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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,...

Explore the Cape Winelands area in the autumn months
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
(10)
· 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 of Tree House Boutique Hotel
Cape Town
Tree House Boutique Hotel
4.8
(11)
· Luxury
Located in the vibrant and trendy Green Point district, The Tree House Boutique Hotel is set in an appealing location that offers easy access to many of Cape Town's great attractions. This includes the fashionable V&A Waterfront, the lively Bo-Kaap, the Cape Quarter, and the famous Cape Town...
Photo courtesy of Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Kruger National Park
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
5.0
(6)
· 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
(12)
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...
Hiking at the Cape of Good Hope
Simon's Town
Cape Peninsula & Penguins Excursion
4.9
(13)
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...
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Morning Game Drive
5.0
(10)
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,...

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 Esther Ruempol
active 3 hours 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 Lize Enderstein
active 8 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 Deborah Smook
active 11 hours 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 3 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

Beautiful county, people and outstanding adventure
South Africa | May 7 - May 18, 2026

T
Tami G.
Houston, TX | Reviewed on Jun 15, 2026
The hotels were excellent. Fantastic guides Brian and Debbie. Wonderful opportunities to explore and see penguins, ostriches, baboons and meerkats. Beautiful country and people. Read more

The hotels were excellent. Fantastic guides Brian and Debbie. Wonderful opportunities to explore and see penguins, ostriches, baboons and meerkats. Beautiful country and people.

Hotel Reviews
Pezula Magic

Cozy Air BNB

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pezula Nature Retreat
Knysna
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hlangana Lodge
Oudtshoorn

Gardens were lovely Rooms were ok

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near busy road
Staff
Staff were very friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Abalone Guest Lodge
Hermanus

Beautifully decorated Lovely scenery and views

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Winchester Hotel
Western Cape
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Safari Ostrich Farm Tour
Safari Ostrich Farm Tour
South Africa

it was fun to learn about the different types of ostriches and feed them. We also had lunch there. It was delicious.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Brian our guide and driver was fantastic!
Featherbed Eco Experience including Lunch
Featherbed Eco Experience including Lunch
South Africa

The food was wonderful. But the trip was over booked. We had middle seats at the front of the bus. We couldn't see or hear the guide and smelled diesel. The Featherbed staff paid better attention to the visitors who had tour guides with them. We couldn't hike because of rain.

Quality of Experience
Food
food was delicious
Guides, Drivers and Staff
guides at Featherbed - looked after those with tour guides
Transport
bus too many people
Full day touring Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch Gardens
Full day touring Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch Gardens
Cape Town

Loved seeing the Penguins. We also visited Table Mountain that day so didn't get to Gardens

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
Full Day City Tour, Robben Island & Table Mountain
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Debbie was driver. Guides and drivers on Island all personal connection
Transport
Local specialist: Nadia Albertus
Nadia
Nadia Albertus
Local specialist in Cape Town | Replied on Jun 17, 2026
Hi Tami, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that the hotels exceeded your expectations. It's also wonderful to know that Brian and Debbie helped make your experience so memorable. South Africa truly offers incredible wildlife encounters, and I'm thrilled you had the opportunity to see penguins, ostriches, baboons, and meerkats along the way. Thank you again for allowing me to be part of planning your journey.... Read more

Hi Tami,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback.

I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip and that the hotels exceeded your expectations. It's also wonderful to know that Brian and Debbie helped make your experience so memorable. South Africa truly offers incredible wildlife encounters, and I'm thrilled you had the opportunity to see penguins, ostriches, baboons, and meerkats along the way.

Thank you again for allowing me to be part of planning your journey. It was a pleasure assisting you, and I hope we have the opportunity to help you explore Africa again in the future.

Warm regards,
Nadia

We would highly recommend Kimkim and Nokuthula to our friends...
South Africa | May 14 - May 22, 2026

Tong
Tong W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 14, 2026
We recently took a 9-day trip to South Africa, which was arranged by Kimkim Travel Agency and tailored to our specific needs. We visited multiple places (cities and safaris) by car and plane. The agent named Nokuthula meticulously planned each day, with every detail in mind, and ensured the accommodation met our standards and that each connection was seamless and timely, such as airport pick-up and drop-off. During the trip, Nokuthula would text us with updates each day, making us feel more... Read more

We recently took a 9-day trip to South Africa, which was arranged by Kimkim Travel Agency and tailored to our specific needs. We visited multiple places (cities and safaris) by car and plane. The agent named Nokuthula meticulously planned each day, with every detail in mind, and ensured the accommodation met our standards and that each connection was seamless and timely, such as airport pick-up and drop-off. During the trip, Nokuthula would text us with updates each day, making us feel more secure and safe in a completely unfamiliar environment. Whenever we had a question, her response was always within a few minutes. We are very impressed with her work ethic and dedication.

We would highly recommend Kimkim and Nokuthula to our friends who are interested in visiting South Africa. No one will be disappointed if they choose Kimkim to be their travel agent.

Hotel Review
Mjejane River Lodge
Hectorspruit

Good food, nice service, close to nature.

Authenticity & Character
Amazing facility
Location
Close to Crocodile river
Staff
Frienly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Nokuthula Khumalo
Nokuthula
Nokuthula Khumalo
Local specialist in Gauteng | Replied on Jun 15, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. It was an absolute pleasure assisting with your South African adventure.

I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the trip and that the accommodations, transfers, and safari experience met your expectations. Your feedback means a great deal to me, and I truly appreciate your recommendation.

Thank you for trusting me with your journey, and I hope to welcome you back to South Africa again in the future!

Warm regards,
Nokuthula

An Exceptional African Journey
South Africa | May 10 - May 25, 2026

J
Jing L.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jun 02, 2026
★★★★★ This was one of the best trips we have ever taken. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed and offered a wonderful variety of experiences, from Cape Town and Victoria Falls to multiple safari camps across Botswana and South Africa. Each destination and camp had its own unique character, making every part of the journey memorable. Bianca was highly professional throughout the planning process. She understood exactly what we were looking for and created an itinerary that matched our... Read more

★★★★★

This was one of the best trips we have ever taken. The itinerary was thoughtfully designed and offered a wonderful variety of experiences, from Cape Town and Victoria Falls to multiple safari camps across Botswana and South Africa. Each destination and camp had its own unique character, making every part of the journey memorable.

Bianca was highly professional throughout the planning process. She understood exactly what we were looking for and created an itinerary that matched our interests and travel style perfectly.

What impressed us most was how smoothly everything was organized. With multiple flights, transfers, camps, and activities involved, every transition felt seamless and stress-free. The logistics were exceptionally well coordinated, allowing us to focus entirely on enjoying the experience.

The accommodations, safari experiences, guides, and overall trip pacing exceeded our expectations. Everything worked exactly as planned, and we returned home with incredible memories and photographs.

We are 100% satisfied with this trip and would highly recommend this experience to anyone planning an African adventure.

Local specialist: Bianca Gersbach
Bianca
Bianca Gersbach
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Jun 03, 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan this adventure, and I’m delighted to hear that it ranks among your best trips ever. I loved putting together an itinerary that I hoped would create lasting memories. Knowing that everything flowed smoothly and that you were able to simply relax and enjoy the journey is exactly what I strive for when planning a trip. Your wonderful feedback truly means a lot to me. Thank you again for trusting me with such a... Read more

Thank you so much for your kind words!

It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan this adventure, and I’m delighted to hear that it ranks among your best trips ever. I loved putting together an itinerary that I hoped would create lasting memories.

Knowing that everything flowed smoothly and that you were able to simply relax and enjoy the journey is exactly what I strive for when planning a trip. Your wonderful feedback truly means a lot to me.

Thank you again for trusting me with such a special journey. I loved being part of the planning process, and I hope Africa will welcome you back again someday for another unforgettable adventure!

Warm regards,
Bianca

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.