From Durban’s Golden Mile beach to the iconic Table Mountain just outside Cape Town, South Africa is a must-see land of wonder and excitement. Travelers of all types flock there each year to enjoy exceptional wine, surf world-class waves, and embark on safari adventures. US travelers enjoy a favorable exchange rate, making South Africa an affordable trip on nearly any travel budget. Experience South Africa’s rich cultural legacy in both its thriving urban centers and its charming rural villages. Enjoy the bounty and thrill of this modern nation with a history and heritage well-represented in both its natural and man-made wonders.
Whether you’re traveling there for a quick getaway or are preparing an extended stay, South Africa is often best enjoyed with a carefully-planned itinerary. A travel advisor can help you and your traveling companions have a safe and memorable trip.
Destinations
Cape Town
A popular destination in its own right, you can experience the best of what South Africa has to offer in Cape Town. It is here, at the southernmost tip of this magnificent African nation, that visitors can enjoy a thriving urban center surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Home to the Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town is the ideal waystation for visitors set to explore more of South Africa.
Cape Town is full of plenty to do and see including aquariums, museums, and historic sites. Those seeking outdoor adventure don’t have to travel far from the city center, with beaches, wildlife preserves, and mountain hikes nearby. If those aren’t enough to get your adrenaline pumping, diving with Great White Sharks is also an option for bold travelers looking for a one-of-a-kind excursion.
Whether you are stopping in Cape Town on your way to other South African destinations or making it the focus of your trip, the city’s food and wine scene is peerless. Discover how internationally recognized wine brands and boutique wineries bring sophisticated merlots and scintillating chardonnays to dining tables across the world. Private tasting sessions and full day tours of these palatial wineries are available.
Johannesburg
Affordable flights are available for those who wish to make the 2.5-hour trip between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Johannesburg is South Africa’s most populated city and a major cultural center. Legendary human rights activist Nelson Mandela’s former home is located here, along with other landmarks and museums honoring the fight to end South African apartheid.
Since the end of apartheid, Johannesburg has become a globally-recognized cultural hub. Its art, fashion, and food all tell the unique story of its history and people. Major international events are hosted here, including the 2010 World Cup.
Immerse yourself in native South African culture at the Lesedi Cultural Village on the outskirts of Johannesburg. This region is known as the “Cradle of Humankind” and is home to the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, and Ndebele tribes.
Accommodations
There is no shortage of accommodations in either South Africa’s booming cities or its idyllic countryside. Fit any vibe with a number of highly-rated hotels and all-inclusive resorts. For those seeking a luxurious beach experience, The Bay Hotel has open-air patios and outdoor lounges overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. An autumn stay between March and May will be ideal for most travelers. Villa Misty Cliffs in Scarbrough is a private enclave situated near the spectacular Table Mountain National Park. Villa Misty Cliffs is perfect for couples enjoying a romantic South African escape surrounded by nature and the pristine shores of the Atlantic.
Adventures
For all the luxurious appeal of a South African vacation, it’s world-famous for its rugged outdoor adventures. Visitors traveling during spring and early fall can experience breathtaking mountain hikes, world-class surfing, and exhilarating wildlife safaris. Tours showcasing the unique ecology of the Table Mountain region include cable car rides up this 600-million-year-old flat top mesa and stops at Boulders Beach, which is inhabited by penguins nearly all year round.
Experience an African safari on your terms with a private, all-inclusive adventure. Enjoy an unforgettable meal and glass of local wine overlooking the famous landmarks in Table Mountain National Park. Witness the thrill of African wildlife up close with tours that safely traverse the natural habitats of lions, elephants, rhinos, and hippopotamuses.
