Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Get inspired!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Get inspired!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Looking for Flights to South Africa?
You need to agree with the cookies and privacy policy of this external service to view the content
Looking for Accommodation in South Africa
- Home
- Destinations South Africa
Vacation in South Africa - A Journey Through the Wilderness and Vibrant Cities
Have you always dreamed of getting up close to wild animals and observing the Big Five – lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards – in their natural habitat? Your dream takes us to South Africa, often called the “most beautiful end of the world.” South Africa combines everything a traveler’s heart desires: rainforests, deserts, lagoons, dreamlike beaches, metropolises like Cape Town and Johannesburg, and so much more.
A vacation in South Africa is pure adventure and offers you a glimpse into an entirely new world. Start at the Cape of Good Hope, or save Cape Town as the grand finale of your journey. With our cheap travel deals, we’ll show you how to enjoy a South African vacation affordably. So grab your camera and experience the diversity of Africa’s southernmost country!
Entry into South Africa
To enter South Africa, a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of your trip is sufficient. Be sure to also check the information provided by the US Embassy near you.
The Most Beautiful Destinations in South Africa
Johannesburg
If your South Africa trip begins in Johannesburg, you can take the Gautrain from O.R. Tambo International Airport to the city center. This train also connects you to Pretoria, the capital of South Africa. Johannesburg is a bustling metropolis with nearly 4 million residents, serving as the economic hub and driving force of the country.
Regarding safety, here’s what you should know: The Central Business District (CBD) of Johannesburg is now almost completely monitored around the clock by state-of-the-art cameras. In case of incidents, police or security services typically respond within minutes. Nonetheless, it’s important to follow certain safety precautions during your trip to Johannesburg. With these in mind, you’ll be able to experience a fascinating city that is colorful, vibrant, exotic, and brimming with cultural offerings.
Cape Town
What would a vacation in South Africa be without a trip to Cape Town? As the oldest city in South Africa, it’s a must-visit destination. With airlines like Delta, American Airlines and United, you can find flights to Cape Town for under $600. Situated at the foot of the iconic Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, the city offers endless opportunities for hikers. Prefer a relaxing beach vacation? Cape Town has plenty to offer for that, too.
Hike Up Table Mountain and Lion’s Head
The symbol of the Mother City is the famous Table Mountain, visible from many parts of the city. There are numerous paths to the summit, with more than 100 hiking trails to choose from. Depending on your fitness level, the hike takes two to three hours. If you prefer a quicker ascent, you can always take the cable car. Right next to Table Mountain is Lion’s Head, another favorite among hikers. Cape Town locals particularly love this peak for its stunning views and as the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset drink.
Visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope
A trip to Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous Cape of Good Hope, located in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Enjoy breathtaking ocean views at Africa’s southwesternmost point or visit the lighthouse at Cape Point, perched on a cliff. You can reach it on foot or via the Flying Dutchman funicular railway.
The Penguins at Boulders Beach
What began with just one pair of penguins has now grown into thousands living along the coast near Simon’s Town. A short walking trail with wooden boardwalks leads through the dunes, offering you the chance to observe these charming creatures from a respectful distance.
The Amphitheater Roof in the Drakensberg Mountains
The Amphitheater is a long cliff face in the Drakensberg Mountains, which rises almost two miles straight up. At its base lies the Royal Natal National Park, featuring numerous hiking trails. Want to reach the roof of the Drakensberg? Start your hike at the Sentinel Car Park. The round-trip hike to the Amphitheater and Tugela Falls takes approximately five hours to complete.
Colorful Blooms in the Botanical Garden
The Free State National Botanical Garden is home to around 400 native plant species. From November to March, during the blooming season, the garden bursts into vibrant colors, showcasing its full splendor.
A Wine Tour Through the Winelands
In the Western Cape, you’ll find over ten different wine routes to explore. Spend a day in the Winelands, traveling from winery to winery by bike, Wine Tram, or even horse-drawn carriage. Many wineries offer not only wine tastings and delicious meals in their on-site restaurants but also picnic baskets brimming with local delights, perfect for enjoying amid the vineyards and historic manor houses.
Get Close to Elephants in the National Park
Embark on your own safari at the Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth. Home to hundreds of elephants, the park also hosts zebras, rhinos, warthogs, lions, and more. During whale season, you might even spot the Big Seven. Safaris can be booked with a ranger or undertaken independently with a rental car.
Pretoria
A trip to Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital, is highly recommended. Located in the northern part of Gauteng Province, Pretoria is home to around 742,000 residents. The Union Buildings, a grand structure that hosted Nelson Mandela’s inauguration, are surrounded by beautiful gardens and the residences of ministers and ambassadors. In October, the city transforms into a sea of blossoms as approximately 70,000 jacaranda trees bloom in soft lilac hues. Other notable attractions include the Voortrekker Monument (honoring Boer settlers), the Freedom Park Heritage Site & Museum, and Kruger House, the former residence of President Paul Kruger.
Durban
Located on South Africa’s eastern coast, Durban is another must-see destination. The town combines vibrant city life with coastal charm, making it a top choice for any South Africa itinerary. The city itself has nearly 600,000 residents, while the surrounding eThekwini metropolitan area boasts over 3.4 million. Durban offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. You can visit Africa’s largest port or unwind on its stunning beaches.
Popular attractions and activities in Durban include:
The family-friendly uShaka Marine World theme park
Durban Botanic Gardens
The Umgeni River Bird Park, featuring exotic tropical birds
The Victoria Street Market
Paradise Valley Nature Reserve
Bungee jumping at the Big Rush Big Swing
The famous North Beach and Addington Beach
The Durban Natural Science Museum
National Parks in South Africa
The national parks are the heart of Africa, providing a haven for many endangered species. A vacation in South Africa offers diverse landscapes, from the savannas of Kruger National Park to the rugged southern coastline, with plenty to see and explore. The Kruger National Park, stretching across a vast expanse of African land, is undoubtedly South Africa’s most famous national park — and perhaps even the most renowned in the world! Let’s take a closer look at this magnificent park.
Game Drives in Kruger National Park
Dreaming of seeing the Big Five up close? In Kruger National Park, your chances are excellent. The park is home to around 850 species of animals. Experiencing the wilderness so intimately is undoubtedly one of life’s most breathtaking moments.
For many international visitors, Kruger National Park is the ultimate South African destination. It’s not just the Big Five you’ll encounter here — the park also protects numerous other endangered African animals. Exciting excursions and unforgettable safaris are a must!
The park was established in 1898 under the initiative of President Paul Kruger. After poaching severely depleted the area’s wildlife, all land between the Sabie and Crocodile Rivers was placed under conservation to protect the remaining animals. In 1961, the now-expanded Kruger Park was fenced to further ensure the safety of its inhabitants. Entry to the park costs 132 ZAR per day for non-resident adults, approximately $19 dollars.
Basic Rules in Kruger National Park
Never disturb, chase, touch, or feed the animals.
Never leave your vehicle.
Driving in the park after camp closing times is prohibited.
Use mobile phones only in camps, at gates, or in emergencies.
Ready to pack your bags and head out on a South Africa vacation? Then check out cheap hotels in South Africa and find cheap flights to South Africa to save on your family vacation.
We value your privacy
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalized content. To deny, .