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South Africa, Africa
Africa

South Africa

South Africa is a young nation, transformed from a country of racial segregation to a diverse nation of unity and hope, boasting many traditions and rich cultures, joined together...

Overview

About South Africa.

South Africa is a young nation, transformed from a country of racial segregation to a diverse nation of unity and hope, boasting many traditions and rich cultures, joined together to become a “rainbow nation”. There is something for everyone here, from big cities with luxurious hotels and resorts, to the more historical, scenic towns and villages with amazing cultural museums and monuments with quaint luxury lodges in their setting. It is home for the Magnificent Seven; the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) plus wild dog and cheetah, as well as a vast array of other fascinating animals and birds. Experience the magic of open vehicle safari, traversing protected reserves to see wildlife in their own natural habitat.

With many bustling cities, South Africa is truly a magical and diverse destination. Perfect for the visitor looking to explore wildlife safaris and get to know the local culture, this is a country with many faces. Experience Cape Town, the country’s mother city or jet off to Johannesburg, an entrepreneurial, modern and prosperous city with rich history. With a wide array of vineyards with world-class wines to sample and options for exploring the extensive wildlife of the region, South Africa is a dazzling combination of city scenery, breathtaking scenic landscapes and wildlife rich game reserves.
When to go

When to visit South Africa.

South Africa changes by region: Cape Town and the Winelands peak in summer, while many safari areas are more productive in the dry winter months.

Cape peak
  • Dec
  • Jan
  • Feb

Summer

ClimateWarm Cape; summer rains northeast

Best forCape Town, coast, wine

This is a popular time for Cape Town, the coast, and Winelands. Safari areas are greener, with thicker bush in many reserves.

Shoulder
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May

Autumn

ClimateMild; drying safari areas

Best forWine, touring, safari combinations

A balanced window for wine, coast, cities, and safari, with fewer peak holiday crowds and milder conditions.

Safari peak
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug

Winter

ClimateDry northeast; wet Cape

Best forSafari, lodges, whales

Dry winter conditions suit Kruger-region safari. Cape Town and the Western Cape are cooler and wetter.

Shoulder
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov

Spring

ClimateMild and warming

Best forSafari, whales, gardens

Spring works well for safari, wildflowers in select areas, whale watching, and Cape travel before the summer peak.

Seasons here are a guide. The right window for your trip depends on the regions, lodges, and pace you want.

Where to go

Where to go in South Africa.

The places we keep returning to. Combine them into one trip or focus on one and go deep.

Cape Town, Winelands and HermanusCape Town, Winelands and Hermanus

Cape Town, Winelands and Hermanus

South Africa’s “Mother City” is indescribably beautiful, steeped in fascinating history and pulsating to a heady African rhythm.

Johannesburg and PretoriaJohannesburg and Pretoria

Johannesburg and Pretoria

Johannesburg is the economic heart of South Africa, the central focus of Egoli ('Place of Gold'), as the Sotho name for Gauteng suggests.

Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger AreaKruger National Park and Greater Kruger Area

Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger Area

With 7,523 square-miles of unrivaled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sites - this is real Africa, the iconic Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that...

Madikwe Game ReserveMadikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve

A hidden gem and prime safari destination, Madikwe Game reserve is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa.

Tswalu Kalahari Private ReserveTswalu Kalahari Private Reserve

Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve

Tswalu offers a true wilderness experience on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari in the Northern Cape with access to the largest privately own protected area in South Africa.

Sample journeys

Trips to start the conversation in South Africa.

Starting points, not fixed packages. We adjust routing, pace, lodging, and experiences around you.

Bespoke Southern AfricaAfrica

Bespoke Southern Africa

An extraordinary journey of bespoke experiences and accommodations.
  • Cape Town
  • Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve
  • Johannesburg
  • Linyanti
  • +1 more
View itinerary
Swain’s Southern Africa HighlightsAfrica

Swain’s Southern Africa Highlights

A full-color insight to Southern Africa's extraordinary magic.
  • Cape Town
  • Sabie Private Game Reserve
  • Johannesburg
  • Victoria Falls
View itinerary
Belmond SafariAfrica

Belmond Safari

Luxurious African escape with cultural flare.
  • Cape Town
  • Greater Chobe National Park
  • Okavango Delta
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Best of Namibia Wing SafariAfrica

Best of Namibia Wing Safari

Uncover spectacular Namibia with a wild itinerary that knows no boundaries.
  • Johannesburg
  • Sossusvlei
  • Damaraland
  • Skeleton Coast
  • +2 more
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Making Memories in South AfricaAfrica

Making Memories in South Africa

Make lasting memories on this journey for all ages through South Africa.
  • Cape Town
  • Gansbaai
  • Thornybush Nature Reserve
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Eco-Luxury Sojourn in South AfricaAfrica

Eco-Luxury Sojourn in South Africa

Embark on an exclusive eco-luxury sojourn in South Africa for four people.
  • Cape Town
  • Gansbaai
  • Franschhoek
  • Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve
  • +1 more
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Highlights of South AfricaAfrica

Highlights of South Africa

Explore South Africa’s highlights in this 10 night itinerary.
  • Johannesburg
  • Manyeleti Game Reserve
  • Cape Town
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Hidden Treasures of South AfricaAfrica

Hidden Treasures of South Africa

Explore the hidden treasures of South Africa.
  • Johannesburg
  • Kapama Private Game Reserve
  • Cape Town
  • Kuruman
View itinerary
View all sample itineraries in Africa
Contact Swain Destinations

Speak with a Destination Expert who knows South Africa.

Our team can help match the route, lodges, season, and pace to the travel experience you have in mind.

  • Rehana KarmaliRehana K.Africa, Oceania
  • Ian SwainIan S.Co-President
Contact Swain Destinations

Speak with a Destination Expert about South Africa.

Tell us what drew you here. Our team can help guide routing, stays, touring, and timing that feel considered from start to finish.

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