Explore South Africa

Highlights of South Africa

Western Cape: Cape Town, Winelands & Whale Coast

South Africa’s Western Cape is arguably one of the most geographically breathtaking places on earth. Cape Town, known as the “Mother City”, boasts a stunning Atlantic coastline contrasted against dramatic peaks like Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. The Winelands, less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, are equally impressive with picturesque scenery showcasing sprawling vineyards, elegant architecture and mountainous backdrops. Like Cape Town, the Winelands’ primary towns, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, offer the continent’s most exceptional dining experiences at a fraction of the price for what a comparable meal would cost in Europe or North America. Vineyards are found throughout the Western Cape, making their way south toward beachside towns like Hermanus and Gansbaai. This area, known as the Whale Coast due to the prolific population of various whale species easily visible during winter, is also home to many of South Africa’s famed shark cage diving experiences. This part of the country is ideal for outdoor activities of all ages.

Safari in the Greater Kruger Area

Kruger National Park may be one of the most recognizable names in the safari world and it’s not difficult to understand why; Kruger is home to one of the most highly concentrated populations of the Big Five (leopard, lion, elephant, rhino and Cape buffalo) and other mammals, predators and prey alike. As a national park, many areas of Kruger have the tendency to become easily crowded, though there are several safari lodges with private concessions within the park. On the southwestern border of the park lies Sabi Sands, a private reserve with a handful of luxury lodges each operating in different sectors of the reserve, some with their own concessions, to ensure greater exclusivity. Nearby Timbavati Game Reserve is also private and has a wonderful mix of camps.

Beyond Kruger: Malaria-Free Safari (and more) in South Africa

Safari in South Africa is not limited to the Kruger area. Parks in the northeastern part of the country like Madikwe, Marataba and Welgevonden have all of the Big Five and are malaria-free, making them ideal choices for families with younger children. They are also all reachable by car from Johannesburg. One of our favorites is the Welgevonden Game Reserve, just under three-hours drive from Johannesburg and offering some of the greatest value for money safari experiences in South Africa.

KwaZulu-Natal, home to the iconic Phinda Private Game Reserve, is famous for rhino and its wide array of ecosystems, including wetlands and long stretches of beach. And in the nearby province of the Eastern Cape, reserves such as Kwandwe, Shamwari and Gondwana are also malaria-free and provide a wonderful addition to the Garden Route, linking the country’s southern coast from East to West. Those seeking truly unique experience can head to South Africa’s Northern Cape and discover the Kalahari Desert. Sharing a border with neighboring Botswana, this region not only has incredible game viewing (including the endangered pangolin and half of South Africa’s black rhino population) but remarkable historical significance as the ancestral land of the San (Bushmen) people.

Cultural Highlights in Cape Town & Johannesburg

Beyond its sheer beauty and world-class cuisine, Cape Town is a cultural capital. Art lovers will appreciate both traditional and abstract interpretations of South Africa’s history and culture with plenty of museums, including open air exhibits. A visit to Robben Island is seminal in understanding the significance of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, both at home and across the world. While Johannesburg is often overlooked by international tourists, we often recommend spending at least one or two nights in the metropolis in order to visit the internationally renowned Apartheid Museum or a visit to the Soweto community. For art enthusiasts there is even more to see and thanks to its prominence as an international business hub boasts cuisine as noteworthy as that found on the Western Cape. Many of the city’s best hotels are nestled within beautiful residential neighborhoods, providing quiet respite from long travel days or early morning safari.

Travel Guide

South Africa is often North Americans’ first experience on the African continent given its wide range of experiences offered and international flight connectivity. You could easily spend weeks or months  exploring this unique country that is twice the size of Texas. For those interested in cultural or culinary activities, we generally suggest sticking to South Africa only for your first visit: just within the Western Cape and the Kruger area you will easily be nearing two weeks. For those interested more in safari and wildlife, we often recommend combining one to two parks in South Africa with neighboring Botswana or Zimbabwe. Destinations like the Okavango Delta or Victoria Falls are perfect complements to the South African safari experience. For those looking to end their trip on the sand, Mozambique is a wonderful option for both its proximity as well as its truly breathtaking beaches. 

There are direct flights from the United States to both Johannesburg and Cape Town on Delta and United. Either city is easily reached from North America with a single connection in either Europe or any of the Middle Eastern airlines.