a tailor-made trip of South Africa that allow you to sample these tasty tipples. Our specialists are able to recommend suitable vineyards for you to explore based on your own taste.
Safaris in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area
Whether you’re on a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park or enjoying guided activities in a private reserve, South Africa’s Greater Kruger offers some of the densest wildlife populations on the continent. Safari specialist Andrew outlines your options for a Kruger safari.
Tribes of Africa
The cradle of humanity, Africa is home to some of the world's great tribal cultures. Visiting some of these will not only leave you with some indelible memories; it's also likely your presence will go toward supporting vital local community projects.
5 ways to experience The Cape region and Winelands
Hike to Table Mountain’s summit, sea kayak to see African penguins and sample the best food and drink of the Winelands with local guides. We share five of the best ways to experience South Africa’s Cape region.