South Africa

South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini Travel Guide

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

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

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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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

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  • South Africa in 10 Days: Cape Town, Kruger & a Luxury Train Safari
    South Africa

    10 days / 9 nights

    South Africa in 10 Days: Cape Town, Kruger & a Luxury Train Safari

    FROM $6,500

    per person

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Top places to visit in South Africa

Discover the best attractions in South Africa from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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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

Between the long flight times and the requisite visas, reaching South Africa can be a tricky proposition for intercontinental travellers, but it’s about to get a bit easier – for some people, at least. 

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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's windswept coastline is packed with superb beaches. From family favorites in Cape Town to world-famous surf spots, here are the very best.

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5 Shops

These next-level travel gifts might be out of reach, but hey, you never know.

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Accessibility

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

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