South Africa Travel Guide

Few destinations can encapsulate astounding wildlife experiences and enthralling cosmopolitan delights like South Africa.

Its famous national reserves, home to the Big 5 and so much more, in addition to a complex culture full of culinary discoveries and sobering history, provides a getaway that encapsulates polar opposite experiences.

To uncover the true wonder of this unique destination explore Zicasso’s South Africa Travel Guide to get inspired for your upcoming trip. When you are ready to learn the full extent of opportunities, submit a Trip Request and speak with a safari specialist.

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Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa.

Best Time to Visit South Africa

The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September. The country is incredibly diverse, offering experiences that range from safaris to wine...
Chapman's Peak scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula near Cape Town, South Africa

Top 9 Things to Do in South Africa

The top things to do in South Africa can take you from the iconic silhouette of Table Mountain to the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park. South...
Cheetah in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa

6 Best Places to Visit in South Africa

The best places to visit in South Africa reveal a "world in one country," a nation of breathtaking diversity and dynamic experiences that can range from...
Father and cub at Kruger National Park, South Africa

How to Plan a Safari in South Africa: Frequently Asked Questions

Take an unforgettable luxury vacation in South Africa, a country where the continent's best wildlife parks meet vibrant culture and breathtaking coastlines....
Bush walk with Marataba Safari, South Africa

8 Reasons to Choose South Africa for Your Safari

South Africa is often described as “a world in one country,” and for good reason. It is a destination of incredible diversity, where a single journey...
Cheetahs drinking at a watering hole in the Kalahri Desert, South Africa

Top 15 Animals of South Africa and Where to See Them

Our top animals of South Africa and where to see them promises you encounters that are classic, memorable, and completely unexpected. When you think of...
Family at the beach in South Africa.

12 Best Places to Visit in South Africa with Family

From the exhilarating first sight of a lion on a bushveld plain to the simple joy of feeling the cool spray of the Indian Ocean, the best places to visit...
Bo-Kaap in Cape Town, South Africa. Photo by SkyPixels - CC BY-SA 4.0

Top 10 Things to Do in Cape Town

South Africa’s “Mother City”, Cape Town, is a melting pot of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking sites brimming with activities, and this article highlights...
Two humback whales breaching off the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape of South Africa

Guide to Whale Watching in South Africa: How to See the Marine Giants

South Africa offers an unparalleled opportunity for whale watching, where the annual migration of these immense creatures becomes a national spectacle....
Addo Elephant Park elephant calves playing

South Africa in January: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in January, the country is alive with the high energy of peak summer. Long, sun-drenched days stretch into balmy evenings under starry...
Vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa

South Africa in March: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in March, the long, hot days of summer in the Southern Hemisphere country soften into the gentle warmth of early autumn. A festive energy...
Aerial view of Table Mountain in autumn

South Africa in May: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in May, the weather is glorious as the Southern Hemisphere country eases into late autumn. The intense heat of summer has faded, replaced...
Senior couple hiking at The Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

South Africa in June: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in June, the first breath of winter in the Southern Hemisphere country brings a crisp clarity to the air and a gentle, golden quality...
Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa in July: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in July, the landscapes unfold under clear blue skies across most of the country and the chill in the air invigorates the senses. The...
Carpet of wildflowers with Table Mountain in the background.

South Africa in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

South Africa in August holds the promise of transition. It’s a time of beauty, when the country begins to shake off the deep chill of winter and hints...
Sailing the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa in December: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

South Africa, a world in one country that boasts breathtaking landscapes, vibrant and diverse cultures, and a unique blend of natural wonders and urban...
Couples hiking Lions Head in Cape Town.

South Africa in Summer: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Summer in South Africa is full of brilliant sunshine and endless possibilities. The days are long and sun-drenched in the Southern Hemisphere country,...
The blooming spring flowers along the coastline of South Africa, with Table Mountain in the background.

South Africa in Spring: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Spring in South Africa is a season of transformation and renewal. As the chill of winter recedes in the Southern Hemisphere country, the “Rainbow Nation”...
Woman on a safari in Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa in Winter: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

In South Africa in winter, the air in the north of the Southern Hemisphere country is crisp and clear, carrying the unfiltered sounds of the bush, while...
"Travelers on a safari game drive watch a rhinoceros grazing in the South African bushveld

Kruger National Park Luxury Safaris

South Africa’s Kruger National Park is famous for its incredible wildlife, rugged bushlands, and open savannas. The park is home to the Big Five, namely...
Balloons over Cappadocia in Turkey.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps

Explore the world with Zicasso by working with top travel specialists who will bring your dream vacation to life. Our primary goal is to make planning,...
Aerial view of luxury overwater bungalows on Bora Bora island in French Polynesia.

How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Knowing your budget is an essential component of any trip-planning process. Whether the sky's the limit or you have specific parameters, a customized...

5.0

Reviews of Zicasso's South Africa Safari Tours & Vacations

Based on 1272 verified traveler reviews.

South Africa Tour Review: Safari, 1 Week

All the details for our trip worked perfectly. It took a long time to get the details finalized, as we had not been to Africa before, and the attention to our needs and wants by Zicasso's travel company was appreciated, especially as we are in our 70s.

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South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique Vacation Review: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Game Drives, Bush Walk, Helicopter Ride, Catamaran Sail, Wildlife, 3-Week Trip

Words cannot begin to describe the experiences we had on our African adventure, but I will try.

While we have traveled extensively, this was indeed the "trip of a lifetime." Seeing the wildlife so close you could almost reach out and touch them (although we were certainly told to keep all arms and legs inside the safari vehicles!) was an experience not to be missed. The guides were beyond passionate and knowledgeable. We gained a greater appreciation for nature and the way of the wild. The African sunrises and sunsets are simply magical.

As far as the trip planning, everything was seamless and we had so many bespoke experiences that I cannot imagine we would have ever been able to plan and execute on our own. The lodges were fantastic, in gorgeous locations, and we met many like-minded travelers during shared dinners. The helicopter flight over Victoria Falls was breathtaking. The villa in Mozambique was over-the-top and a perfect way to end our trip to try to process all that we experienced during our three-week experience.

The planning process was easy, we were kept well informed of our options, and once the trip was closer, communication with the team at Zicasso's travel company answered our last-minute questions perfectly.

We will absolutely be recommending this travel company to our friends who want to do this itinerary next year.

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Egypt, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa Tour Review: 12 Days

Zicasso's travel specialist was wonderful to work with: thorough, responsive, and endlessly patient throughout the planning of our trip. When we had to make last-minute changes due to circumstances beyond our control, she handled everything seamlessly and still managed to make the trip amazing and memorable.

She's extremely knowledgeable and we'd recommend her without hesitation. We'd definitely recommend her.

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Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa Vacation Review: Wildlife, 10 Nights

Zicasso's travel specialist was outstanding from the very beginning. From our first conversation, she took the time to truly understand what we were looking for and we felt heard every step of the way. She used her expertise to design a custom itinerary that perfectly matched our interests and expectations.

Once we were on the trip, everything was executed flawlessly. Every transfer, activity, lodge, and trusted local partner worked together seamlessly, allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the experience. It was evident that she had built strong relationships with exceptional vendors and lodges.

We would not hesitate to recommend this travel specialist to our friends and family, and we look forward to using her services for future adventures.

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Kenya, Zambia, South Africa Trip Review: Lewa Conservancy, Cape Town, Safari, 12 Nights

Great accommodations, unique safari experiences, and great support from Zicasso's travel company along the way.

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South Africa Travel Review: Safari, Game Drives, 18-Day Trip

We had an exceptional experience with this Zicasso travel company

We were extremely pleased with all the accommodations and bookings arranged through this travel company. Our travel specialist was exceptional in helping us create a truly unforgettable experience. The lodges she selected perfectly matched our preferences and we were consistently impressed by their outstanding hospitality and the quality of the game drives. We would wholeheartedly recommend this travel company to anyone planning an African safari.

This was our fourth trip booked through Zicasso and we continue to be delighted with their recommended agents. This travel company exemplifies the quality and service we've come to expect.

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