Overview Country

South Africa
Big game and great scenery in the Rainbow Nation

Colorful huts at the beach in Cape Town, South Africa

Where to start exploring this wonderful vast country? South Africa has so much to offer: abundant wildlife, pristine wilderness, cool cities, all with a big warm welcome. And as the country is over twice the size of France, there’s certainly a lot to see. We can show you vineyards in the countryside, hipster city bars, or breezy and beautiful Cape Town. Let’s go on a safari or venture to the southern tip for marine wildlife. It’s all waiting for you.

The Nelson Mandela Monument made of steel columns by South African artist Marco Cianfanelli
where it is

Where it is

Southern Africa

When to go

When to go

May to September

Why go there

Why go there

Stunning coastlines
Wildlife watching
Dramatic landscapes

what to see

What to see

Cape Town
Vineyards
Kruger National Park

Riding the Chapman's Peak Drive offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa.

From table to cape

Riding the Chapman's Peak Drive offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa.

Start with the views from Table Mountain overlooking Cape Town then drive the (114!) bends on the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Route to the Cape of Good Hope.
Get ready for Cape Town

Experience a safari in style at Ebony Lodge Singita in South Africa

Safari in style

Experience a safari in style at Ebony Lodge Singita in South Africa

The roar of a lion, trumpet of an elephant, or clink of ice in a sundowner after a day’s safari? All of it’s possible in Kruger National Park.

Drive along the garden route in South Africa and see special flowers like the pincushion proteas

Gardens of paradise

Drive along the garden route in South Africa and see special flowers like the pincushion proteas

There’s nothing quite driving like the Garden Route for its beautiful coastline, quaint towns, indigenous forests and gorgeous flowers (of course!)

Enjoy a cheeky glass of wine in Stellenbosch, South Africa

A cheeky glass of wine

Enjoy a cheeky glass of wine in Stellenbosch, South Africa

The Franschhoek winelands produce superb wines as the grapes flourish under hot sunshine. Visit boutique wineries and stay in luxury hotels. Ask us for more details.

Game Drive at sunrise in Singita nationalpark in South Africa

Travel in South Africa

Game Drive at sunrise in Singita nationalpark in South Africa

If you are short on time, flying between key destinations may be the quickest way to get around, but you could take it slow with the romance of rail travel. Ask us about the Blue Train and other bespoke train journeys where you can sit back in luxury and watch wonderful scenery unfold around you. Or you could drive (or be driven) on dramatic coastal roads worthy of a James Bond Film. Let Cosa plan your perfect trip.

South Africa facts

The Republic of South Africa (population around 60 million) is also known as the Rainbow Nation reflecting its cultural diversity. It has eleven official languages including English which is widely spoken throughout the country. There are three capital cities: Cape Town (legislative), Pretoria (administrative), and Bloemfontein (judicial). Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, both of them Nobel Peace Prize winners, had houses on Vilakazi Street in Soweto. South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road.

How to know the time zone

Time zone

UTC +2

Check the flight time

Flight time

11 hours from Switzerland

local currency

Local currency

South African rand

Dial code by country

Dialling code

+27

South Africa