South Africa

South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
From the Atlantic Ocean to False Bay, these diving scenes show a vibrant underwater world in Cape Town, South Africa.

Pier Nirandara for Lonely Planet

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.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of South Africa? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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. 1 Cruising through the Cape Peninsula to witness the seal pups of Seal Island
  2. 2 Summiting Cape Town’s spectacular Lion’s Head Mountain for panoramic city views
  3. 3 Sipping regional wines from generations-old vineyards in South Africa’s famous wine country
from $3,100

per person

Explore more trips

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

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.


Read full article

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.


Read full article

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.


Read full article

Transportation

South Africa's vast size can make getting around a little tricky. Plan your route and transportation with this guide.


Read full article

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.


Read full article

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.


Read full article

Money and Costs

With a bit of planning, it’s possible to keep costs manageable and still experience the best of South Africa.


Read full article

Traveling with Kids

South Africa has plenty to offer families, from safari experiences to resort stays. Here are the best kid-friendly experiences.


Read full article

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.


Read full article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in South Africa

South Africa and beyond