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Introducing South Africa

South Africa has a diversity in landscape and beauty that is as varied as the rainbow of cultures that inhabit the land. From the precipitous mountains of the Cape with its picturesque vineyards to the iconic savannahs of the Kruger National Park where lions & elephants roam, South Africa has something for everyone.
 
An extensive road and air network allow travelers to get around during their holiday easily. You can combine world-class wildlife safaris, many different African cultural experiences, beautiful and vibrant cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Durban, the vast open spaces of the Great Karoo, the warm & blue waters of the Indian Ocean with its golden beaches, and the green mountains known as the Drakensberg, famous for its vast collection of Bushman paintings.
 
South Africa serves as an important hub for the Southern African region, which means you can combine your trip with the highlights of neighboring countries, such as the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, or the Namibian desert.

Getting Around South Africa
Getting around South Africa's major cities/regions (such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Kruger Park) is typically done by flight, although self-drives around certain regions is also a popular option. Read more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days · 21 days

South Africa Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Spot elephants on your South African safari
Map of 10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari

This tour takes you from the sights of Cape Town to the lush Overberg, followed by an exceptional safari experience. Enjoy some of South Africa's most sought-after destinations across the diverse Western and Eastern Cape Provinces.

Bloukran's Bridge
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days

Spend 10 days taking in the Western Cape with this trip plan. You'll explore Cape Town and see Table Mountain from both a distant beach and right under your feet, sample the wines of Stellenbosch, and dive into a great white cage encounter before you hit the road on the Garden Route for canoeing, hiking, animal encounters, and more.

Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg Mountains
Map of Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days
Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days

South Africa contains multitudes—of people, landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and more. With three weeks to explore, you'll travel through the highlights of contemporary Cape Town, visit the beach towns of the Wild Coast, experience the animal attractions of Addo Elephant National Park and Kruger National Park, and traverse highs and lows from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Cango Caves. Along the way, you'll gain insight into the country's complex history and ecosystems with the help of local experts and experienced guides.

Cape Winelands
Map of Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari - 8 Days
Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari - 8 Days

Enjoy a majestic eight-day tour of Cape Town and Kruger Park Safari, two of South Africa’s top highlights. You will take in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula, Winelands, and the city of Cape Town, followed by a great safari experience in the Kruger National Park, where the iconic African wildlife roam free.

Blyde River Canyon near Graskop, South Africa
Map of South Africa, Zimbabwe, & Botswana - 14 Days
South Africa, Zimbabwe, & Botswana - 14 Days

This exciting Southern Africa itinerary offers a perfect mix of self-drive and guided tours. Start in Cape Town, where you can explore the Cape Peninsula, head to the top of Table Mountain, or sample native wines in the area's sprawling vineyards. Fly to Johannesburg for the second leg of your trip—you'll enjoy multiple safari excursions and visit magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Close-up of male ostrich in Little Karoo
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 14 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 14 Days

Take a two-week adventure from one of the world's highest bungee jumps down into a cage next to a great white shark with this trip plan. Start on Table Mountain in Cape Town, followed by a culinary tour, treetop walkway, and wine tastings. Once you get onto the Garden Route, you'll make your way around canoeing through lagoons, hiking in national parks, and spelunking through caves.

Make the Most of Your Time in South Africa

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
See impressive Drakensberg's Amphitheatre—crescent shaped cliffs of basalt rock
How Many Days to Spend in South Africa

While 10 days is the most popular duration for kimkim travelers, two weeks is recommended for a satisfying trip to South Africa. You can venture farther outside Cape Town,...

South Africa Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Cape Wine Lands in Autumn
Best Time of Year to Visit South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination thanks to its varied landscapes—it's always sunny somewhere. No matter what season you visit, you'll find something to do: Kruger...

Cape Town and Table Mountain from the air
Best Time of Year to Visit Cape Town

Planning your trip to Cape Town requires flipping your mental calendar, as the southern hemisphere’s seasons are a reverse of the northern hemisphere. South Africa’s hot, dry,...

Dare to cross the Storms River Suspension Bridge in Tsitsikamma National Park, Garden Route, South Africa
Best Time of Year to Drive the Garden Route

Driving South Africa's famed Garden Route is suitable in any season; though there is always a chance of rain, it's never enough to discourage a road trip or adventure outdoors....

South Africa Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

South Africa Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
5.0
(7)
· Luxury
You'll find Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge in the Greater Kruger's Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. This vast, unfenced wilderness sits along the Klaserie River and offers plenty of wildlife viewing, including the Big Five. Enjoy the serenity and beauty of nature with authentic walking trails,...
Photo courtesy of Umkumbe Bush Lodge
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Umkumbe Bush Lodge
5.0
(4)
· Comfort
Partially hidden under a canopy of indigenous trees in the southern stretches of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Umkumbe Bush Lodge gives guests daily opportunities for game viewing, with spontaneous safaris departing when animal activity is high. This lodge is the first "glamping" experience in the...
Photo courtesy of Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
Kruger National Park
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp
5.0
(4)
· Luxury
Thabamati Luxury Tented Camp, located in the renowned Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, is part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. The owners named the lodge Thabamati, which means "mountain and water," as the camp overlooks the nearby dam and the Drakensberg Mountains. The...

Best Experiences in South Africa

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
On the lookout for the Big Five
Skukuza
Kruger Bush Day with Private Game Drives
5.0
(6)
Private
Embark on a thrilling adventure with two game drives at Kruger National Park, likely starting with a pickup from your Hazyview lodge. It's common to meet your expert ranger guide and explore the park in an open-top 4WD vehicle, with the possibility of spotting various bird species and possibly...
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Morning Game Drive
5.0
(6)
Small group
Embark on an early morning safari drive in an open-air vehicle with an experienced guide and explore the wilderness. During the journey, you'll have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including the Big Five (elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, and lions) as well as giraffes, zebras, and more,...
Hiking at the Cape of Good Hope
Simon's Town
Cape Peninsula & Penguins Excursion
5.0
(5)
8 hours
·
Private
Start your South African adventure with a convenient pick-up from your Cape Town accommodation or a designated meeting point. You can take a scenic journey to Boulders Beach, passing by notable sights like Muizenberg Beach and Simon's Town. At Boulders Beach, it's common to get acquainted with...

Our Latest South Africa Content

Take a day trip to Cape Point and its iconic lighthouse
Map of South Africa Western Cape Getaway: Cape Town & Winelands - 8 Days
South Africa Western Cape Getaway: Cape Town & Winelands - 8 Days

Escape to South Africa's spectacular Western Cape with this compact, eight-day adventure filled with culture, wildlife, and wine. You'll start in Cape Town with a cable car ride up Table Mountain and a tour of the city's historic treasures like Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope. Venture farther along the coast for penguin spotting and whale watching experiences, then head inland for two days of estate tours and tastings in the verdant Cape Winelands.

Sixteen days gives you time to combine South African wildlife safaris with cultural tours of urban centers like Cape Town
Map of 16 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
16 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 16 days in South Africa, you can fit in city tours, wildlife safaris, and aquatic activities. Culinary travelers can learn how to cook Cape Malay fare and vineyard hop through the Cape Winelands. History enthusiasts will appreciate a Soweto Township tour and a visit to Robben Island. Animal lovers can go whale watching in Hermanus, spot hippos in St Lucia Estuary, track the Big Five in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, or opt for a multicountry trip that includes game drives and a river safari in Botswana.

Travel to incredible viewpoints around Blyde, South Africa on a three-week trip that includes Mozambique
Map of 3 Weeks in Southern Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
3 Weeks in Southern Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With three weeks in southern Africa, you can experience two, three, or four distinct countries. The national parks and game reserves of Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa are perfect destinations for wildlife lovers, while the deserts and coastlines of Namibia and South Africa are an excellent match for nature lovers with a penchant for fine dining and wine. You can also swap in Benguerra Island for a tropical getaway or experience a bit of everything on an ultimate highlights tour.

South Africa Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Guide to South Africa's Top Regions: Where to Go for Safari, Culture, Hiking, & More
Guide to South Africa's Top Regions: Where to Go for Safari, Culture, Hiking, & More
View article
Map 14 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 10 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for South Africa
Travel specialist Deborah Smook
active 7 hours ago

Deborah Smook

I am absolutely thrilled whenever I have the opportunity to showcase my beloved country to others. It fills me with immense joy to ensure that every visitor who comes here is utterly captivated by...

read more...
Travel specialist Lize Enderstein
active 13 hours ago

Lize Enderstein

I work as a senior consultant for African Travel Gateway and have 18 years of experience in the travel industry. We plan, book and implement tailor-made holidays for our clients that fit within...

read more...
Travel specialist Esther Ruempol
active 3 hours ago

Esther Ruempol

Travelling and discovering new places is one of the things I love most in life, and the best part is to share these special places with our travellers. Our goal as a local specialist is to design...

read more...
Travel specialist Lucy Berndt
active 10 hours ago

Lucy Berndt

Mother, wife, traveller and dreamer! Having travelled extensively throughout Southern Africa, I know the importance of logistics and selecting the right product offerings. Southern Africa...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit South Africa also visit these destinations

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for South Africa

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Highly Recommend!
South Africa | Sep 1 - Sep 5, 2024

C
Carlee N.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024
Esther was great to us through the whole planning of our trip. She would answer questions quickly and effectively. She made the process smooth and easy. She would check in with us throughout our trip to make sure things were seamless. I cannot recommend her enough, thanks to her we had a great trip. Read more

Esther was great to us through the whole planning of our trip. She would answer questions quickly and effectively. She made the process smooth and easy. She would check in with us throughout our trip to make sure things were seamless. I cannot recommend her enough, thanks to her we had a great trip.

Hotel Review
Kruger Shalati Train on the bridge
Kruger National Park, Skukuza

Shalati was a beautiful resort with amazing services. We felt welcomed the whole time we were there. We had a great tour guide, Tebojo, who helped us through our safaris. We had a great waiter, Fanni, who was very helpful to us. We really enjoyed our stay at Shalati and cannot recommend it enough.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Esther Ruempol
Esther
Esther Ruempol
Local specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa | Replied on Sep 12, 2024

Thanks so much for the raving review Carlee!! So happy that you had a great trip :-)

Trip of a lifetime. HIGHLY Recommend
South Africa | Sep 1 - Sep 5, 2024

C
Cashe M.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024
Esther was more than helpful from start to finish with helping us plan our trip months in advance and also being very accommodating while we were in South Africa so that we make sure we are on the right track. The Shalati Train on the Bridge was by far the most amazing all inclusive everyone in our group has been to. From the views you had to the top of the line food and drinks provided. We also had a kind knowledgeable game driver and waiter that the Shalati pairs your group with while we... Read more

Esther was more than helpful from start to finish with helping us plan our trip months in advance and also being very accommodating while we were in South Africa so that we make sure we are on the right track. The Shalati Train on the Bridge was by far the most amazing all inclusive everyone in our group has been to. From the views you had to the top of the line food and drinks provided. We also had a kind knowledgeable game driver and waiter that the Shalati pairs your group with while we were there. Would definitely stay again and recommend to anyone going to Kruger.

Hotel Reviews
City Lodge Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport
Authenticity & Character
Well kept hotel.
Location
Walking distance from the airport terminals.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kruger Shalati Train on the bridge
Kruger National Park, Skukuza

If you are wanting a location with views, amazing food, and top tier customer service this is the place to book.

Authenticity & Character
Makes you feel like you really are part of the African Safari.
Location
You can view almost any wildlife you like right from your suite on the bridge.
Staff
Good not ask for a more accommodating staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Got our suite cleaned. TWICE a day. Was top tier.
Local specialist: Esther Ruempol
Esther
Esther Ruempol
Local specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa | Replied on Sep 12, 2024

So glad you had a good trip! Thanks so much for your amazing review and it was a great pleasure planning this with you :-)

Our Fabulous African Adventure
South Africa | Aug 22 - Sep 2, 2024

J
Janie W.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on Sep 03, 2024
Had a fabulous and seamless trip. Lize did an amazing job down to the last detail. Starting in Cape Town with our guide and driver Oliver who was an expert on Cape Town and its surrounds. From our trips to wine country, the botanical gardens and the peninsula penguins, to our walks around the wharf, it was a great experience only to be surpassed by our 4 days in Camp George on twice daily safaris with Julius who was an amazing guide with a great sense of humor. We saw a pride of lions... Read more

Had a fabulous and seamless trip. Lize did an amazing job down to the last detail. Starting in Cape Town with our guide and driver Oliver who was an expert on Cape Town and its surrounds. From our trips to wine country, the botanical gardens and the peninsula penguins, to our walks around the wharf, it was a great experience only to be surpassed by our 4 days in Camp George on twice daily safaris with Julius who was an amazing guide with a great sense of humor. We saw a pride of lions with a fresh water buffalo kill, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, a leopard and so much more. The camp was beautiful and the service even better. On to the beautiful Victoria Falls with our guide Bees. Then on a 4 day houseboat safari on the Chobe River with twice daily river game drives with Movins to see the animals from another perspective. Accommodations everywhere were better than expected (although the houseboat could use some updates) and the attention to detail was fabulous. All and all a great vacation that more than met our expectations and one that I would highly recommend. KimKim and Lize did a fantastic job! Kudos to all.

Hotel Reviews
Chobe Princess Small Luxury Houseboat
Kasane, Botswana

Loved the experience. Staff was great. The boat itself could use some updates.

Authenticity & Character
Location
On the beautiful Chobe River with wildlife all around.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Insika Lodge

Hotel was very nice but we had a bit of a mosquito problem in our bathroom. Pool was lovely with wild animals roaming just behind it.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful African decor.
Location
Very near the sunset cruise and close to Victoria Falls.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Simbavati - Camp George

The setting and accommodations were stunning and the staff was very friendly, welcoming and warm. They catered to our every need.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful site in the bush that we learned was where the Mandela release talks were held. Can’t get more authentic than that.
Location
The ride to the lodge (as to all the surrounding lodges) was a challenge but once there it was well worth every bump. Our driver referred to the ride as an African massage. That it was!
Staff
Amazing staff. Couldn’t be nicer or more capable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lived everything about Camp George! Super clean and beautiful.
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel
Cape Town

Very nice hotel in a fabulous location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right on the wharf. Very walkable,safe and beautiful.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Chobe Houseboat Daily Activities
Chobe Houseboat Daily Activities
Chobe River - Namibia Side

Great way to see the wildlife from a different perspective.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide Movins and the entire staff was fabulous!
Transport
Chobe House Boat Arrival
Chobe House Boat Arrival
Chobe River - Namibia Side
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour of the falls & Lunch at Lookout Cafe
Tour of the falls & Lunch at Lookout Cafe
Victoria Falls

Falls were spectacular!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset cruise
Sunset cruise
Victoria Falls

Very nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Klaserie Game Drive
Klaserie Game Drive
Klaserie Private Nature Reserve
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Game Drive
Afternoon Game Drive
South Africa

Amazing!!!

Quality of Experience
Everything!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Julius was a great tracker with 30 years of experience and a great sense of humor.
Transport
Can’t say enough about Julius. He’s a 10!
Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour (including lunch)
Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour (including lunch)
South Africa
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Winelands Tour (including lunch)
Full Day Winelands Tour (including lunch)
South Africa

Lovely day trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lize Enderstein
Lize
Lize Enderstein
Local specialist in Cape Town, South Africa | Replied on Sep 04, 2024

Hi Janie,
It is always heartwarming to read great feedback, and I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your overall trip to South Africa, Victoria Falls and Chobe. The pictures you took are amazing and I especially love the one with the Elephants with the baby. Very special.
Thank you for pointing out about Chobe Princess we will pass this onto their team.
I hope to hear from you again should you wish to return to our beautiful country.
Best Wishes, Lize