South Africa Holidays Specialist Travel Agent

South Africa is a dream destination for many travellers that beckons with diverse wildlife, unparalleled natural beauty and fascinating culture. National parks make up over 3% of the country, meaning there is so much to be explored. From the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the vast savannahs of Kruger National Park, there's no shortage of awe-inspiring sights to behold on a South African holiday.

There are so many reasons why a South African holiday could be just what you need. South Africa is synonymous with safari holidays and provides unique opportunities to see the Big Five in the wild. Aside from exploring the wild plains on your South African holiday, you also have the opportunity to discover rugged coastlines and dramatic mountain ranges.


There’s even more that awaits you if you’re keen to discover culture or dive into adrenaline activities. Fearless travellers can swim with Great White Sharks and go bungee jumping off Bloukrans Bridge for endless thrills. Whereas, those invested in the country's heritage can explore historic sites and immerse themselves in township life.

At Angelfish Travel, we are South Africa holiday specialists and understand the needs of the modern traveller. We offer tailor-made tours and holidays in South Africa informed by our own experiences to ensure that you have your dream journey. Whether you’re planning a sensational honeymoon or a family holiday to South Africa, we can plan the perfect itinerary for your specific budget.


There are so many ways to explore this inviting landscape, allowing you to experience South Africa in a way that suits your desires. From self-driving safaris in the golden plains to luxury train journeys with Rovos Rail, there’s a plethora of ways to experience South Africa. Whether you want to visit on a family holiday to South Africa or go walkabout as a solo traveller, we have all the insider knowledge to guarantee your pleasure.

What to do in South Africa

With so much on offer, determining what to do on your South African holiday can be quite challenging. Thankfully, we’re a South Africa specialist and know all the best activities and attractions that will add so much value to your trip. You will find some of our top picks of things to do in South Africa below.

While beaches may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine a holiday in South Africa, you can certainly enjoy a sensational beach break under the African sun. Beach holidays in South Africa allow visitors to relax on some of the most pristine coastlines in the world, offering endless relaxation. Some of the best places to visit for a beach holiday in South Africa include the Wild Coast, which is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, and Durban's Golden Mile, which enjoys nearly 300 days of sunshine every year!


A trip to South Africa is not complete without spending some time in the savannah on an exciting safari tour. South African safari holidays offer an exciting opportunity to see majestic animals as they roam their natural habitats. National parks in South Africa are the best places to enjoy this one-of-a-kind safari offering with Kruger National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve being amongst the best places to spot big game. Private game reserves such as Sabi Sands and Welgevonden Game Reserve offer a more up-market safari experience, with touches of luxury and less traffic.


While you might have some concerns about a South Africa family holiday, you will be pleased to know that the country is very safe, especially in tourist hubs and resorts. Family holidays to South Africa promise to amaze and delight no matter the ages of your travelling party. Younger travellers will be overjoyed by the chance to meet African penguins at Boulders Beach and the whole family can marvel at the astonishing views from the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.


This enchanting country is also a great destination for couples and honeymooners, as there are a variety of activities and sights that make for a romantic day out. You and your loved one can visit the verdant vineyards and sample the finest Pinotage in the Cape Winelands. Alternatively, you could escape into the wonders of nature and take a road trip along the Garden Route, a scenic coastal stretch of road from Mossel Bay to Storms River.

Of course, there’s still plenty to do if you’re a solo traveller with your heart set on South Africa, as many major cities have some incredible cultural hubs. In Johannesburg, you can explore Soweto and visit the Apartheid Museum, to learn more about the city's turbulent history. Those seeking deeper cultural immersion on their South African holiday can dive into Zulu heritage at Shakaland or ponder the origins of humanity at the Cradle of Humankind.

There really is something for everyone when it comes to holidays in South Africa. No matter your interests, you are certain to make fond memories of this wild destination. If our suggestions have piqued your curiosity, be sure to contact Angelfish via our enquiry form.

When To Visit South Africa

Located in the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa experiences its seasons opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, with winter from May to August and summer beginning in December. Given the country's diverse geography—including flat plains, mountains, and arid regions—it can be challenging to generalize about the weather in South Africa. However, a rule of thumb is that the northern regions are typically warmer, while the southern regions are cooler, so consider what climate suits your preferences when planning your visit.

South Africa offers a variety of holiday experiences, from lush national parks and stunning beaches to unique wildlife encounters. The best time to visit depends largely on your interests and what you want to experience. Here are some key periods that are particularly well-suited for specific activities.

Summer (December to February)

Summer in South Africa is marked by warm temperatures and relatively low rainfall, making it the peak tourist season. Inland areas, such as Johannesburg and Kruger National Park, can reach daytime highs of around 30°C, so it's essential to pack breathable clothing and plenty of sun protection. Coastal regions like Cape Town and Durban are milder, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C. This season is ideal for beach holidays, with January offering some of the warmest conditions.

Winter (May to August)

Winter in South Africa brings cooler temperatures, particularly in the mornings, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This period is considered the low season for tourism, offering fewer crowds and more affordable travel options. However, you should expect some rainfall, especially in coastal areas like Cape Town, which may impact outdoor activities like safaris. Despite the cooler and occasionally rainy weather, this season provides excellent conditions for spotting large game, particularly from May to September, which is often considered the best time for safari adventures.

Whale Watching (July to November)

For those interested in marine wildlife, the period from July to November is ideal for whale watching. During these months, southern right whales migrate from Antarctica to the warmer waters along South Africa's coastline to breed and calve. Hermanus, located along the Western Cape, is renowned for offering some of the best whale-watching opportunities, where visitors can witness these majestic creatures breaching the azure waters, either from the shore or on boat tours.

Getting To South Africa

South Africa has multiple international airports, with the most popular being O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, followed by Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport in Durban. These airports offer direct flights from major cities worldwide, including London.

Several airlines operate flights between the UK and South Africa. Some of the major carriers include British Airways, South African Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Emirates. There are also options for connecting flights through other hubs in Europe or the Middle East, but this could drastically increase your travel time.

Direct flights from the UK to South Africa typically take around 11 to 12 hours, depending on the departure city and specific flight route. However, connecting flights may take longer depending on layover times, so be sure to factor this into your itinerary.

Getting Around

South Africa is a massive country, with so many wonderful experiences awaiting any intrepid traveller. This is made all the more enticing by the extensive transport networks that can easily get you to different destinations. Angelfish are a South Africa specialist and we know all the best ways to get around this colourful country.

One of the best ways to manage a chock-full itinerary is to rent a car for your South Africa holiday. This gives you much more freedom and flexibility with your plans, which is ideal for independent travellers. The road conditions in South Africa are generally good, with better infrastructure in major cities and popular tourist routes. You can find car rental services in most airports or in large cities, just be sure to familiarise yourself with South Africa's traffic rules and drive safely.

Train journeys offer a more scenic option for travelling around South Africa, connecting major cities to charming towns. It may not be the fastest way to travel for safari and beach holidays in South Africa, but you get to see much more of the country’s astonishing natural beauty.

If you’re interested in train travel for your South Africa holiday, you should consider including Rovos Rail. This world-class travel experience allows visitors to embark on train safaris through South Africa’s stunning landscapes. Their Cape Town journey offers a stunning 3-night experience and takes travellers through some of the highlights of South Africa such as the Great Karoo, Western Cape vineyards and a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein.

Likewise, South Africa has a great domestic flight network which allows visitors to explore other major tourist destinations. Internal flights are the quickest and most efficient way to travel around South Africa, especially if you plan on visiting cities like Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

Travel Advice

A journey to South Africa is certain to be filled with excitement and wonder, but it’s important to be aware of travel advice before embarking on your journey. Being a South Africa holiday specialist, we know all the crucial information that travellers need to be aware of when jetting off to the Rainbow Nation. Below, we highlight some important details that you should consider when planning your holiday in South Africa.

Vaccinations

The most important South Africa travel advice concerns vaccinations, as you may come into contact with exotic diseases on your adventures. The World Health Organisation recommends the following vaccinations for a South African safari holiday: Hep A, Hep B, Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Rabies and Tetanus. You should contact your healthcare provider to see which vaccinations you are due for before embarking on your South Africa holiday.

You can review vaccination requirements on TravelHealthPro. It is also worth noting that South Africa is considered a moderate-risk destination for malaria throughout the year, so travellers should be cautious especially those going on a family holiday to South Africa. You can speak with your GP about antimalarial medications, which is highly recommended if you’ll be visiting during the peak transmission season between September to May.

Visas

In order to enter South Africa, there are specific immigration requirements. Thankfully, UK nationals are not required to obtain a visa for their South Africa holiday, so long as their stay does not exceed 90 days. If you require more information, you can look on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Passport

Before you depart for your South Africa holiday, it is vital that your passport is valid or you may encounter issues at immigration. The passport requirements for South Africa are as follows:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended departure date from South Africa.
• You must have 2 blank pages in your passport.

So long as you meet these criteria, you will have no problems and can enjoy a welcome holiday in South Africa.

South Africa Holiday FAQs

Where can you go on safari in South Africa?

One of the main reasons to visit South Africa is for a once-in-a-lifetime safari holiday. There are plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife on guided bushwalks, safari tours and self-drive safaris. Some of the most popular places to visit on a South African safari holiday are:

• Kruger National Park
• Welgevonden Game Reserve
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Pilanesberg National Park
• Madikwe Game Reserve

What are the 'Big Five'?

The 'Big Five' game animals are lions, leopards, elephants, rhino and buffalo. It was originally a big-game hunting term for the five animals considered to be the most dangerous to hunt on foot in Africa, but is now generally adopted on viewing safari game drives.

What language is spoken in South Africa?

South Africa is a multilingual country, with 11 officially recognised languages. The most widely spoken languages are English, Afrikaans, IsiZulu & IsiXhosa. English is commonly spoken by businesses, tourism operators and government officials, so you’ll likely have no issues with the language barrier.

Where can I find the latest travel advice for South Africa?

The best place for UK citizens to find the latest travel advice for South African holidays is the UK Travel Advisory. Here you will find all the necessary details for your holiday in South Africa, such as COVID-19 requirements, entry requirements, security concerns and health and safety advice.

You can find further information on the British High Commission Pretoria page, which will be able to provide up-to-date information for your trip to South Africa.

What’s the time zone in South Africa?

South Africa operates on South African Standard Time (SAST), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2). Like many other countries, South Africa observes Daylight Savings Time from the first Sunday in September to the first Sunday in April. This changes the time zone to UTC+3, so be sure to check the appropriate time zone for your South Africa holiday.