Big Five safari you can drive yourself, one of the world's most beautiful cities, and 300km of coastline in between — at an exchange rate that makes all of it remarkably affordable.
South Africa is really two holidays that happen to share a passport stamp — and they peak at opposite times of year. Cape Town is at its best November to March; Kruger is at its best May to September. Knowing that before you book is the difference between a good trip and a great one.
Twenty thousand square kilometres, bigger than Wales. Unlike East Africa you can rent a car and drive yourself on excellent roads, and entry is around $20 a day.
Private reserves bordering Kruger, where habituated leopards are seen at extremely close range, often daily. Off-road driving, night drives and walking safaris are all permitted.
Consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful cities. Table Mountain, Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguins, Robben Island, and the Bo-Kaap.
One of the world's great scenic drives, from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Knysna's lagoon and oysters, Plettenberg Bay whales, and the ancient forests of Tsitsikamma.
World-class wine and some of the best food in Africa, 45 minutes from Cape Town. Easy as day trips, better as a couple of nights.
Most visitors transit through without stopping. Worth a night for the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Soweto.