Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our South Africa experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.
We love nothing more than really getting you under the skin of a country on your holidays. We want you to return home overflowing with travel tales, memories of genuine interactions and a deeper understanding of South Africa and the people who call it home. This South Africa holiday idea has been designed with exactly that in mind. You'll journey through the country, visiting local communities and learning about their local trades. Hearing stories of their past, tasting delicious local dishes and getting involved with some fantastic wildlife conservation projects, you'll see the real South Africa on this holiday.
You'll visit the cities of Cape Town and Durban, uncover the gruesome history of the Battlefields, take in the beauty of the Escarpment region and experience some unforgettable wildlife encounters on safari in both Kwa-Zulu Natal and the iconic Kruger National Park. From township community tours to pangolin conservation and rhino tracking, our Go Local in South Africa itinerary is for those wishing to appreciate the country beyond the standard must-sees. You'll fly home with a deeper understanding of South Africa, its friendly people and the efforts they are making to protect the wildlife that also call this country home.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this South Africa holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.
Today, your South Africa adventure begins with an overnight flight from the UK to Cape Town, marking the start of your Go Local holiday, ready to get right to the heart of the Rainbow Nation.
Welcome to South Africa! When you land in Cape Town, you'll be met at the airport by one of our friendly local team and whisked off to your hotel for the next four nights. We have so many amazing options for places to stay in Cape Town, from quaint guest houses to lavish and luxurious hotels. You can trust us to choose the perfect Cape Town home for you.
Today, you'll explore some of the highlights of Cape Town. Start the day with a journey to the top of Table Mountain, either by hiking or hopping on the cable car. This afternoon, head across the shark-infested channel for your first real slice of South African culture and history, a visit to Robben Island. Not only will you walk in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela, learning all about life in the prison and South Africa's apartheid history, but you'll learn it all straight from the mouth of an ex-inmate. Once you're back on dry land, pay a visit to the colourful streets of Bo Kaap, a great place to spend some time wandering around the rainbow-coloured streets, soaking up the local atmosphere as you go.
Today will be humbling, challenging and uplifting all at the same time. You'll be visiting Cape Town's Uthando project. Uthando is an inspirational charity that works with the people of the townships to help improve their lives through a variety of different projects. Ranging from market gardens to nursing homes, the projects you visit will depend on what activities are happening on the day you visit. This isn't laid on for tourists, it's a genuine chance to witness the charities' amazing work in person, meet the people they're helping and walk away knowing your visit has made a genuine difference.
There are two options on the agenda today. You might choose to take a 'Footsteps to Freedom' Township tour, where you'll meet and experience the authentic warmth and kindness of the township residents. This tour promises an eye-opening day as you walk the BBQ-lined streets, pass children playing and return the many smiles you receive. As an alternative, for the foodies amongst you, we could arrange a guided tour where you'll taste your way around the artisanal food stalls and local flavours of Cape Town.
You'll be transferred back to the airport today for your quick domestic flight to Durban. When you jump off the other end, you'll be met by our friendly team and taken to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Your hire car will be dropped at your hotel this morning, ready for the next stage of your South Africa adventure. You'll be travelling north to the Battlefields region, ready for a three-night stay that's packed full of history, battle tales and culture.
You'll spend the next couple of days exploring the Battlefields. Tours of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift are an absolute must, learning all about the battles that took place between British, Boer and Zulu armies. You'll be guided by hugely knowledgeable historians who really know their stuff. The landscape may seem peaceful now, but rewind to the 19th century, and they were a riot of blood, war and real moments of history
Today is the start of the KwaZulu-Natal safari section of your South Africa holiday. You'll drive to your lodge (expertly chosen to suit your specific wants and needs, of course), where you'll stay for the next three nights of wildlife encounters and hands-on conservation experiences. There are so many projects you could choose to get involved with here, from rhino and cheetah tracking to pangolin and elephant conservation. Chat to us about what you'd like to experience and we'll make it happen. Make sure you leave some time for some good old-fashioned game drives, too, though. There's nothing quite like flying across the African plains in an open-top jeep, keeping your eyes peeled for those Big-Five sightings.
You'll start the long journey north to the Escarpment today. It's a long old drive, so we've broken it up with an overnight stay in Piet Relief. There's plenty of history and cultural heritage here, plus, surrounded by scenic plantations of bluegum and wattle trees, it's a tranquil spot for a driving break. We'll make sure you're booked into a lovely property, perfect to catch up on a bit of R&R before your adventure continues tomorrow.
Today, you'll drive onwards to the stunning Escarpment region, where you'll check into your hotel for the next two nights. The staggering views over the cavernous Blyde River Canyon will be a highlight of your stay here, it's without doubt one of the most beautiful spots in South Africa.
On your second day in the Escarpment area, you'll head off on a 'Fruitful Community Tour' to visit a satellite community and its local people. Here, you'll have the chance to learn all about the charitable work being done to educate and empower the local people, as well as the ways in which the project is creating ways for the people in the community to earn a sustainable income.
Kruger National Park is a bit of a South African icon for a reason; it's possibly one of the best places in the whole of Africa to spot Big Five wildlife in their natural habitat. Your next few days will be peppered with safari drives, adventurous bush walks, meals under the stars and the wildlife encounters you've been waiting for.
This morning, your South Africa holiday comes to an end as you head to Johannesburg airport in time for your flight home. We hope that this Go Local in South Africa holiday idea will have you returning home with a deeper understanding, awareness and appreciation for the rich history and cultures of the Rainbow Nation.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Catherine, Kirsty and Lisa are dedicated to all things South Africa and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Catherine fell for Africa in 2000 and has been back countless times ever since. With South Africa being one of her favourite spots, she’s your go-to for everything from self-drives to safaris, hikes and vineyards.
With family living just outside Kruger National Park, Kirsty’s been travelling to South Africa for more than 20 years. From solo trips to family adventures, she knows the country inside out – and always finds new reasons to return.
Our resident South African, our Lisa really has spent a lifetime exploring the country. Especially fond of Kruger, coastal drives and any excuse for a well-earned sundowner with a view, she brings real passion and knowledge to every holiday she plans.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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