It has been called the gem in South Africa’s wildlife crown and tops the bucket list for countless travellers the world over. It is the largest game reserve in Africa (about the size of Belgium) and is home to the illustrious Big 5. What we love most about it though, is that it’s ours.

Keen on a mini ocean voyage? Set sail on a local cruise with MSC. For South Africans, local cruises are the perfect option for families with children under 18 (kids cruise free on MSC!). They are also an excellent choice for groups of friends who want long lazy days and party-packed nights. Plus, if you’re a first-time cruiser, spending a few nights offshore is an excellent way to test your sea legs.   

Imagine packing your bags and jetting off abroad without so much as a thought about visa admin. The good news for South Africans is that there are plenty of exciting holiday destinations that don’t require visas, or at the very least will issue visas on arrival. So if you’re itchy-footed for a spontaneous getaway, we’ve hand-picked ten of our favourite visa-free destinations for South Africans.

Who said holidays to Mauritius are limited to the beach? While beach hangs are a given, there’s more to the Indian Ocean island than its palm-fringed shores, clear seas and luminous coral reefs. Especially if you’re someone with an adventurous spirit.   

As the largest and most famous of the islands that make up the Zanzibar Archipelago, Zanzibar’s coastline is diverse – in both landscape, culture and experiences on offer.  To make sure you enjoy the best beaches in Zanzibar, check out our coast-to-coast guide: