South Africa Travel Guide

Plan your dream holiday to the rainbow nation of South Africa with the help of our handy travel guide resources. Discover the best time to visit and top attractions you should visit, and find out what visas you'll need to get there. You can find out all about currency, vaccinations, internet access and more in our Top Travel Tips and if you still need help deciding whether to pick an overland camping or lodge-accommodated safari then we have detailed guides to both. For the ultimate safari adventure, use our comprehensive guide to Africa's Big 5 and where to find them or refer to our quick guide to Africa's wildlife and when best to find them.

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Best Places to Visit

From cosmopolitan cities to scenic vineyards and national parks

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Best Time to Visit

Time your holiday with the seasons and discover what they mean for wildlife spotting

Currency

Top Travel Tips

All the information you'll need before you travel including health advice

Visas

Tourist Visas

Visa requirements for South Africa and info on travelling with children

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About Overland Safaris

What to expect of an overland camping safari with details on tents, trucks and more

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About Lodge Safaris

What to expect of lodge-accommodated safaris with details on vehicles and guides

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Safari Wildlife Guide

Where to see Africa's most popular wildlife and the best time to do so

Herd of Elephants- Africa Overland Safaris - Africa Lodge Safaris - Africa Tours - On The Go Tours

Spotting Africa's Big 5

Our guide to the best places to see the Big 5 of lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo & leopard

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Malaria-Free Safaris

Recommendations for a malaria-free safari adventure in South Africa

Plan your trip to similar destinations!

Get to know South Africa

Recommended Reading

  • Long Walk to Freedom
    by Nelson Mandela
  • Tomorrow is Another Country
    by Allister Sparks
  • Disgrace
    by JM Coetzee
Did you know...?

Facts about South Africa

  • Table Mountain has over 1,500 species of plants, more than the entire United Kingdom.
  • South Africa is home to the second highest waterfall in the world, Tugela Falls where the water tumbles down 2,789 feet.
  • The oldest remains of modern humans, over 100,000 years old, were found in Klasies River Cave in the Eastern Cape.

South Africa Travel Advice for New Zealand Travellers

The safety of our travellers is of prime importance and we closely monitor current travel advice on South Africa. We recommend that you check the latest travel updates from Safe Travel New Zealand when planning your trip.

Flying to South Africa from New Zealand:

South Africa is roughly a 19-hour flight from New Zealand. Our tours will either start and end in Cape Town or Johannesburg so which airport you will need to fly in and out of will depend on your chosen tour. From Auckland, the quickest flight option to Johannesburg is with Qantas via Sydney though Air New Zealand via Perth is another good choice. If flying to Cape Town most airlines require an additional transit stop in Johannesburg with Qantas once again the fastest option.

Useful Online Resources:

The official South Africa Tourist Organisation site.