Tailor-Made South Africa Holidays 2026/2027
Best Time To Go:
Year Round
Time Difference:
GMT +1 hour
Flight Duration:
11 hours approx
Airports:
Cape Town (CPT), Johannesburg (JNB) and more
South Africa is a sensational destination for a luxurious yet adventurous holiday. Full of untamed, unspoilt mountains, coastline and national parks bursting with wildlife, the combinations are almost endless.
Embrace South Africa’s history and culture in Cape Town, one of the world’s greatest cities. Exceptional dining, characterful neighbourhoods and a host of excellent museum, all sandwiched between the majestic Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, and surrounded by lush wine valleys, beautiful beaches, dramatic clifftop scenery and postcard perfect sunsets, this city really does have it all.
From Cape Town you can go whale spotting in Hermanus, drive along the famous Garden Route and of course indulge your taste buds with world class dining and wine tasting in the world renowned Cape winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Further afield you can hike, bike and more in the stunning Drakensberg Mountains, visit the battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu war or kick back on a fabulous beach along the Indian Ocean.
And of course, a trip to South Africa would be incomplete without experiencing the countries rich wildlife, whether that involves shark cage diving in the Western Cape, a primate forest walk, a quirky meerkat safari in the Klein Karoo, or of course an immersive safari experience in any of the countries game reserves and national parks. The most famous of these is Kruger National Park, one of the country’s largest reserves. Exceptional game viewing, stunning vistas and excellent guides are all part of what makes Kruger so special, but, as with everything else in South Africa, you are spoilt for choice. There are many smaller reserves around the country, each with their own unique vistas and wildlife, from the malaria free Eastern Cape reserves to the harsh beauty of the Southern Kalahari.
Whatever you're seeking, South Africa is an incredible choice. Let us be your guide. Browse our suggested holiday highlights and trip itineraries below, and get in touch for a tailor-made quote for your South Africa holiday.
Talk to our Africa Specialist - Elliot
Shortly after joining the travel industry in 2013, Elliot had his first taste of Africa, with an unforgettable safari in Tanzania. The raw, untamed wildness and unique beauty had him hooked from day one. He has since explored a dozen African countries in depth, mostly in Southern and East Africa. Elliot proposed to his wife in Botswana and they honeymooned in Uganda.
ITINERARY INSPIRATION FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Grand Tour of South Africa
19 nights from £7,195 per person
Cape Town to Kruger with Rovos Rail
11 nights from £7,965 per person
Cape Town to Mauritius Family Holiday
14 nights from £5,360 per person
Boutique Garden Route & Game
11 nights from £4,990 per person
Luxury
South Africa
13 nights from £9,385 per person
South Africa & Mozambique Honeymoon
13 nights from £7,047 per person
South Africa: A Path Less Travelled
13 nights from £3,990 per person
WHERE TO VISIT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town
Hermanus
Kwazulu-Natal and the Drakensberg Mountains
Greater Kruger National Park
Rovos Rail
The Winelands
Garden Route
eSwatini
OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Chitwa Chitwa
Sabi Sands
5 Star
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Sabi Sands
5 Star
Jock Safari Lodge
Kruger National Park
5 Star
Babylonstoren
Franschhoek
5 Star
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
"My wife and I can without question recommend Elliot Hawthorn, Head of Africa for Tailored Journeys for his advice and guidance, as we created a safari experience in South Africa for 2026."
Andrew W.
South Africa
"If you want a holiday that’s memorable for all the right reasons, book with Tailored Journeys. Just be prepared to come home and immediately start planning your next trip."
Emma S.
South Africa
April 2025
"Tailored Journeys organised our wonderful trip to South Africa. The whole holiday was perfect. Would definitely book with Tailored Journeys again."
Sue H.
South Africa
March 2025
"Booked our honeymoon to South Africa through Tailored Journeys and couldn’t recommend their services enough! Our trip ran so smoothly and was a once in a lifetime experience"
Fiona O.
South Africa
September 2022
TOP TIPS FOR SOUTH AFRICA
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
For safaris, we recommend visiting during the dry season from May to September where you will see the wildlife gathering around waterholes, whereas the summer months, November to March are perfect for visiting Cape Town and the Garden Route. June to November are the perfect months for whale watching in Hermanus, so its all down to what you want to see and do.
Is South Africa a good destination for families?
Yes! South Africa is an excellent family destination. Many game reserves and lodges offer family friendly safaris with activities tailored to children, such as junior ranger programs. Penguin colonies, ostrich farms, hikes for all abilities and ages along with family friendly restaurants and comfortable driving conditions make South Africa a perfect choice for a family holiday.
What is the tipping culture in South Africa?
Tipping is customary in South Africa. In restaurants it's common to tip around 10-15% of the bill. For safari guides and trackers, a tip of around $10-20 USD is appreciated. Porters at hotels and lodges typically receive 20-50 ZAR per bag.
What are the health & vaccination requirements for South Africa?
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for South Africa but we always recommend you consult your GP before travelling.
How long should I plan to stay in South Africa?
To fully experience South Africa's diversity, we recommend a stay of 10 to 14 days. This will give you enough time for a safari, a stay in Cape Town, and to explore the Winelands mountains or beaches. We can also pair South Africa with other destinations like Mozambique, Mauritius, or Seychelles.
Do I need a visa to travel to South Africa?
Many travellers do not need a visa to visit South Africa for stays of up to 90 days. It is important to check the visa requirements for your nationality before travelling. Your passport should also have at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
What wildlife can I see on a safari in South Africa?
South Africa is home to the Big Five: lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino. You will see a wide variety of other wildlife including cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and different bird species. Aquatic species such as penguins, seals and sometimes whales can be seen from the comfort of dry land, whereas sharks and dolphins can be spotted on marine safaris.
Is it safe to travel in South Africa?
South Africa is generally safe for tourists and most luxury resorts and safari lodges have excellent security measures in place, so you will be extremely well looked after.
What is the currency in South Africa and how can I pay?
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards are widely accepted in most places, including restaurants, hotels and shops. We always advise to have some cash available for tipping and small purchases, especially when exploring Cape Town.
Is South Africa a good honeymoon destination?
South Africa is a fantastic honeymoon destination, offering a mix of romance, adventure and luxury. Couples can enjoy private safaris, stay in luxury lodges, like Chitwa Chitwa, sip on fine wines in the Winelands, or ride a hot air balloon over the savannah!
SPEAK TO A SOUTH AFRICA EXPERT AND START PLANNING
WHY BOOK WITH TAILORED JOURNEYS?
AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Every holiday is tailor made to the finest detail to match your preferences
We offer unique experiences to help create truly rewarding memories
Your interests are our priority and we handpick activies accordingly - whether its cycling through rice fields in Vietnam or a special dinner under the stars for your honeymoon
HANDPICKED HOTELS
All hotels are handpicked based on individual specifications
The hotels we choose are ones where we have either personally stayed or visited
We make sure that you will have some of the most incredible views from your hotel that will surely stay in your memory forever
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
All of us here are from, have lived and/or worked in your chosen destination
Our local, qualified guides are courteous, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile for every Tailored Journeys client
We have built special relationships with incredible people who help us bring an authentic element to our holidays
SUPPORT & TECHNOLOGY
You will have the same specialist look after your trip from start to finish
You will have the support of a local office in each destination and access a 24 hour mobile number here in the UK
You will also have access to an interactive app so you can view your itinerary offline