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South Africa holidays
Scenery, safaris and superb wine
Any holiday in South Africa is going to include some memorable moments. Whether you’re on a Big Five safari in Kruger National Park or trekking in the Drakensberg Mountains, one thing’s for sure: you’re not going to forget this vast and varied Rainbow Nation any time soon.
The cosmopolitan capital city, Cape Town, also has more than its fair share of extra special experiences. You can ride a cable car to the top of Table Mountain or take a bus to Boulders Beach to see the penguins waddling along the shore. Elsewhere, you can watch whales from Hermanus or sample a drop of the local vino at Stellenbosch. You might be on the southernmost tip of Africa, but there’s still plenty of time to relax, unwind and go with the flow.
If it’s excitement you’re after, take a ride on the Limpopo River or set sail down the Blyde River Canyon on an inflatable raft. Alternatively, check out the vibrant city streets of Johannesburg or opt for a stroll along Durban’s Indian Ocean waterfront. That’s the thing about holidays in South Africa – once you’ve experienced one, you’ll keep coming back for more.
We offer a range of South Africa travel experiences – choose from independent tours, self-drive road trips and stays in lodges, hotels and B&Bs (all of which have been chosen for their proximity to national parks, city sights and far-reaching wine estates). Alternatively, join a group of like-minded travellers on an escorted tour and make new lifelong friends and memories.
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Cape Town
Arriving in Cape Town is often a highlight for anyone on holiday in South Africa. This cosmopolitan city by the sea boasts a wonderful array of things to do with cable cars up Table Mountain and seafood suppers on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront just a couple of ways to spend your day. Elsewhere the Two Oceans Aquarium and the South African Maritime Museum make for enjoyable options, or you can jump on a bus and head to one or two of the seaside suburbs. Penguins at Boulders Beach and views of the Twelve Apostles from Camps Bay are well worth the extra effort.
The Cape Winelands
Holidays in South Africa are going to involve a drop or two of the local vino at some point or another. Even if you’re teetotal, visiting the vineyards is always a highlight with some truly serene scenes from within the valleys and mountain foothills. Of course, it’s not just the heritage wine estates that keep folk coming back to the Cape Winelands. Many of the small towns, such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, are also renowned for their farm to fork gourmet restaurants and characterful B&Bs.
Safaris and wildlife watching
For many, South Africa is all about going on safari holidays and seeing the Big Five. Kruger, Mapungubwe and Addo Elephant national parks all offer opportunities to spot animals in their natural habitat and are bound to be a holiday highlight. However, don’t discount the country’s marine animals. Tsitsikamma National Park, within the Garden Route, is awash with dolphin, porpoise and whale sightings and boasts some of South Africa’s most stunning seaside scenery. The town of Hermanus also has more than its fair share of whale watching tours and is just a couple of hours from Cape Town.
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What is the flight time to South Africa?
The flight time from the UK to South Africa takes approximately 12 hours.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa?
Currently, British citizens holidaying in South Africa don’t need a visa unless they’re staying longer than 90 days. You will, however, need at least two empty pages in your passport for stamping when you enter and exit the country. Visit GOV.UK for information about entry requirements to South Africa or, alternatively, visit CIBT visas for more information.
What’s the weather like in South Africa?
Layers are the key to a holiday in South Africa. Summers last from December to March and can get very hot with the chance of an afternoon storm. Cape Town, however, can be extremely windy which takes the edge off the heat. The Cape Peninsula tends to have a more Mediterranean type of climate whereas the Indian Ocean coastline is far more tropical. Rain tends to fall during the winter and the spring which is why the national parks look so lush and green during the summer season.
What’s the time zone for South Africa?
South Africa is just a couple of hours ahead of the UK.
What language is spoken in South Africa?
English is the most commonly spoken language in South Africa. Afrikaans, which is similar to Dutch, is also widely spoken in South Africa, especially in the more rural areas.
Discover a holiday created with you in mind. We take care of all the finer details, so you can sit back and relax, safe in the knowledge that you’re getting the high quality and personalised service you’d expect from Saga, every time.
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Experienced travellers have been enjoying great value Saga holidays for over 70 years.
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