Why Visit South Africa?
Whether you’re after a Big 5 safari, a scenic overland journey, or a guided Cape Town day tour — we’ve got a range of options.
Our South Africa trips include affordable packages, family-friendly tours, and small group safaris that visit top destinations like Kruger National Park, the Garden Route, and the Cape Winelands.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to South Africa or returning to explore more, we’ve got a range of tours to match your travel style. From Big 5 safaris and overland adventures to Cape Town day trips and Garden Route road journeys — there’s something for everyone.
We’ve helped thousands of travellers discover the best of South Africa, and we’re here to help you find the right trip too.
Best South Africa Tours & Safari's
12 Day Kruger, Garden Route & Cape Town Comfort Tour
8 Day Cape Town to Garden Route & Kruger Comfort Tour
Travel Deals
Explore South Africa for less. Check out our Tour Specials.
7 Day Kruger, Mozambique and Eswatini Tour
Johannesburg to Johannesburg
FROMZAR26500
ZAR 24500
10 Day South Africa and Eswatini: Walking and Wildlife Tour
Johannesburg to Johannesburg
FROMZAR32500
ZAR 30500
19 Day Johannesburg to Cape Town Small Group Tour
Johannesburg to Cape Town
FROMZAR64750
ZAR 58275
Where to go in South Africa
Kruger National Park
Home to the Big Five, diverse ecosystems, and some of the best safari experiences in Africa.
Cape Town
Cape Town’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and epic outdoor experiences make it a must visit destination.
Garden route
A stunning stretch of coastline, packed with outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and jaw-dropping scenery.
Pilanesberg
Pilanesberg sits in an ancient volcanic crater, offering incredible Big Five safaris. Located just 2 hours from Johannesburg
Addo Elephant Park
Just outside Port Elizabeth, Addo Park is a wildlife haven, home to South Africa’s largest elephant herds and variety of other game.
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Wildlife
Best time:
May to September
If you’re heading to places like Kruger National Park, the dry winter months are ideal for game viewing. Wildlife gathers around waterholes, making it easier to spot animals. It’s also less humid and cooler, making for comfortable game drives.
Beaches
Best time:
November to March
For beach lovers, the summer months are perfect, offering warm temperatures and ideal beach weather along the coast, including places like Cape Town, Durban, and the Garden Route.
Culture
Best time:
September to November & March to May
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
Hiking
Best time:
April to May & September to October
The cooler months are the best for hiking and exploring the country’s stunning natural landscapes, particularly around Cape Town.
When To Go
South Africa is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit can depend on the region and the type of experience you’re after.
Travel Tips
Be prepared for your trip to South Africa with these practical tips.
Entry & Visa's
Visa-free entry (up to 90 days) for many countries including US, UK, EU.
Passport must be valid for at least 30 days after departure.
Transport
Drives on the left-hand side
Good roads and car rental availability for self-drive holidays
Uber & MyCity Bus available in major cities (e.g., Cape Town, Johannesburg)
Health & Safety
No mandatory vaccines unless arriving from a yellow fever country
Malaria precautions recommended in parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal
Connectivity
Local SIM cards (Vodacom, MTN) available at airports and shops
Wi-Fi common in hotels, cafes, and restaurants
Power: 230V, 50Hz | Plug types M, C, and N (bring adapter)
Money & Tipping
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Cards widely accepted; ATMs easily accessible
Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants, small amounts for hotel staff and guides
Culture & Language
11 official languages; English widely spoken
Local dishes like bobotie, bunny chow, biltong, chakalaka, and vetkoek
South African wine is world-class and often excellent value - try a Pinotage or Chenin Blanc
Why Travel With Us
Expert Knowledge
With +25 years of experience, we know Africa inside and out. We’ve travelled the routes, handpicked the best tours, and built trusted local partnerships — all to give you a smoother, better adventure.
Easy Payments
Booking with us is simple & stress-free. Pay by Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer. All safely processed through Flywire, a trusted global payment platform.
Book with Confidence
As a SATSA member, your payments are fully protected, giving you peace of mind.
Best Prices
Thanks to our local connections and industry know-how, we lock in the best rates — giving you great value and more adventure for your budget.
Support
From the moment you book to the last day of your tour, we’re with you every step of the way.
Reviews from our Travellers
A great experience from start to finish.
It was our first time visiting South Africa. James at Detour Africa was really helpful with planning our booking and was always prompt in addressing any issues or questions we had and with making changes to our reservations. The accommodation in each area was very good…
Date of experience: 5 Oct 2024
Kathleen
I highly recommend booking a trip with Detour Africa.
They’re very fast in responding and are very helpful with finding the tour(s) that fits best for you. Booking with them went very smooth and secure payment options.
I did a 4 day safari in Kruger and 4 day garden route tour…
Date of experience: 1 Dec 2025
Lauren Vandevyvere
Amazing travel agency.
Booking with Detour Africa, have been the best decision ever. From the beginning to the end, the Detour Africa team had been nothing short but AMAZING. When I contacted them I was not sure of the itinerary or what I wanted to do in South Africa as it was my first time in the country…
Date of experience: 1 Feb 2025
Ouma Jamila C
A great experience from start to finish.
It was our first time visiting South Africa. James at Detour Africa was really helpful with planning our booking and was always prompt in addressing any issues or questions we had and with making changes to our reservations. The accommodation in each area was very good…
Date of experience: 5 Oct 2024
Kathleen
I highly recommend booking a trip with Detour Africa.
They’re very fast in responding and are very helpful with finding the tour(s) that fits best for you. Booking with them went very smooth and secure payment options.
I did a 4 day safari in Kruger and 4 day garden route tour…
Date of experience: 1 Dec 2025
Lauren Vandevyvere
Amazing travel agency.
Booking with Detour Africa, have been the best decision ever. From the beginning to the end, the Detour Africa team had been nothing short but AMAZING. When I contacted them I was not sure of the itinerary or what I wanted to do in South Africa as it was my first time in the country…
Date of experience: 1 Feb 2025
Ouma Jamila C
FAQ's on visiting South Africa
Get practical advice for planning your South Africa trip.
Do I need vaccinations for South Africa?
Routine vaccinations are recommended. If visiting Kruger National Park or other malaria-risk areas, malaria prophylaxis is advised. Always check with a travel clinic before your trip.
Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many countries, including the UK, USA, and most EU nations, get visa-free entry for up to 90 days. Always check with the South African Department of Home Affairs before traveling.
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
South Africa is a year-round destination. For safaris, the dry season (May–September) is best, while the summer months (November–March) are ideal for Cape Town, the Garden Route, and beach holidays.
Is South Africa a safe travel destination?
South Africa is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to take precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night, using reliable transport, and keeping valuables secure.
What is the currency in South Africa?
The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for small purchases is useful.
What are the best places for a safari in South Africa?
Kruger National Park is the top choice, offering Big 5 safaris. Other options include Addo Elephant Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, and private reserves like Sabi Sands.
Are there family-friendly safaris in South Africa?
Many game reserves and lodges in South Africa offer safari experiences designed specifically for families, with shorter game drives, child-friendly guides, and flexible accommodation. Malaria-free safari destinations like the Addo, Madikwe, and selected areas near Kruger National Park make South Africa one of the top choices for family safaris. Whether you’re looking for a private lodge with kids’ activities or a guided tour that caters to all ages, you’ll find great options that combine wildlife viewing with fun and safety for the whole family.
What should I pack for a safari in South Africa?
Pack neutral coloured clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera. Mornings can be chilly, so bring layers.
What are the top places to visit in South Africa?
Cape Town, Kruger National Park, the Garden Route, Drakensberg Mountains, the Winelands, and Johannesburg are must-see destinations.
Is Cape Town worth visiting?
Absolutely! Cape Town offers Table Mountain, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, the Cape Winelands, and scenic drives like Chapman’s Peak.
Can I visit Victoria Falls from South Africa?
Many travelers combine their South Africa trip with a visit to Victoria Falls. Direct flights are available from both Johannesburg and Cape Town to Victoria Falls, making it easy to visit this iconic destination. Flights range between 1,5 to 3 hours and fly to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia).
Keep Exploring Africa
Combine your South Africa trip with other bucket-list destinations.
Talk to an Expert
With 25+ years of experience, our experts take the guesswork out of planning. Skip the endless research – chat with us for the right advice!
Talk to an Expert
With 25+ years of experience, our experts take the guesswork out of planning. Skip the endless research – chat with us for the right advice!