Personalized trips to South Africa
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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.

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.

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.

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.

Close-up of male ostrich in Little Karoo
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 14 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 14 Days

Take a two-week adventure from one of the world's highest bungee jumps down into a cage next to a great white shark with this trip plan. Start on Table Mountain in Cape Town, followed by a culinary tour, treetop walkway, and wine tastings. Once you get onto the Garden Route, you'll make your way around canoeing through lagoons, hiking in national parks, and spelunking through caves.

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 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...

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,...

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
Sindile Shamwari Lodge (photo courtesy of Shamwari Lodge)
The 5 Best Safari Lodges in South Africa

South Africa is home to world-famous national game reserves such as the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, recognized for rhino conservation, and the Kruger National Park, the...

Our Latest South Africa Content

Enjoy spending quality time with the family as you explore South Africa together
2 Weeks in South Africa - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in South Africa, you and your family can tick off the highlights of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Victoria Falls on a best-of itinerary crafted especially with younger ones in mind or opt for a fun and wildlife-filled trip that includes stays at Club Mykonos and Kruger National Park. Active families will enjoy a self-drive adventure along the Garden Route, while families with older children looking for a more relaxing trip can split their time between the beaches of Cape Town and Sun City.

Meet the penguins at Boulders Beach
1 Week in South Africa - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With one week in South Africa, you can visit two to three destinations. First-timers can hit the highlights in Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg. Or wildlife enthusiasts can combine whale watching and game drives on a tour focusing on the coast, while families keen on cultural experiences and waterparks will enjoy adding Sun City Resort and Johannesburg to the mix. Those with little ones will appreciate the variety of kid-friendly activities, including the Adventure Center in Shamwari, with time spent in the Eastern Cape.

Introduce the kids to the South African bush on Big Game safaris of the wildlife-rich country
10 Days in South Africa - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in South Africa, your family can embark on a highlights tour that ticks off the famous sites of Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg. For a wildlife-focused trip, opt for an adventure along the Garden Route, stopping at Gondwana Private Game Reserve and Featherbed Nature Reserve, or for families with younger children, discover the quirky side of South Africa and split your time between Cape Town and Sun City resort.

South Africa Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
South Africa 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
South Africa map: 14 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
South Africa 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 Deborah Smook
active 18 hours ago

Deborah Smook

I get super excited every time I get to share my country with anyone and I want to make sure that when someone does come, they are blown away by the people, the beauty, and the incredible value for...

read more...
Travel specialist Lize Enderstein
active 10 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 Lucy Berndt
active 7 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...
Travel specialist Carla Ferreira

Carla Ferreira

I have traveled to over 50 countries and know the importance of having someone with local knowledge and advice to give you tips on where to go for those unforgettable experiences. A born and bred...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit South Africa also visit these destinations

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.

Secure & easy booking

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.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
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Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for South Africa

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Lize is a miracle worker!
South Africa | Mar 11 - Mar 15, 2023

A
Arianne P.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

My husband and I booked a pretty last-minute trip to south Africa and we were not easy customers! Lize was so incredible patient and helpful, and communicated well, and quickly. This trip wouldn't have happened without her, and it really was glorious! Tangala Lodge was perfect for us, even though it wasn't originally where we were planning to stay. Amenities were basic and clean, yet service was absolutely 5 star! And not a trivial detail--the transfers our stay involved we're SO smooth they... read more

My husband and I booked a pretty last-minute trip to south Africa and we were not easy customers! Lize was so incredible patient and helpful, and communicated well, and quickly. This trip wouldn't have happened without her, and it really was glorious! Tangala Lodge was perfect for us, even though it wasn't originally where we were planning to stay. Amenities were basic and clean, yet service was absolutely 5 star! And not a trivial detail--the transfers our stay involved we're SO smooth they were easy to forget! My husband and I never had to wonder how we were going to get from point A to point B.

Hotel Review
Tangala Safari Camp
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Lize Enderstein
Lize
Lize Enderstein
Local specialist in South Africa | Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

Hi Arianne,
Thank you for a wonderful review!
I am happy that you enjoyed your safari at Tangala Safari Camp.
Take care and keep well.
Hope to hear from you again should you wish to return to Africa!
Best Regards, Lize

Trip was well organized. Maximized my 15 days...
South Africa | Feb 25 - Mar 11, 2023

mima
mima g.
Tysons Corner, VA | Reviewed on Mar 13, 2023

Trip was well organized. Maximized my 15 days with excellent guides. Plenty of info and travelling tips from them. They were professional and kind. Lindi continually kept me updated with next day events.
Thank you KimKim. read more

Trip was well organized. Maximized my 15 days with excellent guides. Plenty of info and travelling tips from them. They were professional and kind. Lindi continually kept me updated with next day events.
Thank you KimKim.

Hotel Review
Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge
Hoedspruit

Excellent service. Chase safari guide was extremely knowledgeable and kind. Ent out of way for us to see big 5. Meals were 5*. Amazing ! Staff beyond generous. Thank you

Authenticity & Character
Location
Tranquillity, meals, location, kind staff
Staff
Kind professional and serving .
Cleanliness & Comfort
Housekeeping 2 times a day. Very clean
Activity Reviews
Table Mountain Guided Hike
Cape Town

Must do if you’re in Capetown! Amazing view

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cape Town Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tour
South Africa
Cape Town Walking Tour
Cape Town

Nice quaint town.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Activities at Makalali Game Reserve
Kruger National Park

Amazing

Quality of Experience
Very kind staff
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lindi Swales

We were very grateful to Deborah and her team...
South Africa | Feb 28 - Mar 3, 2023

M
Maureen G.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 04, 2023

We were very grateful to Deborah and her team to help us plan our trip to South Africa. The personal touch and great recommendations for driving routes, accommodations made the trip amazing. The Mosaic Lagoon Lodge was a perfect place to start the trip, (amazing atmosphere) and ending at Ivory Wilderness Lodge was a lovely bookend the whole experience.
We would highly recommend getting Deborah and her team to assist in your trip due to their local knowledge, insight, great communication and... read more

We were very grateful to Deborah and her team to help us plan our trip to South Africa. The personal touch and great recommendations for driving routes, accommodations made the trip amazing. The Mosaic Lagoon Lodge was a perfect place to start the trip, (amazing atmosphere) and ending at Ivory Wilderness Lodge was a lovely bookend the whole experience.
We would highly recommend getting Deborah and her team to assist in your trip due to their local knowledge, insight, great communication and personal touches. Thanks very much.

Hotel Review
Ivory Wilderness
Hoedspruit

We had an unbelievable experience at Ivory Wilderness. The accommodations were beautiful and authentic yet luxurious. Food was plentiful and delicious. The highlight was Craig, our guide who has us out at the crack of dawn and was relentless is making sure we saw amazing animals but also taught us about the flora, birds and how they are all interconnected with life in the Savanna.

Authenticity & Character
The long history of the proprietors in the region
Staff
Great food and service
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beautiful sheets, lovely showers
Local specialist: Deborah Smook
Deborah
Deborah Smook
Local specialist in Cape Town | Reviewed on Mar 08, 2023

Hello Maureen

Thank you so much for the amazing review. I spent a night at Ivory Wilderness this week and I agree, it is such a special place and the guides are really great at connecting their guests with nature. There really is a magical atmosphere to that spot and I will definitely go back.
It was incredible to meet you and welcome you to my home and show you a little bit of Hermanus. I really enjoyed your company and it was such a pleasure to plan this trip with you.

I hope you have... read more

Hello Maureen

Thank you so much for the amazing review. I spent a night at Ivory Wilderness this week and I agree, it is such a special place and the guides are really great at connecting their guests with nature. There really is a magical atmosphere to that spot and I will definitely go back.
It was incredible to meet you and welcome you to my home and show you a little bit of Hermanus. I really enjoyed your company and it was such a pleasure to plan this trip with you.

I hope you have a fantastic time during the rest of your travels and I hope to meet up with you again someday.

Thank you for trusting me to plan this special trip.

Deb