South Africa Tour Packages

1. Best Budget South Africa Tour Packages
2. South Africa At A Glance
3. Ten Compelling Reasons to Visit South Africa
4. Major Destinations to Explore
5. South Africa Tourist Visa Guide for Indian Citizens
6. Best Time to Visit South Africa
7. Top 10 Things to Do in South Africa with Loved Ones
8. Major Events & Festivals
9. Adventurous Activities
10. Best of South African Food & Wine
11. Best of South African Culture & Heritage
12. Do’s and don’ts for an Enjoyable South Africa Trip
13. Book Stress-Free South Africa Holidays with GT

Get ready to experience the best of South Africa with our handy travel guide and tour package inspiration.

With extraordinary landscapes, iconic wildlife, urban excitement and cultural diversity – this rainbow country promises a spectacle unmatched by anywhere else on Earth. Here are ten soulful reasons to embark on South African holidays:

Table Mountain and Cape Town are beautiful places with high cliffs, bays, and beaches. Chapman’s Peak is a tall mountain road next to the ocean that has great views.

The Garden Route is a long road trip along the coast with forests, lagoons, and beaches like Dolphin Beach. The Amphitheatre Drakensberg mountains are big and rocky, and the Midlands Meander has small, pretty towns.

In the spring, the dry Namaqualand area is covered in bright orange, yellow, and purple flowers. Even the big Kalahari desert has a surprise – the Augrabies Falls, which crash into a green gorge. Bring a camera – South Africa has so many pretty places to take pictures.

Get ready to see huge animals roaming free in special parks. You can go on drives to spot Africa’s famous Big Five – prowling lions, big herds of elephants, rare rhinos, sneaky leopards, and strong buffalo. You’ll also find many other cool animals that only live here, like tall giraffes, striped zebras, laughing hyenas, and lots of different birds living in deserts, forests, and grasslands.

You can even get close to cheetahs at special centres, feed ostriches that are taller than you, or watch giant great white sharks jump out of the water. The ocean is full of amazing creatures too. You can watch whales at certain times of the year or dive in the coral reefs of Sodwana Bay to see manta rays and bright tropical fish. Seeing wildlife in South Africa is always exciting.

Get ready to be brave while seeing amazing views. You can look through metal bars in a cage as big Great White sharks swim right up to your face. Try surfing down the huge Atlantis Dunes on a sandboard or climb to the top of Baboons Peak in the Drakensberg Amphitheatre mountains. Test your courage by bungee jumping off the world’s tallest jump at Bloukrans Bridge. In South Africa, you can have exciting adventures every day.

Food lovers will enjoy the Cape Wineland farms and restaurants, which mix European, Asian, and African cooking styles. Try yummy dishes like spicy peri-peri chicken, bunny chow (curry in bread bowls), fresh Snoek fish, and flavorful Cape Malay stews. Drink special South African wines made from Muscadel grapes, like red Pinotage or golden Chenin Blanc.

Visit the beautiful valleys of Franschhoek, Stellenbosh and Paarl to find the best wines. These valleys have pretty mountains and old Cape Dutch buildings that are 300 years old. Famous wine farms like Vergelegen, Boschendal, and Fairview cover over 100,00 hectares. Raise a glass to a tasty food and wine vacation.

South Africa is called the “rainbow nation” because 11 different language groups live together happily in a colourful mix of cultures. People in Cape Town speak a special “kaapse” language that mixes English, Afrikaans, and Malay words. Try tasty bunny chows (curry in bread) brought by South Indian people in Durban, or learn about traditional African healing from sangomas (medicine men).

Go to concerts with powerful gospel choir songs or visit township shebeens (taverns) playing exciting kwaito, jazz, and house music until the morning. Let the friendly local people teach you new things through fun cultural experiences.

Big cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town are exciting, with busy markets, museums, and nightlife. You can also visit historic neighbourhoods with important places from the apartheid era that tell about the country’s modern history.

Shop for fashionable clothes on lively Long Street or Church Street while grabbing a quick lunch from a street food stall. Or watch crowds of shoppers at fancy malls like Sandton City, which has expensive brands from around the world. See how the city is changing in the cool Maboneng area, with trendy cafes and art galleries showing new ideas.

Durban is also a great place to relax on the Golden Mile beaches, with resorts, piers, and walkways like Marine Parade. Take an evening walk while street musicians play music and food stalls fill the salty air with yummy smells.

Look for lion prides sneaking through the bushes or big elephants eating acacia trees in famous parks like Kruger National Park. It’s huge – 7,500 square miles and next to Mozambique. It’s even bigger than the whole country of Israel. The prices are pretty good, and you can try to see the famous Big 5 animals – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. These animals live in the same kind of places that the first European explorers saw.

Get away from the crowds by driving yourself on dirt roads for hours without seeing any other cars. You can go to faraway water holes to watch hyena families or big herds of antelope drinking carefully while lots of birds make noise. Or, you can stay in fancy tents and have drinks while talking about what animals you saw around the campfire under the stars. No matter how you do a safari, you’ll have an amazing time in the wild.

Adorable African Penguins make their nests in big, grassy sand dunes. Visitors love taking selfies with them on Boulders Beach, just an hour from Cape Town. Close by, at False Bay, volunteers from a prison help protect the baby penguins through conservation work. Dyer Island is amazing, with 60,000 Cape Fur Seals and African Penguins hanging out together on rocks next to waters full of predators.

The cold water currents bring Great White Sharks that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. There are also other huge sea creatures like giant tuna and southern right whales that bring people for cage diving and boat rides. Under the water, colourful coral reefs are home to bright tropical fish off Sodwana Bay Marine Reserve. It’s perfect for snorkelling and diving you’ll never forget.

Hidden bush lodges give you a luxurious stay with cosy fireplaces and candle lit lanterns in fancy rooms that look out over water holes where animals often visit. Wake up to pretty orange sunrises and singing birds instead of a loud alarm clock. Many places have cool extras like outdoor baths under the stars, safari spas, or fancy restaurants that bring in special ingredients by helicopter for VIP guests.

For a dreamy beach vacation, stay in private villas on the South Coast with their own small pools. You’ll be just minutes away from swimming with dolphins or visiting lighthouses. Fancy city hotels also have great views of Table Mountain through big glass windows and cool rooftop bars for cocktails. South Africa is perfect for special getaways to celebrate important moments in your life.

Eight special places in South Africa are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – that’s more than any other African country except Egypt. These places are important because of their unique nature and wildlife. For example, iSimangaliso St Lucia Wetland Park is home to 521 different kinds of birds and 80% of the marine species that can only be found here.

The huge uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park mountains have over 35,000 ancient cave paintings by the San Bushmen and beautiful houses from the Mississippian period built by the Southern Ndebele people. Off the coast of Cape Town, you can visit the famous Robben Island prison. Nelson Mandela’s small, lonely cell shows how cruel apartheid was. But South Africa’s journey to equality through peace is unlike anything else on the continent.

It’s impossible to ignore South Africa’s powerful history and breathtaking landscapes that will stay in your heart forever. Let South Africa amaze you in so many ways on your vacation through GT.

Dynamic South Africa stretches over 471,000 sq mi, cradling vastly different landscapes and city vibes. Must-see areas include:

Crowned ‘Africa’s Most Beautiful City’, Cape Town impresses with spectacular Table Mountain backdrops. World-class attractions like Robben Island and Cape Point share space with buzzing Waterfront dining districts.

This scenic 190 mi stretch of verdant mountains, golden beaches and tranquil lagoons promises a road-tripping paradise. Route 62 is a delightful parallel alternative, too.

Spot Africa’s Big 5 – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalo roaming freely in this iconic 7500 sq mi game reserve near Johannesburg.

Cosmopolitan coastal Durban in KwaZulu Natal province blends natural beauty with modern attractions like uShaka Marine World aquarium. Nearby, the Drakensberg mountains astound, while the Midlands Meander offers laidback escapism. Try crafter shopping, hiking and cycling trails.

This dedicated luxury resort in North West province thrills with hotels, casinos, golf courses, entertainment and nearby safaris at Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

Modern Africa’s second most populous city after Cairo still retains history through apartheid-era sites while showcasing regeneration through art galleries and cultural sites.

Rolling vineyards producing world-class Chenin blanc, Pinotage and other wine varieties frame charming Dutch architecture towns like Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch, just an hour from Cape Town.

Abundant wildlife thrives in national parks and private reserves like Kruger, Hluhluwe Imfolozi, Addo Elephant, and Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Each pocket flaunts different landscapes and species.

With ample variety across provinces, South Africa guarantees an unforgettable itinerary blending city energy, scenic road trips, and outdoor adventuring that caters to every interest.

Planning a dream South African holiday takes organising logistics like securing necessary travel permits and allowing hassle-free entry. Here is a simplified step-by-step tourist visa guide for Indian passport holders:

South Africa issues various visa classifications depending on travel purposes to control foreign entry and activities per regulations.

Visitor’s Visa stays are most common for Indian tourists, allowing them to holiday, go sightseeing, or visit family for up to 90 days, maximum, per application. Extensions may be permitted through official channels.

Those invited by SA resident families can also apply for a Home Affairs Letter, easing visa-free entry and staying around 27 days.

Study Visas cater for students, while Work Visas serve employed/business travellers, including permits like Intra-Company Transfer and Critical Skills types.

Securing a pre-trip South African visitor visa takes 4 key steps:

1. Online Application

Submit required documents like passport, photos, confirmed tickets/hotel through the user-friendly VFS South Africa Visa portal serving major Indian cities. Choose suitable application centre timings.

2. Biometrics Collection

Next, visit the centre for brief digital fingerprinting completing identification protocols necessary. Wear plain clothing avoiding distractions for photos captured.

3. Status Tracking

Check application status updates online through system notifications. Roughly 15-30 days processing period assumes timely background verifications. Be patient.

4. Submission & Collection

Email/SMS informs passport readiness for collection back from the Visa centre carrying receipts and IDs for verification. Couriered delivery requires signing. Then double check visa stamps.

That’s it. Visitor visa costs around INR 5000 per person via seamless online application system. Confirm tourist/business visa subclass fees before submitting. Payment requires internationally enabled debit/credit cards only. Follow the streamlined routine for securing South African entry access stress-free.

WINTER (May – Aug) makes an ideal time for Indian tourists to avoid the extreme summer heat back home. Sunny 20°C days with low humidity keep sightseeing pleasant while cooler nights assist sleep. Wildlife safaris thrive under moderate temperatures while budgets stretch further too with lower tourism influx.

AUTUMN (Feb – April) simmers slightly hotter around 25°C but lush winelands scenery and bright yellow fields impress photographers. This is also whale watching season along the southern and eastern coastline.

SUMMER (Mid Nov – Jan) days average 30°C peaking to 40°C sometimes. Rain stays low through peak holiday crowds and prices. City cultural events like the Cape Town Jazz Festival (Mar/April) occur too.

* Temperatures vary across regions

Year-round sunny weather keeps beach time, city explorations and road trips viable any season. But Winter (SA’s early summers) makes South African vacations most practical for Indians through moderate temperatures and lighter crowds.

Holidaying with close company means crafting shared memories treasured for years. Luckily scenic South Africa overflows varied attractions suiting kids and adults alike beyond spectacular safaris. Here are ten crowd-pleasing activities:

Head to this sunny city nicknamed the ‘playground of the Zulu Kingdom’ stretching along the Indian Ocean for the 5-mile Golden Mile lively promenade. Marvel shiny high-rise hotels between piers during sightseeing tram rides. Paddle vibrant craft markets browsing handmade dolls, wire art and beaded accessories.

Little ones squeal riding rickety fairground rides or tapping street performer marimba bands dancing. Teens and parents try sandboarding dunes or pick beach volleyball. At night, the entire clan will love the dancing musical fountain shows.

An awe-inspiring natural beauty awaits this scenic full-day coach trip from Cape Town circling the peninsula. Gasping views start arriving at Chapman’s Peak Drive, a narrow cliff-clinging mountain pass drop. Next photo stop – panoramic Hout Bay beach with the quaint harbour.

Further south, the Cape of Good Hope cliffside walk impresses rounding Africa’s southwestern corner and spotting ostriches and zebras along walking trails. Families bond, stopping penguins waddling on powder beaches and glimpsing distant whales during migration seasons.

These World Heritage fossil sites contain over 40% of total human ancestor discoveries on Earth. Descend underground with guides through the Rising Star Cave system used for ancestor worship by early South Africans with kids getting their first thrills spelunking. Nearby Sterkfontein Caves are even more massive with whole rooms of relics like 2 million-year-old Mrs Ple’s skeletal remains that older children find fascinating to learn about humble human origins.

Spread over 1300 acres against the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch impresses any age as one of the world’s great botanic gardens. Embark on meandering paths under shady trees identifying exotic Protea flowers native to South Africa over millions of years. Energetic groups stride up Skeleton Gorge Trail rewarding with panoramas. Fascinating garden guides Detail medicinal plants used for little explorers. Perfect family time.

Pedal the lively beach promenade in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth cities by renting bicycles for the whole group. Kid-sized cycles with training wheels options keep families rolling together past attractions at a relaxed sightseeing pace, unlike tour buses. Frequent snack stops for popsicles, fried fish or sweet syrupy desserts fuel on-the-go energy.

These giant flightless birds fascinate kids and parents alike found roaming wild ostrich ranches around Oudtshoorn ‘feather capital’ town. Get snapped hand-feeding grey ostriches through wire fences or better yet – ride them like a horse guided holding wings for balance. Browse leather and feather souvenirs inside quirky stores too. Unforgettable up-close encounters all enjoy.

Beyond elegant wine estates dotting rolling green slopes, families find pleasant diversions around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch valleys to please every age. Older kids try grape juice tasting and marshmallow meals pairing sweet wines. Youngsters pet farmyard bunnies and goats while parents sip vintages. Many restaurants feature playgrounds that keep kids entertained for hours and special kids’ menu options too.

This Cape Town hub nurtures young creativity through scheduled family theatre performances like musical revues or dance showcases ideal for kids. Catch puppet productions at the tailor-made children’s theatre – lights, songs and laughter delight little spectators. Parents value early arts appreciation instilled through such engaging introductions.

Ride the waves together once kids are able to swim by hiring an instructor for all-age surfing lessons over 2 hours around Cape Town or Durban beaches. After demonstrating techniques onshore, venture out catching baby breakers for thrilling rides back sure to get giggles. Surfing bonds families in a new adventurous environment.

Pop into informal township taverns with a signature South African atmosphere perfect for socialising over traditional meals. Soweto offers many options – savour bunny chow bread bowls stuffed with curry or sample authentic lemony umqombothi maize beer brewed outside. Jiving bands enhance lively ambience into the night at elected official heritage sites. Such cultural experiences bring generations closer.

From coastlines to cuisines, South Africa keeps group vacations lively and engaging year-round. Discover the perfect family activity mix with GT Holidays.

Lively celebrations occur annually reflecting diverse heritage and contemporary culture. Top events for visitors to experience local fervour include:

• Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (Jan 2) – Revel the entire January with the flamboyant troupe through colourful feather costumes, face paints, music and parade floats.
• InniBos Arts Festival (March-April) – South Africa’s premier Afrikaans music festival in Nelspruit featuring 130+ artists across rock, pop and folk genres in concert.
• Durban July Handicap (July) – Fashion takes centre stage at this prestigious horse racing event with high bets at Greyville Racecourse. Expect striking hat creations.
• Aardklop Arts Festival (September) – Brilliant open art and drama performances enchant under the autumn sky in Potchefstroom for this anticipated cultural event over 8 days.
• Soweto Wine Festival (September) – Wine connoisseurs and novices alike enjoy the best drinking variety coupled with jazz performances against Soweto township backdrops.
• Cape Town Jazz Festival (October) – A world-class music event pulling 40,000 aficionados to sway to local and international R&B; funk and African sounds from 50 artists across 5 stages.
• Rocking the Daisies Festival (October) – South Africa’s iconic boutique electronic/alternative music festival thrills over 4 days amid winelands in Darling…the Coachella of Cape.
• Hermanus Whale Festival (September/October) – Spot southern right whales from cliffside whale-watching spots through this spirited celebration also packed with street performers, musicians, arts and fun in the Western Cape.
• Marula Music Festival (December) – Groove to over 10+ artists vibing of various electronic genres setting the bushy Lapa Mountain Resort landscape alive under the starry skies of Limpopo province.

Book your South African getaway around engaging events adding memorable local pzazz.

Along with Big 5 game drives, South Africa ushers adrenaline junkies to raise heart rates through daring pursuits. Outdoor fans find endless exhilaration in choosing from:

• Shark Cage Diving – Don scuba gear and submerge for electrifying Great White shark encounters around Dyer Island and Gansbaai up-close or tamer surface viewing options. Cape Fur Seals sightings are likely.
• Paragliding – Take a rewarding aerial perspective of beaches, lagoons and mountains while gliding harness-suspended from Oribi Gorge nature reserve or other coastal spots offering beginner/professional tandems.
• Bungee Jumping – Free fall from South Africa’s highest bridge bungee site at Bloukrans River jumping 710 feet secured by ankle harnesses that bounce thrillseekers back from tapping out. It’s the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge leap.
• Zip Lining – Fly Superman-style strapped to steel cables strung out over gorges, forests and rivers for an adrenaline kick. Options like Storms River’s tallest wood tree canopy glide stay unforgettable. Don’t miss it.
• Sandboarding – Atlantis Dunes allows conquering World Cup championship-grade sand peaks on boards from supine basics to advanced dune drops only 90 minutes from Cape Town and Hermanus for day trips.
• Abseiling – Rappel extreme cliffs harness tethered to ropes safely at spots like Cape Point’s 90 m+ precipice drops overlooking two oceans. Guides assist newbies and avid climbers alike.

Take it up a notch chasing magnificent Great White sharks or sliding towering dunes. Factor adventure time beyond iconic safaris and sightseeing even families enjoy tamer quad biking/hiking options together. Let South Africa get your heart thumping.

Tantalise taste buds through Cape fusion gastronomy blending European, Asian and indigenous African cuisine cooking techniques and ingredients. Plus world-acclaimed vineyards await.

Tuck into authentic specialities like chakalaka curries (spiced beans), pap mealie porridge, savoury South African chutney relishes and famous bunny chow (hollow bread bowl stuffed with curry). Braai(BBQ) seasoned meats like spicy beef sausages, tender ostrich fillet and game meats take centre stage on the grill. Locals also relish Portuguese-influenced peri peri chicken, Indian bunnies at Durban balti houses and British-inspired high tea fare.

Among 21 wine-growing regions, explore South African Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and other celebrated estate varietals along routes like Franschhoek, Stellenbosch or Paarl. Taste award winners scoring higher than Californian cult classics. Or discover craft gins, whiskey, ciders and beer like the iconic ZAR brand. Also, sample rooibos herbal teas offering antioxidant benefits are also available bottled or on menus. Plus try exotic fruits like marula nuts that wildlife love.

Culture vultures, embark on wine valley trails through lush peaks and Cape Dutch cellars on guided tours/tasters and fine-dine lunches. Many estates also host acclaimed restaurants, festivals, and even summer evening concerts under the stars. Staying at vineyard inns maximises full foodie immersion.

Gourmet township eateries also authentically deliver resident tastes with welcoming character, unlike commercial chains. Order bunny chow, Moroccan stews, pineapple or chilli-cinnamon beer specials brewed out back. Some spots may seem basic counter service but offer signature flavours.

Seafood lovers, enjoy West Coast lobster, mussels and oysters plucked fresh from the cold Atlantic. Fresh fish recipes like regional angelfish to food cooked over coals reflect this fisherman’s heritage.

Go wild finding restaurants specialising in game dishes too – springbok loin, blesbok carpaccio of venison salami charcuterie plates make appetising starters beyond braai(BBQ) staples. Ostrich steak wows as lean red meat while egg ones top burgers and pizzas. Taste.

From hopping craft breweries to curating wine valley escapes – prepare for diverse, vibrant dining adventures as part of a South African holiday.

Living history survives through ancient cave art and contemporary urban arts plus vibrant performing expressions delighting culture fans. Glean unique insights into rainbow identities via:

Rock Art – Trace early hunter-gatherer existence beholding prehistoric cave ‘Brush and Stone Age’ paintings in uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park tracing back

Planning once-in-a-lifetime South African holidays takes organising to maximise enjoyment in exploring this fascinating country. Here are crucial travel etiquette pointers ensuring smooth hassle-free vacationing:

Do’s

• Respect wildlife and local communities
• Follow access restrictions, noise policies, and waste advisories
• Support conservation initiatives and avoid plastic use
• Learn basic greetings and practice recommended safety measures
• Consider multi-day stays at game reserves and book luxury wildlife lodges in advance
• Fly between cities to avoid exhausting road distances
• Try traditional meat dishes with milder spice levels and experience authentic flavours
• Ask for grape juice tastings at wine farms for children under 18

Don’ts

• Don’t jest about crime issues
• Don’t disregard driving challenges on self-guided holidays
• Don’t overschedule daily activities
• Don’t allow rigid wishlist expectations to dictate your holiday
• Don’t miss out on absorbing cross-cultural aspects and meaningful engagements

Tips:

• Be selective and play to the strengths of particular regions
• Go with an open mind and discover what makes South Africa an unforgettable travel treasure
• Embrace the Ubuntu connection to deepen your understanding of the Rainbow Nation

What Needs Doing

Respect wildlife and local communities. Follow rules and don’t disturb nature. Take photos only where allowed. Help protect nature by donating or volunteering. Avoid using plastic to keep the environment clean for the future.

Learn basic greetings like ‘Molweni’ or handshakes. Being friendly helps you connect with people. Be careful in big cities – hide your phone and don’t show off money. Keep your valuables in the hotel, not in your car. Most locals are nice if you give them a chance.

Stay at game reserves for a few days to really enjoy the experience. South Africa is big, so you lose time travelling. Luxury lodges have limited space, so book early for June to October safaris. Fly between cities instead of driving long distances, which can be tiring. Take time to rest when moving around.

Try traditional meat dishes, but ask for less spice so you can enjoy the different flavours – like Malay curries or Portuguese barbecues. Cities have food for all tastes, so ask for what you like, but also try new things. Wine farms offer grape juice for kids under 18 who can’t drink alcohol. Special experiences make your trip more meaningful.

What to Avoid

Don’t joke about crime in South Africa. The country is working hard to make things safer for tourists. Be careful when you travel – hide your belongings and avoid empty, dark places at night. But don’t think that trouble will always happen. Be safe, but don’t expect the worst.

Don’t ignore how hard it can be to drive in South Africa if you’re on your own. Rental cars can have problems on the left-side highways or with wild animals on the road. Know that it’s harder to get help in rural areas. Plan extra time and gas stops for your trips. Or, take shuttles or guided safaris instead of driving. Driving here is different – going to game reserves is even riskier. Go slower and look carefully before passing other cars.

Don’t try to do too much in a short time. You won’t get to really enjoy each special place. Rushing from town to town on bus tours can make you tired of museums. Focus on what each region is best at – like spending time just in the Cape Winelands instead of adding it to the end of a safari. People are happiest and have the best memories when they take their time to experience South Africa’s different places. Quality is always better than quantity.

Get personalised guidance crafting suitable trip plans catering for every interest and style through Rainbow Country specialists GT Holidays. Our travel consultants assist in handpicking destinations, experiences and hotels delivering memorable comfortable holidays matching individual needs and priorities effortlessly. Contact for exclusive rates and offers applicable savings of over 20% on standard packages. Start packing soon embracing Mzansi(local name) magic with GT.