South Africa is a holiday destination where you can experience the best of Africa, beautiful scenery and landscapes, teeming wildlife, exquisite flora, a fascinating history, cosmopolitan cities. Known as the 'rainbow nation' because of its diverse cultural mix and landscapes, South Africa offers an opportunity to glimpse two countries within one, a glittering modern first world state with a poor rural heartland.

The 3 major international airports in South Africa are, Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport (Durban).There are many direct flights from European cities, from the US, Asia and Australia. South African Airways is the country's main airline. Check out our international flights for some of the latest and best deals

Temperatures range from 20C to mid 30's throughout the year, with lots of rainfall during summer months from November to February in most of the country, however the rain comes in winter on the Western Cape.

Booking your hotel accommodation is easy through our hotels page. Accommodation choices range from hostels, hotels, apartments and resorts.

South Africa's Top Attractions-Cities, Game Parks, Natural Landscapes

Johannesburg

Johannesburg is often the entry point into South Africa, and where you can learn about the country's turbulent past at the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill. Soweto, that famous township within Johannesburg, is now a popular place to visit, but it is best to go with official tour operators. The anti apartheid era is showcased at the Apartheid Museum and you can also see the Mandela Family Museum, which was Nelson Mandelas first home.

The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, 50 km northwest of Johannesburg, is the world's best hominid fossil site, but as many of the fossil caves are closed to the public, the Maropeng Visitors Centre provides exhibitions and displays. You can visit the Sterkfontein Caves via a walkway and also see scientists in a working laboratory.

Durban

Durban, the 'surf city',on the eastern coast is a popular holiday destination with surfing beaches stretching along the city 'Golden Mile' beachfront promenade. Major attractions include uShaka Marine World, a world-class water park and aquarium. Curry restaurants are a feature, because of the large Indian population, along with seafood and fusion food.

Cape Town

Cape town, near the Cape of Good Hope, is situated between the majestic Table Mountain

and many beautiful beaches, with cooler waters on the Atlantic coast, and warmer waters on the Indian Ocean coast at the beaches around False Bay including the Victorian styled Muizenberg beach. Climbing to the top of Table Mountain is a steep 2 hour hike, another option is the scenic cable car.

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a top shopping and entertainment area with easy access to the Aquarium and Marine Museum. The waterfront area also provides harbour cruises, and trips to scenic Robben Island, where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela were held.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the most stunning gardens in the world with ever changing displays in the different seasons. Sunset concerts in the gardens during the summer months are very popular.

Sun City

Sun City is internationally renowned as Africa’s premier casino and holiday resort, offering entertainment and relaxation with attractions and activities to keep everyone busy.

The Valley of the Waves is one of the world's best water parks, and Waterworld, a man-made lake offers many boating activities.

As well, it's proximity to 2 of South Africa's safari park, makes it the ideal base from which to explore the region.

South Africa Safaris, Game Lodges and Wildlife Parks

Top Wildlife Parks-Kruger National Park, every African animal is found here. Accommodation ranges from campsites to bungalows and cottages in busy compounds. Towns around the park also have a full range of accommodation, but factor in travel time to the park each day.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, is located in the Kalahari desert regions of both Botswana and South Africa, and offers a drier desert landscape through which migrating herds pass.

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi., a somewhat smaller park, is noted for lush scenery as well as wildlife. Located in the heart of Zululand, the Zulu culture is prevalent. Elephant Coast beaches are among South Africa's finest, so you can see wildlife and go for a dip. The park is especially noted for its network of hiking trails.

Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern region is famous for its elephants whose skin colour has a reddish tinge.

Game Lodges range from rustic bush camps, sometimes tented, to luxury lodges and some such as Ulusaba in Sabi Sand owned by Richard Branson are luxurious retreats.