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.
If the idea of getting off the beaten track and exploring some of South Africa's lesser-visited destinations appeals, then we've designed this holiday idea with you in mind. Here at HA, we understand the importance of the highlights. When you visit a country for the first time, you want to know you're seeing all the best bits that people rave about. However, we also see the value in the lesser-visited spots, those sights and experiences lurking away from the usual tourist trail that'll give you a real, authentic insight into the country and its people. If this isn't your first visit to the Rainbow Nation and you're keen to dive a little deeper, we've got you covered.
Your adventure starts in Cape Town, where you'll explore beyond the headliners. From Kirstenbosch Gardens to District Six and Constantia to the Silvermine Nature Reserve waterfall. Leaving the city, you'll make your way into the Cederberg Mountains to explore Bushman Rock art and paddle a canoe down the river. Travelling further north, you reach Namaqualand, where the spring flowers famously burst across the landscape between the months of August and October. Heading inland, you have an overnight in Upington before arriving in the southern Kalahari Desert for a safari experience like no other – reclining in comfort, with the most amazing backdrop of the unique Tswalu Kalahari Reserve.
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.
Your adventure begins with an overnight flight from the UK to Cape Town, where you'll land tomorrow, ready to experience a different side to the Rainbow Nation.
Welcome to Cape Town. Your off-the-beaten-track South Africa holiday starts with three nights in the city. This is very much on the usual tourist trail, but there are sights to explore and parts of the capital to uncover that most visitors miss. Whether you visit the areas of District Six or Constantia, or head out to the Silvermine Nature Reserve waterfall, there's more to see than Table Mountain. Failing that, just spend your time sampling the phenomenal food in one of the city's many top restaurants. There are so many, you could return every weekend and it would take a good year or so to try them all.
Today you'll take a road trip to explore the beautiful Cape Peninsula. Of course, there are the top sights to see here: The penguins of Boulder's Beach, Cape Point lighthouse, Muizenberg Beach and the spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive itself. But, there are also quieter spots to find if you venture off the usual route. We'd recommend a visit to Kirstenbosch Gardens, especially if you're visiting in spring, the sea of blooming flowers makes a great addition to your Cape Peninsula road trip.
Next up, your journey into undiscovered South Africa will take you north through the jagged natural beauty of the Cederberg Mountains. This stunning mountainous landscape is a real haven for hikers and boulderers, so chat to us if you'd like to plan in an active adventure or two.
There's plenty to fill your next few days in the Cederberg Mountains. Take a walk through the predator-free landscapes, paddle a canoe down the beautiful Olifants River, winding its way through the valley, or head off on a guided tour to see some of the San Bushman rock art nearby. After days of adventure, we recommend rounding off your stay in the Cederberg with a gin or wine tasting evening.
The next stop on your South Africa holiday is the flower-filled region of Namaqualand. If you're travelling between August and October, Namaqua National Park is even more beautiful than normal. Bursting to life with countless, multicoloured flowers blanketed across the landscape, it's a slice of South Africa's beauty that few visitors see or know about. Take plenty of opportunities over the next couple of days to experience the landscape in full bloom. There are some beautiful walks to take, or you could choose to head off on a jeep tour to see even more.
Nestled on the banks of the Mighty Orange River, Upington is the perfect place for a stopover on your way from Namaqualand to Tswalu Kalahari. Break up the drive, pop your feet up and prepare for your safari adventure tomorrow.
The next few days are clear for safari adventures and more. Beyond the game drives, we recommend taking a Rock Art Tour, and heading off on a guided walks through the desert to learn all about the quirks and characteristics of this unique landscape and the animals who live here. Soak up the luxury with a Boma dinner, experience the taste sensation of the Klein JAN Culinary Journey and spend a night under the stars in an open-air room.
Leaving Tswalu today, you’ll return to Upington, where it’s time to board a domestic flight to Johannesburg and then connect on home to the UK. For an additional cost, you can take the light aircraft direct from Tswalu to Johannesburg for ease!
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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