Curving around Africa’s southernmost tip, South Africa’s rugged coastlines are lapped by the balmy Indian Ocean to the east and the cooler Atlantic to the west. Between them, some 1.2 million square kilometres of diverse terrain sets the stage for every kind of experience – from the critter-filled bushveld of Kruger National Park to the wild Whale Coast of the Western Cape, with vibrant cities, vineyards, natural wonders and culinary hotspots throughout. Get your bearings with this handy map.
Whether you’re seeking mountains meanders, family safaris, luxury lodges or meaningful moments that MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®, a journey through South Africa blends culture and outdoor adventure like nowhere else. So, consider this your guide to finding holiday gold in the Rainbow Nation.
Unforgettable Wildlife Experiences
South Africa’s lands, seas and skies over-deliver on the fauna front, whether you’re scanning golden grasslands for lions, watching whales leap from the deep, or tracking penguins on rocky shores.
1. Big 5 Safaris
Africa’s Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – were once targeted by hunters but now headline the country’s conservation success stories. With 19 national parks and a wide network of private game reserves, your chances of seeing them are excellent. The Greater Kruger area is the epicentre of it all, covering almost 20,000km² of protected wilderness. Within its boundaries, Kruger National Park supports more than 500 bird species and 140 types of mammal, while neighbouring reserves like Kapama, Sabi Sands and Timbavati offer off-road game drives, night safaris and lodge-based stays that combine expert guiding with laidback luxury. Near the Botswana border, Madikwe Game Reserve is best known for its African wild dogs, rhinos and elephants.
2. Marine Big 5 and Whale Watching
The Marine Big Five includes southern right whales, common dolphins, great white sharks, Cape fur seals, and African penguins – all found around the south coast. Hermanus, 120km southeast of Cape Town, is a global hotspot for whale watching, especially for southern right whales between June and November. From nearby Gansbaai, you can cruise through waters patrolled by great white sharks, dolphins and Cape fur seals. And at Boulders Beach, a breeding colony of around 3,000 critically endangered African penguins resides in the protected coves of Table Mountain National Park.
3. Rare and Endemic Species
South Africa is one of the world’s most biologically diverse countries, boasting 21,000 plant species and more than 67,000 types of fauna. The Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has 9,000 plant species and more than half of them are endemic – including proteas, ericas, and restios. In the Cederbergs, the elusive Cape mountain leopard roams, while critically endangered black rhinos and cheetahs thrive in well-managed reserves around the country.
Big Five safari experiences in a private reserve are just one highlight of our Makutsi Classic journey.
Stunning Natural Scenery
From cloud-piercing peaks to vast plains touching the horizon, South Africa’s wonder-filled landscapes are both diverse and photogenic.
4. Beaches and Coastlines
Stretching some 3,000km from Namibia on the west coast to Mozambique on the east, South Africa’s coastline is dotted with highlights. At its most southerly point, Cape Agulhas marks the official meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans – and the end of the African continent – with a windswept shoreline and a 19th century lighthouse. Around nearby Cape Town, top beaches include Camps Bay, Clifton and Muizenberg.
In the east, Durban’s warm Indian Ocean beaches attract swimmers and surfers year-round, and the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a wildlife hotspot with a wide variety of beaches, estuaries, coral reefs and freshwater lakes.
5. Mountains and Hiking Trails
South Africa’s topography is defined by its dramatic ranges. The World Heritage-listed Drakensberg Mountains ‘Dragon Mountains’ in Afrikaans, or uKhahlamba, ‘Barrier of Spears’ in Zulu – stretch 1,125km from the Eastern Cape through KwaZulu-Natal and into Lesotho. They’re home to southern Africa’s highest peak, the 3,482m Thabana Ntlenyana, along with excellent walking trails. In the Western Cape, 1,086m Table Mountain rises above Cape Town, where the Hoerikwaggo Trail offers hikers diverse flora and fauna enroute to the summit. Other notable hiking hotspots include the Cederberg Mountains north of Cape Town, known for their sculpted sandstone formations and ancient San rock art, and the Outeniqua Mountains along the Garden Route, where trails weave through indigenous forest.
6. Garden Route and Scenic Drives
The Garden Route is a 300km stretch along South Africa’s southeastern coast. Key towns along the journey include Knysna, renowned for its lagoon and annual oyster festivals; Plettenberg Bay, with pristine beaches and abundant marine life; and Wilderness, home to serene lakes and wetlands. The 160km Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is also well worth the road trip, offering natural highlights like the God’s Window viewpoint and the verdant Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world. And near Cape Town, the short but showstopping Chapman’s Peak Drive runs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, renowned for its 114 dramatic bends, coastal cliffs and ocean vistas.
7. Natural Wonders
Unique formations are also a highlight here. In Mpumalanga, the Bourke’s Luck Potholes are cylindrical sandstone-bedrock structures formed by centuries of water erosion. Nearby, the Three Rondavels are towering shale and quartzite rock formations that resemble traditional African huts, carved by the elements. And in the Royal Natal National Park, Tugela Falls has five distinct tiers and plunges 948m, making it one of the world’s tallest waterfalls.
Rich Cultural and Historical Heritage
Built on resilience and reinvention, South Africa’s often called the Rainbow Nation – a phrase coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu to describe the country’s post-apartheid unity – and its warm, inclusive spirit welcomes travellers from far and wide.
8. Indigenous and Local Cultures
Home to 11 official languages, South Africa’s rich cultural tapestry is woven from thousands of years of Indigenous knowledge and generations of migration. The Khoe and San peoples, among the oldest continuous cultures on Earth, lived here long before Dutch settlers arrived in 1652. Today, their legacy lives on through storytelling, rock art and traditional skills still practised in parts of the Northern Cape and the Cederberg Mountains.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Zulu customs thrive in everything from authentic cultural experiences to standout galleries. Elsewhere, the Indigenous rhythms of the Sotho, Tswana, Xhosa, Ndebele and Venda pulse through language, food, clothing and festivals. Layered over this are the influences of Dutch and French settlers, enslaved Southeast Asians brought to the Cape by the Dutch East India Company (whose descendants form today’s Cape Malay community), Indian labourers and traders, and more recent arrivals who’ve helped shape Durban and Cape Town into multicultural must-visits.
9. Fascinating History of Johannesburg and Beyond
There’s no better place to trace South Africa’s modern history than Johannesburg. This former gold rush frontier town became the nerve centre of anti-apartheid activism, shaped by figures like Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu in the township of Soweto. Visiting Vilakazi Street – where both Nobel Peace Prize laureates once lived – offers a direct connection to their legacy. Just blocks away, the Hector Pieterson Museum commemorates the Soweto Uprising of 1976 which changed the course of history. And in Ormonde, the Apartheid Museum presents a powerful account of the segregation era through immersive exhibits.
10. Local Hospitality and Friendly People
South Africans love a good kuier – an Afrikaans word for an informal gathering where stories flow as freely as the drinks. The braai (barbecue) is often the centrepiece of these get-togethers, bringing people together in backyards, beaches and game reserves.
In the bush, the boma – an outdoor dining area centred on a roaring firepit – is the heart of evening entertainment, as guides, guests and locals come together to swap stories and share a good feed.
Markets are another social cornerstone, connecting communities through food, design and music. Cape Town’s Oranjezicht City Farm Market draws thousands each weekend to the buzzing V&A Waterfront, supporting local farmers and artisans. In Johannesburg, the Rosebank Sunday Market hums with live tunes, car-boot stalls and street food, while Durban’s Victoria Street Market invites the community together for handmade wares, fresh produce and street snacks in a celebration of culture, creativity and spice.
Our 12-day Authentic Southern Africa holiday features standout safaris in private game reserves, immersive community experiences, and more.
Food, Wine, and Unique Stays
You can taste South Africa’s diversity in every bite and sip and enjoy its famous hospitality everywhere from luxury glampsites to unique suites perched over wild rivers.
11. World-Class Cuisine
South African food reflects the nation’s layered identity, blending Indigenous traditions with Dutch, Malay, Indian and French influences, all brought to life with fresh, seasonal ingredients and subtle spice. Order a bobotie – often considered the national dish, it’s a fragrant baked mince curry topped with a savoury custard. Also try bunny chow – a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry – which originated in Durban’s Indian community. You’ll also come across chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish served with pap, a maize-based porridge. Meanwhile braais are cultural mainstays and sizzle everything from boerewors (sausages) to beef, chicken and game meats like kudu and ostrich. Wherever you go you’ll find a feast of flavours, but keep an eye out for Cape Town’s Bree Street and V&A Waterfront precincts, Johannesburg’s Maboneng and Rosebank districts, and Durban’s Florida Road.
12. South African Wines and Vineyards
South Africa has 23 wine-producing districts and more than 90,000ha under vine. Most are found in the Cape Winelands region, a cork’s throw from Cape Town and revered for its quaint towns, French-influenced architecture, spectacular mountain ranges and lush valleys. The three best-known regions – Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl – offer cellar-door tastings, fine dining and sweeping views, and together, they’re one of the world’s best wine regions for a gourmet holiday.
13. Luxury Lodges
South Africa’s luxury lodges offer exclusivity in striking locations and all the thoughtful extras – whether that’s a heated plunge pool overlooking a critter-filled savannah or a spa treatment rooted in Indigenous botanicals – and you’ll find stellar options throughout the country. In Limpopo’s Kapama Private Game Reserve, both the Kapama River Lodge and the tented Kapama Buffalo Camp offer exceptional safari experiences with five-star comfort. In the Madikwe region, Madikwe Safari Lodge is known for its spectacular waterhole, conservation projects and expert trackers. On the Western Cape coast, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve combines coastal fynbos, marine life and sustainability in plush style. And The Oyster Box Hotel, near Durban, is a coastal icon with famous service and historic charm just steps from the Indian Ocean.
14. Train Journeys
Riding the rails in South Africa is all about slowing down to soak up its ever-changing, always surprising perspectives. The Rovos Rail journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria covers roughly 1,600km over four days and three nights, passing through Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. Highlights include Hwange National Park, the baobab-dotted Limpopo Valley, and vintage carriages restored to 1920s opulence. The Blue Train is another exceptional option, travelling 1,600km between Cape Town and Pretoria with suites, butler service and fine-dining as standard. But not all trains need to move to move you. In Kruger National Park, Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge – is a boutique hotel set in reimagined vintage carriages parked above the Sabie River. From your room, you can spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles and even big cats as they pass below.
Our 12-day Rivers, Rail & Waterfalls journey combines luxury train travel, thrilling safaris and water-based adventures for a uniquely African experience.
Adventures for All Types of Travellers
From sky-high thrills to laidback nature walks, this nationwide treasure trove offers every adventure under the African sun.
15. Outdoor and Adrenaline Activities
Whether you’re chasing endorphins or peaceful wilderness walks, South Africa has stellar opportunities for every adventurer. For a high-octane cultural experience, try the bungee jump at Soweto Towers, where you can dive 100m into the open air from two repurposed cooling towers in Johannesburg’s historic township. Guided quad-bike experiences power through the Atlantis Dunes, near Cape Town, while mountain-bikers can test their grit on the challenging trails of the Cederberg Mountains, where rock-climbing is also popular.
For water-based adventures, Sodwana Bay in iSimangaliso Wetland Park along the KwaZulu-Natal coast is a standout for scuba diving, home to more than 1,200 species of fish. White-water rafting on the Ash River near Clarens delivers wet-and-wild action in a scenic alpine setting, while kayaking tours in Tsitsikamma National Park glide between forested cliffs and marine sanctuaries.
Back on land, walking safaris in private game reserves are a slower-paced highlight, guided by armed rangers who track wildlife in real time. Prefer an even gentler adventure? Take your safari sky high with a hot-air balloon tour over the Pilanesberg for a bird’s-eye view of the bushveld.
16. Family-Friendly Safaris and Escapes
This vast country’s blend of nature and culture makes it an excellent choice for families, offering something unique, intriguing and fun for all ages. Many private game reserves offer special kids’ programs, too; for example, Kapama has hands-on tracking lessons, junior ranger activities, guided bush walks for teens, and creative sessions like plaster casting animal footprints. In Cape Town, the Table Mountain cable car, easy hiking trails and V&A Waterfront attractions cater to all ages, while boat cruises to spot penguins, fur seals and seabirds take your safari to the sea. For more child-friendly activities across South Africa, check out our story, 5 Places For A Family Adventure.
17. Sustainable and Responsible Tourism
South Africa is a leader in conservation, with numerous reserves working to protect endangered species like rhinos, cheetahs and elephants. At Kapama and Madikwe private game reserves, for example, you may have the chance to take part in anti-poaching and rhino tagging activities led by expert teams. Many bush lodges are also pioneers in sustainability, reducing their environmental footprint through solar power, water recycling systems, plastic-free operations and the use of fresh, seasonal local produce. Near Cape Town, Grootbos sets the benchmark: carbon negative since 2018, it’s celebrated for its large-scale reforestation and award-winning community development programs. By staying at these eco-conscious properties and supporting their active conservation efforts, you can MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® just by checking in.
Practical Reasons to Visit
South Africa is kind to your wallet, simple to get around, and turns on the sunshine all year round.
18. Great Value for Money
Travelling in South Africa means top value for Australian and Kiwi visitors, thanks in part to a favourable exchange rate. While rates fluctuate, the Rand (ZAR) often sits between R11.50 and R13.50 to AU$1, making luxury accommodation, dining and private tours surprisingly affordable. Safaris are typically booked as packages, with most lodges including accommodation, meals, and daily game drives, though optional extras like guided bushwalks or spa treatments will come at an additional cost.
19. Easy Travel and Infrastructure
South Africa is a breeze to explore by air, road and rail. The country is served by 10 major international airports and more than 90 regional airfields, with many remote lodges offering private airstrip access for direct transfers. A well-maintained network of tarred roads – including the N1, N2 and N3 national highways – connects all major cities and regions, although gravel roads are common in rural areas. For rail travel, luxury services like Rovos Rail and the Blue Train offer multi-day journeys through iconic landscapes in exceptional comfort, complete with fine-dining, private suites and off-train excursions.
20. Year-Round Destination
South Africa’s climate is varied but generally mild, and quite similar to southern Australia’s. Summer (December to February) is hot across the country, averaging 28-32°C inland and slightly cooler along the coast, with afternoon thunderstorms common in the north. Autumn (March to May) brings warm, dry days with clear skies and cooling nights. Winter (June to August) is dry and crisp in the north while Cape Town and the south coast are cooler and wetter, with temperatures around 15-20°C. Spring (September to November) is mild, with wildflower blooms in the west and rising temperatures nationwide. Keen to dive in? Sea temperatures average 21-24°C on the east coast near Durban, offering near year-round swimming, while in Cape Town you’ll probably want a wetsuit as the water is significantly brisker, averaging 13-17°C annually.
Final Thoughts: Why South Africa Should Be Your Next Trip
We’ve shared 20 reasons here, but the truth is, you’ll find thousands more of your own – in its staggering menagerie of wildlife, one-of-a-kind adventure activities, dramatic landscapes, buzzing cities, and in the vibrant communities that welcome you with open arms. This iconic destination is easy to reach, affordable to explore, and rich in experiences – and it’ll have you planning your next trip back, ASAP.