South Africa is a remarkable destination for a luxury holiday, from guided high-end safaris through to dining in fine restaurants in cosmopolitan cities.
It is a destination where you can experience both the quiet, empty beauty of savannah lands whilst searching for the Big Five, and also the buzz of sprawling international cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg.
If you’re looking for culture, wildlife, white sandy beaches and vineyards to tour all in one beautiful place, South Africa is the perfect destination for you. On an Escapes by BFP holiday to South Africa, we can curate the ultimate luxury trip for you and ensure that you experience an unforgettable adventure.
Go whale watching in Hermanus, see elephant in their natural habitat at Addo Elephant National Park, then kick back at a vineyard whilst touring the Winelands. Let us curate your dream South African holiday with excellence at every step.
Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world and is therefore a popular starting point for people exploring South Africa. As well as having fantastic restaurants and wonderful views over the Indian Ocean, it’s a great place from which to set off on the Garden Route and discover some of the quiet beaches and beautiful guest houses along the way.
Take a trip along the coast to Hermanus to go whale watching. Depending on the time of year, you could see humpbacks, Bryde’s or southern right whales, along with seals, dolphins and a range of fantastic water birds.
Travel to the stunning Plettenberg Bay to enjoy the glorious coastal hikes with views of the sun over the crashing waves. No trip to Cape Town would be complete without a visit to the amazing Addo Elephant National Park, where you can get up close and personal with some fantastic wildlife all whilst staying in a luxurious safari lodge.
Our Escapes by BFP team are experts in seeking out the very best hidden gems in any country, and South Africa is no exception. Let us plan your ultimate luxury holiday to South Africa and discover a different kind of travel.
We can take care of every step of your holiday, from airport transfers to flights, five-star hotels and guided tours with trusted partners. Book a consultation with one of our team today.
The magnificent Kruger National Park is one of the best places in Africa to enjoy wildlife. Spanning almost two million hectares, this huge park is an oasis of biodiversity where animals are able to live safely in their natural habitat.
One of Africa’s oldest national parks, Kruger is a shining beacon of conservation and animal welfare, where animals are protected and given the space to thrive. As well as the Big Five, Kruger is home to a wide range of reptiles, insects and birds, and is a wonderful place to see the richness of Africa’s wildlife. The park has a range of options when it comes to accommodation, so whether you want to rest in the lap of luxury or camp out under the stars, there’s the perfect option for you.
If Kruger National Park sounds like part of your dream South African luxury adventure, let the Escapes by BFP team help you craft the ultimate holiday experience around this magnificent space.
Just a short drive from Cape Town, South Africa’s Winelands are world renowned both for their beauty and for the fantastic vintages which they produce. A trip to the Winelands should be on any wine connoisseur’s bucket list and the whole region is characterised by the fantastic food and drink opportunities available, all set in stunning surroundings.
There are many wine making towns in the region, and three of the most renowned, Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, all lie within easy reach of each other and can be explored in a day. It’s also well worth visiting some of the older, beautiful estates which are peppered throughout the rolling hills of the Winelands.
The Escapes by BFP team can advise on the best estates to visit when you are travelling and can arrange bespoke guided tours that deliver an intimate, exclusive experience.
The region boasts many award-winning restaurants making it the ultimate place to visit for every gourmand. There are also some glorious high-end hotels in the Winelands for those who don’t want the hustle and bustle of staying in Cape Town. Our team can talk you through the diverse and wonderful vineyards of the Winelands to help you craft the ultimate tour for you. Let us help make your South African dreams a reality.
May to September is the best time to visit South Africa, as the dry weather makes it easier to spot game out on safari at this time of year. However, the wetter months of November to February are a great time to spot birdlife, and the Cape enjoys hot dry weather throughout this part of the year.
If you’re looking to whale watch, the best time to visit is from July to November as this is when you’re most likely to spot large pods of whales who travel from Antarctica into the warmer water round South Africa to give birth to their calves.
The Christmas holidays mean December is a very popular time to visit South Africa, so it’s important to book hotels and excursions early to avoid disappointment. The Cape enjoys hot, dry weather throughout January and February, so this is a great time to visit Cape Town and explore the surrounding area.
If you’re looking to discover the inland game reserves, expect heavy rain at times, but the lush green surroundings more than make up for the slightly uncertain weather. You can also get some great deals on safaris in January and February as it’s a less popular time to travel.
By March, the rainy season is coming towards its end although there is still a risk of a few intermittent showers. The rivers are full to bursting and the landscape is particularly verdant at the end of months of rain. April is a good time to visit if you’re looking to travel round South Africa, as this is when you’ll find some of the most consistently dry weather across the whole country.
May is the beginning of peak safari season as the grasslands begin to dry out and big game becomes easier to spot.
Wintertime in the Cape is cool but not cold, so if you’re looking to do lots of outdoor exploring, this is the best time to go. It’s also when large animals are easiest to spot as the grasses turn yellow and die back. Whale watching season begins in July and continues throughout August as these magnificent creatures swim into the warmer waters round South Africa to give birth.
September is the beginning of springtime, meaning lots of animals give birth and you’ll have some fantastic opportunities to see young creatures in their natural habitats. Whale watching continues to be good, and spring flowers are out in force throughout South Africa. October is one of the loveliest months in South Africa thanks to the continued presence of the flowers and the increasingly warm temperatures.
By November, things are starting to heat up and whale watching season is coming to its end. Thunderstorms become more likely to break the heat, but the rainy season is yet to begin in earnest.
Whether you want to camp out in a national park to reconnect with nature, rest in the lap of luxury in Cape Town or do a little bit of both, the Escapes by BFP team can point you towards the very best places to stay in South Africa. From gorgeous rural lodges to bustling big-city boutique hotels, we’ve got a wide array of places to stay on our books.
To learn more about the fantastic hotels in South Africa and to start planning your ultimate adventure, chat to one of our Escapes by BFP team members today and start turning your dream into a reality.
See more Sitting on a cliff-top, Birkenhead House offers an unrivalled immersive seaside setting with a breath-taking view of whale-watching paradise, Walker Bay.This is the ultimate place to retreat and recharge where you can enjoy world-class cuisine and complete comfort.Birkenhead House’ 11 rooms all offer views of Walker Bay or the towering Kleinrivier mountain range. The hotel has a comprehensive spa menu, pool and a gym.It is the perfect location from which to explore South Africa. Near to amazing swimming beaches and incredible vineyards, this luxury hotel also has a fantastic restaurant and is the perfect place to relax.
See more Cheetah Plains is amongst the most luxurious destinations in South Africa.Each sophisticated eco-luxury lodge at this remarkable place enjoys its own full hospitality team, including a personal butler, spa therapist, culinary team, and private sustainable field guide to make your safaris truly perfect.The perfectly appointed villas can accommodate up to eight guests and include a formal lounge, living and dining areas, expansive swimming pool, entertainment lounge, chef’s kitchen and four sumptuous guest suites.With amazing opportunities to see the Big Five, Cheetah Plains brings together indulgence with sustainability to make one incredibly luxurious destination.
See more Delaire Graff Estate, cocooned in the heart of the Cape Winelands, offers a luxurious retreat with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards.The estate features elegant lodges and villas, including Garden Lodges, Superior Lodges, and two Presidential Lodges, all equipped with private pools and stunning vistas.Guests can indulge in world-class dining at the Delaire Graff Restaurant, relax at the luxurious spa, or explore an impressive art collection. This five-star destination promises an extraordinary experience amidst natural beauty and superb hospitality.
See more Last Word Franschhoek is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to go on a foodie adventure in South Africa.This stunning independent hotel is situated just a short walk from some of the most celebrated restaurants in the country, and prides itself on the highly tailored service it offers to guests. With lovely rooms, stunning pools and a verdant courtyard garden, this is a great base from which to explore this incredible region.The boutique hotel has eight lavishly appointed rooms, including two sumptuous pool suites. It boasts a beautiful restaurant, bar, private rooftop patio and swimming pool.
See more Shamwari Bayethe Lodge offers an extraordinary sanctuary of luxury, with 12 opulent tented suites, each featuring a private plunge pool, plush furnishings, and a cosy indoor fireplace. Set amidst pristine wilderness, guests can indulge in breathtaking views from expansive decks, while enjoying world-class amenities.Embark on exclusive safari adventures, from thrilling game drives to intimate guided walks. The lodge also offers a range of rejuvenating spa treatments, ensuring an exquisite blend of serenity and adventure. Discover unmatched opulence and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive news, offers,
travel inspiration and expert tips.
Escapes by BFP is affiliated with Colletts Travel, a trusted and well-established Tour Operator. Our affiliation means we are a part of a network which is ABTA, IATA and ATOL bonded, ensuring your bookings and travel are secure and protected. Colletts Travel Limited, a Global Travel Collection UK Company registered in the UK under companies’ house 01714349. For more information, you can review Terms & Conditions on the following Link
Escapes by BFP
Business First Partnership
1st Floor, 101 St Martin’s Lane,
London, WC2N 4AZ
