Skylord Cruise and Holidays
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Holiday destination

South Africa

South Africa offers huge variety, from Cape Town's Table Mountain and winelands to Big Five safaris in the Kruger National Park. The Garden Route links Knysna, Tsitsikamma and Oudtshoorn, and Hermanus is famous for whale-watching. Time difference is small, so there is little jet lag.

Region: Africa

Trip types on sale: City Break, Nature.

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Places

Best time to go

October to April for Cape Town and the Garden Route; May to September for safari in Kruger.

Who it suits

Couples, families, wildlife lovers and road trippers.

Getting there

Non-stop flights from London to Cape Town (CPT) and Johannesburg (JNB) take about 11 to 11 hours 30 minutes.

Practical

  • Time: 2 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 1 hour ahead in summer.
  • Currency: South African rand
  • Language: Eleven official languages, including English, Afrikaans and Zulu; English is widely spoken.

Typical daytime highs

  • Spring (September to November). Typical daytime highs around 19 to 22°C in spring (September to November).
  • Summer (December to February). Typical daytime highs around 25 to 27°C in summer (December to February).
  • Autumn (March to May). Typical daytime highs around 21 to 25°C in autumn (March to May).
  • Winter (June to August). Typical daytime highs around 17 to 19°C in winter (June to August).

These are typical ranges, not a forecast.

Things to do

  • Go up Table Mountain
  • Take a safari in Kruger National Park
  • Drive the Garden Route
  • Watch whales in Hermanus
  • Tour the Cape Winelands
  • Visit Robben Island

Questions

How long is the flight to South Africa?

About 11 hours 30 minutes non-stop from London to Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Is there jet lag going to South Africa?

Very little, as it is only 1 or 2 hours ahead of the UK.

When can I see whales in Hermanus?

Usually from June to November.

UK passport holders should check the latest entry requirements on GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.