Ker & Downey Africa > Journal > 10 Reasons to Visit South Africa
South Africa is one of the world’s top safari destinations, offering spectacular scenery, beautiful weather, and some of the best safari experiences at top national parks like Kruger National Park and private game reserves like Sabi Sands.
The country offers excellent infrastructure, superb accommodation options, high-end experiences, and fabulous weather. South Africa is also a popular, family-friendly destination for those with young children, with a good selection of luxury lodges, tented camps, and hotels geared towards those traveling with children.
If you’re planning a South Africa safari in 2025 read on. Here, we explore the top 10 reasons you should opt for a South African safari adventure.
The opportunity to see the Big 5 is unquestionably one of the biggest draws of South Africa for safari enthusiasts. Iconic parks like Kruger National Park offer superb opportunities to see some of Africa’s most majestic animals, including the Big 5.
Other top parks in South Africa include Addo Elephant National Park, famed for its large elephant population, Hluhluwe-imfolozi Park, renowned for its rhino conservation efforts, and Karongwe Private Game Reserve, which, like Kruger, offers exceptional Big 5 sightings. South Africa’s national parks not only offer superb wildlife viewing opportunities but also breathtaking landscapes, enabling travelers to truly disconnect from the stresses of day-to-day life amidst the vast wilderness.
Book with a luxury travel company like us, and enjoy the best handpicked accommodations in South Africa’s top national parks and private game reserves, coupled with exclusive safari experiences such as game drives and bush walks.
Cape Town, known as the Mother City, is an excellent destination to visit and is a popular add-on to a more traditional safari itinerary. Explore this fascinating city and enjoy its high-end activities and exclusive experiences.
Stay at one of Cape Town’s top hotels, such as the acclaimed Ellerman House Luxury Boutique Hotel or the One&Only Cape Town, and revel in the top-notch amenities. Visit Cape Town’s vibrant V&A Waterfront, filled with boutiques, eateries, and a bustling working harbor.
Don’t forget to head up to the iconic Table Mountain! Take the Table Mountain cable car and soak up spectacular views of the city of Cape Town and the vast Atlantic and Indian Oceans. From Table Mountain, you can also enjoy a superb selection of hiking trails, including to Maclear’s Beacon, a triangulation station used in Maclear’s Arc, a method used to measure Earth’s circumference.”
The Cape Winelands is a highlight of many travelers’ trips to South Africa, the undisputed gourmet capital of South Africa and home to some world-class wineries.
The Cape Winelands is located just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, making it an easy addition to a Cape Town itinerary. The picturesque towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl will delight visitors with their beautiful architecture and prestigious wine estates, many offering award-winning vintages. Enjoy private, guided winery tours, tasting experiences, and gourmet farm-to-table dining.
The Cape Winelands, with its rolling vineyards and stunning scenery, is also ideal for enjoying various outdoor pursuits, including walking, nature trails, and cycling. Whether you’re savoring bold reds, crisp whites, or indulging in local delicacies, the Cape Winelands delivers an unforgettable blend of flavors, world-class wines, hospitality, and breathtaking beauty.
The Garden Route is a scenic stretch of coastline in South Africa, famed for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and charming towns. Stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River, it features lush forests, rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and tranquil lagoons. Highlights include Knysna’s lagoon, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Wilderness’ serene shores.
Adventure seekers can enjoy activities like hiking, bungee jumping, and whale watching, while nature lovers can explore indigenous forests and vibrant birdlife. With its mix of outdoor adventure, culinary delights, and cultural experiences, the Garden Route is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking beauty and relaxation.
South Africa offers an exceptional gourmet dining scene with a host of award-winning, world-class restaurants.
The city of Cape Town has long been South Africa’s gastronomic capital, however, cities like Johannesburg are quickly catching up. Gourmet restaurants include La Colombe Restaurant, Pier, FYN, and Ëlgr.
Book a luxury safari experience in South Africa with us, and our team of travel consultants will secure reservations on your behalf at some of South Africa’s most exclusive gourmet dining destinations.
Beyond the Big 5, South Africa offers a host of marine wildlife encounters guaranteed to delight thrillseekers. A highlight for many is the opportunity to enjoy a shark cage diving adventure. The country’s top locations for this thrilling activity include Gansbaai, often referred to as the shark capital of the world, and Mossel Bay along the Garden Route. Tours operate year-round, with peak great white shark sightings typically between May and October.
Whale watching is another thrilling wildlife encounter in South Africa, offering the chance to observe majestic southern right whales, humpbacks, and Bryde’s whales. The best time for sightings is between June and November, with Hermanus being one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations. From cliffside vantage points or dedicated boat tours, you can witness these gentle giants breaching, spy-hopping, and nursing their calves.
With many areas of South Africa enjoying 300 days of sunshine, the country is a year-round destination thanks to its temperate climate. Sun-drenched summers (during the northern hemisphere’s winter months) and mild winters (during the northern hemisphere’s summer months) means that there is never a bad time to visit South Africa and enjoy the great outdoors.
When you book a luxury safari to South Africa with us our team will share the best destinations to visit based on the time of year you are visiting and your desired experiences.
South Africa boasts beautiful white sand beaches offering a mix of natural beauty, recreational activities, and diverse landscapes. From the golden sands of Camps Bay with its iconic mountain backdrop to the wild, untamed shores of Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape, the options are endless.
Durban’s warm beaches provide ideal conditions for swimming and surfing, while the Garden Route’s tranquil bays are perfect for relaxation and nature lovers. Don’t forget to include a visit to Boulders Beach, a white sandy beach famous for its colony of endangered African penguins.
South Africa’s beaches cater to every taste, whether you seek adventure, family-friendly spots, or secluded stretches for peaceful retreats. When you book a luxury South African safari adventure with us, we can include visits to South Africa’s best beaches as part of your itinerary.
South Africa boasts a rich and complex history, shaped by diverse cultures and pivotal historical events. Known as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa’s culture and heritage reflects the traditions of indigenous peoples like the Khoisan and Zulu, alongside influences from European settlers, Indian laborers, and other communities.
The country’s history includes the colonial era, the discovery of gold and diamonds, and the struggle against apartheid, culminating in the democratic election of Nelson Mandela in 1994. From traditional tribal ceremonies to modern urban creativity, the nation celebrates unity in diversity.
Highlights for travelers to South Africa include visiting Nelson Mandela’s house in Johannesburg and learning to cook traditional Malay curries in Cape Town.
Another reason to add a South Africa adventure to your 2025 must-visit list? South Africa is a wonderful, family friendly destination, with plenty of excellent family friendly accommodations and experiences guaranteed to delight little ones and leave a lasting impression.
Another key point about visiting South Africa with children is the fact that there are several malaria-free destinations, including national parks and private game reserves, offering enhanced peace of mind.
If you want to enjoy a family friendly safari to South Africa, our luxury travel consultants can help. We boast in-depth knowledge of the best accommodations, age-appropriate safari activities, and experiences for families with children.
We specialize in creating ultra-luxurious safaris in South Africa. Some of our top South Africa safari packages include:
To learn more about any of our luxury safari packages, or to craft your own bespoke safari in South Africa, contact us today.
The best way to book a luxury safari to South Africa is to work with a premier travel company like us. From our base in Cape Town, South Africa, we excel at curating incredible safari experiences in South Africa and across the African continent. We have access to the most luxurious safari lodges, tented camps, and ultra-exclusive hotels in South Africa and can curate a bespoke itinerary that matches your precise preferences. We are also passionate about conservation and sustainability and only work with operators that adhere to our high standards, ensuring every one of our clients leaves a positive lasting legacy in Africa. If you want to learn more about a South Africa safari in 2025, or wish to explore some of our other safari destinations, contact us today.
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Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
