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Introducing South Africa

South Africa has a diversity in landscape and beauty that is as varied as the rainbow of cultures that inhabit the land. From the precipitous mountains of the Cape with its picturesque vineyards to the iconic savannahs of the Kruger National Park where lions & elephants roam, South Africa has something for everyone.
 
An extensive road and air network allow travelers to get around during their holiday easily. You can combine world-class wildlife safaris, many different African cultural experiences, beautiful and vibrant cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Durban, the vast open spaces of the Great Karoo, the warm & blue waters of the Indian Ocean with its golden beaches, and the green mountains known as the Drakensberg, famous for its vast collection of Bushman paintings.
 
South Africa serves as an important hub for the Southern African region, which means you can combine your trip with the highlights of neighboring countries, such as the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, or the Namibian desert.

Getting Around South Africa
Getting around South Africa's major cities/regions (such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Kruger Park) is typically done by flight, although self-drives around certain regions is also a popular option. Read more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

South Africa Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Spot elephants on your South African safari
Map of 10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari

This tour takes you from the sights of Cape Town to the lush Overberg, followed by an exceptional safari experience. Enjoy some of South Africa's most sought-after destinations across the diverse Western and Eastern Cape Provinces.

Bloukran's Bridge
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days

Spend 10 days taking in the Western Cape with this trip plan. You'll explore Cape Town and see Table Mountain from both a distant beach and right under your feet, sample the wines of Stellenbosch, and dive into a great white cage encounter before you hit the road on the Garden Route for canoeing, hiking, animal encounters, and more.

Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg Mountains
Map of Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days
Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days

South Africa contains multitudes—of people, landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and more. With three weeks to explore, you'll travel through the highlights of contemporary Cape Town, visit the beach towns of the Wild Coast, experience the animal attractions of Addo Elephant National Park and Kruger National Park, and traverse highs and lows from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Cango Caves. Along the way, you'll gain insight into the country's complex history and ecosystems with the help of local experts and experienced guides.

Cape Winelands
Map of Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari - 8 Days
Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari - 8 Days

Enjoy a majestic eight-day tour of Cape Town and Kruger Park Safari, two of South Africa’s top highlights. You will take in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula, Winelands, and the city of Cape Town, followed by a great safari experience in the Kruger National Park, where the iconic African wildlife roam free.

Blyde River Canyon near Graskop, South Africa
Map of South Africa, Zimbabwe, & Botswana - 14 Days
South Africa, Zimbabwe, & Botswana - 14 Days

This exciting Southern Africa itinerary offers a perfect mix of self-drive and guided tours. Start in Cape Town, where you can explore the Cape Peninsula, head to the top of Table Mountain, or sample native wines in the area's sprawling vineyards. Fly to Johannesburg for the second leg of your trip—you'll enjoy multiple safari excursions and visit magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Cape Town's affluent Clifton Beach
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Safari - 7 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Safari - 7 Days

Spend a week exploring South Africa's Cape Town and Kruger National Park. You'll begin in Cape Town, discovering its highlights and history before driving along the Atlantic and False Bay coasts to reach destinations like Chapman's Peak, Cape Point, and Boulders Penguin Colony, ending the venture with stops at a couple of world-class wineries. Next, you'll have three days to go on day and night safaris to see Big Five animals, like elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinoceros, as well as plenty of avian species.

Make the Most of Your Time in South Africa

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
See impressive Drakensberg's Amphitheatre—crescent shaped cliffs of basalt rock
How Many Days to Spend in South Africa

While 10 days is the most popular duration for kimkim travelers, two weeks is recommended for a satisfying trip to South Africa. You can venture farther outside Cape Town,...

South Africa Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Cape Town and Table Mountain from the air
Best Time of Year to Visit Cape Town

Planning your trip to Cape Town requires flipping your mental calendar, as the southern hemisphere’s seasons are a reverse of the northern hemisphere. South Africa’s hot, dry,...

Cape Wine Lands in Autumn
Best Time of Year to Visit South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination thanks to its varied landscapes—it's always sunny somewhere. No matter what season you visit, you'll find something to do: Kruger...

Dare to cross the Storms River Suspension Bridge in Tsitsikamma National Park, Garden Route, South Africa
Best Time of Year to Drive the Garden Route

Driving South Africa's famed Garden Route is suitable in any season; though there is always a chance of rain, it's never enough to discourage a road trip or adventure outdoors....

South Africa Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

South Africa Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
5.0
(9)
· Luxury
You'll find Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge in the Greater Kruger's Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. This vast, unfenced wilderness sits along the Klaserie River and offers plenty of wildlife viewing, including the Big Five. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature with authentic walking trails,...
Photo courtesy Kapama River Lodge
Kapama Game Reserve
Kapama River Lodge
5.0
(6)
· Luxury
Kapama River Lodge is a large and vibrant camp within the Kapama Private Game Reserve. This property, known for its festive and social atmosphere, is near the renowned Kruger National Park, placing you right amid picturesque wildlife and landscapes. Past kimkim travelers have enjoyed seeing...
Photo courtesy of Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Kruger National Park
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
5.0
(5)
· Luxury
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp, located in the renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, is part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. The owners named the lodge Thabamati, which means "mountain and water," as the camp overlooks the nearby dam and the Drakensberg Mountains. The...

Best Experiences in South Africa

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
On the lookout for the Big Five
Skukuza
Kruger Bush Day with Private Game Drives
5.0
(9)
Private
Embark on a thrilling adventure with two game drives at Kruger National Park, likely starting with a pickup from your Hazyview lodge. It's common to meet your expert ranger guide and explore the park in an open-top 4WD vehicle, with the possibility of spotting various bird species and possibly...
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Morning Game Drive
5.0
(8)
Small group
Embark on an early morning safari drive in an open-air vehicle with an experienced guide and explore the wilderness. During the journey, you'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including the Big Five (elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, and lions) as well as giraffes, zebras, and more,...
Hiking at the Cape of Good Hope
Simon's Town
Cape Peninsula & Penguins Excursion
4.9
(10)
8 hours
·
Private
Start your South African adventure with a convenient pick-up from your Cape Town accommodation or a designated meeting point. You can take a scenic journey to Boulders Beach, passing by notable sights like Muizenberg Beach and Simon's Town. At Boulders Beach, it's common to get acquainted with...

Our Latest South Africa Content

Cruise to Dyer Island to see the Big Five marine animals—whales, dolphins, penguins, seals, and great white sharks
Map of Journey Across South Africa: Johannesburg, Blue Train, Cape Town, Franschhoek & Hermanus - 9 Days
Journey Across South Africa: Johannesburg, Blue Train, Cape Town, Franschhoek & Hermanus - 9 Days

Explore the best that South Africa has to offer in just nine days, starting with a scenic journey aboard the luxurious Blue Train from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Once there, you'll discover the city's highlights and tour the picturesque Cape Peninsula. Then, head to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands for a curated wine-tasting tour before ending in Hermanus. This laid-back coastal town is your gateway to aquatic adventures like a boat cruise to Dyer Island or shark cage diving with great whites.

Spend four days journeying on the luxurious Rovos Rail vintage train on your way to Victoria Falls
Map of Highlights of Southern Africa: From Cape Town to Victoria Falls - 14 Days
Highlights of Southern Africa: From Cape Town to Victoria Falls - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring southern Africa, starting in Cape Town, where you'll discover landmarks like Robben Island, the Cape Peninsula, and the Cape Winelands. Then, fly to the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve for game drives and bush walks. Enjoy a scenic drive to Johannesburg before starting your three-night journey to Victoria Falls on the luxurious Rovos Rail. End your trip at a lodge on the Zambezi River, choosing from a range of activities to experience the region's rich wildlife and natural beauty.

Spend three days exploring Kruger National Park on game drives and walks
Map of South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana Adventure: Capetown, Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe - 13 Days
South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana Adventure: Capetown, Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe - 13 Days

In just under two weeks, you'll set off on a journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, blending city exploration with natural wonders. Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway in Cape Town, enjoy a wine, cheese, and chocolate tour in the Cape Winelands, and discover Kruger National Park on game drives and bush walks. Then, admire Victoria Falls from different vantage points, cruise along the Zambezi River, and search for wildlife in Chobe National Park to end your trip.

South Africa Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Guide to South Africa's Top Regions: Where to Go for Safari, Culture, Hiking, & More
Guide to South Africa's Top Regions: Where to Go for Safari, Culture, Hiking, & More
View article
Map 14 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for South Africa
Travel specialist Lize Enderstein
active 16 hours ago

Lize Enderstein

I work as a senior consultant for African Travel Gateway and have 18 years of experience in the travel industry. We plan, book and implement tailor-made holidays for our clients that fit within...

read more...
Travel specialist Esther Ruempol
active 10 mins ago

Esther Ruempol

Travelling and discovering new places is one of the things I love most in life, and the best part is to share these special places with our travellers. Our goal as a local specialist is to design...

read more...
Travel specialist Deborah Smook
active 4 days ago

Deborah Smook

I am absolutely thrilled whenever I have the opportunity to showcase my beloved country to others. It fills me with immense joy to ensure that every visitor who comes here is utterly captivated by...

read more...
Travel specialist Lucy Berndt
active 1 day ago

Lucy Berndt

Mother, wife, traveller and dreamer! Having travelled extensively throughout Southern Africa, I know the importance of logistics and selecting the right product offerings. Southern Africa...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for South Africa

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

South African Dream
South Africa | Aug 30 - Sep 6, 2025

Adriana
Adriana W.
Brookhaven, GA | Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025
Petru was amazing from beginning to end, especially when it came to tailoring the experiences to what my boyfriend and I enjoyed! All of the lodging, food, hospitality was a 10/10. South Africa was beyond our wildest dreams and we are planning on going back as soon as possible! Without Petru this trip would not have been as seamless; she was even there to assist when we had some unforeseen issues with our luggage that had nothing to do with this company. She checked in throughout the planning... Read more

Petru was amazing from beginning to end, especially when it came to tailoring the experiences to what my boyfriend and I enjoyed! All of the lodging, food, hospitality was a 10/10. South Africa was beyond our wildest dreams and we are planning on going back as soon as possible! Without Petru this trip would not have been as seamless; she was even there to assist when we had some unforeseen issues with our luggage that had nothing to do with this company. She checked in throughout the planning process, during and even after. I highly recommend her, as well as South Africa. You get the best of both worlds with the beaches, then Safari wildlife. Nothing beats the Motherland.

Local specialist: Petru van Zyl
Petru
Petru van Zyl
Local specialist in Western Cape, South Africa | Replied on Sep 12, 2025
Hi Adriana, thank you so much for your kind words!
It truly means the world to me that you had such a memorable and seamless experience. I am so happy to hear that South Africa exceeded your expectations, and it really is a magical destination with so much to offer.
It was an absolute pleasure working with you and tailoring the trip to suit your preferences.
Thank you again for your trust, your enthusiasm, and for taking the time to share your experience.
I would be honored to assist with...
Read more

Hi Adriana, thank you so much for your kind words!
It truly means the world to me that you had such a memorable and seamless experience. I am so happy to hear that South Africa exceeded your expectations, and it really is a magical destination with so much to offer.

It was an absolute pleasure working with you and tailoring the trip to suit your preferences.
Thank you again for your trust, your enthusiasm, and for taking the time to share your experience.
I would be honored to assist with your next adventure and be here whenever you are ready to start planning your return to the Motherland!
Warmest regards, Petru

Kimkim and Nokothula really came through!!
South Africa | Aug 14 - Aug 30, 2025

John
John T.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Sep 08, 2025
Nokothula did a fantastic job of designing our adventure and then assisting in ensuring it went smoothly and was most enjoyable. I can certainly say the same thing for Lucy who was always available if we had questions or issues. I can definitely recommend Kimkim to my family and friends as a trusted travel coordinator. Read more

Nokothula did a fantastic job of designing our adventure and then assisting in ensuring it went smoothly and was most enjoyable. I can certainly say the same thing for Lucy who was always available if we had questions or issues. I can definitely recommend Kimkim to my family and friends as a trusted travel coordinator.

Hotel Review
Mjejane River Lodge
Hectorspruit

Very attentive staff ensured a most enjoyable stay and our excellent game guide gave us an unforgettable wildlife experience. Highly recommend Mjejane River Lodge.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The natural scenery and wildlife right on the Lodge's grounds were outstanding.
Staff
Very attentive care to our needs. Cannot say too much about the staff and their service!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
A Day on Safari
A Day on Safari
South Africa

Amazing wildlife experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staff and guide were excellent!
Transport
Local specialist: Nokuthula Khumalo
Nokuthula
Nokuthula Khumalo
Local specialist in Gauteng | Replied on Sep 09, 2025

Thank you, John and Tamar, for your kind words! I’m so glad you had such a memorable time in South Africa and that everything ran smoothly. It was a real pleasure planning your trip, and I’m delighted Mjejane River Lodge and the safari left such lasting impressions. We’d love to welcome you back anytime for more adventures!

Warm regards,
Nokuthula & Lucy

Absolutely Magical!
South Africa | Aug 14 - Aug 26, 2025

Meghan
Meghan D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 02, 2025
From the moment I hit "send" to be connected with an agent to touching back down at home, this entire experience went above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Working with Janneke and Anna Marie helped put me at so much ease and they had so much patience with me when I asked a thousand questions about the process. We didn't really know what to expect from visiting South Africa and Zimbabwe and since we've been home we've been recommending this trip to everyone we know. Thank... Read more

From the moment I hit "send" to be connected with an agent to touching back down at home, this entire experience went above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Working with Janneke and Anna Marie helped put me at so much ease and they had so much patience with me when I asked a thousand questions about the process. We didn't really know what to expect from visiting South Africa and Zimbabwe and since we've been home we've been recommending this trip to everyone we know. Thank you SO much Janneke and Anna Marie for giving us the experience of a lifetime!

Hotel Reviews
Pioneers Lodge Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls,

We loved Pioneers and we know if we ever get to go back to Zimbabwe, we would absolutely stay here again and bring the kids. The room was great, the grounds are gorgeous and well cared for, the food was delicious and the staff were really friendly and helpful (especially with a luggage issue we had to deal with). I would definitely stay here again and recommend it to everyone.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bambuu Lakeside Lodge
Hazyview

This hotel was fine for our one night stay. The food was ok but the room was lovely and the staff were very kind.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Walkers Plains Camp
South Africa

The absolute best. We absolutely loved this hotel and everything about it. The private deck and pool were perfect places to wind down in between drives. The hotel staff were amazing and we can't say enough positive things about our guide and tracker Tristan and Chris. They were so funny and smart and really got to know us to make the game drives as meaningful and memorable as possible. I would absolutely recommend this hotel to anyone and everyone. We wish we could have stayed longer!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport
Johannesburg

We only stayed here for a night but the room service food was fantastic and the staff were so kind and helpful in getting us to the airport the next morning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rovos Rail
Foreshore

We absolutely loved this experience. The staff goes above and beyond to make you feel at home and cared for. The ride was smooth and staff made sure that our room was as comfortable for us as it could be. We also loved the excursions that Rovos offered and loved the opportunity to learn about the people and culture around us. Once we learned about Rovos, it became a non-negotiable part of the itinerary and we are so happy we did it!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Romney Park Luxury Apartments
Cape Town

Perfect for us as a couple! The room was spacious, everything was clean and the staff was very friendly!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive
Arrive at Your Lodge in Kruger & First Game Drive
South Africa

We loved our driver from the airport! Then, we showed up at the lodge after brunch was served and dinner wasn't scheduled for a few hours. The chef very kindly made us delicious sandwiches which was so necessary after a morning of travel. We were so grateful.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
A Day in the Kruger Bush with Two Game Drives
South Africa

I can't say enough about our experience with Tristan and Chris. They were truly the best. They were both so smart and so engaging and happy to answer any and all of our questions about their work, the game drives and the animals.

Quality of Experience
Food
They even had a mini bar and snacks for break time!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
PANORAMIC ROUTE
PANORAMIC ROUTE
Kruger National Park

We are SO glad we did this! It's a long day but we felt like we really got to see so much of the beauty of South Africa.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise
Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise
Victoria Falls

This was lovely! The sunset was even better than advertised and we got a chance to see even more wildlife that we hadn't seen yet on the trip. The staff was lovely and the food was so delicious.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dusty Road Township Lunch/Dinner Experience **highly recommended by our team
Dusty Road Township Lunch/Dinner Experience **highly recommended by our team
Victoria Falls

An absolute must do! It was the perfect way to end our trip. I couldn't recommend this enough. The food was outstanding and we got to try so many new flavors.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Experience on Rovos Rail: Nambiti & Spionkop
Full Day Experience on Rovos Rail: Nambiti & Spionkop
South Africa

We chose the game drive at Spionkop and we were so glad we did! It was our first game drive so helped give us a head's up as what to expect. Friends we made on the rail who did the history tour said they learned more on that trip than they did in years of school so I don't think you can go wrong either way. We loved our guide at Nambiti and by the time we finished those two game drives, we saw 4 out of 5 of the big 5!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dinner at GOLD Restaurant
Dinner at GOLD Restaurant
Cape Town

This place is definitely meant for tourists but if you can embrace that, you will have a great time. We were exposed to lots of new and delicious foods, traditional dance and song and the drum lesson in the beginning was so fun.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Bo-Kaap Walking Tour
Cape Town

Zaki is the best and it felt so important to us to do this tour with someone from the community. There is such important work happening all the time and we loved learning about the history and vision for the future. We would recommend this to everyone.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen
Lunch at Crofter's Kitchen
Cape Town

This is a must do! The food was incredible and we loved taking a mid meal break to walk around the garden.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
Cape Peninsula & Penguins
South Africa

Andrew was the best! He taught us so much and brought us to some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. We really enjoyed his company and we felt like this was a great day to help us see and experience so much of the Cape.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Loved Andrew!
Transport
Local specialist: Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Janneke
Janneke Van Schalkwyk
Local specialist in Garden Route | Replied on Sep 03, 2025

Hello Meghan,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a beautiful review and share your valuable comments. We’re so happy to hear that you had such an amazing holiday! It was an absolute pleasure from the very start to plan this trip for you and Sergio.

Kind regards
Janneke

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.