Travel South Africa! After all, the country we are lucky enough to call home is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Beach holidays, safari tours, adrenaline adventures and culture trips are all on offer in your own backyard. In the Western Cape, the Mother City, with magnificent Table Mountain as its backdrop is a must-visit destination for every South African, whether on a family holiday or Cape Town honeymoon. A short drive away, there’s the breathtaking Cape Winelands, where you can sample some of South Africa’s legendary wines and gourmet food, while further south, there’s Hermanus, the whale watching capital of the world.  

The spectacular Garden Route is the ultimate South African road trip, serving up wide beaches, rocky cliffs, ancient forests and bustling seaside towns along its breathtaking coastline. The wild Eastern Cape is where you can see the Big 7 in the Addo Elephant Park, a fantastic malaria-free safari tour option for families. The province is also home to South Africa’s surfing capital, Jeffreys Bay and a treasure trove of hidden gems along the coast, from small holiday towns to the famous Hole in the Wall.  

The sun always shines in KwaZulu-Natal, home to the port town of Durban and popular holiday destinations like Umhlanga, a favourite for families because of its easy access from Gauteng. Magical Mpumalanga, the gateway to the Kruger National Park, boasts some of South Africa’s most incredible landscapes, from God’s Window to the Three Rondavels. But Mzansi's awe-inspiring vistas are not limited to the Panorama Route. The towering peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, endless horizons of the Northern Cape and incredible man-made feat of the Kimberley Hole will amaze and inspire you.   

Inland there’s bustling Johannesburg and Pretoria, with plenty of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and historical and political sites to keep urban adventurers and culture-vultures entertained for days. And when you go off the beaten track, you’re in for a treat. Quaint Karoo towns, towering Limpopo baobab trees, archaeological attractions and more are yours to explore.

Why choose to holiday in South Africa  

• South Africa’s natural beauty is extraordinary – and it’s all within driving distance!  
• Each season brings with it unique charm and experiences in every province... hot, dry summers in the Western Cape, mild winters along the temperate KZN coast, or the occasional snowfall in the Northern Cape around the Sutherland area.  
• We have some of the most unique wildlife destinations in Africa, most of them only a short drive from major cities like Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban. Think Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve and Pilanesberg National Park. 
• Family fun is the order of the day at one of South Africa's holiday resorts, such as world-famous Sun City.
• You can take a journey through our country’s fascinating political history in Soweto, Pretoria and Cape Town. Or delve into the days of the Diamond Rush in Kimberley, the Gold Rush in Johannesburg or the days of the Spice Route in Cape Town.  
• With our many diverse cultures, it’s no surprise that you will discover unique and surprisingly delicious cuisine on your South Africa travels.  
• From camping grounds to 5-star hotels and resorts, you can experience South Africa’s best destinations in any travel style you choose. 
• Even though it’s home, there are parts of South Africa that can make you feel as if you have travelled to a different country, such as pockets of India in Durban or Mediterranean feels along the West Coast.  

South Africa promises experiences to suit every type of traveller. From nature lovers and sports enthusiasts to keen photographers, foodies and wine fans, not forgetting sunseekers and history and culture buffs. You can enjoy a beach break or try adrenaline sports, go game viewing, see spectacular scenery, dine out in style or live in the lap of luxury. So, what are you waiting for? Explore more of your own backyard with a holiday package from Thompsons Holidays.