South Africa Holidays 2025/26 | Tailor-Made

South Africa - the great 'rainbow' nation - is a true Far & Wild favourite

One of the most geographically varied countries of the African continent

The sheer diversity of South Africa’s landscapes, experiences, and cultures have led to it being aptly described as “The Rainbow Nation”, although for visitors its other moniker, “A World in One Country” is perhaps a more fitting description and gives an insight into just how much there is to see and do here. A tailor-made South Africa safari holiday encompasses so many different landscapes, cultures and experiences that it's almost impossible to beat.

The Western Cape is home to the vibrant city of Cape Town, along with some outstanding wine regions and the coastal town of Hermanus – renowned for its superb land-based whale watching. The semi-desert of the Little Karoo then gives way to the verdant mountains and quaint coastal towns of The Garden Route, a must for thrill-seekers. Nearby the safari areas of the Eastern Cape offer the chance to have a complete South Africa experience without sacrificing the freedom of travelling in your own hire car.

Travelling east to Durban will allow you to enjoy the beautiful beaches and warm waters of the Indian Ocean before heading north to hike in the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains and visit the historic battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu and Boer wars. The area is also home to some superb game reserves, including the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park where rhino conservation in Africa first began.

The mighty Kruger National Park, one of the best places in Africa to spot the “Big 5”, is easily accessed from across the country and home to superb lodges, both in the park itself and in the private reserves which surround it. Nearby visitors with a little more time will find the Panorama Route a wonderful spot to explore.

The North-West of the country is home to the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve and Waterberg regions, two of the best places in Africa for family safaris with a range of outstanding lodges to appeal to visitors of all ages.

Train enthusiasts will delight in the chance to take a step back in time and travel across the country on either Rovos Rail, The Blue Train or the Shongololo Express, with train journeys varying from overnight jaunts to 3-4 week odysseys which criss-cross the African continent.

The beguiling Northern Cape is off the beaten tourist trail but offers a chance to visit the fringes of the Kalahari Desert before heading down to the Cederberg Mountains, a wonderful spot for seeing wild flowers in August and September. A few days exploring the Cape West Coast is a perfect antidote to the busier parts of the country, with little fishing villages and deserted white beaches found wherever you look.

The real beauty of a luxury South Africa holiday is that there's something for everyone, and the country can be visited time and time again without repeating the same experiences. With direct overnight flights from London, little time difference, a favourable climate for the majority of the year and well-priced hotels, attractions and restaurants, there is little wonder visitors return year after year to sample everything that South Africa has to offer.

Trip Spotlight

Cape Town, Winelands and Safari Honeymoon

14 Days in South Africa

Cape Town
Winelands
Kruger

Spend your Honeymoon enjoying three of South Africa's most iconic experiences

$5,200 ^pp. Learn more

When to go to South Africa

Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.

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Best
Good
Mixed

January

January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.

February

The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.

March

March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.

April

April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.

May

With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.

June

The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.

July

July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.

August

Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.

September

September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.

October

October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.

November

Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.

December

December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.

Things to do in South Africa