Cheap Holidays to South Africa

How Hot?

South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, which makes its seasons the opposite to those in Europe and North America. Over much of South Africa, summer (mid-October to mid-February) has hot, sunny weather, often with afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly. The Western Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is the exception, getting its rain in winter.

The best time to visit South Africa depends on your itinerary, whale spotting along the coastline is easiest from mid-June to the end of October, the Garden Route can be enjoyed year round though November to April gets the best weather, and the ideal time for game viewing is September to October.

The Cape is hot, dry and sunny from around November to March, and particularly popular with South Africans on holiday during the Christmas and New Year season.

The Cape's weather is particularly changeable, April to August the temperatures cool down and there's some rain, during these months one day can be dry and sunny, then blustery and wet the next.

Out and About

Whether you're planning a laid-back beach escape, a romantic getaway, a multi-stop driving trip, a safari or an adventure activities holiday South Africa ticks all the boxes.

Cape Town and Western Cape provides everything needed for a relaxed and fun-filled holiday catering for all holidaymakers. Activities range from hiking to whale watching, and wine tasting to shark diving, or simply enjoying the long stretches of sandy beaches, whatever you want this region has it all.

From Cape Town take the cable car up Table Mountain, a ferry to Bird Island Nature Reserve or Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, take a wine tasting tour to the nearby winelands or wander round the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

If you're looking for a touring holiday the Garden Route is a popular choice and is regarded as one of the country's most beautiful regions. Stretching from around Mossel Bay to the Storms River Mouth, there are ample opportunities to experience something different along this route, such as abseiling, bird watching, black water tubing down the Storms River or shark cage diving in Mossel Bay.

Taking a safari here is a must do and South Africa has a number of both public and private game reserves, full with wildlife including Africa's big 5; buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino. Accommodation can be anything from bush camps to fully catered lodges, with packages including daily day and night game drives and bush walks.

South Africa is an ideal destination for golf, there are numerous courses across the country and with the ideal weather conditions, great scenery and even the added adventure of wildlife such as giraffes, ostriches and even crocodiles on the course this is a great place to enjoy the sport.

Out for Lunch!

South African cuisine is known as the Rainbow Cuisine, due to the variety of multicultural sources. It offers some amazing culinary delights including crocodile sirloins, sheep head and fried caterpillar, try if you dare. If you're not feeling brave try some other delicacies like Biltong - dried, salted meat or Boerewors - hand made farm sausages.

Most eateries in South Africa offer International menus, with something to suit everyone. You can choose American dining, sushi or spaghetti, whatever takes your fancy. In Johannesburg on a single street you will find Italian, Chinese, French, Indian and Portuguese restaurants. If you want to try a more exotic menu try the Congolese, Greek and Brazilian restaurants.

Quick Facts

Flight Time - Cape Town From London 13 hrs 15 mins, Durban From London 13 hrs, Johannesburg From London 11 hrs, Port Elizabeth From London 13 hrs 30 mins

Currency - South African Rand

Nightlife - Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs and Cafes - mixed

Best Time to Visit: All year round

South Africa Deals

Sun City
from London Heathrow

9 Nts, Bed & Breakfast
Palace Hotel
Sun City

from £1620.23

(per person including flights)

More Information