South Africa Travel Guide

Few destinations can encapsulate astounding wildlife experiences and enthralling cosmopolitan delights like South Africa.

Its famous national reserves, home to the Big 5 and so much more, in addition to a complex culture full of culinary discoveries and sobering history, provides a getaway that encapsulates polar opposite experiences.

To uncover the true wonder of this unique destination explore Zicasso’s South Africa Travel Guide to get inspired for your upcoming trip. When you are ready to learn the full extent of opportunities, submit a Trip Request and speak with a safari specialist.

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Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa.

Best Time to Visit South Africa

The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September. The country is incredibly diverse, offering experiences that range from safaris to wine...
Chapman's Peak scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula near Cape Town, South Africa

Top 9 Things to Do in South Africa

The top things to do in South Africa can take you from the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain to the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park. South...
Cheetah in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa

6 Best Places to Visit in South Africa

The best places to visit in South Africa reveal a "world in one country," a nation of breathtaking diversity and dynamic experiences that can range from...
Father and cub at Kruger National Park, South Africa

How to Plan a Safari in South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions

Take an unforgettable luxury vacation in South Africa, a country where the continent's best wildlife parks meet vibrant culture and breathtaking coastlines....
Bush walk with Marataba Safari, South Africa

8 Reasons to Choose South Africa for Your Safari

South Africa is often described as “a world in one country,” and for good reason. It is a destination of incredible diversity, where a single journey...
Cheetahs drinking at a watering hole in the Kalahri Desert, South Africa

Top 15 Animals of South Africa and Where to See Them

Our top animals of South Africa and where to see them promises you encounters that are classic, memorable, and completely unexpected. When you think of...
Family at the beach in South Africa.

12 Best Places to Visit in South Africa with Family

From wildlife safaris to cultural discoveries and thrilling outdoor adventures, the country provides the picture-perfect playground for a South Africa...
Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by SkyPixels - CC BY-SA 4.0

Top 10 Things to Do in Cape Town

South Africa’s “Mother City”, Cape Town, is a melting pot of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking sites brimming with activities, and this article highlights...
Two humback whales breaching off the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape of South Africa

Guide to Whale Watching in South Africa: How to See the Marine Giants

South Africa offers an unparalleled opportunity for whale watching, with several species of these majestic marine mammals migrating along the coasts each...
Addo Elephant Park elephant calves playing

South Africa in January: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in January, the country is alive with the high energy of peak summer. Long, sun-drenched days stretch into balmy evenings under starry...
Vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa

South Africa in March: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in March, the long, hot days of summer in the Southern Hemisphere country soften into the gentle warmth of early autumn. A festive energy...
Aerial view of Table Mountain in autumn

South Africa in May: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in May, the weather is glorious as the Southern Hemisphere country eases into late autumn. The intense heat of summer has faded, replaced...
Senior couple hiking at The Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

South Africa in June: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in June, the first breath of winter in the Southern Hemisphere country brings a crisp clarity to the air and a gentle, golden quality...
Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa in July: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in July, the landscapes unfold under clear blue skies across most of the country and the chill in the air invigorates the senses. The...
Carpet of wildflowers with Table Mountain in the background.

South Africa in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

South Africa in August holds the promise of transition. It’s a time of beauty, when the country begins to shake off the deep chill of winter and hints...
Sailing the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

South Africa, a world in one country that boasts breathtaking landscapes, vibrant and diverse cultures, and a unique blend of natural wonders and urban...
Couples hiking Lions Head in Cape Town.

South Africa in Summer: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Summer in South Africa is full of brilliant sunshine and endless possibilities. The days are long and sun-drenched in the Southern Hemisphere country,...
The blooming spring flowers along the coastline of South Africa, with Table Mountain in the background.

South Africa in Spring: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Spring in South Africa is a season of transformation and renewal. As the chill of winter recedes in the Southern Hemisphere country, the “Rainbow Nation”...
Woman on a safari in Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in winter, the air in the north of the Southern Hemisphere country is crisp and clear, carrying the unfiltered sounds of the bush, while...
"Travelers on a safari game drive watch a rhinoceros grazing in the South African bushveld

Kruger National Park Luxury Safaris

South Africa’s Kruger National Park is renowned for its incredible wildlife, rugged bushlands, and open savannahs, with luxury accommodations that complement...
Balloons over Cappadocia in Turkey.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps

Explore the world with Zicasso by working with top travel specialists who will bring your dream vacation to life. Our primary goal is to make planning,...
Aerial view of luxury overwater bungalows on Bora Bora island in French Polynesia.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Knowing your budget is an essential component of any trip-planning process. Whether the sky's the limit or you have specific parameters, a customized...

5.0

Reviews of Zicasso's South Africa Safari Tours & Vacations

Based on 781 verified traveler reviews.

Marc L.
South Africa, Zimbabwe Trip Review: Safari, 12 Nights

Zicasso’s travel agent was easy to work with, responsive, and thorough from start to finish. He and his staff created a lifetime experience. From planning through execution, everything was perfect. Without hesitation, I would recommend the tour operator to all.

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Cyndee S.
South Africa Tour Review: Cape Town, Nature Reserves, Wildlife, Game Drives, 11 Nights

The trip was extraordinary, amazing, and perfect in every way! Every aspect of the trip Zicasso’s travel agent planned for us was perfectly executed.

Our drivers were punctual and professional.

The hotel in Cape Town was lovely and the staff were so attentive. The staff at the nature reserve made everyone feel like part of the family.

We saw the Big Five within the first two days there! Super-fun!

The Cessna Caravan flight between lodges enabled us to see the African savannah and bush from the air, which was so beautiful.

The lodge in Sabi Sand Game Reserve was elegant and the staff were so attentive, meeting our every need and anticipating our every wish!

We had some excellent surprises, such as a full breakfast in the bush.

Our trackers and our rangers were truly wonderful and knowledgeable, and made the experience delightful.

Other travelers at the lodges were so friendly.

It was a trip of a lifetime... though we may have to go back again!

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Kathy H.
South Africa Vacation Review: Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Mala Mala, Safari, Winery Visit, 9 Nights

We received great communication and stayed in wonderful accommodations. Our driver in Cape Town was outstanding. Everything went smoothly. Zicasso's travel designer was so patient and helpful during the planning stages and preparing us for the trip.

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Gail A.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana Trip Review: Safari, 20 Nights

We had a fantastic and amazing time! It was more than we expected! Zicasso's travel designer communicated with us throughout our planning and after! Everything was well planned and organized! The staff and places she booked for us were phenomenal!

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Quintella M.
South Africa Tour Review: Cape Town, Wine Country, Safari, Winery Visit, 1 Week

We just wanted to take a moment to say a huge thank you for planning Quin and Red’s South Africa Adventure! Everything from start to finish was absolutely amazing—the itinerary was spot-on, the hotels were beautiful, and every scheduled event flowed perfectly. From safari drives under the stars to Cape Town’s breathtaking sights and wine country, you truly gave us a trip of a lifetime.

We are beyond grateful for your attention to detail and care in making this such a seamless and unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to start planning our next adventure with you!

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Melvyn H.
South Africa Vacation Review: Winelands, Franschhoek, Safari, Big Five, 6-Day Trip

Zicasso's trip expert was a pleasure to work with. I received great communication from beginning to end. He helped when one of our hotels had a fire and we had to relocate, and with a flight cancellation. All of our facilities were excellent. I would highly recommend the tour company for any trips/safaris!

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