South Africa is one of the most popular countries to visit in Africa. It’s remarkably diverse, both geographically and culturally, which means that depending on which part you visit, you can enjoy an entirely different travel experience. If you want to visit wineries, dine in celebrated restaurants, and enjoy gorgeous coastal views, head to Cape Town and the Western Cape. If you want to search for lions and cheetahs in the wild, go to Great Kruger National Park in the northeast. If you want to hit up sandy beaches, make trails for uMhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal in the southeast. There’s a lot to learn about South African vacations. To get some expert tips, we caught up with Brooke Theron, Destination Specialist at Goway, who shared some of her top insights about South Africa.
What is your favourite place to visit?
What’s a great place to eat?
Just head to the Victoria & Albert Waterfront in Cape Town as it has so many amazing restaurants to pick from right on the water.
What’s a unique way to explore South Africa?
Overlanding, which focuses on adventure, exploring remote landscapes, and seeing wildlife.
What's a hidden gem that more people should know about?
Hermanus in the Western Cape, which is a hub for whale watching.
What’s a famous landmark that people shouldn’t miss?
It’s obvious, but Table Mountain in Cape Town. It’s spectacular.
When’s the best time to visit?
South Africa is a year-round destination, so it’s great to visit different parts of the country throughout the year. However, the peak season for safaris is between the months of June and October.
What surprised you the most?
Seeing the animals in the wild in Kruger National Park. It was absolutely a once in a lifetime experience.
What’s a common misconception?
That it’s not a safe place to visit. Like in any city in any part of the world, you ought to be mindful of where you go depending on the time of day, but overall, it’s a safe destination. You’re also usually with a guide, which gives you the local experience too in addition to the safety of travelling together.
What is a great place to stay?
Little Bush Camp in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
What is the top thing people should know about planning a safari in South Africa?
You should spend at least three nights at one of the lodges in Kruger National Park. I recommend spending a good amount of your budget on a lodge stay, since it can really change your experience overall. My ideal itinerary would include three nights in Cape Town, three nights in a private game reserve in Kruger National Park, and then adding on three or four nights in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, with a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana. That way, you can visit three different countries and experience the amazing diversity of southern Africa during your journey.
You might say that Aren was destined to become a globetrotter after his family took him to Germany two times before he was four. If that wasn’t enough, a term spent in Sweden as a young teenager and a trek across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand confirmed that destiny. An independent writer, director, and film critic, Aren has travelled across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His favourite travel experience was visiting the major cities of Japan’s largest island, Honshu, but his love for food, drink, and film will take him anywhere that boasts great art and culture.
Get Inspired
Travel Stories to Inspire You.
Newsletter
Unlock Even More
Sign up to our newsletter to unlock travel Specials, Inspiration, and Expert Guides right to your inbox.
