Is South Africa just vineyards and safari parks? Think again. How about: Being invited by a family in a remote Zulu village to cook and taste traditional dishes together. Paddling by canoe on the wild Orange River and pitching your tent on the shore, with only the sound of flowing water around you. Going on an overnight hike to the top of Sibebe in the Drakensberg Mountains and being rewarded with an unforgettable view. Riding horseback through the mountains of Lesotho and getting to know the life of the Basotho people. Exploring the rugged Cederberg in search of ancient rock paintings that connect you directly to the first inhabitants of this land. Discovering the untouched coast of Kosi Bay, where local fishermen take you into their centuries-old fishing techniques. /ul>

South Africa suits every type of traveler: For wildlife photographers: chasing the Big Five with your lens or searching for that perfect shot in the bush. For families: kids seeing elephants for the first time, parents enjoying a good glass of wine along the Garden Route, and adventures exciting for all ages, from ziplining to rhino tracking. For groups of friends: endless road trips through rugged mountains, nights by the campfire, and stories that get better with every beer. For lovebirds: from romantic sundowners on deserted beaches to getting lost together in the wilderness, South Africa breathes adventure and love.

Curious how that looks? Here are our top picks: Eastern Loop - for rugged landscapes, remote safari parks, and cultural gems Garden Route - adventure and comfort for families

South Africa Travel

South Africa, our second home alongside Kenya. Here we have built our own network, mapped out our favorite routes, and have a local team that knows the country like no other. From road trips along iconic coastlines to getting lost in vibrant townships and counting stars in the desert: this is the land where every day brings something new, from safari to surfing and from vineyards to wilderness.

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A smiling man and a boy, both wearing life jackets, paddle a kayak on a lake with mountains in the background. They raise their arms in a gesture of excitement under a clear blue sky.

A black SUV is parked with its front facing left at sunset, with mountains silhouetted in the background and a golden sky overhead.

A male lion sits in tall dry grass with its head tilted back and mouth wide open, showing its sharp teeth and large fangs—an iconic sight when travelling through the wild landscapes of South Africa.

Why is South Africa the perfect country for you as a traveler?

South Africa is a country where you can truly experience everything, from the iconic Garden Route to the pristine west coast and our favorite: the Eastern Loop. Add rich local cultures, welcoming people, comfort, and amazing food, and you have a country that really offers it all.

Our on-the-ground team lives and works in South Africa, some of us with children, others pure adventurers, and together we know the country inside out. We constantly test new routes, discover unknown places, and build relationships with local communities.

For you, that means: with us, you discover the full South Africa, full of cultural exchanges, stunning nature, and local accommodations. Travel with your teenagers, friends, or partner along our favorite route, the Eastern Loop. From rugged mountain passes and tropical beaches to wild reserves, here you discover a unique part of southern Africa. For families with young kids, there is the famous Garden Route, but done the Charlie’s way: with local guesthouses, intimate wildlife parks, and places where your kids can safely and playfully get to know nature and culture. Whoever you travel with, South Africa challenges you every day to an unforgettable adventure.

Discover South Africa with our local partners

In this video, our Charlie’s Angels Anna and Emiel immerse themselves in Zulu culture with a cooking workshop! They are warmly welcomed by our friends Stocks, Nomasonto, and Nokwanda. Together with this lively, lovely family, they learn everything about Zulu traditions. It promises to be a day full of delicious food, chatting, and enjoying. Check the video here!

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   Auralie Blauwbloeme 
 34 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic trip through Namibia with two families with teenagers. The trip was fully planned according to our wishes and tailored to the composition of the group. The personal approach, the communication, the preparation… everything was top-notch. Our next trip to Africa will be with Charlie's Travels again!

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   GoeVerhaal. 
 74 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our honeymoon to Namibia with this organization, and how fantastic was it? We received clear information beforehand, they used a detailed app, and we received thoughtful messages before and during the trip to check in. Truly an organization with a heart for the mission of showcasing the beauty of Africa. When we looked into the organization further after the trip, we understand why. Thank you for everything! We didn't feel like just a number, received incredibly quick answers to questions before and during the trip, and received a beautiful, customized itinerary where everything was perfectly arranged everywhere on-site. You gave us the trip of a lifetime ❤️ Best regards and see you again! Laura and Arne

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   Wolfeew 
 285 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been to Africa with Charlie's multiple times – Kenya, Uganda, and most recently to Angola: Friendliness and rawness personified, a delightful mix of pure Africa and Portuguese influences. Beautiful, untouched nature, tranquility, and fantastic people. From desert to jungle, from canyons to waves crashing against the rugged coast – what a country. It's wonderful to be taken under Charlie's wing!

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   Tessa Tuk 
 323 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Last October, I went on a pioneering trip to Malawi with Charlie's Travels, and it turned out to be a unique experience. The moments that stuck with me the most are the beautiful hike through Nyika National Park, where we camped in the middle of nature and zebras walked past our tent in the morning; and the evening we all dove into a local pub and danced the night away with the locals. The paradisiacal Likoma Island and the car rides through the stunning African landscape, with spontaneous stops at local bars along the way, are also memories that will stay with me for a long time. Malawi is called 'the warm heart of Africa,' and that is exactly how it felt. It was amazing to discover this country with Charlie's Travels and a wonderful group of people. Highly recommended!

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   Saskia Looijen 
 344 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was a fantastic experience to go pioneering in Malawi with Charlie's Travels. Truly the warm heart of Africa, with very friendly and open people. Malawi is a country with so many different things to do. We explored the lesser-known north: hiking in Nyika National Park with stunning views over colorful hills, an exciting boat trip across Lake Malawi, and beach vibes and lots of beautiful birds on Likoma Island. There are also beautiful bays and hidden spots along Lake Malawi. The roads are getting better but offer challenges here and there, which is highly recommended for the more adventurous traveler. The setup and organization by Charlie's Travels were excellent, always flexible and tailored to everyone's wishes.

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   Jonna Kouwenberg 
 344 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our trip through Malawi was truly fantastic. Charlies Travels arranged everything for us down to the last detail. The encounters along the way with the approachable and friendly locals will stay with me forever. Although it is not yet very touristy, the accommodations we visited are truly beautiful and well worth it. If you really want to discover Africa and experience an authentic adventure, Charlies Travels is highly recommended.

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 375 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked our first trip to Africa with Charlies and can recommend them 100%. Our trip to Kenya was unique, especially our stay in the Mount Souswa area. Charlies was always available and made everything possible for us. Not only the customers but also the people who work for Charlies are treated with respect. Thank you, Charlies Travel, we'll be back!

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 437 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We took a wonderful trip through Uganda with our 15 and 14-year-old kids via Charlie's Travels. Everything was arranged perfectly and the execution was amazing. The communication before and during the trip (thanks Em!) was top-notch, and the trip itself was top-notch: accommodations, activities, food: top-notch! Our driver/guide Zack was the best we could have wished for. Are you going to Uganda? Ask if he can be your driver/guide: a very good driver, calm, friendly, and helpful! We can only speak highly of it and definitely recommend booking an Africa trip through Charlie's Travels. And Uganda is beautiful; we understand why it is called the Pearl of Africa.

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The highlights of travel through South Africa

Use the map and the information to check your favourite places.

Unique experiences

Is South Africa just vineyards and safari parks? Think again. How about:

Being invited by a family in a remote Zulu village to cook and taste traditional dishes together.
Paddling by canoe on the wild Orange River and pitching your tent on the shore, with only the sound of flowing water around you.
Going on an overnight hike to the top of Sibebe in the Drakensberg Mountains and being rewarded with an unforgettable view.
Riding horseback through the mountains of Lesotho and getting to know the life of the Basotho people.
Exploring the rugged Cederberg in search of ancient rock paintings that connect you directly to the first inhabitants of this land.
Discovering the untouched coast of Kosi Bay, where local fishermen take you into their centuries-old fishing techniques.

Safari without a crowd

Skipping Kruger because it’s too touristy? Absolutely. South Africa is full of beautiful, quiet safari spots:

Greater Kruger: spot the same Big Five as in Kruger Park, but without the jeep traffic—raw and intimate safari feeling guaranteed.
Tembe Elephant Park: a hidden gem, quiet and pristine, where you drive among the largest elephants in the world.
Manyoni: our absolute favorite, a place where you not only spot wildlife but also participate in rhino conservation and track pangolins with rangers.
Bayala: small-scale, warm, and personal, here you are welcomed like family and stand eye to eye with the bush.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi: South Africa’s oldest park, with rolling green hills and an impressive concentration of rhinos.

South Africa suits every type of traveler:

For wildlife photographers: chasing the Big Five with your lens or searching for that perfect shot in the bush.
For families: kids seeing elephants for the first time, parents enjoying a good glass of wine along the Garden Route, and adventures exciting for all ages, from ziplining to rhino tracking.
For groups of friends: endless road trips through rugged mountains, nights by the campfire, and stories that get better with every beer.
For lovebirds: from romantic sundowners on deserted beaches to getting lost together in the wilderness, South Africa breathes adventure and love.

Best time to travel

South Africa can be visited year-round, but here are some highlights:

May to September (dry season): perfect for safaris—animals are easier to spot.

November to March (summer): ideal for beach days and lush landscapes.

Our favourite routes

Curious how that looks? Here are our top picks:

Eastern Loop - for rugged landscapes, remote safari parks, and cultural gems
Garden Route - adventure and comfort for families

Request a travel proposal for your travel in South Africa

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Our team lives and works in Africa

We create our own routes

Your trip is completely tailor-made

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Example trips through South Africa

Example trip

South Africa's Eastern Loop – mountains, bush, and sea!

Start with a visit to the vibrant Johannesburg, travel towards the coast, go on an adventurous overnight hike.

Discover this route

Example trip

From wild South Africa to tropical Mozambique

Brave the Sani Pass and explore the area on horseback or hike! Spot the Big Five from the bush and…

Discover this route

Example trip

Adventure and comfort on the Garden Route

The world famous Garden Route. This iconic route is often praised as the most beautiful in the country, and rightly…

Discover this route

Blog

Nature lovers: nature in South Africa

South Africa is an incredibly large country. So big, in fact, that this country fits over 30 times the size of the Netherlands. Yes, thirty times! South Africa is therefore home to everything from lush jungles to vast savannahs and from the rugged ocean to the most impressive mountains.

Blog

South Africa’s Most Beautiful Coastal Towns!

Blog

4×4 selfdrive in Southern Africa

Blog

Traveling to South Africa with your toddler?

Plan your South Africa travel

South Africa Travel

Why is South Africa the perfect country for you as a traveler?

Discover South Africa with our local partners

Want to contact us?

10.000+ happy travellers went before you

The highlights of travel through South Africa

Request a travel proposal for your travel in South Africa

South Africa is my home; I’m happy to advise you on the best trip based on your wishes!

With Charlie's Travels, you choose for fair and local travelling

Our team lives and works in Africa

We create our own routes

Your trip is completely tailor-made

100% insured and safe on your trip

Example trips through South Africa

South Africa's Eastern Loop – mountains, bush, and sea!

From wild South Africa to tropical Mozambique

Adventure and comfort on the Garden Route

Travel stories of our travellers in South Africa

Plan your South Africa travel together with someone who lives there. Anna creates a proposal that matches your wishes.