South Africa Holidays

How to reach South Africa

Flight time: Flights to South Africa from the UK typically take just over 11 hours. Direct flights are available to Johannesburg or Cape Town from London. From other UK airports, and as cheaper alternatives from London, you'll usually connect through hubs in Europe or the Middle East.

Transfer time:

• Once you’ve landed, transfer times vary by destination.

• From the OR Tambo Airport, you can take the Gautrain into Johannesburg city centre in about 30 minutes, while shuttle buses, taxis, Uber and Bolt take more like 45 minutes, depending on exact destination and traffic.

• Cape Town International Airport is about 30 to 50 minutes by taxi or app-based services to the city centre.

• Some hotels can arrange a pickup service, so ask about this when booking.

Price:

• The Gautrain fare from OR Tambo to Sandton is R219 (£9.50), plus connection into the city.

• A taxi from Cape Town Airport costs R300–R600 (£13–£26), depending on the destination and traffic, with similar prices in Durban.

Best time to visit South Africa

South Africa has good weather year-round, but with different climatic zones around the country, the best time to visit depends on where you're going and what you plan to do.

• December to February is South Africa’s summer, with the annual holidays in December/January when the country shuts down. Cape Town enjoys warm weather (highs of 22°C to 29°C), making it perfect for beach holidays and exploring the Winelands, but the rain is unpredictable. Johannesburg and Durban experience slightly warmer temperatures with frequent thunderstorms in the afternoons, though mornings are often sunny.

• March to May marks the autumn season, with cooler, pleasant weather (highs of about 20°C to 27°C), especially mild down near the coast but slightly cooler inland, and fewer tourists. This is a great time for wildlife safaris, as the bush thins out, making it easier to spot animals. The weather is also good for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring national parks.

• June to August sees winter temperatures (up to 17°C to 20°C), with cool, wet weather on the Western Cape, while Johannesburg and the Kruger Park area experience dry, sunny days with chilly nights. Winter is peak safari season, and the lack of rain means animals gather around waterholes, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Whale-watching also kicks off along the southern coast.

• September to November is spring, when wildflowers bloom in places like the West Coast and Namaqualand. Temperatures are mild (peaking around 21°C to 25°C), making it a great time for hiking, sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities across the country.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: South Africa has 11 official languages, with English being one, and it's widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: South Africans are generally friendly and welcoming, but respect for local customs is appreciated. Tipping around 10 percent in restaurants is standard, and it’s polite to leave a small tip for petrol station attendants and car guards.

• Currency: The South African Rand (R) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit or debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. It’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in more remote areas.

• Getting around: South Africa has a good public transport system, especially for intercity journeys, although in some urban areas it's not so tourist-friendly. In Johannesburg, the Gautrain is the quickest way to get around, while Cape Town has MyCiTi bus and Metrorail services; taxis or Uber are also good options around the country. Renting a car is popular for exploring the country, especially if you’re planning a road trip or visiting the national parks and other rural areas, but take care when driving.

• Electricity and plug types: South Africa's electricity is 220/230V and uses Type M plugs, so you’ll need an adaptor if you’re coming from the UK.

• Time zone: South Africa is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

Best things to do in South Africa

South Africa is a diverse country, offering everything from incredible safaris to bustling city life. Whether you’re visiting Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban, there’s plenty to explore across this vast and beautiful nation.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Table Mountain (Cape Town): One of South Africa's most iconic landmarks, Table Mountain offers unbeatable views over Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean and Robben Island. You can take a cable car or hike up one of the many trails.

The best districts

• Bo-Kaap (Cape Town): Famous for its colourful houses and rich history, Bo-Kaap is the heart of Cape Malay culture. Stroll through its vibrant streets and learn about this community’s heritage.

• Maboneng (Johannesburg): This creative urban space is filled with art galleries, street markets and trendy cafés. It’s the perfect spot for soaking up Johannesburg’s contemporary art scene.

• Umhlanga Rocks (Durban): A coastal suburb of Durban, Umhlanga offers luxury hotels, beach walks and lively restaurants. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed seaside atmosphere close to the city.

Historic monuments

• Robben Island (Cape Town): This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where political prisoners like Nelson Mandela were held. A ferry from the V&A Waterfront takes you to the island, where former prisoners lead insightful tours.

• Constitution Hill (Johannesburg): A former prison complex that now houses the Constitutional Court, this site is key to understanding South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy.

• Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift (KwaZulu-Natal): Visit the historic battlefields where Zulu warriors famously clashed with British forces in 1879. Tours here offer an immersive look into the country’s past.

Activities for families in South Africa

South Africa is a fantastic destination for families, offering a wide range of activities that are both educational and entertaining. Here are some family-friendly things to do:

• uShaka Marine World (Durban): A popular marine theme park with a large aquarium, a penguin rookery, a phantom cargo ship to explore and the uShaka Wet ’n Wild water park.

• Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town): Located at the V&A Waterfront, this aquarium is a must-visit for families. It features a wide variety of marine life from both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, with interactive exhibits for kids.

• Gold Reef City (Johannesburg): Disneyland meets old-style Johannesburg at this family-friendly theme park built around a former gold mine. As well as rollercoasters and a 4D theatre, an educational tour takes you underground to learn about Joburg’s gold-mining history.

Free things to do in South Africa

South Africa has plenty of free activities that let you explore its culture and natural beauty without breaking the bank.

• Beaches: South Africa is home to some of the world’s best beaches, and they’re free to access. Visit Clifton’s pristine sands in Cape Town or the family-friendly seafront in Durban for a day by the sea.

• Hiking: The Drakensberg Mountains offer some of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the country, with options for all levels. For a coastal hike, the Otter Trail along the Garden Route is one of the most famous in South Africa, offering stunning ocean views and diverse wildlife.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Safaris: A visit to South Africa wouldn’t be complete without a safari. Kruger and Pilanesberg national parks are some of the best places to see the Big Five, but smaller reserves like Madikwe and Addo Elephant Park also offer excellent game-viewing. Guided drives and bush walks provide unique ways to experience South Africa’s wildlife.

• Watersports: Durban’s warm waters make it a top spot for surfers, while Cape Town’s blustery conditions are ideal for kiteboarding enthusiasts. For something more relaxing, try kayaking in the lagoons of the West Coast National Park.

Local dishes in South Africa

South Africa’s rich and varied cuisine incorporates traditional African dishes along with Malay, Portuguese, Dutch and Indian cooking, including plenty of meat, seafood and local fruit and vegetables. Here's what you should check out on your South Africa holidays.

Some typical dishes

• Braai: More than just a barbecue, a South African braai is a social event that's very much part of the national identity. Traditionally seen on the grill are huge steaks, lamb and sausages, with ostrich and venison also becoming popular. Side dishes include vegetables cooked in the embers or chakalaka.

• Bunny Chow: Originally from Durban, this dish consists of hollowed-out bread filled with spicy curry. It’s a must-try street food, especially if you’re in KwaZulu-Natal.

• Pap and Chakalaka: A staple in South African households, pap is a maize porridge often served with chakalaka, a spicy vegetable relish. This dish is a common accompaniment at braais.

Meat dishes

• Boerewors: A spiced “farmer’s sausage” grilled on the braai, Boerewors is a favourite at South African barbecues. It’s usually served with pap and gravy or a simple tomato relish.

• Biltong: A popular snack, Biltong is dried, cured meat (usually beef or game), spiced and sun-dried. It’s similar to beef jerky but with a distinctly South African flavour.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Cape Malay Curry: This fragrant curry, often made with fish or seafood, is mildly spiced and slightly sweet, and is a Cape Town classic.

• Grilled Snoek: This large, local fish is found along South Africa’s coast. When served with a sweet apricot glaze, it’s a classic traditional dish.

Local drinks

• Wine: South Africa is one of the world's great winemakers; close to Cape Town, places like the Winelands offer picturesque vineyards and world-class wine tastings. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the most famous spots, with rolling hills, excellent dining and charming old-world architecture.

• Rooibos tea: This caffeine-free herbal tea is native to South Africa and has a naturally sweet, earthy flavour. Rooibos is a staple in most South African households and is often enjoyed with honey or milk.