Holidays to South Africa
Wild safaris, mega mountains, sensational landscapes, diverse beaches and fantastic cities – South Africa holidays serve up endless possibilities.
Big waves and little waddlers
Forget Texas because everything’s bigger in South Africa, with its ludicrously long, sun-soaked stretch of sandy coastline. Sure, there are plenty of places to sit and sizzle (see below), but why not try a beach day with a twist?
Muizenberg on the Western Cape serves up some of the world’s best surf all year round, perfect for both beginners and pros. Or, swap boards for beaks over at Boulder Beach where you can visit the African penguins who call it home.
Adventure with a (huge) side of adrenaline
Whether you want to fling yourself from great heights, fly through forest canopies or stare into the soul of apex predators, South Africa doesn’t disappoint.
Sign up for a skydive in Pretoria to see the sights from above or take to the treetops on the zipline at Table Mountain Reserve. Not quite scary enough for you? Head to Durban for a cage dive and swap smiles with great white sharks (howdy Jaws!).
Road trip the Garden Route
Whoever said “it’s about the journey, not the destination” had obviously been to South Africa, because a road trip along the country’s Garden Route – a scenic 187-mile (300km) stretch of coastline – is an epic experience.
When you’re not delightfully dumbfounded by the passing lagoons, mountains and the small matter of the Indian Ocean, tick off a few of the top sights. Stop off in the Stellenbosch winelands, walk under waterfalls at Tsitsikamma National Park and wave to wildlife in The Crags at Plettenberg Bay.
Make for the mountains
Whether you’re a card-carrying rambler or hate working up a sweat, you’ve got to take a trip to Table Mountain.
Keen hikers can take on the challenging Platteklip Gorge and the Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch trek, while everyone else can hop on a fat-wheel scooter in the foothills or take a cable car straight to the summit. Settle in for high tea at the Cableway Lounge or dial the adventure with the world’s highest commercial abseil.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Spotting the big five 👀
Go... Along the Garden Route for incredible scenery ⛰️ 🌴
You have to... Eat braai on the beach 🏝️
South Africa holiday deals
President Hotel
4.5
Excellent
- 20 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Mandela Rhodes Place
4.4
Excellent
- 20 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Pepperclub Hotel
4.5
Excellent
- 20 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Camps Bay Village
- 20 Jan 2026
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Details
Currency
South African Rand
Language
English + 10 other official languages
Time difference
GMT +2
Cost of a beer
25 R
3-course meal
225 R
Flight time
11 hrs
Top beaches: It’s beautiful out here, bru
South Africa’s beaches are every kind of right. Keep it simple by flopping on the sand at Camps Bay. With warm shallow waters, loungers, bars and restaurants, it’s got everything you need for an all-in-one beach day. For a wilder day by the waves, head for Paternoster. Switch off in a secluded spot or grab seafood fresh off the boat and braai (grill) it right there on the beach. Gonubie Beach in the Eastern Cape is all rock pools brimming with sea creatures and dolphin spotting – perfect for little ones.
Food and drink: A braai-ty fine feast
Out here, barbeque does not mean burning sausages under an umbrella in the pouring rain. No sir, no ma’am – visit a braai restaurant here for meat that is grilled to perfection. Try it at Hussar Grill in Camps Bay. To get your gourmet on, head for the hills of the Cape Winelands. Sip your way through award-winning wines between mouthfuls of biltong (dry meat) and droëwors (dry sausage) at Alluvia Boutique Winery. If you’re tempted by more traditional cuisine, pay a visit to the Karibu Restaurant in Cape Town.
Best of the rest: Safari so goody
Whether you want to witness the wild side solo, with your beau or with five generations in tow, South Africa’s got a safari with your name on it. Love is in the air at Great Fish River Lodge in Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Its suites are romantic, remote and in roaming distance of the headline acts. We’re talking lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. For another top shot at snapping the big five, spend a few nights in Kruger National Park.
When to go to South Africa
South Africa is a land of many weathers, meaning the best time to visit really depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. Head over in the British winter for beaches at their brilliant best. Expect hot temperatures in Cape Town and around the south coast. To lurk on the plains looking at lions, head over between May and October. At this time of year, safari regions enjoy dry, clear days and cool nights. For a cheap holiday to South Africa, pack a raincoat and explore the big cities between June and August.
