South Africa Holidays

Located at the southernmost tip of the African continent, South Africa is young at heart, friendly and vibrantly multicultural. Few places on earth offer such excellent and ethical wildlife encounters; the scenery is beautiful and varied, the history rich and the music, art, food and dance a fusion of everything that’s unique to this most colourful of rainbow nations. With an excellent range of accommodation and modern infrastructure, South Africa is easy to explore and rewarding to visit.

Known for its spectacular coastline, picturesque vineyards and the country’s most vibrant city, the Western Cape is one of South Africa's most glorious regions and gateway to some of the most exciting experiences. Soak up the atmosphere of cosmopolitan Cape Town where you can explore the scenic V&A Waterfront, visit historic Robben Island, take the cable car up to Table Mountain for spectacular views and relax at Camps Bay. Surrounded by vineyards and mountains, the Cape Winelands are another must-see when in the region, with both Stellenbosch and Franschhoek boasting world-class wineries. Hit the road and follow the Garden Route through charming towns and spectacular scenery to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.

To the east, you will find the historic battlefield sites and dramatic mountain ranges of KwaZulu Natal – a beautiful and untouched part of South Africa that offers the intrepid traveller something a little different. Further north you will find colourful Johannesburg, the spectacualr Blyde River Canyon and the iconic Kruger National Park which is one of the best places in the world to view wildlife on a safari.

Your holiday in South Africa

Specialising in southern African holidays, our South Africa travel specialists can assist in creating the perfect holiday tailored to suit your exact requirements. Pettitts Travel offer various styles of travel in South Africa including fly-drives, rail journeys, and privately guided tours, however our most popular way to travel in this beautiful country is by car on a self-drive holiday. Hiring a car in South Africa is a fantastic way of seeing the country independently as you are able to comfortably cover long distances and explore off-the-beaten track national parks and towns. Typically our South Africa self-drive holidays will include all accommodation, international flights, car hire and some sightseeing. By booking with Pettitts Travel you will be provided with round the clock support and assistance, and expert travel advice

The itineraries on our website have been designed to demonstrate different routes and provide inspiration for your South Africa holiday. These tours can be adapted and adjusted to meet your specific requirements and wishes. Our Self-Drive: Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route is a great option for first-time visitors wanting to experience the wildlife, scenery and wine of the Western Cape, or the Self-Drive: Hidden Treasures of the Western Cape explores more off-the-beaten track destinations such as the De Hoop Nature Reserve and Oudtshoorn, whilst still including the classics such as Cape Town and safari. For something a little different, try our Self-Drive: Mountains and Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal which combines the historical sites, natural beauty and rich culture of KwaZulu-Natal. If you’d prefer not to travel by car and are looking for a more luxurious style of travel, see the Kruger to the Cape by Blue Train itinerary which incorporates a safari in Kruger and a trip on the iconic Blue Train to Cape Town. We also offer multi-centre holidays in Southern Africa, including the 12-day Cape Town, Kruger and Victoria Falls holiday which visits these three must-see destinations of the region.

Places to visit in South Africa

From searching for the big five and admiring the many natural wonders to learning about cultural traditions and the country’s fascinating heritage, South Africa, the rainbow nation, is a diverse country full of exciting experiences. Explore cosmopolitan Cape Town, visit the beautiful winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek or spot wales off the coast of Hermanus as you journey around the Western Cape. Soak up the striking coastal vistas along the Garden Route and explore wild national parks. Learn about the conservation efforts in place at game reserves in the Eastern Cape or uncover the historic significance of the Kwa-Zulu Natal region. Perhaps travel on the iconic Blue Train between Cape Town and Pretoria, or enjoy game viewing in Kruger National Park.

Wildlife in South Africa

South Africa offers excellent and ethical wildlife encounters throughout the country, making it one of the best places to view wildlife in the world. Located in the northeast, iconic Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves with a high density of the ‘Big Five’ including lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. There are accommodation options when visiting the Kruger from authentic bush camping to luxurious five-star lodges. Both the Western and Eastern Cape are also home to some exceptional private game reserves including Gondwana, Pumba and Shamwari. These resorts also boast a fantastic array of wildlife from the Big Five to diverse birdlife, and tend to be malaria-free. Further east along the coast of the KwaZulu Natal province lies the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – an untouched and protected area which features many lakes housing hippo, crocodile and flamingo, as well as grasslands where elephant, leopard and giraffe live. Sodwana Bay to the north is known for its colourful coral reefs whereas the coastal region surrounding Cape Town such as Hermanus and De Hoop Nature Reserve is known for its teeming aquatic life including whales.

Historic Sites of South Africa

With such a tumultuous and long history, South Africa is not only home to some of the world’s oldest archaeological and human fossil remains, but also significant battlefields and noteworthy museums. To visit South Africa and not learn about its history would be to miss a crucial part of the country’s identity. One of the most well-known historical sites is Robben Island which is located off the coast of Cape Town. Once a notorious prison, Robben Island is best known for its incarceration of political prisoners during apartheid. Its most famous prisoner of course was Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid activist who later became the country’s first democratically elected president in 1994. Today, this historical landmark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well a museum for visitors. To the east in KwaZulu-Natal lies the famous battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift where the Zulus defeated the British during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. South Africa is also home to several excellent historical museums, one of the most rewarding however is the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, which chronicles the history of the apartheid and the struggle for human rights which ended this regime of racial segregation.

Common South Africa Travel Questions

Q1 - When is the best time to visit South Africa?

A1 - South Africa can be visited throughout the year but generally is at its best during the winter months of November, December, January and February which is the height of the South African summer. Temperatures are pleasant during spring and autumn, days remain clear although nights can occasionally be a little chilly. The South African winter between May and September heralds the arrival of cooler temperatures but is the best time for viewing wildlife.

Q2 - Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa from the UK?

A2 - UK nationals do not need a visa to visit South Africa on holiday.

Q3 - How long is the flight to South Africa from the UK?

A3 - There are direct flights between London and Johannesburg and London and Cape Town. Direct flights are approximately 12 hours whilst flights that stop en-route can take over 14 hours.

Q4 - What currency is used in South Africa?

A4 - South African Rand is the currency of South Africa. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout South Africa and ATM machines are widespread.

Q5 - What languages are spoken in South Africa?

A5 - There are 11 official languages of South Africa. English is widely spoken and, in most cases, is the main language for everyday use in the country.

Q6 - Are vaccinations required for travel to South Africa?

A6 - No vaccinations are currently required for those travelling to South Africa, however, your doctor will be the best person to offer the most up to date advice on health matters. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate will also be needed if you have recently travelled to an affected area. Malaria is present in certain remote regions and so anti-malarial medication may be required.

Q7 - What should I take on a safari?

A7 - Comfortable clothes in neutral colours are ideal for a safari. A hat for sun protection and a fleece or shawl for early morning or late afternoon safaris is also recommended as it can be chilly just prior to sunrise or after sunset. Also, do not forget to take your camera, binoculars and a water bottle!

Popular Tailor-Made Itineraries

Classic South Africa - Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route

Cape Town, Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls

Mountains and Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal

Classic South Africa - Cape Town, Winelands and the Garden Route

Cape Town, Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls

Mountains and Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal

Your holiday in South Africa

Places to visit in South Africa

When to Visit south-africa

Essential Information

Explore South Africa

Wildlife in South Africa

Historic Sites of South Africa

South Africa Holiday Review

Accommodation in South Africa

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