Combine the wonders of nature with urban chic
South Africa is ready to treat your clients to safari, Blue Flag-certified beaches and dramatic natural beauty. With great weather found throughout the country, diverse local cultures and a unique history, they should come ready for adventure.
African adventures await!
Safari to City: Our Team’s Insights and Recommendations
Inspired by our team in South Africa’s local expertise, we’ve curated a collection of their top recommended spots from Gisha, Lee-Anne and Priyanca and categorised them to suit diverse personas. Whether your clients seek serene natural escapes or engaging city tours, these suggestions ensure a tapestry of experiences that vividly portray South Africa’s rich cultural diversity and breathtaking scenic beauty.
- Lee-Anne recommends Johannesburg Zoo – a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and home to a diverse range of animals, this iconic zoo offers and immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect with nature in the heart of the bustling city.
- Priyanca recommends Ushaka Marine World- an immersive and awe-inspiring aquatic experience, featuring amazing marine life exhibits, thrilling water slides and engaging shows.
- Lee-Anne recommends Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre – witness majestic cheetahs up close and contribute to the conservation efforts for these incredible big cats.
- Lee-Anne recommends Gold Reef City’s theme park – a thrilling adventure destination that fuses history with excitement. It features exhilarating rides, live entertainment and a glimpse into South Africa’s gold mining heritage, making it a must-visit for families and thrill-seekers alike.
- Gisha recommends Table Mountain – a New Seven Wonders of Nature, graces the skyline of Cape Town. Whether your clients hike to its summit or take the cable car, the panoramic views of the city, coastline and beyond are truly breathtaking.
- Gisha recommends Clifton Beach – this idyllic stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters is popular among both tourists and locals and offers the perfect spot for sunbathing, beach games and sunset picnics.
- Priyanca recommends Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve – a coastal gem near Durban, where lush mangrove forests and diverse birdlife create a tranquil escape for eco-conscious visitors.
- Lee-Anne recommends Walter Sisulu Gardens – a botanical paradise situated in Roodepoort. Known for its flora, birdlife and the iconic Witpoortjie Waterfall, the gardens provide a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
- Gisha recommends Robben Island – steeped in history and a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site, Robben Island was once a prison where Nelson Mandela was held, a poignant symbol of South Africa’s journey to freedom.
- Lee-Anne recommends Jo’burg hop-on hop-off bus tour with Apartheid Museum and Soweto – combining convenience and history, this tour includes stops at iconic landmarks, the thought-provoking Apartheid Museum and the vibrant streets of Soweto.
- Priyanca recommends The Valley of 1000 hills – located just outside of Durban is a serene landscape of rolling hills and lush greenery. Rich in Zulu culture, visitors can enjoy traditional dance performances, explore craft markets and take in the breathtaking scenery along the meandering Umgeni River.
Our South Africa Webinar
We recently held a webinar for our Tour Operator Partners to learn more about South Africa, including an update from British Airways.
Explore and book flights to South Africa for your chance to win!
Whether you’re booking individual flights or planning group getaways, book flights to South Africa with British Airways via Lime in any cabin between 22 January and 19 February 2024, and you’ll automatically be entered into our exclusive prize draw to win:
- Champneys Simply Spa voucher for two
- £150 Dining Out Gift Card
- Tripp Holiday 7 Slate Large Suitcase
Explore Cape Town
- Hike up (or catch a cable car) to the top of Table Mountain and take in the panoramic views
- Venture south to Simonstown and cosy up to hundreds of penguins at Boulders Beach
- Head inland to discover the Cape Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschoek
- Relax on Clifton and Camps Bay pristine beaches with stunning views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range
Travel to Cape Town for its picturesque views, and enjoy flights with British Airways from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Cape Town International Airport in just over 11 hours.
Discover Johannesburg
- Explore the Soweto and its famous Vilakazi Street containing Mandela House and Tutu House
- Visit the Cradle of Humankind where some of the earliest known life forms were found
- Experience the Apartheid Museum in downtown Johannesburg
- Explore the artsy Maboneng Precinct, filled with amazing street art, galleries and boutiques
Travel to Johannesburg for inspiring culture, and enjoy flights with British Airways from London Heathrow to O.R. Tambo International Airport in less than 11 hours.
Comfort at every step
Your clients can sample everything South Africa has to offer when they fly with British Airways.
- Personal flat screen with headphones
- Family-friendly features
- Stylish interior cabin
- Delicious meals and snacks
- Access to in-seat power
- A separate, smaller cabin with wider seats and more legroom
- Two delicious meals and complimentary bar service
- A personal entertainment system with noise-cancelling headphones
- A stylish amenity kit made from recycled plastic bottles
- Access to in-seat power
- More free baggage allowance
- Priority boarding
- Dedicated check-in and access to private lounges
- A spacious seat, which converts into a 183cm (6ft) fully flat bed
- Delicious food and drink using fresh, local ingredients
- Stylish bedding and amenity kits designed by The White Company
- 12" flat screen and noise-cancelling headphones to enjoy our in-flight entertainment
- Access to in-seat power
- Exceptional, elegant British service
- Your own private, spacious suite
- A 198cm (6ft 6in) fully flat bed with luxurious bedding
- Delicious, indulgent fine dining
- Temperley London loungewear, amenity bag and slippers
- Seven-piece luxury skin and body care collection from Elemis
- A personal 15-inch screen with noise-cancelling headphones and ports to connect your own devices
- Access to luxurious lounges
- Exclusive and dedicated service
- Priority boarding, straight from our exclusive First lounge
Destination information
Kruger National Park is South Africa’s best safari destination and home to all the Big Five species and much more — we recommend the Greater Kruger area, like Sabi Sands, where you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience.
Cape Town sits between the coast and Table Mountain and offers plenty to see and do for a wide range of interests, or you could visit Johannesburg to experience a different side to South African city life and learn about its apartheid history. You can hop between vineyards in the Cape Winelands, sampling wines as you go. And, along the Garden Route, you can visit small coastal towns like Plettenberg Bay and Knysna.
The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September, as the cooler winter months in the northern regions bring superb conditions for viewing big game. It can be rainy from November to February, and temperatures remain warm at 22°C to 33°C.
You’ll find African, Indian, Malaysian, and European influences in South Africa’s cuisine. On a guided food tour of Cape Town you might try Indian bunny chow (curry served in a hollowed-out bread loaf), South African pap, and Dutch koeksisters (honey-infused pastries).
South Africa is also renowned for its wine, and there are many vineyards you can visit, particularly in the Cape Winelands, where there’s also a big farm-to-table ethos.
Visa: No visa required for British nationals
Language: South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Sepedi, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. Most South Africans speak English, and signs, including road signs, are written in English and Afrikaans.
Currency: Rand (R or ZAR)
Time difference: GMT +2 hours
Flight duration from London: A direct flight with British Airways to Cape Town International Airport or O.R. Tambo International Airport is around 11 hours.