Answer the call of the wild with the holiday of a lifetime in South Africa, a spellbinding land of jaw-dropping beauty, fascinating history and blissful sunshine.

This is the place to experience an amazing outdoor adventure in 2024, surrounded by incredible animals, postcard-perfect scenery, enchanting coastline and epic natural attractions. This diverse destination is home to mountains, grasslands, savannas and deserts, plus 19 national parks, 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites and magnificent cities, including Cape Town and Johannesburg. Prepare to be wowed by the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, the Garden Route, Gauteng, the Winelands and other captivating parts of the country. Get up close to the famous Big Five in Kruger National Park, visit the home of the country's first black president Nelson Mandela, gaze in awe at the legendary Table Mountain or tuck into sizzling fare at a traditional braai barbecue. Let’s consider the top 5 reasons to holiday in this awe-inspiring destination.

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Breathtaking Scenery

South Africa has the power to leave every visitor awestruck by its outstanding natural beauty. You’ll marvel at phenomenal landscapes, from the beguiling desert coasts of the west to the world’s finest beaches in the east. Discover the jagged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, travel around the enthralling winelands, venture into the verdant forests along the Garden Route or visit Cape Point, where the mighty Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. Vast areas of untamed bushveld, glistening lakes, tumbling waterfall, deep canyons, wide plains and wild national parks are among the other delights which will take your breath away. Must-see attractions include De Hoop Nature Reserve, God’s Window viewpoint at Blyde River Canyon, the Hole in the Wall rocky archway off the Wild Coast, Lisbon Falls and Table Mountain in Cape town, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the country’s most photographed attraction.

The Big Five

This beguiling destination is a magnet for wildlife lovers seeking encounters with magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, including the Big Five of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Kruger National Park, the country’s largest game reserve covering 7,523 square miles, offers the ultimate safari experience in an open-sided vehicle. You’ll be accompanied by a guide and get the chance to capture Instagrammable moments. Other wildlife attractions include Lion Sands Game Reserve, Pilanesberg National Park, Addo Elephant National Park and Shamwari Game Reserve. South Africa also has a Marine Big Five, namely the great white shark, the bottlenose dolphin, the Cape fur seal, the southern right whale and the African penguin. Opportunities to witness these marvellous sea creatures include visits to Hermanus to observe whales, penguin watching at the Cape of Good Hope and shark cage diving adventures in Gansbaai in the Western Cape.

Rich History And Culture

South Africa is a dream come true for history buffs and culture fiends, with amazing landmarks, traditions, architecture and artifacts from the past to delight them. Key historical attractions include the World-Heritage listed Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years incarcerated during the dark days of apartheid. His former home, Mandela House, in the Soweto township of Johannesburg, is now a museum in honour of him. You can also explore the legendary battlefields of the Boers, Zulus and British, or visit the Castle of Good Hope, the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa, dating back to 1666. The Cradle of Humankind is an incredible limestone cave system in Gauteng province containing fossilised remains of our early ancestors. Other major attractions include Constitution Hill, Voortrekker Monument, Iziko South African Museum and the V&A Waterfront, located in the oldest working harbour in the Southern Hemisphere.

Unforgettable Experiences

South Africa is brimming with exciting activities and experiences to thrill every holidaymaker in 2024. Stay in one of the country's game reserve lodges for a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience, descend beneath the waves in a metal cage to encounter great white sharks, or trek across the ancient sandstone cliffs of Golden Gate National Park. Travel on a historic tram through the wine estates near Franschhoek, enjoy a 4x4 adventure in the Sani Pass or take a cable car ride up Table Mountain. The seaside town of Hermanus is South Africa’s premier whale-watching destination, while the coastal cities of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban are perfect for a myriad of offshore water sports. More wonderful experiences await in the protected iSimangaliso Wetland Park where horse riding, game viewing, turtle tracking and hiking are among the outdoor pursuits in the grasslands, forests, mangroves and coral reefs.

Irresistible Cuisine

South Africa is a foodies paradise, with a myriad of cuisines from the nation’s colonial past combining to satisfy every palate. Culinary delights range from delicious Dutch and German flavours to mouthwatering Indonesian and Malaysian creations. South Africa is big on meat dishes, with beef, lamb, pork, goat, wildebeest, springbok and ostrich among the choices available. Stews, curries, salads and breads are among the joys you’ll discover. A braai is similar to a barbecue, where meat, fish and other types of food are cooked over a local hardwood fire. Popular fare at a braai include boerewors sausage, kebabs, biltong, droëwors, potato bake and pap, a form of porridge-like corn meal. Other traditional dishes include Bobotie, Bunny Chow, Cape Malay Curry and Chakalaka. A popular dessert is malva pudding, a cake-based offering sweetened with apricot jam, while South Africa's highly-rated wines are perfect to accompany any delicious meal.

Best Time To Visit

South Africa has a patchwork of climates ranging from sub-tropical and temperate, which results in variations from a Mediterranean-type climate to hot and dry desert conditions. An excellent time to visit is during the spring when temperatures are pleasant and there's plenty of sunshine. The summer months of December, January and February are also popular, when you'll enjoy hot, tropical weather in most of the country, with temperatures ranging from 15? to 36?. Autumn is also a great time to jet off to South Africa, when the weather is slightly milder and crowds are smaller at key attractions. The dry season, from May to September, is the perfect time for a wildlife safari in the main reserves, when animals are easy to spot gathering at rivers and waterholes. Winter weather in South Africa is fairly mild, with temperatures ranging from -2? to 26?.

“South Africa is a mesmerising destination where every visitor can create magical memories which will last a lifetime.

“From outstanding natural wonders, safari park adventures and cultural delights to big city thrills, fabulous food and unrivalled hospitality, this glorious getaway has it all.

“Check out the historical attractions in the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg, catch some rays on virgin sandy beaches or trek along miles of unspoilt coastline.

“The Winelands, the Garden Route and the Western Cape are among the wonderful regions waiting to be explored during your visit to this truly spectacular land.

“With its incredible diversity of climate, culture, society, flora and fauna, it’s no surprise that South Africa is fondly referred to as the Rainbow Nation.”

One&Only Cape Town

Stay in complete luxury in the heart of Cape Town at this sophisticated 5-star abode, located at the city’s stylish Victoria & Albert Waterfront. An ideal base from where to discover the sights, scenery, culture and history of South Africa’s beguiling legislative capital, you’ll spend restful nights in elegant accommodation and be able to refuel for your adventures in first-class dining destinations. Leisure features provided include a state-of-the-art gym, sublime spa, divine infinity-edge swimming pool and a clubhouse and garden space especially for children.

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The Portswood Hotel

Set within a stone’s throw of Cape Town’s iconic Victoria and Albert Waterfront, this fabulous hotel offers a prime location for exploring South Africa’s oldest city. When not out and about sightseeing, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, indulge in a rejuvenating treatment in the spa, or sample the tasty tipples served in the charming cocktail bar. The plush rooms and suites provide ideal spaces for rest and relaxation, while delicious a la carte meals are on the menu in the elegant restaurant.

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Taj Cape Town

Enjoy an energetic taste of Cape Town at this lavish 5-star urban sanctuary, sitting in the heart of the city’s lively leisure hub. A perfect choice for exploring, you’ll find historic landmarks, attractions, shops, galleries and a host of restaurants all within easy reach. The hotel itself offers opulent living spaces with stunning views of the city or Table Mountain, as well as impressive features which include a spa, gym and swimming pool, along with diverse dining options that are sure to delight.

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