Best Places to Travel in South Africa

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A pair of cheetahs in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Where Are the Best Places to Visit in South Africa?

South Africa is one of the most diverse and striking destinations in the world. There’s truly something for everyone here, from game reserves, national parks, white-sand beaches, and vibrant cities.

There’s no shortage of incredible places to travel in South Africa. We’re here to share our top picks, from Kruger National Park to Knysna.

Cape Town

Centred around Table Mountain and surrounded by nature, Cape Town is one of the best places to travel in South Africa. If you love the outdoors, this is the place for you!

The city offers an array of attractions, including beautiful beaches, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, and of course, Table Mountain. Our favourite place to visit in Cape Town is Boulders Beach. Here, you can swim with penguins!

In our opinion, the best time to go to Cape Town is between October and April. You’ll enjoy warm, sunny weather, perfect for city exploration and visiting nearby beaches. If you’d prefer to travel outside of peak season, consider visiting in the shoulder months of September or May. Whilst there is a higher chance of rain, hotels and flights to South Africa can be more affordable.

Cape Town is well connected. The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT). It’s a 15-minute drive from the city centre. There are daily international flights to and from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, as well as domestic flights within South Africa to destinations such as Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and George.

Kruger National Park

If you’re wondering where to visit in South Africa for a safari, we highly recommend Kruger National Park. This vast expanse in the northeast of the country is home to 140 species of mammals, including giraffe, cheetah, elephant, lion, and rhino.

There’s an incredible variety of birdlife, too. There are over 500 species, many of which are not to be found elsewhere in South Africa. You can spot vultures, storks, kingfishers, and eagles, to name a few.

The best time to travel to South Africa for a safari is during the winter, between May and September. These months offer dry and sunny weather, and you’ll have a higher chance to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino) at this time. This is because there is less vegetation than during the rainy summer season, and animals gravitate towards waterholes and streams.

Looking for flights to Kruger National Park? The nearest major international airport is O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). From here, you can take a regional flight to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS), a short drive from Kruger National Park. Cemair and Airlink offer daily flights from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit.

Knysna

Knysna is a small town on South Africa’s Garden Route, filled with charming cafes, waterfront restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops. With vast expanses of ancient forests to the north and Knysna lagoon to the south, there’s no shortage of things to do in Knysna.

We recommend staying three nights in Knysna to fully appreciate the relaxed atmosphere of the town and explore the surrounding natural beauty. This also allows you to take a day trip to Plettenberg Bay (Plett), just a 30-minute drive from Knysna. Plett is home to some of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches, including Lookout Beach, Robberg 5, and Keurbooms Beach.

Aim to visit Knysna during the summer months of December and March. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities, beach days, and exploring South Africa’s Garden Route.

The nearest airport to Knysna is George Airport (GRJ), a one-hour drive from the town centre. You can fly to George from major cities across South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Bloemfontein with airlines including FlySafair and Airlink.

For international travellers, we advise flying to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). It’s a large hub with regular flights to and from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Stellenbosch

Located on the Western Cape, Stellenbosch is one of the most beautiful places to travel in South Africa. This charming town is one of the world’s most famed wine regions, with some vineyards in the area dating back to the 1600s. Cabaret Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape variety in Stellenbosch, and there are plenty of vineyards where you can sample local wines.

Aside from the wine, Stellenbosch is a fantastic destination for foodies. Known colloquially as the gourmet capital of South Africa, Stellenbosch has a wide array of restaurants, bars, and picnic spots to please all palates. We recommend The Table at De Meye, which offers excellent farm-to-table fare.

The best time to visit Stellenbosch is between September and April. The weather is warm and dry at this time. The nearest airport to Stellenbosch is Cape Town International Airport (CPT), a 30-minute drive from the town centre.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel to South Africa?

South Africa is generally considered safe for tourists, but exercise caution. The areas in which the majority of visitors stay, including Cape Town's city centre, the Garden Route, Stellenbosch, and Kruger National Park, are among the safest in South Africa. We advise taking extra precautions after dark in suburban areas, and take taxis to stay safe once nightfalls.

If you're interested in finding out more about safety in South Africa, as well as other things you need to know before travelling, check out our guides below:

Can I book flights to South Africa using cryptocurrency?

Yes, you can. With Alternative Airlines, you can book flights to South Africa with 100+ cryptocurrencies. This includes Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), as well as many other altcoins.

When is the rainy season in South Africa?

South Africa is split in two climatic zones. In the northern, central, and eastern regions, which includes Kruger National Park, Maputo, and Johannesburg, the rainy season is between October and April. In contrast, the southern regions (including Cape Town and the Garden Route) receives the most rainfall between May and September.