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Luxury South Africa trips

Round trip South Africa

South Africa is excellent for a luxury roundtrip that combines comfort, variety and special experiences. The country offers an impressive variety of landscapes and cultures, which can be perfectly combined within one carefully constructed trip. During a private tour of South Africa, you will enjoy refined gastronomy, often combined with excellent Cape wines, and discover the country at a pleasant and leisurely pace. From safaris in vast game reserves, where you can come face to face with the Big Five, to panoramic helicopter flights along the coast, every travel day brings new impressions. Iconic landscapes such as Table Mountain, Kruger Park savannahs and vast coastlines provide variety, while moments of rest and personal attention contribute to a comfortable and balanced round trip.

View our luxury South Africa sample tours
View our luxury South Africa sample tours

Discover South Africa at its best

A luxury trip through South Africa is all about customisation and special experiences, with your personal interests at the centre. Think dinner at an atmospheric location in nature, a small-scale wine tasting in the Cape Winelands or an aerial exploration of impressive landscapes. From the air, you get a different perspective of Table Mountain and the rugged coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, while on the ground you take time to truly experience regions. Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg will be discovered with local guides, who will take you past cultural highlights and characterful neighbourhoods. The combination of nature, culture and comfort makes for a trip that is rich in content while leaving room for relaxation.

Sample itineraries for South Africa
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Choose a different travel style

If you prefer to travel in a different way, choose from our other travel styles. Of course, it is also possible to combine different travel styles. We will be happy to tailor-make your dream trip!

How would you like to travel?

Well-organised luxury travel through South Africa

A round trip through South Africa requires attention to detail and thoughtful construction. At Avila, every Signature trip to South Africa is carefully put together, with an eye for an appropriate pace of travel, special accommodations and variety. You will discover well-known highlights in a personal way and also visit hidden gems, away from the crowds. South Africa also offers unique options, such as a multi-day safari or a special train journey aboard the Rovos Rail, where comfort and attention to detail are key.

Country information on South Africa
Best travel time South Africa
Sightseeing in South Africa
Frequently asked questions South Africa

South Africa's provinces
South Africa consists of nine provinces, each with its own character and scenic diversity. From the rugged coasts of the Western Cape to the majestic mountains of Mpumalanga and the vast savannahs of Limpopo, South Africa makes an ideal base for varied explorations.

Western Cape: culture, coast and wine
The Western Cape is characterised by an attractive combination of city, coast and countryside. Cape Town is the vibrant heart of the region, with Table Mountain as a familiar landmark. Along the Garden Route, rugged coastlines, beaches and green nature follow each other at a leisurely pace. In the wine countries around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, vineyards and restaurants invite relaxed exploration and tasting of world-famous local wines.

Mpumalanga: nature and wildlife
Mpumalanga consists of a varied landscape of deep gorges, waterfalls and vast nature. The Panorama Route passes several viewpoints, while the nearby Kruger Park is known for safaris and the opportunity to observe the Big Five , especially in the early morning and evening hours.

Discover Johannesburg: city of contrasts
Johannesburg is a vibrant city where history meets a lively arts scene. Museums and cultural institutions provide insight into the past, while neighbourhoods like Maboneng show how creativity and urban development go hand in hand.

A trip to the pristine north
In the north of South Africa lie less visited regions such as Limpopo and the Waterberg. Here, peace, space and nature take centre stage. You will explore vast bush areas, get to know local Venda cultures and stay in luxury lodges set in the middle of the landscape.

South Africa: a diverse country
With its rich cultural heritage, varied landscapes and hospitable character, South Africa is a versatile destination. Discoveries in nature and cities are naturally interspersed with moments of relaxation, making for a balanced and complete tour.

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South Africa can be visited all year round, with each season having its own character. The overview below gives an indication per period.

Spring (September - November): In spring, nature awakens and parts of the country, such as Namaqualand, are in bloom with beautiful flowers. This season is suitable for hiking and wildlife watching, which are more likely to show up around water sources.

Summer (December - February): Summer brings warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, ideal for coastal areas and beach visits, such as along the Garden Route and in the Western Cape. The Cape Winelands are also attractive for visits and tastings during this period.

Autumn (March - May): During autumn, temperatures are mild and visibility is clear. This period is ideal for safaris in the Kruger Park and road trips through the landscapes of the Western Cape and the north of the country.

Winter (June - August): In winter, mornings and evenings are colder, but conditions for safaris are excellent. Vegetation is thinner and animals gather around waterholes more often, increasing the chances of spotting the Big Five.

Please note that in the summer months, it can be hot and humid in some parts of South Africa, especially in the northeast. Matching the travel period and itinerary to your interests will help ensure a comfortable round trip.

Avila Travel South Africa Table Mountain
Avila Travel South Africa lion

South Africa has a diverse range of well-known attractions and less-discovered spots. Nature, cities and cultural heritage are often close together and together form a multifaceted picture of the country.

Discover the highlights of South Africa:

  • Table Mountain: Cape Town's most famous landmark, offering panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic coast. Accessible by cable car or via several hiking trails. In addition, Table Mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Cape Town: A diverse city with neighbourhoods such as Bo-Kaap, the V&A Waterfront and beautiful oceanfront beaches. The route across the Cape Peninsula towards the Cape of Good Hope also departs from Cape Town.
  • Kruger National Park: One of Africa's most famous game reserves, where safaris take place in a vast nature reserve and the Big Five can be seen in their natural habitat. Safaris by open vehicle or on foot bring you close to the rich animal life.
  • The Garden Route: A popular coastal route along forests, lagoons and beaches, with highlights including Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and the charming town of Swellendam.
  • Drakensberg: A mountain area with deep valleys, sheer cliffs and impressive waterfalls, suitable for hiking and known for ancient petroglyphs of the San people.
  • Johannesburg: The country's economic and cultural capital, where museums like the Apartheid Museum and neighbourhoods like Maboneng connect past and contemporary city life. Art, music and gastronomy play a visible role here.
  • Robben Island: An island off the coast of Cape Town that is inextricably linked to South Africa's modern history. Boat visits and guided tours provide insight into the lives of political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela.
  • Blyde River Canyon: One of the largest canyons in the world, located in northeastern South Africa. You will find striking rock formations and viewpoints such as God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes.
Avila Travel South Africa Cape of Good Hope
Avila Travel South Africa Graskop

1. Do I need a visa for South Africa?
For travellers from the Netherlands, Belgium and the EU, no visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. However, a valid passport is required. Always check the current entry requirements in advance.

2. How much time should I take for a tour of South Africa?
A travel period of about two to three weeks offers enough space to combine several regions and experience the country at a leisurely pace. This period allows you to visit both natural areas and cities without the trip feeling rushed.

3. What is the best way to travel around South Africa?
For longer distances, domestic flights are practical. In regions such as the Western Cape and along the Garden Route, a rental car offers flexibility and freedom.

4. Is South Africa good to combine with another travel destination?
Yes, South Africa can be well combined with countries such asNamibia,BotswanaorMozambique. Also an extension to beach destinations such asMauritius or the Seychelles are also possible.

5. Can I get around with English in South Africa?
Yes, English is one of the official languages and is widely spoken throughout the country, making travelling easy.

Our travel specialists are happy to advise you personally when putting together a luxury round trip through South Africa, tailored to your needs and travel style.

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Special train journeys

Travelling across South Africa by train offers comfort, stunning views and a unique experience: from vibrant cities to vast savannahs.

View our special train journeys

Your travel specialist

Marjet Young

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Avila travellers about travel to South Africa

"In South Africa, the safari adventure was unforgettable, combined with beautiful wine country and culture." - Annelies

Our customers give us a rating of 4.6/5, based on 102 reviews.
Avila travellers about travel to South Africa

"We certainly look back on our trip with great pleasure. It was really very special and definitely created very beautiful memories. We are very satisfied with how everything was arranged. The app with all the information was very handy and everything was clear. The highlight was definitely the stay at Chisomo Safari Camp. Such a good and nice place, with fantastic staff and great game drives. We really enjoyed ourselves there. The least accommodation we found was Lions Rock Camp. Large spacious room with sitting area, kitchen and extra loft with beds and the location was also very nice. But the room we had there was not really clean. We also had no water on the last day; it was supposed to be arranged before we checked out, but it didn't work. Can happen of course and not a disaster but all in all in terms of comfort significantly less than any other accommodation." - Barbara

Our customers give us a rating of 4.6/5, based on 102 reviews.
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Why travel to South Africa with Avila Travel?

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