South Africa Luxury Holidays & Hotels 2024/2025
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Holidays to South Africa with If Only

South Africa is most definitely a year-round destination due to the diversity and wide range of experiences available. The sheer scope of the country means you could be sipping sundowners at a cool roof-top bar in trendy Cape Town, and a day later you're surrounded by nothing but bush and sky bearing witness to wildlife drinking from their local watering hole.

Known the world over for being a fantastic producer of food and wine, not only does South Africa offer excellent quality it also is unbelievable value and dining out here is extremely affordable. Soak up the sun on a bike ride through artsy, urban districts, or wrap-up warmly for sumptuous dinners under eternal starry skies.

Choose to self-drive the well-maintained road network that travels from Cape Town to the Winelands and right along the Garden Route to the Eastern Cape, stopping to uncover hidden gems along the way such as cellar doors or local farms to stop off at for lunch.

Pass through townships or humble rural areas where the courageous human spirit has risen above the uncompromising challenges of past and poverty. Learn the history of the Anglo-Zulu war and visit the sites where battles were fought. And of course, be beguiled by the breath-taking landscapes, bird, marine and game viewing opportunities across a range of exclusive, luxury reserves.

Our Destinations In South Africa

South Africa has something for everybody. While the safari stays are often responsible for drawing in first time visitors; the stunning topography, warmth of the locals, diversity of experiences and world-class wineries will keep you coming back.

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We currently feature 52 luxury properties in South Africa

 
The Marly Boutique Hotel & Spa

The Marly Boutique Hotel & Spa

Cape Town, South Africa

star star star star star

An urban getaway, elevated above the chic and stylish suburb of Camps Bay

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Kensington Place

Kensington Place

Cape Town, South Africa

star star star star star

A beautiful boutique hotel on the slopes of Table Mountain

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Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Cape Town, South Africa

star star star star star

An ultra-cool and glamorous hotel in the heart of Cape Town

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Winchester Boutique Hotel

Winchester Boutique Hotel

Cape Town, South Africa

star star star star

A timeless luxury hotel along Cape Town’s Sea Point promenade

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Cape Grace

Cape Grace

Cape Town, South Africa

star star star star star

A luxury waterfront retreat with classic décor, warm hospitality and easy access to Cape Town’s main attractions

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One&Only Cape Town

One&Only Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa

star star star star star

A chic Cape Town resort with unmatched facilities

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Victoria & Alfred Hotel

Victoria & Alfred Hotel

Cape Town, South Africa

star star star star

A landmark hotel where history and luxury combine.

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Gorah Elephant Camp

Gorah Elephant Camp

Eastern Cape, South Africa

star star star star star

A luxury safari lodge amid the awe-inspiring Addo Elephant National Park

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Amakhala Safari Lodge

Amakhala Safari Lodge

Eastern Cape, South Africa

star star star star

Amakhala Game Reserve promises an authentic safari experience, overlooking a waterhole where monkeys come to play, and zebras quench their thirst.

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Settlers Drift

Settlers Drift

Eastern Cape, South Africa

star star star star star

A luxury tented lodge tucked away in the Kariega Wilderness

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Showing 10 out of 52 luxury properties

Highlights

From vibrant cities to awe-inspiring valleys, dramatic mountain ranges and thrilling activities to magical memories of the wildlife and hospitality from your trip, South Africa will draw you in and never let you go

Culture

The theme running throughout South Africa is diversity, and with eleven official languages, South Africa is most certainly culturally diverse. Much of its areas are populated by distinct cultures which have survived through time. In KwaZulu-Natal, you will find the colourful celebrations of Zulu culture and, of course, Dutch influences are felt throughout the country in language, food and architecture, to name a few. Today, a strong arts scene brings together South Africa’s many cultures in its cosmopolitan cities.

Culture
Food & Wine

Food & Wine

The warm and verdant coast of South Africa lends a Mediterranean climate that is rather famously conducive to the production of its world-famous wine and al fresco dining scene. The Winelands’ quaint towns and lush hills make the perfect backdrop for epicurean tourists to experience the finest gastronomic delights. Although esteemed vineyards may receive the majority of the plaudits, a long and varied coastline stretching from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean provides a diverse and ultra-fresh seafood offering.

History

South Africa does indeed have a tumultuous past. The well-documented apartheid era was a major focal point of South Africa’s recent history but now makes a trip here a great opportunity to learn. Visitors can take a trip to Robben Island, the site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned before later becoming president. Today, South Africa celebrates ‘Ubuntu’ a word deriving from Zulu which encapsulates the country’s progression and pursuit of a more diverse and accepting society.

History
Safari

Safari

Both the Eastern Cape and Madikwe offer malaria-free safari stays. Madikwe Game Reserve is currently the fifth largest reserve in South Africa and one of the lesser known safari destinations. Vast, open plains of woodland and grassland are home to the Big 5 as well a thriving wild dog population, there are concentrated conservation efforts in place within this region to protect the diminishing species of the painted dog. The Eastern Cape is home to stunning and varied landscapes, an exceptional range of game viewing and some of the most easily accessible lodges for those looking to combine safari with an exploration of Cape Town and the Garden Route. This is a great choice for families as many of the camps offer excellent facilities and activities for children. Kruger and the Greater Kruger National Park is home to some of the most luxurious and well known lodges. For a more intimate safari experience, a stay within a reserve in the Greater Kruger would be recommended as limited numbers of visitors are permitted. Big Five game can be found throughout the parks with the Sabi Sands reserve being one of best areas for an elusive leopard sighting.

Luxury Tours in South Africa

Useful Information

When To Visit

From October through to April, there can be high rainfall in Kruger which results in beautiful, lush green landscapes and amazing birdwatching but can make game viewing a little trickier due to the dense vegetation. As you enter the dry season from May, water sources dry up bringing out the wildlife and May through September are the best months for safari with August and September generally being peak time. Summer Safari’s (our winter) can also be a great time to go though as morning drives are not as chilly and during the day you can make the most of the pools at your reserve, late November/December is also when a lot of the young animals are born. Temperatures will be fairly warm during the day and chilly through the night and early morning. May is also a great time to visit KwaZulu Natal and ideal for visiting the Drakensberg mountains or for a beach stay in the region. As mentioned earlier, whale watching is at its best from July through November, and November is still off peak.

Location

South Africa is on the southern most tip of the African continent. It's bordered by Namibia to the northwest, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north and Mozambique to the northeast. The coastline borders the Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean.

Size

1.22 million square kilometres

Local Time

GMT +2

Telephone code

+27

Visa

British passport holders can travel to South Africa for a period of 90 days without a visa.

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Tipping

A 10% tip is acceptable for good service – or more if you consider the service to have been exceptional.

Vaccinations

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website.

Flying time

Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes from London

Electricity

230v/50hz using a three round pin plug so an adaptor is required

Tourist office

South African Tourism Board

Language

South Africa has 11 official languages. English is widely spoken throughout the country.

Smoking