To access our exclusive offers and start planning your next adventure - fill out the form or call (888) 354-4807 to contact a Direct Travel South Africa Specialist:
Call (888) 354-4807 or fill out the Contact Form to get in touch with a South Africa specialist!
CURATED EXPERIENCES: Reawaken Your Soul in South Africa with &Beyond
There's no time like the present to explore South Africa's many wonders. Ask about our exclusive amenity!
GO GUIDED: Exclusive Savings Offer to South Africa with Globus
Turn “How” into “WOW” on a Globus South Africa trip and save $400 per couple!
EXPLORE BY SEA: Embark on a journey of discovery with Azamara Cruises
Discover Africa and South Africa with Azamara — and enjoy our $200 exclusive onboard credit to make your journey even more rewarding.
ADVENTURES UNLEASHED: Explore South Africa with G Adventures
Make your next great adventure be to South Africa and save up to 15% when you book now!
Call (888) 354-4807 or fill out the Contact Form to get in touch with a South Africa specialist!
South Africa Awaits – Come Find Your Joy
In South Africa, every journey is a joyful discovery—of breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable wildlife, rich cultures, and the extraordinary people who call this land home. From thrilling safaris under starlit skies to the laid-back charm of coastal villages and the vibrant energy of its cities, South Africa offers a rare blend of adventure, soul, and authenticity.
Here, you can explore diverse experiences that speak to every kind of curiosity: hike through dramatic mountain ranges, taste world-class wines, wander bustling local markets, or feel the pulse of history on streets that have shaped a nation. Whether you're seeking luxury, adventure, cultural depth, or a bit of everything, South Africa delivers exceptional value and warm hospitality at every turn.
But what truly sets South Africa apart is its people—their spirit, resilience, and welcoming nature turn every encounter into a lasting memory. Add to that a strong commitment to sustainability and community, and you have a destination that not only inspires, but gives back.
With Direct Travel by your side, planning is effortless. Our expert advisors ensure your journey is stress-free, so you can focus on creating lifelong memories with your loved ones.
We understand that you want to travel on your terms, and our expertise lies in creating customized arrangements that cater to your unique preferences. The possibilities for your dream vacation are limitless. Simply let us know the personal touches you desire, and we will meticulously tailor your vacation to make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Wildlife Adventures in South Africa
South Africa is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting extraordinary landscapes and a rich diversity of creatures, both large and small. Whether you're eager to spot the iconic Big Five or seeking unique animal experiences, this country offers something for every adventurer.
From world-famous safaris to kayaking alongside hippos, here are six must-try wildlife experiences to include in your South African journey:
1. Embark on a Classic Safari
First on the list is the legendary safari. South Africa is renowned for its game reserves, with Kruger National Park being the most famous. It is one of the few places where you can see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—all in one park. Whether you stay in a luxury lodge or a rustic tented camp, witnessing these majestic animals in the wild is an unforgettable experience. For the best sightings, opt for early morning or late afternoon game drives.
2. Dive with Playful Seals
Looking for a unique twist on wildlife encounters? Try diving with Cape fur seals! Just outside of Cape Town in Hout Bay, you can snorkel or scuba dive alongside these curious and energetic marine mammals. Watching them glide effortlessly through the water is both thrilling and surprisingly heartwarming; it's like being part of a real-life underwater show.
3. Visit the African Penguins at Boulders Beach
Surprise—Africa has penguins! A visit to Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town offers a rare chance to observe African penguins up close. Stroll along boardwalks through protected areas or even wade into the water as they waddle nearby. This charming and accessible experience is especially popular with families traveling along the Garden Route.
4. Go Whale Watching
Each year, between June and November, the southern coast of South Africa becomes one of the world’s premier whale-watching destinations. The town of Hermanus offers incredible land-based viewing, or you can hop on a boat for a closer look at Southern right whales, humpbacks, and even orcas. The thrill of seeing a whale breach just a few meters from your boat is something you will remember forever.
5. Kayak with Hippos and Crocs
Feeling bold? Take your wildlife adventure to the water in St. Lucia, located in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kayaking through these wetlands puts you safely face-to-face with hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—equal parts peaceful and pulse-pounding.
6. Explore a Wildlife Sanctuary
Not all animal adventures require heading into the wild. South Africa boasts several respected wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers where you can see rescued or endangered species while supporting vital conservation efforts. From majestic big cats and gentle elephants to birds of prey and more, these centers offer both education and heart for travelers of all ages.
What are you waiting for?
Each safari experience provides a unique way to encounter wildlife catering to different interests and levels of adventure. Whether you prefer the traditional approach or something more adventurous or luxurious, South Africa's safari experiences have something for everyone.
South Africa: A Place That Welcomes You With Open Arms
If you ask seasoned travelers what sets South Africa apart, you’ll often hear the same answer: the people.
Yes, the landscapes are extraordinary, from golden savannas and towering mountains to coastlines where penguins waddle along sunlit shores. But it’s the warmth of the South African spirit that lingers long after your suitcase is unpacked.
Here’s just a taste of what makes South Africa not just a place to visit, but a place to feel deeply connected to:
A Tapestry of Cultures, Stories and Smiles
South Africa isn’t just one culture, it’s many. Known as the Rainbow Nation, this is a place where 11 official languages and countless traditions come together in a colorful, dynamic blend. You'll feel it in every corner: a Xhosa grandmother humming softly while preparing homemade umngqusho, a street artist in Cape Town turning blank walls into living poetry, a market vendor in Durban offering a smile along with a spice blend she’s used for generations. Here, community is everything, and you’re invited in.
Music That Moves You (Literally and Emotionally)
Music is the heartbeat of South Africa. It pulses through daily life, from sunrise gospel harmonies to sunset Afro-house beats. Experience the electric energy of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz gatherings in the world. Dance along to the vibrant sounds at Rocking the Daisies, a multi-genre music and lifestyle festival that draws artists and fans from around the globe. Lose yourself in the rhythms of Gqom and Amapiano, modern genres that have taken the international music scene by storm. Whether it’s a spontaneous drum circle on the beach or a packed concert under the stars, you won’t just hear the music, you’ll feel it.
Art That Speaks of Past, Present and Possibility
South Africa’s art is bold, textured, and filled with emotion. It reflects a country that has transformed pain into beauty and history into hope. Visit Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg, a creative hub where galleries, design studios, and street art thrive. Explore Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town, the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. Wander through Woodstock in Cape Town, known for its striking murals and innovative artist studios. Every brushstroke, sculpture, and beadwork piece carries a story, often with a personal invitation to hear it.
Flavors That Welcome You to the Table
You haven’t really met a place until you’ve shared a meal, and in South Africa, every meal feels like a homecoming. Try a fiery braai (barbecue) where strangers become friends. Sample bobotie, bunny chow, and street-side biltong. Take a cooking class in Bo-Kaap, where locals share Cape Malay recipes passed down through generations. Food here is not just sustenance, it’s celebration, connection, and culture on a plate.
History That Honors Resilience
South Africa’s past is complex, but it’s also a powerful story of endurance, transformation, and unity. Walk through Robben Island with a former political prisoner as your guide. Visit the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and hear voices that shaped a nation. Reflect at Vilakazi Street in Soweto, the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. These moments are rich with reflection, often filled with laughter and storytelling, because South Africans don’t just teach history, they live forward.
Festivals That Fill the Air With Joy
South Africa knows how to throw a celebration, whether it’s cultural, musical, or simply to revel in life. Join the Cape Town Carnival and marvel at the explosion of color, costume, and choreography along the city’s streets. Experience the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, Africa’s largest celebration of performing and visual arts. Attend the Knysna Oyster Festival, a much-loved blend of food, sports, and entertainment. Festivals here don’t just entertain, they connect.
Come for the Beauty. Stay for the People.
In a world that sometimes feels closed off, South Africa remains wide open with arms, hearts, and minds. It’s a place where curiosity is met with conversation, and difference is met with celebration. Whether you're traveling solo, with loved ones, or looking for something you can’t quite name, South Africa has a way of making you feel like you belong. Come for the views, but stay for the connections.
A Land of Endless Possibilities
In South Africa, the adventure never ends. Every corner of this magnificent country offers something unique to challenge and excite. It's a playground on a grand scale that can free your adventurous spirit. Let South Africa awaken your adventurous spirit and provide memories that will last a lifetime.
Meaningful Journeys: Travel with Impact in South Africa
South Africa is embracing a new era of travel that blends rich experiences with growing sustainability efforts. From the peaks of the Drakensberg to the vineyards of Franschhoek, the wildlife-rich game reserves of Kruger, and the vibrant neighborhoods of Cape Town, the country is proving that tourism can be both enriching and increasingly focused on sustainability. With national policies, community empowerment, and eco-conscious innovation driving the experience, South Africa invites travelers to explore consciously and leave a positive legacy.
🌿 Where Luxury Meets Sustainability
In South Africa, many luxury properties are adopting sustainable practices to create enriching travel experiences. Across the country, exceptional properties are proving that five-star comfort can also support the planet and local communities.
These are just a few of the many exceptional places to stay that show how you can enjoy unforgettable experiences while supporting the people, culture, and environment that make South Africa so extraordinary.
Leeu Estates – Franschhoek
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Organic gardens supply fresh produce daily.
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Greywater systems and electric carts reduce impact.
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Staff co-ownership of Great Heart Wines supports local livelihoods.
Singita – Kruger & Sabi Sand
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Guided by the The Long Run’s 4C methodology
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Supports Singita’s 1 million-acre conservation effort with Singita Lowveld Trust partnership.
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Lodges use upcycled materials and renewable energy.
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Deep community ties through local hiring and conservation education.
One&Only Cape Town
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Supports sea turtle rehabilitation and public education through the OneLifeplatform.
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Supports the Threatened Amphibian Programme with donations from Table Mountain Suite bookings, in partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust.
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Partners with Bridges for Music to support local youth empowerment through music and creative expression.
Ellerman House – Cape Town
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Committed to local art, sustainability, and philanthropy with two dedicated sustainability champions.
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Bottles its own water, minimizes single-use plastics, and recycles on-site.
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Supports education and community upliftment through the Click Foundation and ArtAngels initiative.
🌍 South Africa & Tourism Cares: A First for Africa
Tourism Cares—a non-profit advancing sustainability and meaningful travel—has added South Africa to its Meaningful Travel Map, the first African destination featured.
The Map is an interactive tool that highlights sustainable, community-led experiences that benefit local communities, the environment, and travelers alike. It showcases initiatives like Awelani Lodge, Monkeybiz, cultural tours, wildlife centers, and eco-lodges focused on social development.
Explore the map: https://www.tourismcares.org/meaningful-map
Travel That Transforms—For You and the World
We proudly partner with trusted travel providers such as Globus Family of Brands, G Adventures, and &Beyond who share our vision for sustainability and are leading the way with low-impact itineraries, community engagement, and conservation-focused travel. Whether it’s a small-group cultural journey, a nature-immersive safari, or a responsible tour through South Africa’s vibrant regions, these partners help make meaningful travel accessible and impactful.
From enjoying farm-to-table meals to spotting the Big Five from a solar-powered safari lodge or walking Cape Town’s vibrant streets, your trip can make a difference.
Travel with intention. Experience with purpose. Leave impact behind.
Direct Travel is helping lead the shift to more sustainable global travel through its Direct Impact strategy. Learn more about how this initiative supports eco-conscious travel programs, social responsibility, and smarter choices for travelers and businesses alike. For additional details, see our 2025 Direct Impact Report.
Call (888) 354-4807 or fill out the Contact Form to get in touch with a South Africa specialist!
&Beyond Offer: Exclusive bonus available on new bookings made between September 10, 2025 and November 30, 2025. Valid for &Beyond bookings made through Direct Travel to South Africa. Savory Storyboard is valued at $100 USD per guest, no cash value, non-transferable, inclusions vary based on lodged and location. All fares & offers are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change based on availability and other considerations.
African Travel Offer: A non-refundable deposit of 20% is due at time of booking to confirm program. Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. Once final payment is received, the program is non-refundable. To protect your investment, Travel Protection is available at an additional cost. Hotel and Resort credits are not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full. Spa service at Thorntree River Lodge is per booking. Book by December 31, 2024, valid for travel through 2024. Offer Code: ABCSPA
Azamara OfferL All fares and offers are valid at the time of publication. Fares and offers are subject to change based on availability and other considerations. Special offer on the select South Africa sailings will include a $250 OBC per stateroom applied at the time of booking and is only applicable on the following voyages: JR – 12/2/2025; JR 12/20/2025; JR 2/3/2026; ON 4/24/2026 and ON 5/11/2026. The Q3 Brand Offer, The Immersion Bonus, (the “Offer”) applies to new and individual bookings created between July 9, 2025—September 30, 2025 (the “Offer Period”) on all sailings through 2026 and select sailing in 2027 (departing between October 2, 2025—June 10, 2027 the “Sailing Window” or “Range”). For the avoidance of doubt, the Sailing Window start date and end date does not indicate that a sailing will commence and conclude on those precise dates, rather, that a sailing will occur within the Range. The Offer provides guest(s) with up to $750 Onboard Credit (OBC) per cabin to be used onboard. The amount of OBC received per cabin will be determined by the length of the sailing. Sailings that are 12 or more nights will receive $300 OBC per cabin for Ocean views or Interior, $400 OBC per cabin for Verandas, and $750 per cabin for Suites. Sailings that are 11 nights or less will receive $200 OBC per cabin for Ocean views or Interior, $300 OBC per cabin for Verandas, and $450 per cabin for Suites. Prior to the sail date, OBC can be used to purchase Shore Excursions (“Shorex”). While onboard the ship, OBC can be used to purchase Shorex and other items such as spa services and specialty dining. Please note that some OBC can only be used for specified onboard activities. The Offer is also combinable with applicable onboard savings, Back-to-Back benefits, Azamara Circle Loyalty Quarterly Savings, National Account Hosted Programs, and other OBC offers (e.g. National Account Amenities, NETS, CYOS, and brand-sponsored flash sales). Unless stated otherwise, the Offer is not combinable with travel agent rates, Interline rates, Employee Rates, Closed User Groups, or Last Minute Voyages. The Offer is not applicable to 3rd and 4th guests in a stateroom. Offer applies to new, individual bookings and non-contracted group bookings named and fully deposited during the Offer Period, at prevailing rates. If an individual booking is made and transferred to a group, the booking will retain promotion. Offer is not applicable to incentive or contracted groups. Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for the full amount of the Offer. Single occupancy guests paying less than 200% cruise fare are eligible for a prorated amount of Offer. After the Offer Period, the Offer will be removed from the booking if any of the following events occur if the guest: (i) cancels and reinstates the booking; (ii) applies a fare change; or (iii) changes the ship or sail date of the booking. Certain other changes to the booking may also result in removal of the Offer. The Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. The Offer may be withdrawn at any time. This Offer is applicable to United States, Canada, and select global markets only. Prices and offers are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Refer to www.azamara.com for complete terms and conditions. Azamara Cruises reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions and to change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice. Refer to www.Azamara.com/brandoffer for the list of applicable sailings and www.azamara.com/brandofferterms and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions.
Globus Offer: All fares & offers are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change based on availability and other considerations. *Book a select 2025 or 2026 Globus South Africa tours and save $200 per person off the land price. Applicable to listed tours only. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between September 8, 2025 and January 1, 2026 for travel in 2025 or 2026. Combinable with Welcome Back credits only. Cannot be combined with multiple agency/account specific promotions. Applies to new 2025 or 2026 bookings only. Must mention promotion code DIRECTAFRICA. Offer reliant on space availability. Not applicable to groups or custom tours. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time.
GAdventures Offer: All fares are tour only, per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. Fares include taxes and fees and are in the currency indicated and do not include the discount. All fares are valid at the time of publication. Fares are subject to change based on availability and other considerations. Eligible travellers shall receive 10-15% off per person on guaranteed departures of the following small-group tours, for select dates departing before June 30, 2026: 15% off - quote promo G26EPP015AFR01 Solo-ish South Africa Cape and Namibia Adventure Dunes, Deltas & Falls Discoverer Cape Town to Victoria Falls Adventure Highlights of Southern Africa 10% off - quote promo G26EPP010AFR01 South Africa: Cape Town & The Garden Route Best of South Africa Ultimate South Africa Cape Town to Namibia Overland Safari & Participation Camping Johannesburg to Victoria Falls Overland Safari & Participation Camping Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Safari & Participation Camping Cape Town to Johannesburg Overland Safari & Participation Camping Namibia to Cape Town Overland Safari & Participation Camping Must be booked between September 10 - November 10, 2025 at 23:59 EST. Valid only when applied to new bookings. Must quote promo code for 10-15% off at time of booking. Bookings must be made by calling G Adventures, through G Adventures’ travel agent booking system, or as otherwise indicated by G Adventures. Cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions or discounts and is subject to availability and airline booking guidelines. Cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions or discounts and is subject to availability. Does not apply to Expedition, National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures, National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures, Private Groups, Independent trips, Day Tours, pre- or post-tour accommodation, insurance, upgrades, add-ons, “My Own Room” or “My Own Tent,” transfers, theme packs, or other in-country or on-board services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time without prior notice. Any refunds made with respect to products booked under this promotion shall be issued at the discounted rate. G Adventures reserves the right to cancel any booking due to unauthorized, altered, ineligible, or fraudulent use of discount. G Adventures is not responsible for technical or system errors that may interfere with or otherwise prohibit the use of the promotion. All G Adventures’ tours are subject to G Adventures' full booking conditions, found here: gadventures.com/terms-conditions-policies/
