Cape Town 
south africa
South Africa offers more variety than almost anywhere in Africa. Cape Town has a mountain in the middle of the city, beaches and some of the best restaurants on the continent, with the Winelands an hour away.
For safari, the private reserves of the Sabi Sands and Greater Kruger are famous for leopards, while Madikwe is malaria-free and ideal for families. On the coast, Hermanus has whales from July to November, and the Garden Route is made for a road trip.
With overnight flights and only one or two hours’ time difference, it’s also one of the easiest long-haul trips from the UK.
where to go
Table Mountain, the Atlantic seaboard and a great food scene.
Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and wine estates set among mountains.
Private reserves known for leopards and exceptional guiding.
A malaria-free reserve with the Big Five, ideal for families.
Seven habitats in one reserve, from sand forest to wetlands, near the coast.
Some of the best land-based whale watching in the world.
when to go
South Africa is good all year, with the Cape and the bush at their best at different times.
November to March
Long, sunny days in Cape Town and the Winelands. The busiest time on the coast.
May to September
Dry winter in the bush, with thinner vegetation and wildlife around waterholes.
July to November
Southern right whales in Walker Bay and along the coast.
where to stay
Cape Town 
Cape Town Dramatic rooms in a converted grain silo above the V&A Waterfront.
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On the waterfront with views of Table Mountain and a family-friendly feel.
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Franschhoek A working farm with an extraordinary garden and cottages among the vines.
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Sabi Sands Three suites overlooking the Sand River, famous for leopards.
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KwaZulu-Natal Looking for something different? We know many more hotels and villas in South Africa, and we'll happily suggest the right one for you.
experiences
Some of the most relaxed leopards in Africa, followed off-road by expert trackers.
Private tastings and long lunches in the Winelands.
Follow cheetah on foot with a researcher in KwaZulu-Natal.
Discover how Shangaan trackers read the bush at Londolozi.
A malaria-free reserve and a family favourite.
Ancient paintings among red rocks, a few hours from Cape Town.
Yes. Madikwe, the Eastern Cape reserves and Welgevonden are malaria-free, which makes them ideal for families with young children.
We suggest at least four nights, with two or three more in the Winelands.
November to March for Cape Town, and May to September for the bush. Most trips work all year with careful planning.
Kruger and parts of KwaZulu-Natal are malaria areas. Please speak to your GP or a travel clinic, and check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest advice.
Yes, the Cape and Garden Route are great for self-drive. For safari, we’ll fly you to the reserves.
pair it with
The Okavango Delta and the Kalahari. Small, exclusive camps and some of the best guiding in Africa.
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The Maasai Mara, Laikipia's private conservancies and the Indian Ocean coast. Classic safari country.
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Lake Malawi's clear water and islands, easily paired with a safari in neighbouring Zambia.
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Travel advice: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has up-to-date advice on health and safety across the globe, as well as local laws, and passport and visa information. Please check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel regularly for updates ahead of travel, as the advice can change.
