South Africa’s diverse landscapes and coastal splendour are nothing short of cinematic, offering world-class pleasures – from exceptional wineries to Cape Town’s renowned dining scene. Nature’s highlight reel includes breathtaking whale-watching and high-end safaris.

Luxury South Africa Travel

Alongside its natural splendour, South Africa offers cultural richness, energetic cities and world-class food and wine. It also has some of the most sophisticated and stylish lodgesour choice of those prioritises character and conservation ethics, and are often small and owner-run. We believe in working with the very best guides, who will bring awe-inspiring locations alive on your tailor-made safari holiday.

A leader in conservation, South Africa is more focused than ever on the rehabilitation of its wildlife areas. The private concessions adjoining the Kruger National Park have some of the world’s best game-viewing and places to stay and, despite its popularity, the country has many unspoilt and uncrowded corners that we can open up for you, something that we love to do.

For an area less travelled, adventurers can explore the startlingly beautiful Karoo and the Kalahari desert. For those travelling with young families, there is a growing number of malaria-free park options and our Destination Experts will talk through the options that are best for you. 
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KEY FACTS ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA

CURRENCY

South African Rand

LANGUAGE

Zulu, Afrikaans and English

TIME ZONE

GMT +02:00

TIPPING

10%

PEAK TIME

November - March

USEFUL PHRASES

Hi – Sawubona
Welcome! (to greet someone) – Ngiyakwemukela
How are you? – Unjani?
Thank you (very much) – Ngiyabonga (kakhulu)
You're welcome! (for "thank you") – Kulungile

COLDEST MONTH

June/July
19°C on average

HOTTEST MONTH

January
33°C on average

ITINERARIES

Inspirational trip ideas for South Africa Holidays

These are simply suggestions for the kind of luxury tailor-made holiday you might have. Your travel itinerary will be
personalised, tweaked and refined until it matches you completely.

Ideal Length: 10 Days

Wilderness Wonders & City Charms: A Family Expedition through the Captivating Cape

South Africa is an incredible destination for a family holiday. With its fabulous wildlife reserves, craggy mountains and powdery beaches lapped by two oceans, this country has so much to entertain every generation.

From £15,890pp From $20,990pp

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Ideal Length: 10 days

South Africa: Discover the Rainbow Nation’s Diversity

Of all the wonders of Africa, South Africa just about has it all. Coast to coast, the range of habitats leads the traveller through coastal forest and majestic mountains; game rich savannah bushveld and the harsh aridity of semi-desert, to stretches of pristine white beaches in...

From £5,400pp From $6,400pp

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Ideal Length: 10 days

A Honeymoon in South Africa: Whales, Wine and Wildlife

Of all the wonders of Africa, South Africa just about has it all. Coast to coast, the range of habitats leads the traveller through coastal forest and majestic mountains; game rich savannah bushveld and the harsh aridity of semi-desert, to stretches of pristine white beaches in...

From £4,400pp From $5,800pp

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SUSTAINABILITY

We believe travel is precious

The world has transformed dramatically since cazenove+loyd was founded in 1993. On every trip we take, we wonder how that destination will look in another 30 years. We are passionate about our destinations and understand that it has become more important than ever to conserve their wildlife, habitats and communities for future generations.

Our highlights in South Africa

Our Destination Expert’s top tip

This is one of the few places in Africa with non-malarial safaris,, so well worth considering if you would rather avoid taking medication for travel.

Melissa 130 CTA
Melissa Kirby

Specialises in

Africa + Indian Ocean
elephants south africa

FAQs about our Luxury South Africa Holidays

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

While you can visit all year round, the best time to visit South Africa depends on where you are exploring and what you would like to see due to microclimates. For whale sightings in Hermanus, it would be between July and the end of October. For a safari in the Kruger, April to September is when it is dry and the animals seek out the waterholes. Across the Kalahari Desert, green season is December to March, best for wildlife, birding and meeting the Kalahari lion (black-maned lion), cheetahs and leopards at their most active.  Stretching across South Africa and Namibia is Namaqualand, which is breathtaking for its spring wildflower bloom from around mid-August to mid-September. Madikwe Game Reserve and the Waterberg Biosphere are two of South Africa’s  highlights, both offering Big Five game-viewing, and we would recommend visiting between April and September.

Where to go on a holiday in December in South Africa?

Going to South Africa in December is a great idea and makes for an excellent family holiday. Cape Town and the Cape Winelands are an excellent combination of city, beach, food and wine. The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s most spectacular coastal drives, stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River and in December it shimmers in the sun and festivities. The Kruger is also very popular at this time of year and we would recommend booking early to get your choice of lodge or private villa.  The Kruger can experience some rains in December but these help to clear the air.

What to take on a holiday to South Africa?

When you are packing for your luxury holiday to South Africa it can be helpful to take eye drops, camera (or camera phone) and binoculars for when you are on safari. We always recommend packing light layers or a light waterproof jacket, particularly on safari as early morning and late game drives start and end when the sun is away.  For those going out on the water, around Hermanus or over to Robben Island, you may benefit from insect repellent and sea sickness tablets. Sunglasses, good thick-soled shoes or trainers and a cap are wise, and don’t forget those flip flops for warm and lazy days.   

What to wear on Safari to South Africa?

If you are wondering what to wear on your holiday to South Africa, we recommend light layers of clothing. Game drives are usually first thing in the morning or late afternoon, which can be cold when you set out and head back in the evening, so layers are best. 

If you are visiting Cape Town it is worth layering up there, too, as even in summer it can be cold at the top of Table Mountain. We recommend comfortable shoes for walking which offer support and have a thick sole particularly if you are heading up Lion’s Head or Table Mountain.

Let us plan your perfect trip

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What our clients say
The team put together a fantastic 10-day family vacation for us in South Africa. Not only did they build the trip within our budget, but every detail was considered. When there were some issues during the vacation, the team at Cazenove+Loyd responded immediately and made sure we were well taken care of. Over the years, I have worked with a number of travel agencies, and this company is, by far, the most attentive and a true pleasure to work with.
What our clients say
The whole experience was humbling, emotional and totally unforgettable. It opened my eyes and my interest to South African politics and people. Thank you so very much - a life changing experience!
What our clients say
We had a fantastic two weeks and your careful planning really paid off. As we are quite interested in politics and history, South Africa provided that in abundance, along with superb hotels, great natural beauty, exciting wild animals and wonderful wines. When friends ask if we would change any part of our itinerary, we tell them it was perfect.
What our clients say
I wanted to thank you for planning this amazing and moving trip for us! We loved Leeu House and all the people and wineries. Justin was a perfect guide and we totally recommend you use him again! The safari at Chitwa Chitwa was also perfection – the most wonderful experience! Cape Town was beautiful, especially our drives around the coast.

Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch and one of our luxury travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream tailor-made holiday.

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