"Welcome to our curated list of recommendations for traveling in South Africa. These suggestions are personal insights gather from myself and my team at Timeless Africa Safaris. These recommendations are personally vetted by us, they come highly recommended. Please feel free to add your own favourite spots or share any updates in the comments section below. If you come across any information that may have changed, such as closures or updated details, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. Let's build a community-sourced guide to ensure that everyone can enjoy the best of what South Africa has to offer." Marco van Embden, Cape Town
1. Tour Operator Recommendation
Marco van Embden owns a great tour operator based in Cape Town South Africa, Timeless Africa Safaris with expertise in 15 African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Republic of Congo, Mauritius and Seychelles.
Timeless Africa Safaris is a family business with Marco’s eldest daughter, Casey, being involved in the business for the past twelve years. The team truly understands the YPO philosophy – many of the travel managers have fostered relationships with local and international YPO’ers through the personal and/or family trips curated for them, their friends and their Forums as well as Intl YPO Chapter visits to South Africa.
These YPO’ers have become ambassadors for the work that Timeless Africa Safaris does in Africa, spreading their positive – and often life-changing – experiences with future YPO travellers.
There are a lot of good people out there, doing great work in bringing travellers to Africa. The most important thing is that you come to our magnificent continent which greatly relies on foreign travellers to support the communities and the wildlife.
2. Best Time to Go to South Africa
- Peak Season: January, February, March, October, November, December
- Mid Season: April, May, September
- Rainy Season: June, July, August
South Africa is unique in that it has a wide range of weather patterns, dependent on where you go and is viewed as a year-round destination. As a rule, summer lasts from December to March and then winter runs from June to August. The best time to enjoy a South African safari is between May and October. These are the drier months, so animals tend to congregate around watering holes and rivers, hence easier to view. For a Cape Town experience, the best times are the hot summer months between November and March.
3. Access To South Africa
Numerous countries have direct flight access to Cape Town and Johannesburg (two of South Africa's major cities), generally serviced by major international airlines, including: United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Virgin Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, South African Airways and others.
Direct flight connections can vary based on the airline routes, season, and other factors, but here is a list of some countries that typically offer direct flights to either Cape Town or Johannesburg, or both:
Within Africa:
- Namibia (Windhoek)
- Botswana (Gaborone)
- Kenya (Nairobi)
- Mozambique (Maputo)
- Zambia (Lusaka), Zimbabwe (Harare)
- Mauritius (Port Louis)
- Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
- Tanzania (Dar es Salaam)
- Asia: China (Beijing), Singapore (Singapore), India (Mumbai)
- Europe: United Kingdom (London), Germany (Frankfurt, Munich), Netherlands (Amsterdam), France (Paris), Switzerland (Zurich)
- Middle East: United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Qatar (Doha)
- North America: United States (New York, Atlanta, Washington DC)
- Oceania: Australia (Sydney, Perth)
4. Insights on South Africa
South Africa - one destination, infinite possibilities: from Safaris to shopping, golf to spas. At the southernmost tip of Africa lies a country that offers something for every kind of traveller. South Africa, with its eclectic abundance of culture, landscape and wildlife, is unlike any other African destination. Its rich diversity ensures that every visit will unearth a new experience.
- With some of the most diverse landscapes, wildlife and floral kingdoms in Africa, as well as world-class cities and spectacular views, if you’re looking for one destination that has it all, South Africa might just be ‘the one’.
- Foodies can enjoy South Africa’s many award-winning, world-class restaurants, wineries and distilleries, or opt for a deep-dive into tasting local cuisines from a melting pot of South African cultures.
- Malaria-free game reserves means your group can avoid taking unpleasant preventative medications that are necessary for other regions of Africa.
- Tick off the Big 5 and the Marine 5 in one trip. With stunning coastlines, you can enjoy a magnificent land safari and a remarkable sea safari on the same visit.
- History buffs can opt for visits to iconic spots linked to the country’s poignant history, meeting locals who lived through and directly experienced infamous periods in South Africa.
- Boasting one of the seven wonders of the world (Table Mountain), Cape Town is the perfect base for a fitcation, shopping sprees, cultural immersions, outdoor adventures and five-star accommodations. You’ll meet artists, poets, chefs, historians, nature enthusiasts, patriots and innovators for a well-rounded getaway.
5. Marco's Accommodation Recommendations
- Birkenhead House, Whale Coast
- Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, Cederberg Mountains, near Cape Town
- Morukuru Beach Lodge & Ocean House, De Hoop, De Hoop Nature Reserve, near Cape Town
- Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Gaansbaai, near Cape Town
- Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge, Ecca Lodge & Villas
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape - Jamala Madikwe, Madikwe Game Reserve
- Molori Safari Lodge, malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve
- Morukuru Madikwe - for families
malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve - Tswalu Kalahari, Kuruman, Northern Cape
- Tanda Tula, Greater Kruger National Park
- Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kruger National Park
- Saseka Tented Camp, Thornybush Game Reserve, KNP
YPO Owned Accommodation:
- DaVinci Hotel and Suites on Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
- Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa, Cape Town
- Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet, near Cape Town
- Geiger's Camp, Hoedspruit
- Ghost Mountain Inn & Safaris, KwaZulu-Natal
- Motswari Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit
- Nkomazi Game Reserve, Mpumalanga
- Queen Victoria Hotel, Cape Town
- Pegasus Retreats, Pretoria
- Raphael Penthouse Suites, Sandton
- Sala Beach House, Shaka's Rock, KwaZulu Natal
- Stock Exchange, Woodstock
- The Michelangelo Towers, Sandton
- The Onyx Apartment Hotel, Cape Town
- Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town
- Whalesong Hotel and Spa, Plettenberg Bay
7. Destinations South Africa Pairs Well With
South Africa is a versatile travel destination that pairs well with other destinations in Southern and East Africa, offering travelers a diverse range of experiences. Here are some notable destinations that complement a trip to South Africa:
DESTINATIONS SOUTHERN AFRICA:
Namibia
- Highlights: Namib Desert, Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast, Swakopmund.
- Travel Appeal: Namibia's vast deserts, unique landscapes, and wildlife safaris make it a great extension to a South African adventure.
Botswana
- Highlights: Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Kalahari Desert.
- Travel Appeal: Renowned for its pristine wilderness and luxury land and water safari experiences, Botswana offers a contrast to South Africa's savannah safari experiences.
Zimbabwe
- Highlights: Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.
- Travel Appeal: The awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and rich cultural history provide an enriching complement to South Africa's attractions.
Zambia
- Highlights: Victoria Falls (Livingstone), South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park.
- Travel Appeal: Known for its excellent walking safaris and the Zambezi River, Zambia offers a more off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
Mozambique
- Highlights: Bazaruto Archipelago, Benguerra Island
- Travel Appeal: Mozambique's stunning beaches and marine life offer a perfect beach escape after a South African safari or city tour.
DESTINATIONS IN EAST AFRICA:
witness THE GREAT MIGRATION
- Kenya – Witness the spectacular Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, complemented by Nairobi’s vibrant energy, Amboseli’s elephant herds, and Diani Beach’s coastal charm, seamlessly pairing with South Africa’s diverse offerings.
- Tanzania – From the awe-inspiring Great Migration in the Serengeti to the dramatic landscapes of Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro’s towering peak, and Zanzibar’s idyllic shores, Tanzania delivers an unforgettable safari and beach experience that pairs effortlessly with South African adventures.
EXPERIENCE Gorilla Trekking:
- Rwanda – Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, combined with the cultural charm of Kigali and the lush landscapes of Nyungwe, creates a well-rounded safari experience that pairs seamlessly with travel from South Africa.
- Uganda – Bwindi’s unforgettable gorilla trekking, alongside diverse wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, enhances an African adventure, making it a compelling addition to journeys from South Africa.
- Republic of the Congo – A hidden gem for off-the-beaten-path explorers, Congo’s dense rainforests and lowland gorilla trekking in Odzala-Kokoua National Park offer an untamed experience that complements safaris from South Africa.
8. South Africa’s Must-Visit Regions
- Madikwe Game Reserve – A malaria-free safari haven on the Botswana border, home to the Big Five and rare species in a unique transition zone.
- Sabi Sand Game Reserve – Adjacent to Kruger National Park, this exclusive reserve offers intimate Big Five sightings, including the elusive leopard.
- Cederberg Mountains – A dramatic landscape of sandstone formations, ancient San rock art, and vibrant seasonal flora.
- Durban & Surrounds – A coastal gem with golden beaches, rich Zulu heritage, and a mix of urban energy and natural beauty.
- KwaZulu-Natal Safari – From historic battlefields to untouched wilderness, this diverse region is a melting pot of landscapes and culture.
- Greater Kruger National Park – One of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, where the Big Five roam across two million hectares of pristine terrain.
- Johannesburg – South Africa’s dynamic gateway city, steeped in history, culture, and vibrant urban experiences.
- Whale Coast – Hermanus is South Africa’s top whale-watching hub, where Southern Right Whales return yearly. Enjoy nature trails, coastal beauty, and adventure activities like shark cage diving and sea kayaking.
- Eastern Cape Safari – A diverse landscape of forests, mountains, and beaches. Addo Elephant National Park offers malaria-free game viewing, home to over 450 elephants and a variety of wildlife.
- Garden Route – A spectacular stretch of coastline from Witsand to the Tsitsikamma Forest, filled with lush landscapes, charming towns, and outdoor adventures.
- Cape Town is a year-round destination that blends stunning beaches, rich history, vibrant entertainment, and activities for all seasons.
- Cape Winelands is a short drive from Cape Town, This region offers rolling vineyards, world-class wines, and historic estates in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek.