South Africa
Overview
South Africa’s one of our favourite countries in the world. Stunning scenery in all directions, world class hiking, excellent food, some of the best wine regions in the world, generous hospitality and beautiful coastline on both Atlantic and Indian Oceans. We’ve taken on the hard task of travelling there extensively to help us put together some incredible active adventures. From the winelands of the Western Cape, across the ever-changing landscapes of the Garden Route, up to the mountainous Drakensberg Mountains and into the wildlife of Kruger, every single day of a trip to South Africa is a highlight. With a fascinating history, a genuine melting-pot of cultures and eleven official languages, it’s for good reason that South Africa’s known as the Rainbow Nation.
Must Know
Where to Fly Into
Cape Town or Jo’burg
National Dish
Bobotie
Tastiest Beer
Devil’s Peak
Currency
Rand
Time Zone
SAST (GMT+2:00)
Plug Socket
Types C, D, M and N
Population
60m
Main Language
11 Official Languages
Highest Point
Experiences
Table Mountain
Hike up this iconic mountain for unrivalled views.
Cooking Class
Learn to cook some classic Cape Malay dishes.
Wildlife Safaris
Home to the Big Five and plenty more in Kruger NP!
Cycle Soweto
Cycle along the world’s only street with two Nobel laureates.
Sea Kayak
Check out the penguins from the water at Boulders Beach.
Food
South Africa boasts some of the best produce in the world, friendly service and a variety of cuisine that only a huge melting pot of cultures can produce. Get ready for some of the best meals you’ve ever had! There’s far too many to list here but honourable mentions to Durban’s ‘Bunny Chow’, the delicious spicy vegetable relish ‘Chakalaka’ that brings out the best in ‘Pap’ and of course you’ve not experienced South Africa unless you’ve had a Braai. Sure, every culture seems to claim to be the masters of BBQ but South Africans might have a legitimate claim to cooking over coal and wood…
Biltong
The perfect snack for meat lovers. Dry cured beef or game. Flavoured or plain.
Bobotie
Spiced mince meat packed with herbs, spices and dried fruit with an eggy topping.
Malva Pudding
If you’ve got a sweet-tooth, look no further. Sweet, sticky and delicious.
Accommodation
You’ll be out and about all day wanting to explore the length and breadth of South Africa but that doesn’t mean we’ll compromise on the places you’ll be coming back to each night. We’ll be staying in funky neighborhoods, country houses on wineries, ocean-view properties, expansive resorts on mountain reserves and game lodges on the fringes of national parks. They’ll be well-located, clean, safe and locally-owned where possible. We don’t always use exactly the same properties (as we’re always on the lookout for our new favourites!) but here’s some examples of where you’ll be staying on a trip to South Africa.
Oasis in Cape Town
Winery Views
Mountain Resorts
Itineraries
Here’s our collection of trips to South Africa. Whether you’re wanting to be active each day or just have a couple of days throughout the trip where you’re hitting a trail or exploring on foot, we’ve got a range of options. Each itinerary has been put together to pack in as much of this beautiful country as possible without taking on too much (as you’ll definitely want to come back!).
Don’t forget, each itinerary is customisable so be sure to get in touch if you don’t see exactly what it is you’re after!
Top Tip
Got a spare couple of hours and fancy an active morning? Head up Devil’s Peak for what we think is the best view of the city below. A couple of hours up from Tafelburg Road and with views of Table Mountain, the City Bowl, Table Bay and the Atlantic Ocean for as far as the eye can see. You’ll also probably have it all to yourself.