South Africa Tours & Vacations

South Africa is an excellent year-round destination. Winters are mild, dry and good for wildlife viewing. Summers can get very hot and humid but are a great time for visiting beaches and festivals. Spring is a great time for viewing wildflowers in the Northern and Western Cape provinces, and very little rain falls anywhere in autumn, but the days are warm and the nights cool. Overall, there’s always a good time to head to South Africa.

Learn more about the best time to visit South Africa

South Africa’s culture is one of the most diverse in the world. From indigenous tribes like the Zulu, San Bushmen and Xhosa to the Afrikaners of Dutch heritage, and immigrants of British descent, visitors will be able to experience a magnificent melting pot of customs and traditions. The significant Indian and Jewish populations also add to the ethnic mix. From the proud, beaded Zulu warriors that have inhabited the land for centuries to newly arrived immigrants from Europe and Asia, South Africa’s culture has been shaped by millions of people. 

The cuisine is generally a combination of Indian, Dutch, English and tribal flavors and techniques, while dress can range from modern fashion in the big cities to simple traditional, tribal dress in the bush. Although South Africa has made significant inroads towards peace and reconciliation since the end of apartheid, racial tensions are sometimes evident, and it is generally best not to contribute to this in any way. Overall, most travelers will find South Africans to be welcoming, appreciative of your visit and ready to share their homeland and stories.

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.

Foods to try in South Africa

1. Wine

South Africa is fast becoming one of the most interesting wine producing regions in the world. Quality has risen steeply in the past decade so if you’re visiting the Stellenbosch Wine Region, be sure to sample some fine reds, which are world-class.

2. Seafood

With such easy access to the Indian Ocean and Southern Atlantic, South Africa boasts some of the best seafood dining experiences you’ll ever have. From an indulgent oyster platter at a Cape Town restaurant to a spicy seafood curry in Durban, the seafood here is fresh, cheap and flavorsome.

3. Biltong

Biltong tends to divide people. Some find this preserved, spiced meat snack impossible to refuse and others simply can’t stomach it. Either way, it’s extremely popular and readily available in markets, supermarkets and shops throughout South Africa.

4. Boerewors

Another one for the meat-lovers, this coiled, spicy sausage is a South African delicacy best done on the barbecue. Flavored with coriander, cloves and nutmeg, this is a meat born from South African and Dutch traditions.

Learn more about what to eat and drink in South Africa

South Africa showcases one of the most diverse and stunning natural environments in the world. Visitors are able to soak up golden rays on sun-drenched beaches, journey through acre upon acre of dry savannah, admire lush, green meadows, walk through tropical forest and stop to take in views of wide, ancient canyons. It’s also possible to stroll the streets of an urban city one day and meander along a dirt track passing small farms and villages the next. South Africa truly is a land of contrasts, and this begins with the landscapes and environment. 

Located on the tip of Southern Africa, South Africa shares land borders with Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Swaziland. It also shares a long stretch of coastline with the Indian and South Atlantic Oceans. The topography of the land changes remarkably around the country, from the lofty plateaus of the inland region to the low-lying coast and mountainous ranges of the Cape. This variance in topography makes South Africa rich in many species of flora and fauna, something that attracts many tourists and travelers from all over the world.

Early history

The land of South Africa has been inhabited for centuries by tribes hailing from different areas of the African continent, including the San and Bantu people. Most tribes relied on hunting and gathering, but gradually were introduced to agriculture and animal husbandry over the years. From around 1200 AD, the tribal people of South Africa started to become influenced by outsiders, including Muslim traders, the Portuguese and the Dutch, who established a settlement in the mid 1600s. 

The Dutch continued to dominate the country until the 1800s, when the British became interested in the Cape Colony. During this time, the native population had become increasingly dissatisfied with being marginalized and treated poorly by their European colonizers. Many native people were used as slaves on plantations and were treated brutally by their ‘employers’ and many resented losing their land, culture and traditional way of life. Further to this, the Dutch descendants (known as Boers) didn’t appreciate the arrival of the British in a territory they had inhabited for years before their arrival. This frustration and anger regularly resulted in confrontation and armed conflict between the British, Boers and Zulus, culminating in a series of wars – most notably the Boer Wars.

Recent history

More recently, South Africa has managed to overcome the Apartheid era, a time where discrimination of black people was legalized. Until 1994, black people were unable to legally own land or vote in elections. Further to this, education, healthcare, beaches and public places like cinemas were segregated. During this time, South Africa was ruled and controlled by the white minority, much to the dissatisfaction of the black population and ultimately, the world. After much international pressure and many attempts at reform, the Apartheid era was finally ended in 1994, with Nelson Mandela stepping up to lead the nation as President. Due to this challenging history, modern day South Africa has many social issues to work on and resolve, but many of its people are filled with hope and optimism. In 2010, South Africa successfully hosted the FIFA World Cup, much to the delight of its citizens and the world.

1. Drakensberg Mountains

Use your wide-angle lens to capture the majestic Drakensberg Mountain Range in all its panoramic glory. This impressive mountain range is the highest in Southern Africa and provides a wide and wonderful scope for impressive postcard-worthy shots.

2. Stellenbosch

Rolling green pastures, vineyards and orchards combine to create classic photo moments straight out of a guidebook. This cultured and charming area showcases a different side to South Africa, and will no doubt have people guessing where your photo was taken.

3. Knysna

This quaint seaside town located on South Africa’s Garden Route is one of the most photogenic in Africa. Whether you’re snapping the boats in the harbor, the dolphins frolicking in the waves or the wild and rocky coast, it’s hard not to snap Knysna in a good light.

4. Soweto

Fans of street art will love capturing the murals and memorials of spirited Soweto. The gritty urban landscapes and candid faces make it simple to capture the soul of this endearing, inspiring community.

5. Cintsa

This gem of the South African Coast has retained a village atmosphere despite its growing popularity with tourists. The beaches, bays and rock pools provide sensational photography moments, especially at dawn and dusk when the sun gives off incredible, moody light.

6. Cape Town

Easily one of the most picturesque cities in the world, Cape Town has some of the most photo-worthy landscapes in the world. From breathtaking Table Mountain to the stunning coast and beautiful beaches, Cape Town has profound natural beauty coming at you from every angle.

7. Durban

Sure, Durban’s beaches are special but the interesting mix of Indian, Muslim, African and European influences makes for great photography. Durban’s cultural cornucopia of markets, mosques and galleries offers rich fodder for snap-happy travelers looking to capture a different side of Africa.

8. Lamberts Bay

The tremendously large colony of Cape Gannet birds who live off Lamberts Bay is often photographed - and with good reason. The sight of hundreds of birds tightly packed into a small space against a backdrop of azure ocean provides a unique, snap-worthy photo subject.

9. Blyde River Canyon

This canyon is every bit as stunning as America’s Grand Canyon, yet in a different way. Lush greenery grows over most of the area and a diverse range of animal and plant life is supported within its deep cliffs and valleys. It’s difficult to take a bad photo here, as Mother Nature has kindly provided a near perfect canvas.

10. Kruger National Park

This iconic national park has some of the ‘most-photographed’ animals in the world. Visitors love capturing shots of lions hunting prey, elephants drinking at waterholes and cheetahs sleeping under trees. Mesmerizing amber sunsets and rolling savanna only add to the atmospheric magic of it all.

1. Durban

Brimming with golden beaches and glitzy nightlife, Durban is the perfect coastal city to catch some rays or sample South African cuisine in between your adventures. Try the city's famous bunny chow, take a scenic stroll along the Golden Mile promenade or learn about traditional African medicine at the Durban Muthi Market.

2. Johannesburg

Feel the buzz of urban Africa in Joburg, South Africa's largest city. Check out the cultural hotspots of Newtown, Braamfontein, or Maboneng; learn about the country's sobering past at the Apartheid Museum, or venture outside the city to the Cradle of Humankind to see some of the oldest fossilized hominid remains on Earth.

3. Cape Town

Be captivated by the beautiful coast-meets-mountain landscapes of Cape Town. Hit up the city's famous Camps Bay to bask in the sun and swim in a natural rock swimming pool, hike to the top of Table Mountain for incredible views, admire the colourful buildings in Bo Kaap neighbourhood or watch life go by in one of the city's quirky cafes.

4. Stellenbosch

The Stellenbosch wine region is the place to be to sample the country's most delicious drops. Surrounded by lush orchards and rugged mountains, it's a beautiful place to soak up the scenery while enjoying a glass (or two) of the region’s world-class reds.

5. Kruger National Park

Welcome to one of the largest game reserves in Southern Africa. Home to over 500 bird species, 100 species of reptile and 150 mammal species (including the Big Five and the endangered African wild dog), you have a pretty good chance of spotting some of South Africa's resident wildlife while on safari here.

From the provincial markets of sleepy towns, through the malls of Johannesburg and to the galleries and cafes of Cape Town, there are many options for parting with money in South Africa. From budget market souvenirs to more indulgent bespoke buys, visitors will be pleased with the variety on offer here.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. United States generally has strict customs laws.

Things to buy in South Africa

1. Zulu beads

Zulu beadwork acts as a form of communication for Zulu people but visitors are usually drawn to buy beads for their vibrancy and visual appeal. Necklaces, bracelets and head pieces are particularly popular.

2. Township art

This urban art form involves recycling common landfill items like soft drink cans, telephone wire, paper and tires, and turning them into jewelry, ornaments, key rings, bags and toys. Township art makes a unique souvenir or gift as it supports local artists and keeps excess waste out of landfill.

3. Gourmet goodies

The Cape area has loads of amazing purveyors and food producers, so this is the best place to stock up on chutneys, jams and preserves made from local mango, fig, oranges and grapes.

4. Rooibos products

This caffeine-free herbal tea has been drunk in South Africa for generations, and is a cheap souvenir option for friends and family back home. You will also be able to find rooibos skincare and beauty products too.

Freedom Day

This national public holiday commemorates the anniversary of South Africa’s constitution democracy – a very important sentiment to Africans living in the post-apartheid world. Marked by military flyovers, song, dance and other entertainment, this is a time of celebration, peace and unity.

Cape Town Jazz Festival

Cape Town shines with two days of hot jazz performances from African entertainers at this very popular festival. Although many of the shows sell out well in advance, the free outdoor concert ensures no one misses out.

Knysna Oyster Festival

This annual festival held over 10 days in winter offers so much more than oysters. Sure, indulge in some oysters but don’t forget about the fun runs, marathons, wine tastings, eating competitions, live music and cooking demos.

Read more about festivals in South Africa

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

• Human Rights Day

• Freedom Day

• Workers' Day

• Youth Day

• National Women's Day

• Heritage Day

• Day of Reconciliation

• Christmas Day

• Day of Goodwill

Please note South Africa's public holidays may vary.