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Why visit South Africa
Black-maned lions framed against desert dunes, powdery beaches lapped by two oceans, star-studded night skies, jagged mountains – South Africa is the place to go wild.
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Take your South Africa trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.
bookable trip
South Africa’s Stunning South: Cape Town, Wine Country, and the Garden Route
12 days / 11 nights
highlights
- 1 Cruising through the Cape Peninsula to witness the seal pups of Seal Island
- 2 Summiting Cape Town’s spectacular Lion’s Head Mountain for panoramic city views
- 3 Sipping regional wines from generations-old vineyards in South Africa’s famous wine country
from $3,100
per person
Explore more trips
Explore more trips

10 days / 9 nights
South Africa in 10 Days: Cape Town, Kruger & a Luxury Train Safari
FROM $6,500
per person
Top places to visit in South Africa
Discover the best attractions in South Africa from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.
Travel Guides
South Africa travel tips from Lonely Planet experts
Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.
Best Things to Do
From safari to wine tasting, experience the best of South Africa with these top things to do.
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Best Time to Visit
South Africa's vibrant festival calendar and annual migrations for its diverse wildlife give you much to explore. Here's the right time to visit.
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Things to Know
South Africa features world-class surf breaks, magnificent wildlife and eclectic local cuisine. Here are tips on planning, etiquette, safety and more.
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Transportation
South Africa's vast size can make getting around a little tricky. Plan your route and transportation with this guide.
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Visa Requirements
Don't spoil your trip to sensational South Africa by not having your travel documents in order. Here's what you need to know about visas for South Africa.
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Best Road Trips
South Africa offers a patchwork of landscapes that make for exceptional road trips. Here are three of the best road trips to take in South Africa.
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Money and Costs
With a bit of planning, it’s possible to keep costs manageable and still experience the best of South Africa.
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Traveling with Kids
South Africa has plenty to offer families, from safari experiences to resort stays. Here are the best kid-friendly experiences.
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Best Places to Visit
A country of astonishing diversity, South Africa will cater to you no matter what kind of traveler you are. Here are a few essential places to visit.
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