South Africa

South Africa is the ultimate destination for the traveler who refuses to compromise. It is a land of “and” rather than “or”: world-class safaris and Michelin-standard dining; rugged mountain peaks and sleek Atlantic coastlines; ancient history and a cutting-edge creative future. In 2026, the country continues to lead the way in “high-concept” luxury, where private conservancies offer intimate wildlife encounters and the cities rival the world’s greatest capitals for style and sophistication.

From the “Granite Suites” of the bush to the vineyard-draped valleys of the Cape, South Africa is not just a trip—it is a soul-stirring immersion into the very best of what the world has to offer.

Why we love South Africa

We love South Africa for its sheer diversity of experience. It is the only place on Earth where you can track the Big Five in the morning and be sitting at a world-class jazz club in a cosmopolitan city by evening. We love the “Cape Dutch” architecture of the Winelands, the spiritual silence of the Great Karoo, and the “Rainbow Nation” spirit that makes every visitor feel a sense of belonging. It is a country that offers a seamless, high-end infrastructure while remaining deeply connected to its wild, untamed heart.

The Most Beautiful Places in South Africa

From the “Mother City” to the red dunes of the north:

1. Cape Town & The Atlantic Seaboard

Commonly voted the most beautiful city in the world, Cape Town is a masterclass in dramatic geography. In 2026, the city’s luxury scene reaches new heights with the opening of the Cape Town EDITION at the V&A Waterfront. Beyond the iconic Table Mountain, the “Atlantic Seaboard” (Camps Bay and Clifton) offers ocean-facing villas that rival the French Riviera for glamour and views.

2. Sabi Sand & Greater Kruger

The undisputed capital of luxury safari. The Sabi Sand Private Reserve is world-renowned for its leopard sightings and ultra-exclusive lodges like Singita Boulders and Londolozi. For 2026, the newly opened Masiya’s Camp at Royal Malewane offers a contemporary tribute to the legendary trackers of the bush, combining “barefoot luxury” with world-class conservation.

3. The Cape Winelands (Franschhoek & Stellenbosch)

A sensory paradise of rolling vineyards and jagged mountains. Franschhoek, the “Gourmet Capital,” is home to some of the world’s most prestigious wine estates, such as Delaire Graff and La Residence. In 2026, “lux-scaping” is the trend here—combining elite wine tastings with multi-day wellness retreats at estates like the historic Babylonstoren.

4. Tswalu Kalahari

The ultimate in “private wilderness.” Tswalu is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, accommodating only a handful of guests in the vast, red-sand beauty of the “Green Kalahari.” It is the best place to see rare species like the aardvark and pangolin, offering a level of solitude and personalized guiding that is simply unparalleled.

5. The Garden Route & Hermanus

A coastal odyssey of ancient forests and dramatic cliffs. Hermanus remains the world’s premier land-based whale-watching destination (best visited July–November). Further east, the Garden Route offers hidden gems like Tsala Treetop Lodge in Plettenberg Bay, where luxury suites are built directly into the canopy of indigenous forests.

Highlights of a Tour Through South Africa

  • The “Blue Train” or Rovos Rail: Experience the “Golden Age” of travel on a luxury locomotive journey from Pretoria to Cape Town. It is a rolling five-star hotel that offers a window into the soul of the South African landscape.
  • Marine Big Five Safari: In the De Hoop Nature Reserve, experience the rare combination of a land safari and a marine safari. Stay at Morukuru Beach Lodge to see whales, dolphins, and seals alongside ostriches and eland on the dunes.
  • Michelin-Standard Dining: South Africa’s culinary scene is world-leading. In 2026, look for “Passion Pursuit” dining—immersive chef’s table experiences in the heart of the Winelands or secret rooftop locations in Johannesburg’s art districts.

Essential Travel Tips

  • When to go: For the best safari conditions, visit during the dry winter months (June to September). For the Cape and its beaches, the summer (November to March) is glorious. April and October are the “golden months” that offer perfect weather across the entire country.
  • Getting around: South Africa is vast. We recommend “Fly-in Safaris” using private charters or domestic hops to save time. Within Cape Town and the Winelands, private chauffeured transfers are the gold standard for comfort and safety.
  • Health & Safety: While many areas are malaria-free (like Madikwe and the Eastern Cape), the Greater Kruger is a risk zone; consult a travel clinic. Stick to established luxury operators for a seamless, secure, and stress-free experience.
  • Language: South Africa has 12 official languages, but English is the primary language of business and tourism, spoken fluently throughout the country.