South Africa

Looking for wildlife, beaches, mountains, and a whole lot of adventure—all rolled into one destination? Welcome to South Africa. It’s the kind of place that leaves you saying “just one more day” again and again.

South Africa Tours

South Africa is a country made for overland travel. Some call it a ‘melting pot” of vibrant cultures, alluring landscapes and magical wildlife. One day you’re tracking elephants in the bush, the next you’re sipping local wine in the Cape Winelands or hiking above the clouds in the Drakensberg Mountains. Add in the Garden Route, surf-friendly beaches, and the vibrant energy of Cape Town and Johannesburg, and you’ve got the ultimate road trip-ready destination.
Whether you’re looking for a budget camping adventure, a small group accommodated tour, or an epic multi-country overland trip, South Africa is an ideal starting point—or the perfect place to wind down.

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Why African Overland Tours?

Discover why 30,000+ travellers choose to travel African Overland Tours each year.

What travellers most enjoyed about South Africa

Table Mountain
Table Mountain
V&A Waterfront
V&A Waterfront
The Big Five
The Big Five
Vibrant Markets
Vibrant Markets
Adventure
Adventure
Shopping
Shopping
Beaches
Beaches
Snorkeling
Snorkeling
Birdlife
Birdlife
Big 5 Safaris
Big 5 Safaris
Robben Island
Robben Island
Tsitsikamma Forest
Tsitsikamma Forest

When to visit South Africa

South Africa is a superb year-round destination, but its two most popular regions have opposite seasons. For the best wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park, plan your trip during the dry winter months of May to October. For sun-drenched days in Cape Town and the Winelands, the beautiful summer season from November to March is ideal. For a trip that combines multiple regions, the mild shoulder months of April-May and September-October are a perfect choice.

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
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South Africa Travel Advice

10 things to do on South Africa’s Garden Route

The Garden Route – a stretch of 300 kilometres between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay along South Africa’s southeastern coastline – is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. It’s easy to see why – the route

10 Quick Tips Before Heading into Africa

Here is a list of 10 Quick Tips before heading into Africa you can refer to with links to pages on our Blog that will give you more information. 1. Start planning early: Start planning anytime from 6 months to

14 Things To Do in Cape Town

Cape Town, the mother city of South Africa (as she is affectionately known); is one hip and happening mother. Beautiful white sandy beaches; mountains crossed with hiking trails; spend hours scouring museums and galleries, or shop till you drop at

4 Epic Reasons Why You Should Visit Cape Town in February [Events]

Whether you are looking to escape the northern hemisphere’s harsh winter, or merely looking for an epic getaway filled with thrill and adventure – Cape Town is sure to fulfil your every desire! Cape Town has something for everyone  You’ll enjoy

6 Budget Tips for your Africa Overland Tour

How much and what (cash or traveller’s cheques) to take on your Africa overland tour, can be a headache. Fear not as we have a few budget tips for your Africa overland tour. The following should be used as guidelines

frequently asked questions

The South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted within the cities and tourist areas. However, it is advisable to carry cash for the more rural areas. There are several shopping centres in secure areas featuring ATM’s, banks and exchange bureaus should you require assistance.

South Africa truly is a special place. There are a total of 11 official languages, and you may even find variations of different languages throughout the country. English is commonly spoken in business, tourism and urban areas.

In major cities and towns, the tap water is generally safe to drink. However, in more rural areas or on safari, it is recommended to drink bottled or filtered water. Please also remember to be mindful of the environment and use a reusable water bottle.

South Africa is called the Rainbow Nation because of its rich mix of cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. The term, made popular by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, celebrates the country's diversity and unity after apartheid—where people of all backgrounds live and thrive together.

Citizens from many countries, including the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and most EU nations, can enter South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date and has at least two blank pages for entry stamps.

South Africa uses Type M plugs with a voltage of 220/230V. Travelers from countries with different plug types will need an adapter. If your devices operate on 110V, a voltage converter may also be necessary.

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