South Africa Tours & Safaris
Superb safaris and sensational sauvignon blanc
- Destinations
- Africa
- South Africa
Why Embark on a South Africa Tour?
Anybody who’s visited South Africa will tell you excitedly about its incredible diversity, both in terms of landscapes and cultures. Dry savannas, immense canyons, and cosmopolitan cities blend together, where eleven official languages are spoken by its warm, hospitable people. Take a trip to the “Rainbow Nation” and find out why South Africa touches the heart of anybody who visits.
Below are some of our sample South Africa vacation packages - although every trip with Tourlane is fully customizable, from end to end. Book flights, transfers, safaris, and accommodations, all in one place! Less
Our Most Popular Tours and Trips
Customize your trip to South Africa on demand with advice from our Travel Experts for an unforgettable vacation! Safari, self-drive or family trip—discover our suggestions for stays in South Africa.
![Capture a pride of lions, pictured here lounging in the green grass of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, on an Africa Photography Safari]( "africa - south africa - sabi sands game reserve - lions")
From 5 days
Africa Photography Safari
from
$2,698
excl. Flight (p.P.)
![See the shores of Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles mountain range on a Best of South Africa Tour]( "africa - south africa - cape town - table mountain")
From 8 days
Best of South Africa Tour: Group
from
$1,849
excl. Flight (p.P.)
![Discover beautiful giraffes and other animals on a Kruger safari]( "Zuid-Afrika Kruger National Park Giraffe")
From 14 Days
Kruger Safari: Self-Drive
from
$1,934
excl. Flight (p.P.)
![See wildebeest graze on the savanna in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve Sunset on a South African safari]( "Africa - South Africa - Sabi Sands Game Reserve Sunset")
From 8 days
South African Safari & Cape Town Tour
from
$2,849
excl. Flight (p.P.)
![Discover the beauty of South Africa on a Garden Route tour]( "Garden Route near Cape Town, South Africa")
From 14 days
The Garden Route: Self-Drive
from
$2,738
excl. Flight (p.P.)
Itinerary Inspiration for Your South Africa Trip
What is the Local Food and Culture Like?
![Crowd in the cloud of bright coloured powder at the Holi Dahan Festival.]( "Rainbow-Crowd")
Culture in South Africa
South Africa is nicknamed the “Rainbow Nation,” because of its immense cultural and ethnic diversity. South Africa has 11 official languages, which are present in South African literature and film. There is a contract in cultures between the country’s urban centers and its more rural communities.
![Bobotie - typical South African dish. It's a curry flavored meatloaf with baked egg on top served with yellow rice.]( "Bobotie-South-African-Dish")
Food in South Africa
Some African food is influenced by the different groups that have settled in the country, especially Asian settlers. A popular dish of this kind is bunny chow - a street food that originated from the Indian community in the city of Durban, and involves a hollowed out loaf of bread, stuffed with either chicken, pork, or vegetarian curry. Bobotie is another popular national dish, involving minced meat simmered with curry powder, and topped with egg and milk.
What are the Best Events in South Africa?
![Musikgenuss beim International Jazz Festival in Kapstadt]( "International Jazz Festival Südafrika")
Kaapse Klopse
One of those most popular times to visit South Africa is during the cold northern hemisphere winter and warm southern hemisphere summer (December-March). If you choose this period, there are also great festivals you’ll want to integrate into your trip. For example, the carnival Kaapse Klopse takes place on January 2nd in Cape Town, where thousands of minstrels take to the streets garbed in bright colors, typically playing an array of musical instruments.
![Cricket players during the game.]( "Cricket-players")
Sport
If you're a sports fan, consider timing your trip to South Africa to coincide with a live game. South Africans are crazy about sports - cricket, soccer, and rugby are the most popular. You’ll never forget the atmosphere and energy around the stadium during the game. The Cricket Test Series is particularly popular. There is also a decent amount of interest in American football in South Africa.
What to Do During Your South Africa Trip?
1. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
If you are interested in wine, then Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are must-sees during your South Africa tour. Only a short drive from Cape Town, these charming towns are at the center of South Africa’s world-famous wine region, known for its juicy Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinotage grapes. Whether you visit South Africa’s leading wine region on a day trip from Cape Town, or spend several days in the area, you’ll be entranced by the outstanding wineries here. Not only is the wine exceptional - the hospitality is too. Speak to your Tourlane Travel Expert for insider tips and recommendations about the very best wineries.
2. Kruger National Park
Beckoning animal enthusiasts from around the world, Kruger National Park is undoubtedly South Africa's most popular destination for exciting game drives. It is the oldest, largest and most established park in South Africa. Discover the enormous variety of wildlife here, including the legendary "Big Five"—elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard—spread throughout the parks 7,700 square miles. With a park this big to explore, you’ll want to spend at least three nights in one of the luxurious tent camps or exclusive lodges within the park.
3. Blyde River Canyon
If you want to see extraordinary geology alongside immense biodiversity, head to the Blyde River Canyon close to Kruger. This canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Covered in red sandstone rock as well as lush, subtropical foliage, the canyon is truly a unique natural wonder. Offering possibly the best view in Blyde River Canyon is the "Three Rondavels" viewpoint, overlooking the three huge, towering rock formations. We recommend going on a boat cruise, or if you’re feeling extravagant, take to the skies and marvel at the extraordinary from above during a hot air balloon ride.
4. Tsitsikamma National Park
If you’re looking to go hiking in the great outdoors during your South Africa tour, then head to Tsitsikamma National Park, located on the country’s south coast between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. This area is famous for its beautiful, pristine forests brushing up against the Indian Ocean, and has a huge range of exciting hiking trails for you to enjoy. Its seaside cliffs are also a great place for shore-based whale-watching opportunities. Thrill seekers will be sure to notice that Tsitsikamma also offers the world’s highest bridge-based bungee jump as well as whitewater rafting opportunities. Less
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