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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
(8)
· 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
(8)
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
(9)
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
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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 4 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 55 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 4 hours 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

Spectacular Experience!
South Africa | Jun 22 - Jun 28, 2025

T
Teju P.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 01, 2025
Tshepo was wonderful in helping us plan and keeping us updated on changes to the itinerary for our trip. The accommodations she chose were great, the Lebo tour of Soweto was also an amazing experience.
The people throughout our trip were very knowledgable and helpful, including:
Nokuthula - she was very kind and helpful in guiding us to the hotel and welcoming us after a long flight
Nadine - Our greeter at Kariega was very helpful and made us feel at home.
Osmond - Our ranger at the...
Read more

Tshepo was wonderful in helping us plan and keeping us updated on changes to the itinerary for our trip. The accommodations she chose were great, the Lebo tour of Soweto was also an amazing experience.
The people throughout our trip were very knowledgable and helpful, including:
Nokuthula - she was very kind and helpful in guiding us to the hotel and welcoming us after a long flight
Nadine - Our greeter at Kariega was very helpful and made us feel at home.
Osmond - Our ranger at the Kariega reserve, he was very personable, funny and extremely knowledgeable. We were excited and did 4 game rides with him.
The staff at Kariega was great as well and gave us a evening campfire barbecue meal which was tasty.
In Oceana, Max and Zed were great and helpful in answering all of our questions. They helped us arrange a short visit to Bathurst to see The Pineapple museum and Pig n Whistle bar. Luke was very knowledgeable and friendly.
FInally, our Soweto Tuk-Tuk tour guide Tami was kind-hearted and energetic and gave us a final tour of Soweto and took us to Mandela House.
All in all , it was a great first experience to South Africa - and has inspired us to consider future visits!

Hotel Reviews
Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve

Wonderful resort, beautiful views of Indian Ocean

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
All the staff was kind and helpful. Max and Zed were in constant communication helping us plan out our day and activities.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kariega River Lodge

Great Lodge, staff is kind and helpful. Osmond was a great ranger , knowledgeable and funny.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Osmond was personable , friendly and had a great sense of humor. He was also very knowledgeable
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Tuk-Tuk Tour
Tuk-Tuk Tour
Johannesburg

Tami was a great host and driver, he explained to us the history of Soweto and had a great smile and sense of humor. It was a great pleasure to learn about Soweto from him.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tshepo Lyckhage

Guides, drivers, staffs, food & accommodatio...
South Africa | Jun 5 - Jun 18, 2025

William
William R.
Brookline, MA | Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025
Guides, drivers, staffs, food & accommodations went beyond expectations. We traveled the Garden Route and then 2 lodges for safari. Even the animals cooperated with stunning appearances. Thru our travel experts, Salty Travel we were totally surprised by several locations providing kosher meat. Couldn't be better. Read more

Guides, drivers, staffs, food & accommodations went beyond expectations. We traveled the Garden Route and then 2 lodges for safari. Even the animals cooperated with stunning appearances. Thru our travel experts, Salty Travel we were totally surprised by several locations providing kosher meat. Couldn't be better.

Hotel Reviews
Simbavati River Lodge
Kruger National Park

Could imagine staying in a more beautiful place with great warm friendly accommodating staff

Authenticity & Character
This is the place to experience safari, our guide Marc was brilliant
Location
In the middle of the resetve open to Kruger
Staff
Very very accommodating to your needs. Class act
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lodge was very clean
Pumba Private Game Reserve
Grahamstown, Eastern Cape

Beautiful location, superb accommodation and dining arra.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Guides to animals were excellent.
Cleanliness & Comfort
5 star for sure
Head over Hills
Knysna

Doesn't get any better than this.

Authenticity & Character
So special. From the owner to the manager to the staff, so hospitable
Location
Spectacular views of the ocean
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were beautiful. Ocean views
Abalone Guest Lodge
Hermanus

Beautiful lodge on the ocean. Great staff and breakfasts.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Ainsley the manager.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Suerb view from the room
Queen Victoria Hotel
Cape Town

Great location, accommodations and staff. Superb

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
South Africa

The visit to Robben Island was incredibly meaningful. It offered a poignant look into history and was one of the standout experiences of our trip to Cape Town. It set a somber yet enlightening tone which we appreciated.

Knysna Elephant Park
Knysna Elephant Park
Knysna

The Knysna Elephant Park was a lovely experience. The chance to see these majestic creatures up close was a highlight of the trip. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.

Marine Big 5 Boat Tour
Marine Big 5 Boat Tour
South Africa

The Marine Big 5 Boat Tour did not quite live up to my expectations. Having been on whale watches before, I found it less engaging and the payoff was minimal compared to the effort required. It wasn't as thrilling as other marine experiences I've had.

Local specialist: Lucy Berndt
Lucy
Lucy Berndt
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jul 06, 2025
Dear William, Thank you so much for your wonderful review—it is great to hear that we were spot on with your requirements! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your journey along the Garden Route and through the safari lodges exceeded your expectations. From the guides and drivers to the food and accommodations, it’s heartening to know that every part of the experience left a lasting impression. And we’re especially pleased that we could surprise you with kosher options along the way—it’s... Read more

Dear William,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review—it is great to hear that we were spot on with your requirements!

We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that your journey along the Garden Route and through the safari lodges exceeded your expectations. From the guides and drivers to the food and accommodations, it’s heartening to know that every part of the experience left a lasting impression. And we’re especially pleased that we could surprise you with kosher options along the way—it’s these little touches that we love crafting for our guests.

It was an absolute pleasure to be part of your adventure, and we hope to welcome you back to Southern and East Africa again soon for more unforgettable moments (and maybe another magical animal sighting or two!).

With gratitude,
Lucy and The SALTY Travel Team

Trip of a lifetime
South Africa | May 12 - May 22, 2025

Linette
Linette B.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025
We had an amazing trip. We had a wonderful time in Sun City doing a self drive Safari in Pilanesberg, The palace and the breakfast were fantastic. Our early morning balloon ride was such a beautiful experience.
Sabi Sands was amazing. We went straight to a leapord kill upon arrival. Our guide Peter was amazing and actually tracked a pride of Lions for us.
Victoria Falls was beautiful. We went when the water was high so there was a lot of mist making it hard to see the entire...
Read more

We had an amazing trip. We had a wonderful time in Sun City doing a self drive Safari in Pilanesberg, The palace and the breakfast were fantastic. Our early morning balloon ride was such a beautiful experience.
Sabi Sands was amazing. We went straight to a leapord kill upon arrival. Our guide Peter was amazing and actually tracked a pride of Lions for us.
Victoria Falls was beautiful. We went when the water was high so there was a lot of mist making it hard to see the entire falls, but it was still amazing. The Victoria Falls River lodge was incredible. We had an amazing cook and our Butler David was awesome. Overall the trip was amazing and everything went smoothly with Lize taking care of everthing for us as we traveled from place to place.
We will use Kimkim again in the future. Thank you so much for an amazing trip!!!

Hotel Review
Victoria Falls River Lodge

Our every need was taken care of and the personal service was incredible. We enjoyed every moment. Having our own private lodge with guide, butler, cook and staff was the experience of a lifetime.

Location
Right on the river with plenty of wildlife coming in and out all day long. Quiet and relaxing
Staff
All of the Staff was professional and took care of our every need
Cleanliness & Comfort
The lodge and rooms were very clean and comfortable. They even did our laundry for us.
Local specialist: Lize Enderstein
Lize
Lize Enderstein
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Jun 18, 2025
Hi Linette, Thank you so much for your lovely message — I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing trip! It sounds like you experienced the very best of Southern Africa — from the breathtaking balloon ride in Pilanesberg and the grandeur of The Palace, to the unforgettable sightings in Sabi Sands (a leopard kill on arrival… wow!). I’m so glad Peter was able to track those lions for you — he really is exceptional. And what a treat to end off at Victoria Falls River Lodge!... Read more

Hi Linette,

Thank you so much for your lovely message — I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing trip!

It sounds like you experienced the very best of Southern Africa — from the breathtaking balloon ride in Pilanesberg and the grandeur of The Palace, to the unforgettable sightings in Sabi Sands (a leopard kill on arrival… wow!). I’m so glad Peter was able to track those lions for you — he really is exceptional.

And what a treat to end off at Victoria Falls River Lodge! I’m happy to hear David and the team took such great care of you — even with the mist, Victoria Falls always finds a way to impress.

It was truly a pleasure planning this journey with you, and I’m so grateful for your kind words. I look forward to helping you again when Africa calls you back for your next adventure!

Thank you for the beautiful photos!

Warmest regards,
Lize

Why travelers love kimkim

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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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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.