Travel Stories

South Africa

- tips and advice
- destination practicalities
What to eat and drink in South Africa
5 min read • Nov 24, 2022
The braai (barbecue) may be a national pastime. But South Africa's culinary diversity reflects its multicultural society.
- best in travel 2023
7 days in South Africa: coastline, Winelands and fine dining
8 min read • Nov 15, 2022
Complementing the internationally known vineyards, a new generation of South African chefs is propelling the country’s culinary scene forward.
- national parks
- activities
Protecting rhinos from poachers in Africa - what it's like working on the frontline
10 min read • Aug 23, 2022
Tourists are volunteering to protect Africa’s threatened & endangered rhinos. Here’s what it’s like on the front lines.
- art
- art and culture
10 places to learn about the life of Nelson Mandela in South Africa
7 min read • Jul 14, 2022
In honor of Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18, follow his legacy throughout South Africa.
- destination practicalities
- accessible travel
How to get around in South Africa
7 min read • Feb 8, 2022
It's the ninth biggest country in Africa, so here are the top tips for traveling around South Africa by air, rail or road.
- beaches
- activities
The top 19 beaches in South Africa for sand, surf and scenery
11 min read • Jan 28, 2022
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.
- national parks
- activities
The 11 most incredible national parks in South Africa for wildlife, hiking and more
8 min read • Jan 5, 2022
Preserving mountains, grasslands, beaches and deserts, South Africa's national parks are natural wonders. Here's a guide to South Africa's best reserves.
- tips and advice
- destination practicalities
19 best places to visit in South Africa
10 min read • Jan 5, 2022
South Africa is a blend of peoples and cultures that is instantly evident, and the country's diversity stretches to its incredible cities and landscapes.
- tips and advice
- destination practicalities
Do you need a visa to go to South Africa?
4 min read • Dec 20, 2021
Tourists from countries including the US, UK and Canada do not need a visa to visit South Africa, but do require some documentation. Find out more here.
- hiking
- activities
The top 8 hikes in South Africa for stunning views
11 min read • Nov 30, 2021
South Africa boasts of many multi-day hiking trails, and walkers can set off on plenty of amazing day hikes as well.
- national parks
- activities
South Africa safaris for first-timers: 8 things to know before you book
8 min read • Oct 5, 2021
Get excited but also be prepared for adventure. Here's what you need to know prior to your first South African safari.
- wildlife and nature
- activities
How rhino poachers took advantage of the pandemic - and how you can help stop them
5 min read • Sep 17, 2020
A surprising victim of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the African rhino. Here's how.
- wildlife and nature
- activities
South Africa’s wild gold rush road
13 min read • Jan 31, 2020
Follow the trail of fortune-hunters through the mountains and end with animal encounters on one of the country’s original safaris.
- history
- art and culture
I toured Robben Island prison with Nelson Mandela’s former guard and close friend
9 min read • Nov 11, 2019
Christo Brand started as Nelson Mandela’s prison guard, but he went on to forge a bond of friendship with the icon.
- wildlife and nature
- activities
Are you ready for a self-drive safari in Africa?
6 min read • Oct 31, 2019
When it comes to planning a safari in Africa, there is one big question you need to answer before starting. Are you ready for a self-drive safari?
- luxury
- connections
A day on safari in Africa: what you can expect in camp and in the wild
5 min read • Oct 22, 2019
If you’ve never before been on safari in Africa, you may wonder how your days will be spent. Here we run down what you can expect, from dawn to nightfall.
- wildlife and nature
- activities
Turning myth into reality: the white lions of Timbavati
6 min read • Sep 30, 2019
Follow airline pilot and travel writer Geri Moore as she tries to fulfill her dream of seeing one of the world's three white lions living in the wild.
- wildlife and nature
- activities
Stunning getaways for stand up paddle boarding
4 min read • Aug 20, 2019
Stand up paddling (SUP) has become a fun and popular pastime. Here are our favorite places in the world to go stand up paddle boarding.
- health and wellness
- connections
Parkrun: free, fun and a new way to inspire travel
5 min read • Jun 5, 2019
Free, and open to everyone, parkrun has gripped millions across the globe since its inception in 2004. So much so that every Saturday morning there are…
- art
- art and culture
A tale of two townships: Soweto & Khayelitsha
6 min read • Aug 9, 2018
The suburbs of Soweto, part of metro Johannesburg, and Khayelitsha, the vast township on the Cape Flats east of Cape Town, are throwing off their…
- food
- food and drink
Craft beer rising: finding an inner city pint in South Africa
6 min read • Jan 6, 2016
Sipping a chilled glass of chenin blanc at a whitewashed winery backed by rolling mountains – it’s a quintessential South African travel experience. But…
- wildlife and nature
- activities
South Africa (and Swaziland) for families
6 min read • Apr 13, 2015
Africa's iconic animals may be the things of childhood dreams, but taking your youngsters to the continent can be an unnerving prospect.