South Africa

Welcome to South Africa

Black-maned lions framed against Kalahari dunes; powdery beaches lapped by two oceans; star-studded desert skies; jagged, lush mountains – this truly is a country of astounding diversity.

South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several distinct ecosystems. Inland safari destination Kruger National Park is populated by big game. The Western Cape offers beaches, lush winelands around Stellenbosch and Paarl, craggy cliffs at the Cape of Good Hope, forest and lagoons along the Garden Route, and the city of Cape Town, beneath flat-topped Table Mountain.

Quick facts

Capitals: Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein
Dialing code: +27
Currency: South African rand
Official languages: English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Southern Sotho,

Best time to go

Low Season (Jun–Aug)

Winter is ideal for wildlife watching. Rainy season in Cape Town and the Western Cape. Prices generally low.

Shoulder (Apr–May, Sep & Oct)

Sunny spring and autumn weather. Optimum wildlife-watching conditions from autumn onwards.

High Season (Nov–Mar)

Peak times are early December to mid-January and around Easter. Accommodation in national parks and the coast books up months in advance. In popular holiday spots, accommodation prices can rise by 50% or more.