South Africa Travel Guide
Plan your dream holiday to the rainbow nation of South Africa with the help of our handy travel guide resources. Discover the best time to visit and top attractions you should visit, and find out what visas you'll need to get there. You can find out all about currency, vaccinations, internet access and more in our Top Travel Tips and if you still need help deciding whether to pick an overland camping or lodge-accommodated safari then we have detailed guides to both. For the ultimate safari adventure, use our comprehensive guide to Africa's Big 5 and where to find them or refer to our quick guide to Africa's wildlife and when best to find them.
Best Places to Visit
From cosmopolitan cities to scenic vineyards and national parks
Best Time to Visit
Time your holiday with the seasons and discover what they mean for wildlife spotting
Top Travel Tips
All the information you'll need before you travel including health advice
Tourist Visas
Visa requirements for South Africa and info on travelling with children
About Overland Safaris
What to expect of an overland camping safari with details on tents, trucks and more
About Lodge Safaris
What to expect of lodge-accommodated safaris with details on vehicles and guides
Safari Wildlife Guide
Where to see Africa's most popular wildlife and the best time to do so
Spotting Africa's Big 5
Our guide to the best places to see the Big 5 of lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo & leopard
Malaria-Free Safaris
Recommendations for a malaria-free safari adventure in South Africa
Recommended Reading
- Long Walk to Freedom
by Nelson Mandela - Tomorrow is Another Country
by Allister Sparks - Disgrace
by JM Coetzee
Facts about South Africa
- Table Mountain has over 1,500 species of plants, more than the entire United Kingdom.
- South Africa is home to the second highest waterfall in the world, Tugela Falls where the water tumbles down 2,789 feet.
- The oldest remains of modern humans, over 100,000 years old, were found in Klasies River Cave in the Eastern Cape.
South Africa Travel Advice for U.S. Travelers
The safety of our travelers is of prime importance and we closely monitor current travel advice for South Africa. We recommend that you check the latest travel updates from the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs when planning your trip.
Flying to South Africa from the States:
South Africa is roughly a 14-23 flight from the States depending on whether you depart from the east or west coast of the country. Our tours will either start and end in Cape Town or Johannesburg so which airport you will need to fly in and out of will depend on your chosen tour. You can fly direct from New York to Johannesburg with South African Airways and from Los Angeles the quickest option is with Delta via Atlanta though British Airways via London is another good option. If flying to Cape Town then the majority of airlines will require a second transit stop in Johannesburg when flying from New York with British Airways via London a great one-stop option from Los Angeles. Check out Kayak for flight deals from the U.S. to South Africa.
Useful Online Resources:
The official South Africa Tourist Organisation site.