Jet off on a trip to South Africa for an exciting escape. From wildlife spotting on safari to exploring lush vineyards and immersing yourself in city life, there's a new discovery to be made around every corner on holiday in South Africa. This colourful destination is steeped in history and home to some of the world's most breathtaking, undisturbed natural beauty spots, from Cape Town to Kruger National Park. Find both relaxation and adventure with our South Africa holiday packages.
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Sun, sea and safari: South Africa highlights
Welcome to the wild! Is an African safari the ultimate tick on your bucket list? It should be! South Africa is special, there is no doubt about it, it is dusty and adventurous and warm and crazy and so much fun - we guarantee you will be back for more. The great thing about South Africa is the diversity you can find in one destination - 'Big Five' game reserves, waterfalls, spectacular self-drives, history, culture, great gastronomy, luxury, romance… we could go on and on!
You can discover lush scenery, breathtaking mountain views and exotic wildlife with holidays to South Africa. Plan your trip and discover our South Africa holiday packages and hotels today.
Planning your trip
Safari holidays
City breaks
Adventure holidays
South Africa is a vast country with each province, city and game reserve offering a different experience, so where do you start? Most visitors combine a few different places within the country or across the region, travelling by plane, train or self-drive, and this is certainly what we would recommend.
Here are a few of our favourite combinations across South Africa and beyond:
Visit South Africa
Where to stay in South Africa
Holidays in Eastern Cape
Holidays in Garden Route
Holidays in Madikwe
Hotels in South Africa
Lawhill Luxury Apartments
Cape Town, South Africa
606 reviewsVirgin Rating- Overlooking the V&A Waterfront
- Close to local amenities and attractions
- 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments available, each with fully equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge
- 5 pools on the estate for use of all guests
One&Only Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
2,510 reviewsplusVirgin Rating- V&A Waterfront location
- Rooms and suites overlooking Table Mountain
- Private island with swimming pool and spa
- Nobu restaurant
President Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
3,356 reviewsVirgin Rating- Bantry Bay location
- Overlooking the ocean
- Large swimming pool
- Recently refurbished
The Rockefeller
Cape Town, South Africa
76 reviewsVirgin Rating- Trendy hotel in Cape Town’s Foreshore region
- Only 20 minutes from the airport
- Choice of dining options including a sushi bar and 24-hour deli
- Indoor rooftop pool and bar
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
1,429 reviewsplusVirgin Rating- Malaria-free private game reserve with 'Big Five' game viewing, near Port Elizabeth
- 7 stunning lodges - Riverdene is great for families
- Opportunity to visit Animal Rescue and Education Centres
- Enjoy views over the plains down to the Bushmans River
Fancourt Hotel
George, Garden Route
1,265 reviewsVirgin Rating- Leading golfing hotel with 18-hole Gary Player designed courses
- Located in the heart of the Garden Route
- Beautiful spa facilities
- Family-friendly facilities
Harbour House Hotel
Hermanus, Garden Route
1,479 reviewsVirgin Rating- Perfectly located in the heart of the Old Harbour of Hermanus
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Wide array of accommodations
Hamiltons Tented Camp
Kruger and surrounds, South Africa
549 reviewsVirgin Rating- 19th century décor
- 6 elevated tents
- Butlers dressed in traditional colonial uniforms
Ulusaba Safari Lodge
Kruger and surrounds, South Africa
612 reviewsplusVirgin Rating- Pure luxury with excellent safari experience
- Breathtaking scenery
- Exceptional service
- Fantastic bush location built along the banks of a dry river bed
Shepherd's Tree Game Lodge
Sun City, North West Province
1,163 reviewsVirgin Rating- Malaria-free reserve
- Ideal add-on to a Sun City holiday
- Gourmet restaurant
- Award-winning spa
Sun City Cabanas
Sun City, North West Province
1,101 reviewsVirgin Rating- Newly refurbished rooms
- On the 'Waterworld' Lake
- Large outdoor pool
- Free shuttle service in resort
Franschhoek Country House & Villas
Franschhoek, Winelands
1,064 reviewsVirgin Rating- Complimentary shuttle bus to Franschhoek town
- Home to Monneaux Restaurant - one of Franschhoek’s finest
- Originally a manor house dating back to 1890
Protea Hotel by Marriott Franschhoek
Franschhoek, Winelands
300 reviewsVirgin Rating- Central location in Franschhoek
- Renowned restaurant
- Courtyard swimming pool
- Complimentary access to the nearby Franschhoek Health Club
The Commodore
Cape Town, South Africa
2,023 reviewsVirgin Rating- Sweeping views of Table Mountain, Cape Town Harbour, and Robben Island
- Outdoor pool and sun deck
- Spa
Waterfront Village
Cape Town, South Africa
965 reviewsVirgin Rating- In the heart of the V&A Waterfront
- 1-3 bedroom apartments overlooking the V&A marina
- Apartments all with balconies and kitchens
- Swimming pools and gyms within the complex
The Boardwalk Hotel & Spa
Port Elizabeth, Garden Route
666 reviewsVirgin Rating- Prime location in Port Elizabeth and only a short walk to Hobie Beach
- Spacious ocean-facing rooms
- Swimming pool
- Spa
Protea Hotel by Marriott O R Tambo Airport
Johannesburg, South Africa
1,568 reviewsVirgin Rating- Ultra modern hotel with aviation-themed décor
- Close to the airport
- Swimming pool
- Virtual flight simulator
Black Rhino Game Lodge
Sun City, North West Province
743 reviewsVirgin Rating- Overlooks a busy waterhole in Pilanesberg National Park
- Malaria free
- Only 20 suites
The Cascades
Sun City, North West Province
892 reviewsVirgin Rating- Within walking distance of entertainment, shopping centre and casino
- Gary Player Golf course
- Maltos - the perfect destination for al fresco dinners
- Valley of Waves water park
The Last Word Franschhoek
Franschhoek, Winelands
703 reviewsVirgin Rating- Boutique hotel with only 10 rooms
- Breakfast included
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Short walk to town
Lanzerac
Stellenbosch, Winelands
1,198 reviewsVirgin Rating- 326 year old Wine Estate
- Great onsite Deli
- Luxury rooms
- Mountain and vineyard views
La Splendida
Cape Town, South Africa
317 reviewsVirgin Rating- Located on the Mouille Point promenade
- Chic, art-deco-inspired boutique hotel
- Close to Cape Town attractions
- Fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean
Southern Sun Cullinan
Cape Town, South Africa
2,453 reviewsVirgin Rating- Close to the V&A Waterfront
- Beautiful courtyard swimming pool and sun terrace
- 2 dining options
Southern Sun Waterfront
Cape Town, South Africa
2,869 reviewsVirgin Rating- Close to the V&A Waterfront
- Contemporary South African and fusion food at Yizani Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Great cocktail bar
The Onyx Apartment Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
221 reviewsVirgin Rating- Contemporary apartment-style hotel
- Within walking distance of the Cape Town International Convention Centre
- All rooms feature kitchenette
- Spa
The Table Bay
Cape Town, South Africa
3,348 reviewsVirgin Rating- Breakfast included
- In the heart of the V&A Waterfront
- Direct access to Victoria & Alfred shopping centre
- Steps from the V&A's bars and restaurants
Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Knysna, Garden Route
140 reviewsVirgin Rating- Beautiful hotel in a secluded 3-hectare Country Estate
- 2 swimming pools
- Social Eatery & Bar with craft G&T’s
- Wine cellar
Motswari Private Game Reserve
Kruger and surrounds, South Africa
1,049 reviewsVirgin Rating- One of the original safari lodges in South Africa
- Timbavati location over 15,000 hectares, 'Big Five' wildlife and more
- Overlooking a waterhole great for animal spotting
- Amazing game viewing and excellent rangers
Bakubung Bush Lodge
Sun City, North West Province
1,345 reviewsVirgin Rating- Located in the heart of Pilanesberg National Park
- Big 5 Safari Game Drives
- Swimming pool, gym & spa facilities
Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa
Cape Town, South Africa
1,000 reviewsVirgin RatingBig 5 safari lodge 2 hours from Cape Town
- Large swimming pool and poolside bar
- Child and family friendly
- World class spa
Ulusaba Rock Lodge
Kruger and surrounds, South Africa
374 reviewsplusVirgin Rating- Pure luxury with excellent safari experience
- Breathtaking scenery
- The 'Big Five'
- All rooms with stunning panoramic views of the Sabi Sand Reserve
Marataba Safari Lodge
Marakele, South Africa
729 reviewsVirgin Rating- 15 luxury Tented Suites (including 4 Family Suites)
- Impressive Treehouse experience that should be on your bucket list
- Eco Garden children’s entertainment and education space
- Game drives in open safari vehicles
The Palace of the Lost City
Sun City, North West Province
2,908 reviewsVirgin Rating- Luxurious hotel
- Malaria-free
- Valley of Waves water park
- Golf course designed by Gary Player
Oude Werf
Stellenbosch, Winelands
976 reviewsVirgin Rating- Charming Historic Inn
- Central location in Stellenbosch
- Restaurant and swimming pool
- Great breakfast buffet
River Manor
Stellenbosch, Winelands
409 reviewsVirgin Rating- Colonial style
- Studio spa treatments
- 2 swimming pools
- Complimentary sherry and treats on arrival
The Bay Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
1,784 reviewsVirgin Rating- Stunning beach location
- Fabulous views and warm hospitality in Caamil's Bar
- Sophisticated elegance
- 4 swimming pools
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Cape Town, South Africa
2,332 reviewsplusVirgin Rating- Breakfast included
- Stunning location, near Camps Bay
- Tranquil spa retreat
- Breathtaking sunset views from the Leopard Bar
Vineyard Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
1,817 reviewsVirgin Rating- In the upmarket suburb of Claremont
- On the back of Table Mountain
- Breakfast included
- Amongst the Cape Town vineyards
Kariega Game Reserve
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
340 reviewsVirgin Rating- 5 luxury lodges
- Offering more than 25 species of game
- Big-5 malaria-free reserve that spans across 5 different eco-systems
Pumba Private Game Reserve
Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
2,487 reviewsVirgin RatingEco-friendly game reserve, set in malaria-free Eastern Cape
- Home to the 'Big Five'
- White lion introduction programme
- Choice of luxury lodges, each with private viewing decks and plunge pools
Jock Safari Lodge
Kruger and surrounds, South Africa
856 reviewsVirgin Rating- Top game viewing in luxurious surroundings
- Within Kruger National Park
- Rooms with private plunge pool
- Spa
Kruger Gate Hotel
Kruger and surrounds, South Africa
1,654 reviewsVirgin Rating- Open-air restaurant
- Stunning infinity pool with game views
- Next to Kruger National Park
- Dees African Spa
Ivory Tree Lodge
Sun City, North West Province
1,529 reviewsVirgin Rating- Contemporary and stylish accommodation in Pilanesberg National Park
- ‘Big Five’ sightings
- Unique adventure activities
- Amani African Spa
Tshukudu Bush Lodge
Sun City, North West Province
361 reviewsVirgin Rating- Romantic bush lodge with only 6 luxury chalets and 4 luxury suites
- The only lodge in the reserve
- Overlooks a large valley and watering hole
- Private plunge pools in luxury suites
Essential information for South Africa
Do I need a visa?
Your UK passport should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit from South Africa and it should have at least 2 blank pages when you present it at immigration to enter or leave South Africa.
When should I go?
South Africa has the opposite seasons to the UK — their summer is roughly November to March and winter is from April to October. The north of the country (Kruger, Madikwe, Sun City) is generally warm all year but the cooler winter temperatures have a stronger effect on the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces which includes Cape Town and the Garden Route.