South Africa tours, trips & holidays
Solo and group travellers have long used trips to Iceland as their way to inject a little adventure into their holidays. With its majestic, towering mountains, boiling mud pools, spurting geysers, natural hot springs, thundering waterfalls and of course, mesmerising northern lights, it’s no wonder this is the chosen destination for adventure seekers. The land of ‘fire and ice’ has a natural, rustic beauty that is unsurpassed. It comes at no surprise that it was chosen to be one of the most iconic ‘Game of Thrones’ filming locations. Gaze in awe at the vast, multi-hued glaciers, spend afternoons strolling on the eerie black sand beaches and trek through the moss covered lava fields. And after all the hiking in the cold, relax in the famous Blue Lagoon to rejuvenate your skin and soul, reflecting back on what a unique land Iceland really is.
Group Tours of South Africa with Tucan Travel
Tucan Travel have a total of 13Â group tours which visit South Africa, some of which also explore neighbouring countries in Africa. All of our tours are modular, giving you the chance to combine a few and pick the areas that you want to see. Our longest tour to South Africa (Ultimate Africa) lasts 42 days and travels from Kigali to Cape Town, passing through Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, ending in South Africa. Our shortest tour (South Africa in a week) lasts 8 days and focuses on Cape Town and Kruger National Park. All of our tours are accompanied by an expert Tucan Travel tour leader and includes all transport and accommodation throughout your adventure.
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Top 12 places to visit in South Africa
With a country as large and diverse as South Africa, it can be difficult to know where to begin. From the wildlife-rich national parks to the cities that never sleep. From the underwater worlds waiting to be discovered, to the dreamy coastlines and divine vineyards. Here’s our roundup of some of the best places to visit in South Africa.
1. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
This colossal reserve stretching 260 km along the Blyde River Canyon, is one of the biggest attractions in South Africa, especially for nature lovers. Densely forested slopes carpet the rolling hills, interspersed with rare species of flora. Exploring by foot is definitely the best way to get the most out of the reserve.
Hike along the range of trails, admiring the stunning landscape and searching for hidden waterfalls. But if you’re not into hiking, there are plenty of alternatives, after all this is the third largest canyon in the world! Explore the ground on horseback, hurl down-stream, white water rafting, ride in a hot air balloon, or abseil down the cliff sides. And if you just want to remain in the comfort of your hire car, there’s a spectacular driving route along the canyon’s edge.
Did you know?
South Africa is home to the highest commercial bunjee jump in the world – it’s 710 feet high!
2. Drakensberg Mountains
Whether you’re longing for dramatic hikes deep in the wild, or prefer just a casual stroll through the rolling hills, the Drakensberg Mountain Range is where you want to go. Spanning an astonishing 1000 km, the area has numerous hiking trails to suit all preferences and levels of fitness. Reaching the plateau (which is very accessible) will reward you with breathtaking scenery and unsurpassed views of the South African countryside. Depending on how deep you want your trek to go, you can explore the historic San Rock wall paintings, swim in the hidden waterfalls and chase the carving rivers to your heart’s content. Each season brings its own form of beauty, but seeing the ‘Barrier of Spears’ dusted with snow is definitely something special.
3. Winelands
Sampling tipples from the Winelands is one of the most popular things to do in South Africa.
Vineyards carpet the sun baked countryside as far as the eye can see, each producing its own unique blend. The region is highly proud of their cuisine, producing some of the most admired chefs in the country.
Explore the area, hopping from restaurant to vineyard, sampling some of the countries best produce. But it’s not all about the food and drink. The region has a bounty of historical sites to explore. From the Goat Tower at the Cheese and Wine Farm to the rustic farmhouses lining the dusty lanes.
Add this to the grand mountain ranges of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek which loom overhead and it makes for one interesting place! Nestled amongst the dominating mountains, this quaint region is definitely on the must-see list.
4. Table Mountain
This flat-topped mountain (hence the name) is the most prominent landmark in Cape Town, and probably South Africa. This looming mountain attracts visitors from all over the globe, seducing them up with its challenging heights. Numerous hiking trails lead to the top, catering for every level of fitness and preference. Spend your afternoon trekking through the verdant countryside, enjoying the stark, natural beauty. Scale the side of the sheer cliff on a series of ropes, or if you fancy, hop on a cable car and enjoy one of the best views in South Africa. Witnessing the famous Cape Town sunsets at this height could be one of the most sublime experiences of your tour.
5. Wild Coast
An alternative South African experience is to explore the 350 km section of Wild Coast along the Eastern Cape, where you will never be short of things to do. Trek through stretches of remote, coastal perfection. Horse ride along the rustic shore, the waves gently lapping at your heels. Visit the home of the legend Nelson Mandela, sunbathe on the unspoiled beaches, and seek out the traditional villages and rural, beachside towns. Visit Coffee Bay and St John’s Port, walk the famous four-day Strandloper Trail, and explore the Nature reserves which line the coast. If you are looking for jagged cliffs, rugged coastlines and secluded beaches, this is your place.
6. Garden Route
The Garden Route in South Africa is one of those rare gems in the world that attracts all walks of life for all types of reasons. Wine lovers can sip away amidst the rows of delicious grapes, foodies can relish in the robust, flavoursome cuisine the South Africans are ever so proud of. Adrenaline seekers can go whale watching, fly through the sky on a series of zip lines at Tsitsikamma or if you’re daring enough, bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge. For the explorers, navigate through the twisting complex of caves, and if none of that takes your fancy, you can rest assured that you’ll be seduced by the natural beauty alone.
7. Johannesburg
Johannesburg, or as the locals affectionately call it Jozi, is the international hub of South Africa. Trendy boutiques and markets continuously pop up all over town and the array of nightlife is ever growing. Johannesburg is perfectly situated at the crossroads between the old and the new. The international metropolis is further enriched by the fascinating history ingrained into the area. The city has a bounty of attractions and an unique assortment of museums – including the Apartheid Museum and the Constitution Hall – formerly a prison which incarcerated Mahatma Gandhi. It’s also worth a trip to Soweto, a small township just outside Johannesburg where you can visit Nelson Mandela’s home-come-tiny museum.
8. Robben Island
One of the most popular things to do in South Africa is a tour to Robben Island. The island which was once a leper colony, then a prison, lies just off the coast of Cape Town. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been preserved as a memorial to those who served time here, such as Nelson Mandela. The only way to reach the island and the prison is with a guided tour, which are equally as fascinating as they are sad. Tours to Robben Island are run by former prisoners, incarcerated for fighting for theirs and their fellow citizens rights, bridging the gap between the past and the present. And if you’re lucky, you may spot a few whales breaching the surface on the boat ride over. The island is also home to a colony of little African penguins!
9. Cape Peninsula
The Cape Peninsula is by far one of the most impressive regions of South Africa and you can easily wile away days, even weeks exploring all this area has to offer. Visit the ‘Cape of Good Hope’, a narrow peninsula jutting out towards the sea, and explore the myriad of stunning beaches that stretch along the coastline. Climb the nearby lighthouse for views of the dramatic landscape as you search for Zebra and Eland from a height. And for the wine lovers, there’s no better place to sip the South African elixir than at Groot Constantia. As for wildlife, you can take a boat from Hout Bay to Duiker Island where a seal colony have claimed every inch of the shore.
10. Hermanus
Located near to the famous Garden Route, Hermanus is the place for whale watching, and well-known as one of the most successful spots in the world. Each year sees whales migrate between July and November, to mate and breed. Walk along the 10 km cliffside for spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding area, with lookout points dotted along the ridge. Whale watching boat tours are available, however you can often see them breaching the surface right off the shore. But it’s not just about the sea giants! Hermanus is also lined with stunning beaches and is one of the most chilled-out cities in the country. The perfect setting for relaxation.
11. Boulders Bay
On the white, sandy coast of False Bay in Simon’s Town, lies Boulder’s Bay. Pristine, soft, pearly sand meets the turquoise dream of the sea. The water is scattered with giant rocks, boulders and stones – the ideal place for a quick, kip in the sun! But the best thing about Boulders Bay? – The colony of African penguins. It’s a great experience to be able to watch these adorable animals roam the shores, feeding their young and playing in the sea. The penguins claimed the beach as their own back in the 1980’s and haven’t left since. You can easily walk amongst them or sunbathe side by side, as long as you don’t venture too close or try to touch them.
12. Cape Town
There’s definitely something special about a bustling, urban city nestled between soaring mountains and dreamy coastlines. Cape Town is infectious. Its vibrant culture, multi-coloured houses of Bo Kaap, crazy nightlife and unparalleled natural diversity, often gives people enough reason to come back again, or even just stay. It’s a tough task to feel bored in Cape Town. From the huge variety of local, fusion and international restaurants to try, to the booming coffee culture and the never ending nightlife. And if you need a break from the city, head to the nearby array of pristine beaches, drink your way through the wine farms or hike across the many countryside fields. Bliss.
Why Tucan Travel
Holidays don’t need to break the bank. Group tours with Tucan Travel are the perfect way to explore what South Africa has to offer, even if you’re on a bit of a budget. Our holidays to South Africa were built to be the perfect balance of value for money, authenticity and unforgettable experiences. As an adventure tour specialist, we work hard to provide a truly authentic experience. We only work with the best and take extra care to make sure we are supporting the local businesses and communities in a sustainable and ethical way.
We are passionate adventure travelers who want to share the world and our travel experiences with everyone…
