Within the travel industry, people often refer to South Africa as a world in one country. This speaks to the diversity of the Rainbow Nation—both ethnically and geographically. It features everything from white-sand beaches to dense forests, towering mountains to grassy savannah, temperate wine regions to sun-bleached deserts. There’s a lot going on in South Africa, so what are the highlights and the best ways to experience it for yourself?
We caught up with two of our internal experts who both recently explored South Africa: Bronwyn Hodge, VP, Africa & Middle East, and Angela Donnelly, Commercial Manager, Africa & Middle East. They’re shared their recent experiences, highlights from their trips, and the best current advice on planning a tailor-made trip to South Africa.
Why is it a great time to visit South Africa?
Angela: South Africa offers an incredible combination of experiences that few destinations can match. There are very few places in the world where you can spend the morning on a white-sand beach, enjoy lunch at a world-class restaurant, explore renowned wine regions, and then be on safari the next day.
South Africa's shoulder seasons, from September to November and again from March to June, offer excellent weather, fewer crowds, and often better value than peak travel periods. In the Western Cape, spring brings whale season and spectacular wildflowers, while safari viewing remains exceptional. Many of the country's most sought-after lodges and camps sell out months in advance, so booking now gives you access to the widest choice of accommodations and experiences for next year.
From a practical perspective, South Africa remains one of the easiest destinations in Africa to visit. Canadians and Americans do not require visas, access is straightforward via direct flights from the United States or convenient European connections, and extensions to destinations such as Victoria Falls and Botswana are simple to arrange.
What are the main highlights you experienced in South Africa?
Bronwyn: There are so many highlights in South Africa. Our trip captured just a few of them, and it was still the best family vacation ever. We travelled as a multi-generational group (ages 6 to 78), and everyone loved something different. These are a few of our highlights:
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We went on a private Cape Peninsula tour with a visit to Boulders Beach to see the penguins (and some dassies), followed by a beautifully curated beach picnic complete with gourmet hampers, paddle boards, beach games, and a dedicated guide.
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We stayed at Lanzerac in Stellenbosch, a charming property with attentive service to both kids and adults, one of the best breakfasts of the trip, and the best Pinotage wine.
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We went on exceptional safaris in Kapama and Sabi Sabi in Greater Kruger, where we saw the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) along with many other incredible wildlife encounters—tons of giraffe, hyena, a wild dog, and hippos.
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We stayed at the Oyster Box Hotel in Durban, one of my personal favourites, which is set along the beach promenade with outstanding service, a vibrant atmosphere, and a unique lighthouse bar.
Angela: One of the highlights of my recent trip was simply spending a day in Camps Bay. There's something special about a relaxing day at the beach with lunch at one of the beachfront cafés while watching the ocean, with paragliders floating down from Signal Hill and Lion's Head overhead. It perfectly captures Cape Town's relaxed outdoor lifestyle.
Another memorable experience was exploring Chapman's Peak by sidecar motorcycle, which offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. I also loved spending time in Kalk Bay, browsing independent shops and thrift stores, chatting to local fishermen in the harbour, and enjoying lunch at one of the many excellent cafés and restaurants, before travelling across the peninsula's wildlife reserve and back into the city.
What's something new that you learned?
Bronwyn: South Africa impresses as an incredibly family-friendly destination. What stood out was the warmth of the people—everyone we met was welcoming. Even in the wine regions, many wineries cater thoughtfully to families, with play areas, treehouses, and experiences designed to keep children engaged.
Angela: One thing that surprised me was just how easy Cape Town is to explore. While I always recommend airport transfers and guided touring, I was reminded how simple it is to enjoy the city independently as well. Whether heading out for dinner, exploring neighborhood markets, or spending a day along the coast, getting around is straightforward and affordable. I was particularly impressed by the Oranjezicht City Farm Market at the V&A Waterfront, which showcases local food, artisans, and producers in a vibrant setting.
What's the top thing travellers should know about South Africa right now?
Bronwyn: South Africa is great value for money. The quality of food and wine, accommodation, service, and experiences is outstanding—often at a price point that feels surprisingly accessible for the level of luxury delivered.
Angela: One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is around safety. Like any destination, South Africa has areas that are best avoided, but a well-planned itinerary with carefully selected accommodations, trusted local partners, and guided touring lets you experience the country comfortably and confidently. The quality of tourism infrastructure throughout the major visitor areas is exceptionally high.
What will you always remember about this trip?
Bronwyn: My highlight was running Cape Town's Two Ocean ultra marathon. The scenery was breathtaking, but what made it truly unforgettable was the incredible camaraderie and support from fellow runners and spectators. That sense of community carried me across the finish line.
Angela: What I'll remember most is the feeling of being outdoors in Cape Town. On one side, dramatic mountain ranges rise above the city; on the other, the deep blue Atlantic Ocean and beautiful white-sand beaches stretch along the coastline. Nestled between them is a city filled with incredible restaurants, markets, culture, and energy. Spending time soaking up the sunshine and blue skies in such a setting was a wonderful reminder of why Cape Town remains one of the world's great travel destinations. I can't think of too many happier places to be.
Goway’s Destination Specialists are experts at planning tailor-made trips to South Africa and catering to every kind of traveller, including families. Start planning your own globetrotting adventure with a free quote.
You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Africa, Asia, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.