South Africa Vacations & Travel

Overview

South Africa is home to two of the continent's most important cities: the mega-city of Johannesburg, once home to anti-apartheid activists Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu; and Cape Town, which is crowned by one of Africa's most iconic landmarks, Table Mountain.

South Africa is also known for its abundant wildlife and world-famous nature reserves. Here you will find giraffes, cheetahs, elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, hippos, baboons, and the springbok, the national animal of South Africa. And because of South Africa's long coastline, you can take a safari offshore and spy a southern right whale or great white shark.

What To Do

A visit to Cape Town is a must. To see the city all at once head to the top of Table Mountain, which is located in Table Mountain National Park, for sweeping views of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. Down below, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront entices locals and visitors alike with its array of restaurants, pubs, clubs, shopping, and entertainment venues. Set sail from Cape Town and experience Robben Island, which was once a maximum-security prison for political prisoners such as Nelson Mandela and today one of the country's most visited museums.

Johannesburg, or Joburg, should also be on your itinerary. South Africa's largest city is home to the country's oldest township, Soweto, where you will find the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Both historic homes are located on Vilakazi Street, believed to be the only street in the world where two Nobel Laureates have lived.

What To See

Kruger National Park is a world-renowned game reserve and paradise for wildlife lovers. In addition to the "Big Five" (lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, rhinos), Kruger, one of South Africa's most popular safari destinations and the largest national park in the country, is home to a cornucopia of other wildlife, including crocodiles and hippos.

Stellenbosch is South Africa's second-oldest town and is revered for its cuisine, culture, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and oak-lined streets. However, Stellenbosch, located in the Western Cape, is best known for its wines, which are world-famous, and wine-tasting tours.

Hit the surf or watch some of the best surfers on the planet tackle the waves at Jeffreys Bay, aka J-Bay. This legendary right-hand surf break is widely considered one of the Earth's top surf spots and the best wave in all of Africa.

When to Go

If going on safari, the best time to visit South Africa is from May to October, prime game-viewing months as the animals tend to congregate around water sources and are easier to see in the dry season's thinner vegetation. If going on a beach vacation, the best time to visit South Africa is during summer, keeping in mind that the country is in the Southern Hemisphere and summer runs from December to March. Winter in South Africa runs from June through August.