We have a special place for South African travel in our hearts. And who can blame us, as it’s our home country and where our Rhino Africa HQ is located. South Africa is a very popular destination requested by our guests, and we totally get why. It’s so diverse and offers many unique experiences, so there really is something for everyone! Whether you’ve been to our rainbow nation or not, we recommend adding these unique destinations to your South African travel itinerary in 2023.
South Africa offers more than spectacular safaris and beaches…
Our Favourites for South African Travel in 2023
You can see vastly different landscapes within a short drive on your South African travel journey. From rugged rock formations to stretches of powdery white sand and winding lush vineyards to imposing fynbos-carpeted mountains, it’s all about variety here! Here are our favourites off-the-beaten track destinations you might not know about.
1. Unique Tswalu Private Game Reserve
You get a safari, and then you get a Tswalu safari. As South Africa’s largest private game reserve, Tswalu Private Game Reserve offers conservation-based luxury safaris like nowhere else on earth. And then, it makes sense that such a special destination is also home to some scarce species.
The game reserve is located on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari, featuring a seemingly never-ending arid savannah and iconic rippled ochre dunes. Against all odds, the wildlife here has not only survived but thrived in the desert climate, and today you can see over 80 mammal species throughout the reserve. Unique and endangered species like the desert-adapted black rhino, cheetah, black-maned lion, aardvark, pangolin and more all call Tswalu home.
To make it even better, you can feast at one of the top fine dining restaurants, Klein Jan, headed up by Michelin star chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen here.
Safari game drive in Tswalu Private Game Reserve
Why we love it
- Truly remarkable landscapes and rare wildlife
- Completely flexible itinerary, so you can enjoy Tswalu at your own pace
- Malaria-free area, making it perfect for families with the elderly or children, or pregnant travellers
- Exclusive-use accommodation for those who prefer privacy
Who’s it for?
Great for conservationists at heart, those seeking a romantic getaway in the wilderness or fine dining enthusiasts. Also the perfect family holiday destination as children of all ages are welcome, and Tswalu offers exclusive-use accommodation.
Experience meerkats and other animals at Tswalu
2. Historical Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands is South Africa’s second-oldest town and a hub of good food, wine, culture, art and history. It’s also a well-known student town with a vibrant nightlife.
Whether you love the outdoors or prefer sipping bubbly from a crystal flute in an art gallery, Stellenbosch has it all. If you appreciate a good glass of wine, you’ll be in heaven here, as the Stellenbosch Wine Route is South Africa’s oldest and most established wine route dating back over 300 years.
We recommend you set aside enough time when planning to stay here during your South African travel. We can promise from personal experience that you’ll want to visit as many of the plus 150 wineries found here as possible!
View over the Stellenbosch Winelands, Image Credit: Delaire Graff
Why we love it
- Plenty of wine farms and restaurants to indulge all your senses
- Many great hiking and mountain biking trails to explore
- Thriving art scene: Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, Rupert Museum, Spier Mosaic Kraal, MOK Gallery, and more
- Cultural and music events often hosted in the charming town
Who’s it for?
Art, wine, food and history aficionados will love this town. Also great for families.
Stellenbosch is a great place to go wine tasting
3. Safari Capital Kruger National Park
Okay, yes, perhaps this one is not as new to you as some other destinations on this list. However, we simply could not leave the Big 5 safari mecca Kruger National Park out!
The ultimate safari destination for anyone and everyone, you can’t go wrong with Kruger. But if you want the best of the best it offers, we suggest you go to a private reserve like Sabi Sand, sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park.
When staying in a private reserve, you’re privy to experiences you can’t get in the public national park. Therefore, you will find more exclusive and immersive safari experiences, including night safaris, bush walks, driving off-road, and more.
Meet the majestic African wildlife at Silvan Safari, the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge
Why we love it
- South Africa’s prime safari destination offers some of the best safari experiences in the world
- Home to many luxury lodges and private reserves like Sabi Sand, offering more exclusive up-close safari experiences
- Over 1,982 plant, 517 bird, 120 reptile, 52 fish, 147 mammal and 35 amphibian species
- There’s so much to do (depending on where you stay), from traditional game drives to walking safaris, horseback safaris, photo safaris, and more.
Who’s it for?
Anyone who wants to go on a Big 5 safari, particularly couples, small groups of friends and families. It’s also the perfect honeymoon destination!
Luxury in the middle of the African bush
4. Untamed Coffee Bay Coastline
Coffee Bay is a bit of a hidden gem, kept secret among us locals. However, we thought we’d let you in on it! Picture untamed coastline featuring rolling green hills, silky sandy beaches dotted with free-grazing cows, and delightfully warm Indian Ocean turquoise water. Coffee Bay on the Wild Coast will take your breath away.
It’s also a great spot for water sports in the Eastern Cape, with the warm waves inviting you to partake in all kinds of activities. Whether you want to kayak, surf, fish, snorkel, swim, dive…the list goes on.
The whole region is rich in culture and history, and you can get a glimpse into Zulu traditions during village tours.
Hole in the Wall in Coffee Bay, Image Credit: Vincent van Oosten
Why we love it
- Ideal location for watersports in the warm Indian Ocean
- Rich local culture to explore and it’s the birthplace of Nelson Mandela
- Natural beauty is astounding, and there are many sights to see, like Hole in the Wall, Mapuzi, and Mdumbi
- Great fresh seafood is available at the many beach restaurants and pubs
Who’s it for?
There’s so much to do, so it’s an excellent South African travel destination for active nature lovers.
The cliffs, beaches and ocean in Coffee Bay
5. Wild and Wonderful West Coast National Park
The West Coast National Park flourishes into vibrant patchworks of colourful wild flowers adorning its seaside landscapes between August and September, luring tourists and locals alike to marvel at its spring blooms and take Instagram photos.
But even when it’s not at the height of spring, there are incredible hiking trails to explore the area’s natural beauty on foot. Bird watching is also great here, as the national park is home to over 300 bird species.
Between August and October, the whales are in town, and we enjoy visiting during this time to watch them breach and bob in and out of the water.
The West Coast in South Africa is a great place for South African travel in September
Why we love it
- Bird watching is incredible
- Plenty of outdoor activities like hiking
- Seasonal whale watching and spring blooms
- Visit Preekstoel and pose in front of the unique rock formation and enjoy the sheltered beach
Who’s it for?
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families who want a day out in nature.
Our wild flowers in full bloom
6. Seven Worlds of Wonder, Phinda Game Reserve
For a unique conservation safari experience, Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is a must-visit destination for South African travel.
We personally love it because there’s an accommodation option and experience for anyone from the solo traveller to couples and families. The reserve houses no less than seven distinct ecosystems, sheltering a host of wildlife, from the Big 5 to over 380 bird species.
The nearby Sodwana Bay coastline also gives you the unique opportunity to experience both bush and beach in one destination! Here you can play in the warm waves, sunbathe on the white sandy beaches, or dive deep into the blue sea to admire more than 1,200 species of colourful fish and coral formations.
Sundowners on safari at Phinda are magical
Why we love it
- Seven distinct unique ecosystems
- Perfect if you want a Big 5 safari in KwaZulu-Natal
- Home to 1,000 hectares of rare dry sand forests
- Children of all ages are welcome, dedicated activities keep little ones entertained and give parents a break
Who’s it for?
Anyone and everyone, but especially good for remote romantic or fun-filled family holidays.
&Beyond Phinda Homestead Lodge, Image Credit; &Beyond Phinda
7. Most Scenic Route 62
The ultimate road trip awaits! Route 62 is a long, scenic, winding route that starts in Cape Town in the Western Cape and continues until Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape.
We love this route because it takes you through so many different attractions. You’ll travel through small farming towns like Calitzdorp and Ladismith and your fruit and wine growing regions of Barrydale, Montagu, Ashton, Bonnievale, Robertson, McGregor, Rawsonville, Worcester, Ceres, Wolseley, Tulbagh, Wellington and Paarl. Your eyes will hungrily drink in the views, and your taste buds will thank you for stopping at the many wineries, restaurants, farm stalls, and more on the way.
Reminiscent of the United States’ Route 66, the South African Route 62 combines well with the Garden Route. It’s a must on your next road trip through our rainbow nation!
Driving along Route 62
Why we love it
- Stunning scenery ranging from red soil, rugged cliffs towering above you, rivers, fruit farms, vineyards, and fynbos
- Many roadside stopovers like wine farms, farm stalls, restaurants, galleries, and more
- Combines well with your Cape Town and Garden…