South Africa is one of the most popular destinations in Africa attracting millions of tourists every year. Whether you want to discover Cape Town, one of the most spectacular cities in the world or go on safari, you will fall in love with South Africa.
Best South Africa Tour Operators
Thousands of intentional travellers book trips with these travel companies every year who offer small group, overland and adventure tours of South Africa.
Travel to South Africa
Combine South Africa’s 3000 kilometres of unspoilt coastline with snow-capped peaks, beautiful cities and stunning landscapes and you have plenty of reasons to take an overland tour. South Africa’s abundant wildlife, diverse cultures and excellent climate make it even more tempting as a destination.
South Africa Group Tours
African tour companies can show you the marvels of South Africa. Each tour has been designed to delight your senses in every way and to give you an insight into this wonderful, diverse country.
Whether you want a short trip to explore a unique part of South Africa like a wildlife safari or you have a longer time to travel, you can feel and appreciate what South Africa has to offer as there are so many unique trips.
African tour companies offer unique group tours to see South Africa in style. Both fixed and customised tours in overland truck and private van transport are offered. For each tour companies usually take a minimum of 6 and no more than 30 people to ensure that you are guaranteed the best personalised attention during your stay.
Tours are based on the best South Africa has to offer both on and off the beaten track. You will experience the many adventures this beautiful land has to offer. If you would like to create your own tour then some companies can help create the South African tour of your dreams. Please note that due to the vast distances it will be advisable to allow for extra travelling days.
Read on to learn more about travelling in South Africa and find your dream of a lifetime!
Top Things to Do in South Africa
Here are some of the unmissable places you can visit on tour itineraries:
Safari in the Kruger National Park
You can’t leave South Africa without going on a safari and what better destination than the world famous Kruger National Park. Day and night time game drives are available where you can see the Big 5 African animals including lions, rhinos, giraffes and more. This is the ultimate “South African” wild life experience offering unmatched wildlife and bird viewing.
Explore Cape Town
Table Mountain has been designated as a natural wonder of the world, and for sure it is extremely impressive when you see it up close. Even as the plane comes into Cape Town International, this monstrous tabletop mountain makes its presence well known from outside the plane window.
The mountain itself splits Cape Town in two, giving much of the character to the city. From the main city bowl area, which holds most of the urban population to the more upmarket bays like camps Bay and hout bay located around the side of the mountain nestled on its slopes overlooking the sea.
Travel the Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of the most scenic road trips in Africa with stunning diverse scenery. This is known locally as God’s garden at the edge of Africa and by visiting you can marvel at the evergreen forests, the majestic mountains and the peaceful coastal towns. Highlights include standing next to the “Big Tree”, feasting on fresh oysters, enjoying a boat ride on the Knysna Lake and staying at the scenic Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park.
Western Cape
Experience the beauty of the Eastern Free State, Eastern and Northern Cape with many quaint, historic towns. Visit Clarens, Golden Gate National Park, then travel further along the Lesotho Border to the Mountain Zebra National Park. Stop in Graaff-Reinet. Overnight in Victoria-West and travel back home via the diamond city of Kimberley.
Eastern Free State, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape
Experience the beauty of the Eastern Free State, Eastern and Northern Cape with many quaint, historic towns. Visit Clarens, Golden Gate National Park, then travel further along the Lesotho Border to the Mountain Zebra National Park. Stop in Graaff-Reinet. Spend overnight in Victoria-West and travel back home via the diamond city of Kimberley.
Limpopo Province
Visit the home of the “upside-down tree” – the Baobab.
Winelands
Have a taste for wine? Visit the wine cellars in the Northern Cape and on the West Coast. Travel through the semi-desert to the lush green of the coast. Enjoy the local cuisine and their excellent wines. Be sure to add Stellenbosch to your itinerary.
Kwazulu Natal – South Coast
Enjoy the tropical climate of the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal. Experience something different each day. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Oribi Gorge, experience an adrenalin rush with the “wild swing” (not for the feint of heart). Discover an aromatic coffee farm, travel on the “Banana Express”, or just relax on the beach.
Mpumalanga
Enjoy some of the most dramatic scenery in South Africa by travelling along the escarpment to the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the various waterfalls in this area. For something different book a trip to see the huge Dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures at the Sudwala Caves or take a walk in the historical mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest.
The Flower Tour
The Flower Tour is a spectacular floral display in Spring, when the dry veld changes into a multi coloured wonderland. This semi dessert region of South Africa is transformed in the Spring with a colourful display of millions of flowers. Travel through the fertile valley of the lower Orange River with lush vineyards on one side and the desert on the other. Visit the mighty Augrabies waterfall and then travel to Springbok surrounded by granite domes rich with copper deposits. On some trips here you can also visit the missionary town of Pella with its amazing Cathedral. See the Corbelled House in Carnarvon. Braai with Mannetjies Roux in Victoria West and many more interesting activities.
Top Rated Activities
Shark Cage Diving
Shark diving in South Africa is amazing and thrilling experience. Most tourists react differently to the experience, with a mix of terror, excitement, curiosity and ultimately “get me out of this cage there is a bloody great white shark next to me” kind of response when you first see one.
Diving with sharks is not for everyone, but for those that do give it a go, it is with out doubt incredible. Shark cage diving is not done directly in Cape Town as many believe, the home for all the shark cage diving action in in Gaansbai, about 2 hours east along the coast. You will be taken out to Shark Alley, one of the world’s top Great White Shark hots spots, due to the large number of fur seals located in the waters. This is the same location as many great white shark conservation projects.
Volunteering
Some trips combine experiences where you can enjoy sightseeing, adventure and volunteering helping good local causes like community and conservation projects. Volunteering in South Africa can be a life changing experience and short term projects can be helping whilst you travel.
South Africa Travel Guide
What’s the best time to travel to South Africa?
There is no set season to travel in as the country is so diverse that there is something to see all year round. Depending on what you want to see and do the best times are indicated below:
• Game watching – August to October
• Diving and surfing – April to September
• Whale watching – Mid June to end of October
• Hiking – Spring and Autumn
• Sun bathing – September to end April
• Birding – All year round but the Palaeoarctic migrants arrive in about November and the intra-African migrants usually by mid-October.
Accommodation
You will stay in cabins, inns, hotels, resorts or camp on the way and visit some of South Africa’s best attractions.
Overland Vehicles
Overland vehicles are custom built to provide our clients providing a comfortable way to travek. Mobile safari vehicles usually seat 6 – 16 passengers, while the majority of others seat 24 to 30 in the same size vehicles.
Is South Africa Safe?
Nowhere in the world is entirely safe. And, yes, unfortunately we do have crime. By following some common sense rules you can be sure of a safe visit to South Africa. These rules are:
• Do not hitchhike, or walk alone at night in deserted areas.
• Know where you’re going before you leave and let someone know what time you will be back.
• Don’t flash huge wads of banknotes around or wear expensive jewellery.
• Keep your bags or suitcases locked at all times – even in your accommodation.
• Do not keep your wallet or passport in your back pocket.
• Do not walk around with your handbag open and keep it in front of you at all times.
• Do not leave belongings unattended even for a minute.
What languages are spoken in South Africa?
English is spoken throughout the country. However South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, North Sotho, South Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.
How far will my Dollar/Pound/Euro go?
The exchange rate is very favourable against the Rand. You will find that the cost of living here is very cheap for example the equivalent to $1-5 will buy you a take-away meal, a few daily newspapers or a couple of cans of beer.
Can I drink the water in South Africa?
Yes. However the water in some areas may be very mineral rich and you may experience a bit of gastric distress. In addition we provide bottled water at a nominal cost.
Do I need to take Malaria tablets?
Many of the main tourist areas are malaria-free so you need not worry at all. However, the Kruger National Park, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal do pose a malaria risk in the summer months. Many local people and some travellers do not take malaria prophylaxis but most health professionals recommend you do. Consult your doctor or a specialist travel clinic. Whether you take oral prophylaxis or not, always use a mosquito repellent, wear long pants, closed shoes and light long-sleeved shirts at night and sleep under a net, in endemic areas. Avoid malarial areas if you are pregnant.
What voltage do they use in South Africa?
South Africa uses 220 volt power supply.
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