Baja California
Cape Verde
Costa Rica
Cuba
Gabon
Ireland
Madeira
South Africa
We bring you rugged scenery, vibrant culture, incredible wildlife and unforgettable experiences with our tailormade holidays to South Africa
You are here: Home > South Africa
At the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is swathed by 1,739 miles of magnificent coastline; with the South Atlantic to the west, and Indian Ocean to the east. It’s northern boarders, from west to east, include Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Mozambique; nestled within South Africa is the enclaved Kingdom of Lesotho.
At five times the size of the UK, South Africa is vast, so our holidays take you to the bits we know and love best – the south western corner including Cape Town, the winelands, Hermanus, the Garden Route and Eastern Cape. You can either choose one of the holidays we’ve put together, or tailor make your own itinerary.
From the elegant, vibrant, cultural and historic urban scene of Cape Town, to the magnificent landscapes, exquisite wines and fine dining you’ll experience in the winelands, our holidays to South Africa have something for everyone. You’ll enjoy fun and exciting activities along the garden route, discover incredible marine life at Hermanus and De Hoop Nature Reserve – whale watching from the shore (or even your bed) anyone? – and get up close to the big five on safari in our malaria free private game reserves.
We’ve picked some really special places for you to stay as you explore with us…small guesthouses and luxurious lodges that’ll wrap you in comfort and safety; treating you to something special, and making you feel home from home all in one.
Where is South Africa?
South Africa sits at the southern tip of the African continent. It’s northern boarders, from west to east, include Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Mozambique; nestled within South Africa is the enclaved Kingdom of Lesotho.
Is it safe to travel to South Africa?
Like travelling anywhere in the world, you should take all the normal precautions when travelling around South Africa. Be aware of your own personal safety and don’t walk or drive at night, don’t venture too far off the beaten track, don’t flash cash/jewellery, cameras and be aware of your surroundings. We recommend leaving passports, credit cards etc in the hotel’s safe.
How do I get to South Africa?
From the UK, you can fly to Cape Town with various airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM and Lufthansa. Some fights operate into Cape Town and out of Port Elizabeth which works well for our linear, self-drive holidays.
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
British citizens can stay for 90 days without a visa. Please check with us if you are travelling with children, or travelling from another country.
What langugage is spoken in South Africa?
English is widely spoken but South Africa has 11 official languages.
What vaccinations do I require when visiting South Africa?
It’s always good to check with your doctor whether you’re up to date with all necessary vaccinations.
Is malaria a problem in South Africa?
There is no malaria in the western and eastern Cape. In the UK you can check out the Fit For Travel website for up to date information.
Is is safe to drive in South Africa?
South African’s drive on the left, roads are maintained in excellent condition and driving is straight forward. For some of our itineraries, you do need to do short sections on well maintained gravel roads and we will advise you on how to negotiate these safely. We will give you written driving instructions and you might like to have a gps to help navigate. If you’d rather not drive, then we arrange transfers for you. We highly discourage our clients from driving at night as it leaves you more at risk to adverse conditions on the roads.
Do I need an international driving licence for South Africa?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit South Africa?
It’s a condition of travelling with us that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover all activities, your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi in South Africa?
Almost all our hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone in South Africa?
There’s excellent mobile reception across most of South Africa and your normal sim will pick up the local network. As always when travelling, there are data roaming charges.
What is the food like in South Africa?
The food in South Africa is excellent and you’ll find lots of fresh fish, sea food and good quality meat available. Menu’s are often modern and creative, with a focus on using fresh, local produce wherever possible. Vegetarian meals are mainstream, and you can order vegan meals if you explain your requirements to the waiter.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in South Africa?
Yes, although some smaller bars and cafes are cash only. It is best to use a credit rather than debit card in South Africa.
What type of plug adapter do I need in South Africa?
You can use type C, D, M and N plugs in South Africa.
Is tap water safe to drink in South Africa?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in most areas of South Africa but please check in rural areas, or those affected by drought.
Do I need to tip in South Africa?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip. Tipping 10% is normal at cafes, bars and restaurants.
How do I go about booking my holiday to South Africa with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, you can book one of our holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to South Africa?
Our advice is to start planning around twelve months prior your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to South Africa?
Yes, but it helps if you have flexibility with your dates and itinerary as some of our hotels might be fully booked. Also, airfares tend to be higher when booking last minute.
In our experience these are the best times of the year to visit South Africa:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
You can visit South Africa all year round, although the weather is warmer and drier during the summer months. The seasons are the opposite to Europe and in the Cape, the summer months of November to February mean wonderful hot, sunny, dry days with temperatures around 23 – 26 degrees C.
The late spring and late summer / early autumn months of September, October, March and April tend to offer the fantastic mix of being peacefullly ‘off season’, but still enjoying great weather.
The time to see southern right whales from Hermanus, and along the south east coast, is July through to November.
If you’d like to combine South Africa with Namibia, the best months to do this are April-May and October-November.
At the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa is swathed by 1,739 miles of magnificent coastline; with the South Atlantic to the west, and Indian Ocean to the east. It’s northern boarders, from west to east, include Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Mozambique; nestled within South Africa is the enclaved Kingdom of Lesotho.
At five times the size of the UK, South Africa is vast, so our holidays take you to the bits we know and love best – the south western corner including Cape Town, the winelands, Hermanus, the Garden Route and Eastern Cape. You can either choose one of the holidays we’ve put together, or tailor make your own itinerary.
From the elegant, vibrant, cultural and historic urban scene of Cape Town, to the magnificent landscapes, exquisite wines and fine dining you’ll experience in the winelands, our holidays to South Africa have something for everyone. You’ll enjoy fun and exciting activities along the garden route, discover incredible marine life at Hermanus and De Hoop Nature Reserve – whale watching from the shore (or even your bed) anyone? – and get up close to the big five on safari in our malaria free private game reserves.
We’ve picked some really special places for you to stay as you explore with us…small guesthouses and luxurious lodges that’ll wrap you in comfort and safety; treating you to something special, and making you feel home from home all in one.
Where is South Africa?
South Africa sits at the southern tip of the African continent. It’s northern boarders, from west to east, include Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (Swaziland) and Mozambique; nestled within South Africa is the enclaved Kingdom of Lesotho.
Is it safe to travel to South Africa?
Like travelling anywhere in the world, you should take all the normal precautions when travelling around South Africa. Be aware of your own personal safety and don’t walk or drive at night, don’t venture too far off the beaten track, don’t flash cash/jewellery, cameras and be aware of your surroundings. We recommend leaving passports, credit cards etc in the hotel’s safe.
How do I get to South Africa?
From the UK, you can fly to Cape Town with various airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM and Lufthansa. Some fights operate into Cape Town and out of Port Elizabeth which works well for our linear, self-drive holidays.
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
British citizens can stay for 90 days without a visa. Please check with us if you are travelling with children, or travelling from another country.
What langugage is spoken in South Africa?
English is widely spoken but South Africa has 11 official languages.
What vaccinations do I require when visiting South Africa?
It’s always good to check with your doctor whether you’re up to date with all necessary vaccinations.
Is malaria a problem in South Africa?
There is no malaria in the western and eastern Cape. In the UK you can check out the Fit For Travel website for up to date information.
Is is safe to drive in South Africa?
South African’s drive on the left, roads are maintained in excellent condition and driving is straight forward. For some of our itineraries, you do need to do short sections on well maintained gravel roads and we will advise you on how to negotiate these safely. We will give you written driving instructions and you might like to have a gps to help navigate. If you’d rather not drive, then we arrange transfers for you. We highly discourage our clients from driving at night as it leaves you more at risk to adverse conditions on the roads.
Do I need an international driving licence for South Africa?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit South Africa?
It’s a condition of travelling with us that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover all activities, your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi in South Africa?
Almost all our hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone in South Africa?
There’s excellent mobile reception across most of South Africa and your normal sim will pick up the local network. As always when travelling, there are data roaming charges.
What is the food like in South Africa?
The food in South Africa is excellent and you’ll find lots of fresh fish, sea food and good quality meat available. Menu’s are often modern and creative, with a focus on using fresh, local produce wherever possible. Vegetarian meals are mainstream, and you can order vegan meals if you explain your requirements to the waiter.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in South Africa?
Yes, although some smaller bars and cafes are cash only. It is best to use a credit rather than debit card in South Africa.
What type of plug adapter do I need in South Africa?
You can use type C, D, M and N plugs in South Africa.
Is tap water safe to drink in South Africa?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in most areas of South Africa but please check in rural areas, or those affected by drought.
Do I need to tip in South Africa?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip. Tipping 10% is normal at cafes, bars and restaurants.
How do I go about booking my holiday to South Africa with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, you can book one of our holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to South Africa?
Our advice is to start planning around twelve months prior your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to South Africa?
Yes, but it helps if you have flexibility with your dates and itinerary as some of our hotels might be fully booked. Also, airfares tend to be higher when booking last minute.
In our experience these are the best times of the year to visit South Africa:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
You can visit South Africa all year round, although the weather is warmer and drier during the summer months. The seasons are the opposite to Europe and in the Cape, the summer months of November to February mean wonderful hot, sunny, dry days with temperatures around 23 – 26 degrees C.
The late spring and late summer / early autumn months of September, October, March and April tend to offer the fantastic mix of being peacefullly ‘off season’, but still enjoying great weather.
The time to see southern right whales from Hermanus, and along the south east coast, is July through to November.
If you’d like to combine South Africa with Namibia, the best months to do this are April-May and October-November.
Talk to someone who loves South Africa!
If you’re interested in our holidays and want to know more, then send us a few details using this quick fill form.
Where is South Africa?
