My Wishlist
1.800.557.2841or Contact Your Travel Advisor
Three people enjoy a conversation over drinks at a vineyard table, with lush green hills in the background.
Home/Destinations/Africa/South Africa/Most Popular Vacations

South Africa

South Africa is a land where natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an intriguing past intertwine, offering a mosaic of experiences for every traveller. If you're plotting your next escapade and asking yourself, "Where to visit in South Africa?", you're certainly in for a treat. From shimmering coastlines to towering mountains, bustling cities to serene savannahs, South Africa's allure is both vast and varied. Let's embark on a journey through some of the best places to travel in South Africa and explore tours that capture the essence of this remarkable destination.

Discover breathtaking tours of South Africa and unlock a world of adventures!

South Africa is a land where natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an intriguing past intertwine, offering a mosaic of experiences for every traveller. If you're plotting your next escapade and asking yourself, "Where to visit in South Africa?", you're certainly in for a treat. From shimmering coastlines to towering mountains, bustling cities to serene savannahs, South Africa's allure is both vast and varied. Let's embark on a journey through some of the best places to travel in South Africa and explore tours that capture the essence of...

South Africa is a land where natural beauty, vibrant culture, and an intriguing past intertwine, offering a mosaic of experiences for every traveller. If you're plotting your next escapade and asking yourself, "Where to visit in South Africa?", you're certainly in for a treat. From shimmering coastlines to towering mountains, bustling cities to serene savannahs, South Africa's allure is both vast and varied. Let's embark on a journey through some of the best places to travel in South Africa and explore tours that capture the essence of this remarkable destination.

Johannesburg: A Metropolis of Contrasts

The heartbeat of South Africa is found in Johannesburg, a city that pulsates with energy and history. Known colloquially as Jo'burg, it is the gateway to a country as diverse as its inhabitants. Here, you can delve into the poignant history at the Apartheid Museum or take a scenic tour of Soweto, a township that bore witness to many pivotal moments in South Africa's past. When in Soweto, don't miss exploring Vilakazi Street, home to historic residences of iconic figures like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Cape Town: Where Nature Meets Culture

In Cape Town, nature gracefully bows to urban sophistication. With the majestic Table Mountain as its backdrop, the city extends into lush vineyards and golden beaches. The iconic Cape of Good Hope offers breathtaking views and a chance to mingle with the local fauna, including the charismatic African penguins at Boulders Beach. City tours of Cape Town are a must, offering insights into its rich history and vibrant contemporary culture. The colourful streets of Bo-Kaap and the bustling V&A Waterfront will captivate your senses.

Kruger National Park: A Safari of Sights

No trip to South Africa is complete without venturing into the wild. The Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves, offers a quintessential safari experience. Tours of South Africa often include this iconic destination, where the big five - lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos - roam freely. The park’s vast landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a premier spot for photography and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Whether self-driving or opting for a guided safari, the thrill of spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is unparalleled.

Garden Route: Scenic Serenity

The Garden Route is a harmonious blend of rugged coastline, stunning mountains, and tranquil lagoons. Stretching from Mossel Bay to the Storms River, this celebrated drive is famed for its panoramic beauty. Stop at Knysna to savour fresh oysters or take a hike in the Tsitsikamma National Park, where lush forests meet the crashing waves. Along the way, quaint towns like Plettenberg Bay offer charming detours and chances to unwind amidst serene natural beauty.

Drakensberg Mountains: Peaks of Wonder

For those with a penchant for adventure and a love for breathtaking vistas, the Drakensberg Mountains beckon. Hiking trails weave through this UNESCO World Heritage site, revealing awe-inspiring views and ancient San rock art that whisper stories of a bygone era. Whether you're clambering up the steep slopes of Cathedral Peak or meandering through the scenic Amphitheatre, the Drakensberg is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, offering some of the best places to travel in South Africa.

Cultural Experiences: Tapestry of Traditions

Beyond its natural wonders, South Africa is a tapestry woven with diverse cultures and traditions. A journey through Zulu land offers insights into one of Africa's largest ethnic groups, where traditional villages welcome you with dance, music, and warm hospitality. Explore the art and craft markets, rich with Zulu beadwork and craftmanship, merging age-old skills with contemporary flair.

South Africa’s spirit is encapsulated in its diverse landscapes and eclectic cultures. Whether you’re soaking in the urban edge of Johannesburg, sipping Pinotage in the Cape Winelands, or standing in awe of the vast Serengeti plains, this nation invites you to explore its heart and soul. The array of tours of South Africa ensures an adventure for every traveller, catering to all tastes and passions.

As you plan your next holiday, let the landscapes and stories of South Africa guide you to remarkable experiences, inviting you to discover the vibrant essence of this extraordinary country. So pack your bags, set your sights on South Africa, and let the journey unfold.

Read More

What do the experts say?

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
Skip the more commercial wineries and visit artisanal producers—you’ll find sparkling wines and small-batch reds that are absolutely world-class.
Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
Djembe drumming at GOLD in Cape Town is an immersive African experience through their 14-dish food safari and unique live entertainment.
Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
The game viewing in Kruger and Eastern Cape always draws me back—it’s truly superb.
Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
South Africans are famously warm—when you’re new in town, you're often invited to a braai, our way of welcoming people through food.
Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Shamsheer (Sam) Cottar

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
South Africa is a wonderful starting point for Africa. It's got some of the top cities in the world, stunning food and wine, and exceptional value for money.

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.

With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.
Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
Newsletter signup visual
ExcellentBased on 5,205 Reviews
Verified
We had a blast and felt covered by GoAway throughout. This was our first time using a travel agent and Melissa and her team made it easy. I also appreciated the quick communication while on our trip. I only wish that we got our official itinerary and tickets sooner as we did not receive them until a week prior. But it is busy season so I understand. Courtney McCarthy
Verified
Elise created a fantastic trip to South Africa. Our experience could not have been better. Thank You so Much!!Dave McVay
Verified
Our trip to Japan was great. All our Goway arrangements preformed like clockwork and the guides for the tours were wonderful. Unfortunately, Mt. Fuji was in total fog but at least the lunch was very good and so was the drum solo, also our tour guide kept our spirits up ( she was the best). Taryn picked hotels that were very convenient to the meeting point of our tours which was much appreciated and organized all aspects of our trip perfectly. So from our airport pickup to our last day in Tokyo everything ran very smoothly so we have used Goway before and will certainly use it again and reccommend Goway to others.JW
Verified
We had a great experience with Goaway travel our travel agent,FARNAZ. was very helpful and patient with us in planning our vacation to Greece. She was very thorough and professional and excellent with laying out our flights and our itinerary for our trip would highly recommend her very professional. Thank you again Franaz for your help and for me and my wife to have experienced a wonderful time in Greececustomer
Verified
Farnaz booked Greece and Italy - she is fantastic! She listened to our needs and planned a beautiful itinerary that everyone enjoyed. All transfers went smoothly and I am looking to book more trips with her! Amy
Verified
We have used Goway Travel for previous trips and have been very happy with their excellent service. Our last trip to New Zealand and Australia was no exception. Our agent, Lori Mazzono, got tuned into the sort of trip we were hoping to have immediately. The various booking she provided were, without exception, exceptional and exactly what we envisioned, We really don't think we would have changed anything. tBruce Belshaw
Verified
Mary was absolutely fantastic to work with. She was incredibly responsive and quick to assist with every update and change my clients made throughout the planning process. Her expertise was invaluable, from recommending the perfect resorts to advising on the best way to travel between the islands. My clients loved every moment of their trip, especially their resort stays and overwater bungalow experiences. As this was their honeymoon, creating a seamless and memorable journey was so important, and Mary exceeded expectations. They rated their experience a 5 out of 5 and could not have been happier. Thank you, Mary, for your outstanding support and attention to detail. I truly appreciated your partnership and would not hesitate to work with you again for future South Pacific Island bookings. I am from the TravelStore in Fresno.Jenn W
Verified
We had an exceptional experience with Goway Travel on our recent trip to Africa. From start to finish, every detail was thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed, which made the entire journey stress-free. The recommendations on where to go and what to do were absolutely fantastic! Each stop felt perfectly curated and exceeded our expectations. It was clear that Goway truly understands the destinations they offer and knows how to create a memorable, well-balanced itinerary. A special thank you to our travel consultant, Bijal, who was outstanding throughout the entire process. Bijal was incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive while we prepared for the trip, ensuring that all our questions were answered and that every detail was taken care of. Their guidance made a big difference in building our confidence and excitement leading up to the trip. I would highly recommend Goway Travel to anyone looking for a seamless, expertly planned travel experience. We will definitely be using them again for our future adventures! Harjit C
Verified
Elisa planned our trip. We were met at the airport by Paul who drove us to Arusha. Adam, our guide and driver was with us the whole trip and was very knowledgeable about the country and the animals & birds we encountered. Accommodations were excellent, meals were delicious and the Tanzanian people we met at each location were so kind and welcoming. A wonderful trip.pat vickers
Verified
We had a wonderful trip to Peru for 11 days organized by Goway. Overall the trip was great, we loved our guides throughout, some of the hotels were truly amazing and it was helpful having everything organized and having a point person to ask questions and check in while we were there. Some main highlights were: 1) Machu Picchu- I am so glad we did two tours, because the weather was perfect for views, but also had an opportunity to see Machu Picchu more in depth with a knowledgeable and friendly guide and had a little extra time in Aguas Calientes to shop, explore and even visit the butterfly garden and do some birdwatching. 2) Cusco especially the Hotel Aranwa Cusco. The hotel was incredible, excellent service, modern updates, it was a true highlight of the trip. Cusco itself was also a highlight, loved our half day tour, plus getting ideas for our guide on what else to see in our free time and where to eat. 3) Lima- Aloft Miraflores was another highlight, very modern, nice pool and the best breakfast out of the hotels we stayed in. The location in Miraflores was also perfect, as there were plenty of restaurants, cafes and attractions nearby. 4) Everyone at Condor was great, from ensuring we had all our documents, tickets and itinerary to even stepping in to get water and agua Florida when we were feeling the altitude sickness the first hours in Cusco. Most of our rides and transfers were very comfortable and made the trip run smooth through all the different locations. I have been telling my friends and family how wonderful the experience with Goway has been for our Peru adventure. Eric Paul Schatzel
Follow Us On
instagramfacebook
Contact UsCustomer ServiceGeneral Inquiries
Featured in
Travel + LeisureAfarForbesSmithsonian
Accreditations & Memberships
USTOAASTA TOPASTATICOACTA
 
© Copyright 2026. Goway Travel