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Impala with a red-billed oxpecker, Kruger National Park

South Africa travel guides

Impala with a red-billed oxpecker, Kruger National Park

Those who travel to South Africa are truly spoiled for choice. A vacation 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.

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Audley Travel specialist David

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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.

  • South Africa safaris: our guide to the parks & reserves
    A lion in the Kruger National Park

    South Africa safaris: our guide to the parks & reserves

    South Africa safaris: our guide to the parks & reserves

    Home to a star-studded cast of wildlife and some of the best parks and reserves across the continent, South Africa is the ideal destination for first-time and more experienced safari-goers alike. Specialist Chris reveals what you can do and see there.

    9 min read

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  • What to do in South Africa: our highlights
    Table Mountain South Africa

    What to do in South Africa: our highlights

    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.

    9 min read

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  • Self-driving in South Africa
    Self-driving in the Kruger National Park

    Self-driving in South Africa

    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 favorite drive, taking in the Garden Route, South Africa’s Winelands and finishing with time on safari.

    7 min read

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  • Train journeys in South Africa
    Rovos Rail

    Train journeys in South Africa

    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.

    4 min read

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  • Family vacations & safaris in South Africa
    White Rhino

    Family vacations & safaris in South Africa

    Family vacations & 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.

    8 min read

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  • Luxury vacations in South Africa
    Franschhoek, South Africa

    Luxury vacations in South Africa

    Luxury vacations 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.

    1 min read

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  • Honeymoons in South Africa
    Franschhoek, South Africa

    Honeymoons in South Africa

    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.

    8 min read

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  • A trip of two halves: the Garden Route and Eastern Cape safari
    Gorah Elephant Camp, Eastern Cape Game Areas

    A trip of two halves: the Garden Route and Eastern Cape safari

    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.

    11 min read

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  • What to do in Cape Town
    Cape Town, South Africa

    What to do in Cape Town

    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.

    3 min read

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  • 5 ways to experience The Cape region and Winelands
    Franschhoek, the Cape Winelands

    5 ways to experience The Cape region and Winelands

    5 ways to experience The Cape region and Winelands

    The Cape Region is the perfect introduction to South Africa with places such as Cape Town, the Winelands and Walker Bay, where you can see migrating whales. Equally famous is the Garden Route, a scenic stretch of coastline some 185 miles long.

    8 min read

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  • Activity vacations in South Africa
    Three Tree Hill, The Battlefields

    Activity vacations in South Africa

    Activity vacations 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 plan a tailor-made vacation to South Africa that's full of activities.

    1 min read

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  • Grand tour of South Africa
    Leopard in South Africa

    Grand tour of South Africa

    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.

    1 min read

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  • Wine tours of South Africa
    La Motte wine house in Franschhoek

    Wine tours of South Africa

    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.

    4 min read

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  • Safaris in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area
    A pride of lions in the Kruger

    Safaris in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area

    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.

    6 min read

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  • Whale watching in South Africa
    a Humpback whale, Hermanus

    Whale watching in South Africa

    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.

    10 min read

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  • Wine regions of South Africa
    Vineyards in Stellenbosch

    Wine regions of 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.

    4 min read

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  • What to do on a trip to KwaZulu-Natal (our top 5 experiences)
    Isandlwana tour from Isibindi Zulu Lodge

    What to do on a trip to KwaZulu-Natal (our top 5 experiences)

    What to do on a trip to KwaZulu-Natal (our top 5 experiences)

    In KwaZulu-Natal, you can explore the many sides of South Africa, from its military history to its wildlife-rich safari areas and pristine coastlines. Specialist Robyn shares the top five experiences you can have on a road trip around this lesser-visited province.

    8 min read

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  • 5 active experiences in South Africa
    Table Mountain, South Africa

    5 active experiences in South Africa

    5 active experiences in South Africa

    While South Africa is renowned for its food, wine, and wildlife, there’s also plenty to do if you prefer a more active trip. Our specialists share five experiences that get you moving while still enjoying.

    8 min read

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  • Madikwe and the North
    Rhino at Madikwe Game Reserve

    Madikwe and the North

    Madikwe and the North

    The swath of country stretching from the Kruger Park in the east to the Botswana border in the west is known as Madikwe & The North. It is home to some of South Africa's most dramatic scenery, Johannesburg and Pretoria and the remote Madikwe Game Reserve.

    2 min read

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  • The Northern Cape
    San Rock Art guide, Bushmans Kloof

    The Northern Cape

    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.

    1 min read

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  • Culture, history & wilderness: South Africa beyond safari and wine
    Rock formations in the Cederberg Mountains

    Culture, history & wilderness: South Africa beyond safari and wine

    Culture, history & wilderness: South Africa beyond safari and wine

    Cuisine in Cape Town, countryside walks in the Cederberg Mountains, and 19th-century history in KwaZulu-Natal — specialist Robin shares how you can explore the many sides of South Africa beyond safari and wine by delving into its culture, history, and wilderness.

    7 min read

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