South Africa Tours & Holidays

Booking your South Africa holiday with Newmarket Holidays means you’ll benefit from our expertise, personalised service, and carefully curated itineraries. Our dedicated team ensures hassle-free travel, offering immersive experiences that showcase South Africa's vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife. From arranging comfortable accommodation and convenient transport to including experienced local guides, we handle every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable holiday.

South Africa is famous for its vast grasslands, national parks, abundant wildlife, vineyards, safaris, diverse cities and rugged coastlines.

In general South Africa is a year-round holiday destination with varying climates across different parts of the country. For a safari experience in South Africa the UK summer months (May to October) offer a great time for wildlife watching when it is winter and cooler temperatures. 

South Africa has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of which include: Robben Island, Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, Mapungubwe Heritage Site, Cradle of Humankind and more.

The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR), symbolised as 'R'. It's recommended to exchange your money into Rand for ease during your stay. Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted throughout major cities and tourist areas. ATMs are readily available across urban and most rural regions. For the most accurate and up-to-date exchange rates, please visit XE.

British passport holders typically don't require a visa for short tourist visits (up to 90 days). However, entry requirements can change, so it's best to check the Foreign Office travel advice before your trip.

South Africa has 11 official languages. English is widely spoken and understood, making travel straightforward for visitors.

Vaccinations are not compulsory for travel to South Africa from the UK, but vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and tetanus are usually recommended. Malaria precautions might be necessary depending on the areas you visit. Consult your GP or travel clinic for advice tailored to your itinerary.

Tap water in major cities and tourist areas like Cape Town and Johannesburg is generally safe to drink. However, bottled water is recommended in more rural areas.

South Africa is renowned for its incredible wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. You can also spot giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hippos, and a variety of bird species across national parks and reserves such as Kruger National Park.

South Africa uses a 230V power supply and a three-pin plug (type M). Travellers from the UK will require a suitable adaptor, which can easily be purchased before travel or at international airports.