Top 5 reasons to visit South Africa

South Africa is filled with diverse safari experiences and endless adventures. You could spot the Big Five in Greater Kruger’s private reserves, go wine tasting in the Cape Winelands and see whales off the Western Cape — all in one trip.

With leading malaria-free reserves, it’s the perfect safari destination for families and first-timers. Plus, you can pair wildlife experiences with beach-hopping or a Cape Town city break for a well-rounded holiday. Discover our top five reasons to visit South Africa.

Why you should visit South Africa

1. There is so much to see in South Africa

Beautiful beaches, cosmopolitan cities, untamed wilderness…South Africa has it all. Roam the vast arid sands of the Kalahari Desert or road trip the lush Garden Route. Explore the capital of Cape Town or venture into the vineyard-laden hills of the Cape Winelands.

As for safaris, South Africa is packed with thrilling game reserves where you’ll have a chance to spot the Big Five alongside other wildlife like meerkats and brown hyenas. Around the Western Cape and Southern Peninsula, you might see the likes of great white sharks, African penguins and southern right whales.

South Africa is one of our favourite safari holiday destinations. Whether you spend a week or a couple of months here, there’s always something more to see.

A mother meerkat and two pups standing in the sand with branches behind them in Tswalu Kalahari.

A whale tail in the blue ocean with Cape Town in the distance.

2. Explore Cape Town & the Cape Winelands

Cape Town is a must-visit destination on your South African itinerary. Sprawled on the coast at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain, the capital is ranked among the most beautiful cities in the world. Take the cable car to the summit, hit famous beaches like Clifton 2nd, look for street art in Woodstock and explore the colourful Bo Kaap quarter at the foot of Signal Hill.

The city lies in the Cape Winelands, which are home to breathtaking scenery, sprawling vineyards, award-winning estates, and some of the best food and wine in the southern hemisphere.

No visit is complete without a visit to the gourmet capital, Franschhoek. We recommend taking the hop-on, hop-off wine tram and exploring some of the region’s top vineyards and farms at your own pace.

A black retro tram shaped like a double decker bus trundles along a track with mountains andheavy clouds behind it. Cape Winelands is one of our top reasons to visit South Africa.

Aerial view of Cape Town from the ocean. In the distance is table mountain.

3. Enjoy exceptional malaria-free safaris

Perfect for families and first-time safari-goers, South Africa is home to a world-class selection of malaria-free game reserves. You can enjoy an unforgettable holiday without needing malaria medication or compromising on quality.

We love Madikwe for its unparalleled luxury lodges and team of passionate guides. Waterberg is high on our list for birding safaris and top-notch kids’ facilities, including water slides and a games room.

Tswalu Kalahari is the largest private reserve in South Africa, giving nature enthusiasts a true wilderness escape. The Eastern Cape has a variety of malaria-free reserves to choose from, such as Shamwari, which is known for its stand-out Big Five sightings.

View of a curved terrace of Shamwari Eagles Nest. The lodge is open and lights shine invitingly in the gathering darkness.

The inside of a lodge. A large thatched roof is lit up. There are some cosy cream sofas and behind them is a terrace overlooking the bush. Madikwe.

4. Your pick of exclusive private game reserves

Kruger National Park is what most people think of when it comes to South African safaris, but we recommend seeking out the smaller reserves on its border. They’re much quieter and more exclusive, giving you a more intimate wildlife experience.

Sabi Sands, Timbavati and the Klaserie offer phenomenal safaris and luxury lodges for discerning guests. All of the Big Five are present, and you can enjoy them without the crowds.

Best of all? After a busy day spotting the likes of lions and leopards, you can return to your stunning lodge for sundowners by the pool. One of our top recommended safari lodges is Londolozi. Its five luxury camps overlook the Sand River where elephants like to cool off.

A young male lion sits in the grass surrounded by leafy branches in Timbavati.

A woman with dark hair lies in a bathtub on a terrace, overlooking a river where a family of elephants are walking by. Londolozi Granite Suites.

5. Experience world-class adventure and culture

If you crave adventure on your holidays, South Africa delivers at every opportunity. You can enjoy thrilling safaris, explore the peninsula by motorbike, kayak alongside penguins or hike in the mountains.

You could even dive off the Western Cape to explore colourful reefs and spooky shipwrecks. Prefer to take it easier? Go horse riding or quad biking, try sandboarding or hire a yacht for the day and explore the beaches around Cape Town.

South Africa also offers unique cultural experiences. Watch cultural performances, shop for handmade crafts and swap stories over a hearty boma feast. Wherever your adventures take you, South Africa is packed with unforgettable experiences.

Zulu people wearing traditional dress and beaded jewellery dance in front of huts.

A cheetah stalks through the grass and a safari Jeep is behind it.

Alex, our Senior Safari Specialist smiles warmly at the camera. He's here to help you plan an unforgettable Botswana holiday.

Is South Africa on your bucket list? It should be! We are here seven days a week to answer your questions and give you our recommendations. Find out more about South Africa.

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