South Africa is one of the world's most diverse destinations — extraordinary wildlife, world-class wine, stunning coastlines, and a rich cultural heritage.
Top South Africa Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate south africa highlights experience
Kruger National Park
Africa's most accessible Big Five safari
Kruger National Park is one of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves — a vast wilderness the size of Wales home to the Big Five plus over 500 bird species. The most accessible major safari destination in Africa, with excellent self-drive options.
Highlights
- The Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo
- Self-drive game drives on well-maintained roads
- Over 500 bird species
- Luxury private game lodges
- Night drives with a ranger
Things to Do
- Self-drive game drive at dawn and dusk
- Join a guided night drive
- Stay in a luxury private lodge
- Wait at a watering hole for wildlife
- Take a bush walk with an armed ranger
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
May–September (dry season)
Recommended Duration
3–7 days
Typical Cost
Park entry ZAR 480 (£20)/day; rest camps from ZAR 800 (£33)/night
Travel Tips
- ·Fly to Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa
- ·Self-drive is excellent — roads are good
- ·Book accommodation well in advance
- ·Dry season (May–September) is best for wildlife viewing
- ·Combine with the Panorama Route (Blyde River Canyon)
Nearby Attractions
Cape Winelands
World-class wine in a stunning mountain setting
The Cape Winelands are one of the world's most beautiful wine regions — vine-covered valleys, whitewashed Cape Dutch manor houses, and dramatic mountain backdrops just 45 minutes from Cape Town.
Highlights
- World-class Pinotage and Chenin Blanc
- Cape Dutch architecture at historic estates
- Franschhoek — the gourmet capital of South Africa
- The Franschhoek Wine Tram
- Mountain backdrop views from the vineyards
Things to Do
- Wine tasting at Stellenbosch estates
- Ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram
- Dine at a top Franschhoek restaurant
- Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum
- Cycle the Stellenbosch Wine Route
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
November–April (harvest season)
Recommended Duration
1–3 days
Typical Cost
Wine tastings from ZAR 100 (£4) per estate
Travel Tips
- ·Hire a car or join a wine tour — don't drink and drive
- ·Franschhoek is smaller and more charming than Stellenbosch
- ·Book popular restaurants well in advance
- ·February–April harvest season is most atmospheric
- ·Combine with the Cape Peninsula
Nearby Attractions
More Attractions
Discover more incredible experiences around the world
Ready to explore South Africa Highlights?
Let our AI trip planner build you a personalised itinerary including the best south africa highlights experiences.