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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.

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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.

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Early 2026 I met Alice Teramoto at the Phoenix travel show. I asked her about a dive trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Thankfully I kept her card. About 7 months later I started planning the trip myself. I was overwhelmed after I got my airline tickets to and from Australia and organized a dive boat. Thankfully I found her card. I texted her with my dates and within two days she had a complete agenda to me. It was amazing. She had transport to and from airports, car rental, tours everywhere I was going. I was gone for 6 weeks and I was so happy with everything she planned. I haven't used a travel agent in the past but believe me I would us Goway Travel and Alice again. barbara coy
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Everything was looked after and no stress for usJean Willoughby
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Vanessa from Goway Travel did a fantastic job pulling together a really comprehensive itinerary for our trip to Egypt. Her advice about "must see" sites was extremely helpful and she also provided great tips based on her own experience travelling to Egypt. Excellent planning by Vanessa meant we were able to thoroughly enjoy our trip. Olga
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I want to Thank Vanessa Lloyd for putting together the most perfect itinerary for my husband and my dream trip to Santorini, Greece. Every detail was perfectly executed. From the pick ups, to tours and most certainly our hotel location, it was truly a dream!! We were so happy and completely blown away, that we couldn't help but shared our experience with several folks we met during our trip... and I just bet they will be using Goway Travel for any future plans of theirs, just like us. Africa, here we come....Tanya Kash
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Exceptional Customer Service, Accountability, and Leadership — Thank You, Goway Travel! As a Canadian travel advisor with Discover Joy Travel, affiliated with TravelOnly, I want to recognize three exceptional individuals at Goway Travel: Jaime Vargas-Hernandez (Destination Specialist – North America and Latin America), Sean Hebert (Vice President, The Americas), and Jason Stratford (Business Development Manager). I recently booked a cross-Canada vacation for my clients, and while the itinerary offered many wonderful experiences, there were several unexpected challenges along the way, particularly involving transportation, transfers, and certain aspects of the overall travel experience. As a travel advisor, one of the most difficult situations is hearing that your clients are disappointed, especially when you've worked hard to create a memorable and seamless vacation for them. What truly impressed me was how Goway responded when things didn't go as planned. From the beginning, Jaime was responsive, professional, and genuinely committed to addressing our concerns. He listened carefully, communicated with the appropriate teams, and made sure our clients' feedback was taken seriously. Jason Stratford was equally supportive, demonstrating the value of having a Business Development Manager who genuinely advocates for travel advisors and their clients. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to Sean Hebert, Vice President of The Americas, for his outstanding leadership and personal attention to our situation. His involvement demonstrated that customer satisfaction and accountability are priorities at Goway, even at the executive level. What impressed me most was that Goway didn't simply acknowledge the challenges — they listened, took ownership, and made a genuine effort to rebuild our clients' confidence and trust. In fact, despite the difficulties they experienced, my clients were so impressed with how Goway handled their concerns that they expressed interest in booking another international vacation through them, with another couple potentially joining! To me, that speaks volumes. Exceptional customer service isn't about everything going perfectly. It's about how a company responds when things go wrong. As a travel advisor, I value supplier relationships built on trust, transparency, accountability, and genuine care for travellers. Knowing that I have a team willing to listen, take responsibility, and work toward a resolution gives me greater confidence when recommending Goway to my clients. Jaime, Jason, and Sean — thank you for your professionalism, patience, dedication, and for making me feel genuinely supported as a travel advisor. You didn't just help resolve a difficult situation; you helped restore confidence and strengthen a valuable business relationship. Goway is fortunate to have individuals like you representing the company. I look forward to continuing our partnership and creating many more memorable travel experiences for our clients. Highly recommended — not because everything was perfect, but because Goway demonstrated what genuine accountability, strong leadership, and exceptional customer service should look like. — Evangeline Fiset Discover Joy Travel | TravelOnly Fort St. John, British Columbia, CanadaEvangeline de Torres - Fiset
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Thank you Vanessa, always a pleasure dealing with you and knowing you'll give us the perfect customized trip. Everything was spot on with excellent guides, drivers.Terry F.
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Every detail was managed and executed beyond our expectations and everything flowed from one destination to the nextClinton G Hughes
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This is a review for my Goway travel guide in Ho Chi Minh City. Mr. PHẠM HỮU THIỆN (TONY) was a very kind and knowledgeable guide during our 5 day stay in the city. Friendly, likeable and funny, Very accommodating to our needs during our visit. He and his driver were always early for every excursion as well as the final day for our airport departure. He gave us wonderful recommendations for sights and restaurants for our personal time. I highly recommend Mr. Pham (Tony) for your stay in the Ho Chi Minh area.George C.
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Brooke Theron has booked 3 trips for us, France and Tunisia in 2025 and we have just returned from a 2 week trip from China. The entire trip was flawless, from the research to the booking Brooke is always soo helpful in whole process. Brooke always works with us to answer any questions and make sure any request we have can be added. Our tour guides James, Helen, Felicity and Keira and drivers were all top notch with lots of information on each stop and sent us onto our next stop with no problems. The hotels, trains and tours were all excellent. We couldn't have asked for more I look forward to working with Brooke and Goway tours on our next vacation.Maddie
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Bijal and Martin (tour guide in Kenya) made this the trip of a lifetime. I felt safe every minute of the trip. I did not care for the travel from the Serengeti to Ngorogoro Crater. I felt the last hotel was too far from the crater i was exhausted not wanted to travel to the crater. The travel was absolutely brutal for 6 hoursKathie Becker
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