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11 Day Affordable Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls Tour
ZAR 86,995
ZAR 86,995
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17 Luxury Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger & Victoria Falls Tour
ZAR 205,995
ZAR 205,995
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3 Day Exclusive Luxury Manyeleti Fly-In Safari from Johannesburg
ZAR 27,995
ZAR 27,995
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3 Day Exclusive Luxury Manyeleti Fly-In Safari from Cape Town
ZAR 31,995
ZAR 31,995
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2 Day Exclusive Luxury Manyeleti Fly-In Safari from Cape Town
ZAR 23,995
ZAR 23,995
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2 Day Exclusive Luxury Manyeleti Fly-In Safari from Johannesburg
ZAR 19,995
ZAR 19,995
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13-Day Luxury Kruger, Victoria Falls & Cape Town Tour
ZAR 110,995
ZAR 110,995
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7-Day Fly-in Radisson & Greenfire Kruger Safari from Cape Town
ZAR 46,995
ZAR 46,995
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7-Day Fly-in Radisson & Greenfire Kruger Safari from Johannesburg
ZAR 43,995
ZAR 43,995
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6-Day Kruger & Manyeleti Safari – Fly-in from Johannesburg
ZAR 38,995
ZAR 38,995
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6-Day Kruger & Manyeleti Safari – Fly-in from Cape Town
ZAR 41,995
ZAR 41,995
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4-Day Exclusive Manyeleti Ndzhaka Tented Camp Safari
ZAR 21,995
ZAR 21,995
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3-Day Exclusive Manyeleti Ndzhaka Tented Camp Safari
ZAR 16,995
ZAR 16,995
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South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa. The icy Atlantic Ocean lies on the west coast, and the warm Indian Ocean lies on the east and south coasts, meeting at Cape Agulhas, officially the southernmost tip of Africa. Many people believe the two oceans meet at Cape Point, and for tourism purposes, attractions in the region often promote the “Two Oceans” concept.
South Africa shares its borders with six countries: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), and Lesotho. The Kingdom of Lesotho is an enclave entirely surrounded by South Africa. It’s an independent state and part of the Commonwealth of Nations, although it relies heavily on South Africa.
South Africa’s total surface area is 1.22 million square kilometers. It’s the 24th largest country in the world and the 9th largest in Africa, which comprises 54 countries. To put it into perspective, South Africa is twice the size of France and five times bigger than the United Kingdom. It’s also larger than any European country except for Russia.
South Africa has nine provinces:
Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Northern Cape.
According to Statistics South Africa, the country’s population was estimated at approximately 63.1 million in 2025.
For a first trip to South Africa, a combination of Kruger National Park, Cape Town and Johannesburg gives you a good mix of safari, scenery, culture and history. If wildlife is the main reason for your visit, spend at least three to four nights around Kruger rather than trying to cover too much of the country.
Travellers with less time can consider Pilanesberg National Park, particularly when starting in Johannesburg, while longer trips can include the Garden Route, Cape Winelands or additional safari areas.
There isn’t one South Africa tour that suits everyone. The right itinerary depends on how many days you have, your budget, and whether you want the trip to focus mainly on wildlife or include more of the country.
1994 was a turning point for South Africa, marking the year the first free and fair elections were held, and the country became a democracy for the first time. The African National Congress (ANC), led by the iconic Nelson Mandela, was voted into power. The country’s constitutional law was re-established with the hope that the people of South Africa would never again experience such struggle and division.
Leading up to this milestone election, South Africa was a divided nation, and many of its inhabitants suffered greatly under the oppressive rule of apartheid. Initially, it was under British and Dutch rule that many experienced discrimination and inequality, followed by the National Party (NP).
The National Party was the governing party of South Africa from 1948 until 1994 and was disbanded in 2005. Its legacy included apartheid, the establishment of a South African Republic, and the promotion of Afrikaner culture. When F.W. de Klerk became South African president in 1989, he began dismantling apartheid, lifted the ban on the ANC, and ordered the release of Nelson Mandela from prison.
Mandela led the ANC in negotiations to end apartheid and establish a democratically elected government. Both Mandela and de Klerk were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 in recognition of their roles in facilitating a smooth transition to democracy during this turbulent period.
Mandela was elected South Africa’s president after the country’s first free elections and served as head of state until 1999. He retired from politics after serving one term but remained a global advocate for peace and social justice until his death in December 2013. The ruling party of South Africa is still the ANC, currently under the leadership of Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded Jacob Zuma, whose presidency was marred by allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement.
“Rainbow Nation” is an affectionate term for South Africa coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Tutu used it to describe post-apartheid South Africa after its first fully democratic election in 1994.
“Rainbow Nation” captures the unity of a multicultural nation once divided along racial lines. The rainbow symbolism, drawn from Xhosa culture, is also associated with hope, peace, and a bright future.
“Rainbow Nation” captures the unity of a multicultural nation once divided along racial lines. The rainbow symbolism, drawn from Xhosa culture, is also associated with hope, peace, and a bright future.
Though unintentional, the “Rainbow Nation” is represented in the colors of South Africa’s flag. Designed and adopted in 1994, the bright and instantly recognizable flag symbolizes unity with its six different colors: The red, white, and blue were taken from the old Republic flag.
The yellow, black, and green were taken from the ANC flag. Black, white, and red symbolize the people of South Africa; green represents the fertility of the land; blue represents the surrounding oceans and rivers; and gold represents the mineral wealth.
According to the latest census, the population of South Africa comprises:
The Black population consists of Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho, Bapedi, Venda, Tswana, Tsonga, Swazi, and Ndebele people.
The White population is typically descended from Dutch, German, French, and British immigrants.
The Coloured population is of mixed race, descended mostly from the indigenous Khoisan, Black, White, Malay, and Indian people.
The Asian population is mostly Indian, with some Chinese people.
As a result of its diverse population, South Africa has 11 official languages: English, Afrikaans, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu.
South Africa has the strongest economy in Africa and is the continent’s powerhouse, thanks largely to its mineral wealth, incredible natural resources, and tourism. Its GDP represents about 30% of the entire continent’s GDP. South Africa is renowned for its well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transport sectors, and the rand is the world’s most actively traded emerging market currency.
However, South Africa faces many challenges, mostly stemming from corruption and economic mismanagement, a legacy of the previous
administration. The country officially entered a recession in the latter quarter of 2018, its first since 2009.
Challenges that South Africa must address to recover its growth potential include declining agricultural and mining output, as well as rampant corruption and mismanagement in government and state-owned enterprises.
Another significant challenge is poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people. Declining healthcare and
education standards are a concern, as are high crime levels, a consequence of unemployment.
South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world. Murder, carjackings, violent domestic crime, and rape are a blight on what is otherwise a vibrant and cosmopolitan country. Most violent crimes occur in deeply neglected and impoverished communities—areas
that tourists generally don’t visit unless on a tour with a reputable operator.
The international media often portrays South Africa negatively, describing it as a dangerous place to visit. While this is understandable considering the country’s high crime statistics, violent crime is often a function of poverty and unemployment and is largely confined to impoverished and neglected townships where gangsterism and lawlessness are rife.
These are not areas that the average tourist visits on a trip to South Africa. Particularly if you’re traveling with a reputable tour operator like MoAfrika Tours, your safety is a priority. You should never be taken to these no-go areas and experience the uglier side of South Africa.
Poor neighborhoods, informal ettlements, and derelict inner cities are no-go areas for tourists. You’ll only visit these areas on a day tour with a reputable operator like MoAfrika Tours, which has been taking clients into places like Soweto and Johannesburg’s CBD for many years. A township tour is fascinating and a wonderful way to experience South Africa’s rich cultural heritage; however, it’s not advisable to visit these areas independently.
Political and service delivery protests are common during election periods and can sometimes turn violent. However, tourists can avoid these situations by staying away from public hotspots. A reputable tour operator in South Africa should stay up-to-date with the latest developments and make alternative plans to avoid potentially unsafe areas.
Most tourists visiting South Africa head straight to the game reserves in the north or travel south to the beautiful coastal towns and cities. As long as you’re traveling with a reputable tour operator in a reliable vehicle, you’ll be safe. The most important thing about a holiday to South Africa is to practice common sense, as you would anywhere else in the world where you might encounter petty crime or tourist scams.
Yes, malaria exists in South Africa, but it’s limited to certain low-altitude regions in three provinces: parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and northeastern KwaZulu-Natal. These areas experience summer rainfall and hot, humid summer temperatures, creating ideal conditions for malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
Not all mosquitoes carry the malaria parasite. The ones that do belong to the Anopheles group. The risk of contracting malaria is highest between May and September, but taking anti-malaria tablets on any trip to South Africa is advisable, regardless of the time of year.
Mosquitoes are most active—and bite more—between dusk and dawn, so take precautions. Wear long pants with socks, closed shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt in the evening. Liberally apply mosquito repellent to your skin and in your room. Always sleep under a mosquito net if one is provided.
If you experience any flu-like symptoms within 10–15 days of arriving in a malaria area, see a doctor immediately and insist on being tested for malaria. The disease is life-threatening and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for South Africa. It should cover theft, loss, medical emergencies, and evacuations. Check the policy details carefully, as some policies don’t cover dangerous activities like paragliding, scuba diving, helicopter rides, and even motorbiking, cycling, and hiking.
Medical insurance for South Africa is also very important. You can include it in your travel insurance or request additional coverage from your existing health insurance provider. If you need medical treatment in South Africa, you’ll likely be taken to a private hospital or clinic. State hospitals are not generally recommended unless it’s an absolute emergency.
Private hospitals in South Africa usually expect upfront payment in cash from foreigners. Find out from your insurance company if they make payments directly to medical providers or reimburse you upon your return home.
One crucial thing to ensure your insurance covers is transportation for
emergency evacuations, which might involve an ambulance or helicopter. If you need urgent medical help while far from a city or town, air evacuation might be the only option.
The list of places to visit and things to do in South Africa is extensive. It’s a vast country that offers something for everyone, whether it’s diving with sharks, going on a Big 5 safari tour, or drinking some of the world’s best wines in the beautiful Cape. The choices are endless!
Ask MoAfrika Tours to recommend a perfect tour package to suit your individual needs. Most South Africa tours are a combination of “safari and scenery,” featuring the best that the northern and southern regions offer.
South Africa can be divided into six main regions, each with something unique to offer travelers.
If you draw a line across South Africa, the vibrant city of Johannesburg and the majority of the popular safari destinations fall in the northern region. In the south, you’ll find South Africa’s bucket-list destinations, including the glorious Cape Peninsula, Cape Winelands, and magnificent Garden Route.
On the western side of South Africa, you’ll find quirky towns and fascinating nature reserves overlooking the icy Atlantic Ocean. On the eastern side, you’ll find the tropical splendor of KwaZulu-Natal and the magical Drakensberg Escarpment a bit further inland.
South Africa is also a gateway to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and the splendid national parks in Zambia and Botswana. It’s a friendly neighbor of Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho, which offer fun
adventures and beach holidays for outdoor enthusiasts.
The choices are endless, but MoAfrika’s list of places to stay and things to do is a good place to start planning your holiday in South Africa.
MoAfrika offers the 20 Best South Africa Tours for you to choose from.
Destination | Best for | Typical stay | Safari? |
Kruger National Park | First safaris, Big Five, wildlife | 3–5 nights | Yes |
Pilanesberg | Short safaris from Johannesburg, families | 1–3 nights | Yes |
Cape Town | Scenery, food, culture, coast | 3–5 nights | No |
Johannesburg & Soweto | History, culture, stopovers | 1–2 nights | No |
Garden Route | Road trips, coast and scenery | 3–5 nights | Optional |
Trip length | What usually works |
3–5 days | One destination, usually Kruger, Cape Town, or a short Johannesburg/Pilanesberg combination |
7 days | Safari plus one major city/region |
10 days | Johannesburg + Kruger + Cape Town |
12–14 days | More relaxed multi-region itinerary |
14+ days | Add Garden Route or additional safari areas |
Factor | Kruger | Pilanesberg |
Best for | Multi-day classic safari | Short safari from Johannesburg |
Typical trip | 3–5+ days | 1–3 days |
Big Five | Yes | Yes |
Malaria consideration | Relevant in parts of the region | Malaria-free |
Johannesburg access | Longer journey/flight | Easier road access |
First safari | Excellent | Excellent for limited time |
There isn’t one best time to visit every part of South Africa. Safari travellers often favour the drier winter months for Kruger wildlife viewing, while Cape Town is particularly popular during its warmer summer months.
South Africa is relatively easy to travel around, but distances are often greater than they look on a map. Safari schedules, park gates, road transfers, domestic flights and hotel check-in times also need to work together. This is where travelling with an experienced local operator can make a real difference.
A local team understands how the trip works on the ground. They know how long transfers realistically take, which safari areas suit different travellers and when an itinerary looks good on paper but involves too much time on the road.
For first-time visitors, that local knowledge can take much of the uncertainty out of planning.
Trying to include Kruger National Park, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pilanesberg and the Garden Route in one holiday can quickly turn into a rushed trip.
A local operator can help you decide where your time is better spent. If wildlife is important, for example, adding another night in Kruger may give you more value than squeezing another destination into the itinerary.
The same applies to shorter trips. Pilanesberg can make more sense than Kruger when you have limited time in Johannesburg, while travellers with a longer holiday may prefer several nights in Kruger followed by Cape Town.
There isn’t one itinerary that works for everyone.
Local support becomes particularly useful when plans change.
Flights can be delayed, weather can affect activities, and road journeys occasionally take longer than expected. Having a South African team on the ground means someone understands the local logistics and can help when adjustments are needed.
It also means the advice you receive is based on how people actually travel through the country, rather than simply connecting destinations on a map.
MoAfrika Tours has been introducing travellers to Southern Africa’s wildlife destinations for more than two decades. Our local safari specialists and professional guides help guests experience South Africa through safaris, day tours, transfers and multi-day journeys.
That experience matters most when it helps you make better decisions: how many nights to spend on safari, which reserve suits your travel style, where longer transfers are worthwhile and where slowing the itinerary down will give you a better trip.
The aim isn’t to fit as much of South Africa as possible into your holiday. It’s to make the time you have here count.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elizabeth B. – South Africa
“My family booked the Soweto/Apartheid Museum tour. We had great communication from the start with our guide, Thomas, who contacted us the night before the tour to let us know when we would be picked up. He was very knowledgeable and informative about the history, setting us up well for what we were going to be seeing, both in Soweto and at the Apartheid Museum. We did choose to go inside the Nelson Mandela house. The house is small, but in some ways that is the point. A man who had such great influence in the world choosing to live in a humble house. We recommend this tour to really get an idea of the social and political history of Johannesburg/South Africa and Thomas was a great guide, open to all our questions.”
South Africa gives you a lot of options, which is useful until you’re trying to fit them into ten days. Speak to MoAfrika’s local team if you want help deciding how much time to spend on safari, which destinations work together, and where it makes sense to slow the trip down.
For a first visit, Cape Town, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg make a good combination. You get wildlife, scenery, history and city experiences without trying to cover every part of the country. If you have more time, the Garden Route or another safari area can be added.
Around 10 to 14 days gives most first-time travellers enough time to combine a safari with Cape Town and Johannesburg without rushing too much. A shorter trip can still work well, but it is usually better to choose fewer destinations and spend more time in each one.
Yes. Cape Town and Kruger are often combined on a first South Africa holiday because the two destinations offer very different experiences. Domestic flights make the combination practical, although you should allow enough time in each place rather than treating either as a quick stop.
Kruger National Park is usually our first recommendation when travellers have several days available for safari. It offers a large road network, varied habitats and Big Five wildlife. Pilanesberg is another good choice, particularly when you have limited time and are travelling from Johannesburg.
Pilanesberg often makes more sense for a short safari from Johannesburg because the road transfer is easier and the reserve is more compact. If you can dedicate three or more nights to wildlife, Kruger gives you more time and space to settle into a traditional multi-day safari. Both reserves are home to the Big Five, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
For Kruger, many first-time visitors prefer the drier months from May to September, when vegetation is thinner and animals can be easier to spot. Green season brings lush scenery, summer birdlife and fewer of the dry winter landscapes. There isn’t one obvious best season. It depends on what you want from the safari.
That depends on your itinerary. Johannesburg is a practical starting point for Kruger and Pilanesberg safaris, while Cape Town works well if you want to begin with the Cape Peninsula, Winelands and surrounding attractions. For a multi-destination holiday, your international and domestic flights may ultimately determine which direction makes the most sense.
Yes. South Africa works well for families because there is a wide choice of safari, coastal, cultural and city experiences. The bigger consideration is usually the pace of the itinerary. Families with younger children may find that fewer hotel changes, shorter transfers and a malaria-free safari destination such as Pilanesberg make the trip easier.
For popular safari dates, booking several months ahead gives you a better choice of lodges, rooms and safari options. This becomes more important during busy travel periods and when you need family rooms or specific accommodation. If your dates are fixed, it is usually better not to leave the safari portion of the trip until the last minute.
Yes. MoAfrika can help travellers combine safaris, city tours, transfers and different South African destinations according to the time they have available. A good itinerary isn’t necessarily the one with the most stops. Sometimes removing a destination and spending another night in Kruger or Cape Town makes the whole trip feel less rushed.