Destination
South Africa – Tours
South Africa Tours
Tours in South Africa allow you to experience the spectacular natural landscapes, cultural cities, beautiful farmlands and rugged golden coastlines of this diverse country. Our destination specialists have put together itineraries to help you make the most of your time in South Africa, whether you want to drive yourselves on a private tour or meet a group of like-minded travellers.
One of the most famous self drive tours in South Africa, if not the world, is the Garden Route, which takes you from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Our Garden Route and Eastern Cape Safari allows you to see the famous winelands, luscious farms and cosmopolitan cities of the southern coast of Africa, before finishing with a safari.
Another fantastic way to see South Africa’s ever-changing landscapes is with a train journey. The Shongololo Express takes you through South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Enjoy delicious South African wines and see its red sands and luscious landscapes before finishing in Pretoria. The Rovos Rail takes you from Pretoria in South Africa to Zimbabwe, where you can see the spectacular Victoria Falls.
Shongololo Express - Dune Express: Eastbound
Experience Africa’s stunning and expansive landscapes in style aboard the luxurious Shongololo Express. Your first-class safari adventure will see you taking one of six scenic routes across the plains and undulating hills of South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe...
Escorted tours
Grand Tour of South Africa
Guide Price £3,849 pp
Whether you're travelling to South Africa for the first time or you've had a taste and want to see more, our comprehensive 15-day tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the true spirit of this captivating country. We've...
Wildlife holidays
Shayamanzi Houseboats
Shayamanzi Houseboats, the first houseboats in South Africa, are some of the best houseboats in Africa. Cruise along lake Jozini, view the beautiful scenery of the Lebombo mountains and most of all spot the wonderful wildlife that call the Pongola...
Events & festivals
Rovos Rail
Guide Price £1,739 pp
Founded in 1989, this truly elegant train transports its passengers past the landscapes of South Africa, through the plains of Namibia, across the majestic Victoria Falls. Experience a safari adventure in wonderful places like Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania or...
All inclusive holidays
Wildlife and Warriors Tour
Guide Price £2,129 pp
This extensive tour offers you breath-taking scenery and wildlife along with cultural experiences, as you journey between Johannesburg and Durban. Breathe deeply as you take a leisurely drive along the awe-inspiring Panorama Route, punctuated by cascading waterfalls, dense forests, caves...
Escorted tours
Cape, Whales and Winelands Tour
You'll start your tour in Cape Town , an eclectic melting pot of culture, awarded the accolade of 'best city in the world' many times – and for good reason. As stylish as it is vibrant, experience lush botanical gardens,...
Couples Holidays
The Blue Train
Guide Price £1,029 pp
In the 19th century a dream was born – a dream of linking Africa’s vast south to the north by rail. Passing by the awe-inspiring mountain ranges that dot the continent, through the arid desert landscapes, over untamed savannah grasslands...
Honeymoons
Garden Route and Eastern Cape Safari
This 12-day self drive holiday gives you the opportunity to explore the vibrant city of Cape Town and its surrounding scenery, including Table Mountain and Robben Island, as well as stunning beaches and pretty coastal villages. Leaving Cape Town, you'll...
Family holidays
Expert Tips
Martyn
Destination Manager
“Take the cable car up to Table Mountain. The views are awe-inspiring, especially as the sun sets as the cities begins to twinkle. Remember to bring a coat as it can get chilly, and a little windy.”
Gina
Destination Specialist
“For a unique animal encounter, consider heading to one of the Outdshoorn ostrich farms. They make for brilliant selfies, and there’s always the opportunity to sample local vintages at nearby wineries here, too.”
Christie
Destination Executive
“Lovers of flora will be in their element at Port Elizabeth’s Van Staden Wildflower Reserve. With 500 acres of exotic and indigenous wildflowers on display, set amid sweeping plateaus, riverbanks and cycling trails, it’s a lovely way to escape the hubbub of the cities.”
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to its dramatic scenery, formed of soaring mountain ranges, vast desert dunes, rolling emerald hills, deep canyons and thundering waterfalls, South Africa is also home to an abundance of incredible wildlife. Here you’ll find the mighty Big Five, crocodiles, giraffe, zebra, hyena, and hippos to name but a few. Its cities are known the world over for their friendly, modern and cosmopolitan feel, with Cape Town being named the world’s best city numerous times.
The South African rand is the country’s official currency. You will find that while exploring the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are largely accepted by restaurants, bars and hotels. As you would expect, the further you venture from these cities, the less available ATMs become, and the more likely it is that you’ll require cash for purchases.
There are as many as 11 official languages spoken across South Africa, with English being among the most popular of second languages spoken by its citizens, and arguably the most widely spoken. You won’t have much difficulty conversing with the locals here, so there’s no need to buy a phrasebook.
Combining an extensive array of exotic wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery with thriving, modern cities, South Africa is a haven for every traveller under the sun. Witness the Big Five, explore its lively city streets, sample delicious wine and immerse yourself in South Africa’s extraordinary past.
Why you'll love South Africa...
• Tracking the iconic Big Five on an unforgettable safari experience
• Whale watching off the coast of Hermanus
• Wandering the buzzing, colourful streets of the ‘Mother City’, Cape Town.
• Sampling delicious wines and al fresco dining in Stellenbosch
• Discovering South Africa’s growing art scene at Museum Africa
• Taking selfies with the ostriches of Outdshoorn
• Riding the cable car to the top of Table Mountain and gazing on the amazing vista below
• Marvelling at the splendid Cape Dutch architecture
• Roadtripping along the scenic Garden Route
• Trekking through Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve
• Spotting Cape fur seals, sharks, penguins and dolphins at St Croix Island Marine Reserve
• Relaxing and people-watching on the famous Camps Bay beach
Did you know?
• Nearly half of all the gold ever mined in the world has come from Witwatersrand, South Africa.
• South Africa’s Sunland Bar is set inside a 6,000-year-old baobab tree.
• Should you stumble upon a meteorite here, you must immediately notify authorities, as they are protected under the country’s National Heritage Law.
