A Step From City to Safari

The Seasons of South Africa | Best Time to Travel

The cooler months of May to September offer the perfect time to view game in the still, tranquil velds and also make for the perfect excursion to Cape Town afterwards. While you may not experience the sunshine and heat of the summer months (November to March), you’ll be in plenty of company in enjoying the good food and atmospheric hush of the city. For a purely pleasurable beach trip without the crowds, try local’s favourite Plettenberg Bay in late March or challenge yourself to a quick sunrise hike up Lions Head for unparalleled views and a cooler climate.

Flight Time (New York to Cape Town) - 14 hours 25 minutes

Flight Time (London to Cape Town) - 11 hours 35 minutes

Flight Time (Singapore to Cape Town) - 14 hours

As a vibrant and diverse destination, South Africa captivates discerning travellers and locals with its developing culinary stronghold. Its blended countenance, drawn from its varied roots of origin with European and native influences coming together, create a quilt of history, education and culture for all to see and experience.

Cape Town, with its iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop, stands as a gateway to South Africa's culinary journey. Here, a thriving food scene unfolds, seamlessly merging the city's cosmopolitan spirit with its historical roots. From the heaving markets of the Bo-Kaap, where you can indulge in the sweet curried scent of Cape Malay spices or delight in the delicious traditional koeksisters, to the chic waterfront restaurants that offer fresh seafood and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is a microcosm of South Africa's diverse culinary landscape.

Venturing into the Cape Winelands, rolling vineyards create a picturesque setting for a world-class meeting of wine and gastronomy. Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, in particular, showcase critically acclaimed vineyards, serving the signature Pinotage paired with gourmet experiences. However, this is not exclusive to the capital city and its surrounding area - from the sophisticated Johannesburg kitchens to local restaurants in Durban, you’ll find intricate combinations of modernity and tradition; in the reimagining of bobotie and heaped servings of malva pudding.

A trip to the rainbow nation, however, cannot be completed without indulging in an evening braai; South Africa’s answer to the barbecue phenomenon. These feasts, traditionally cooked on local wood but more often now charcoal, celebrate the local meat such as boerewors and fish which make up much of the cuisine. Accompanied by braaibroodjie (traditional braai bread) and an assortment of side dishes you’ll be encouraged to join in the spirit of the braai; sharing ingredients, cooking communally, and spending time with loved ones. A braai is not the only meal showcasing the culinary skills of South Africa; whether visiting the 14-course dining experience at Gold in Cape Town, or dining on a reserve in Kruger National Park, the excellence and beauty of this country’s culinary language will shine through.