South Africa

Diversity at its finest

The country at the tip of Africa is home to some of the world’s best lodges and, in the Kruger National Park, has one of the premier wildlife destinations on the continent. It’s the diversity that South Africa offers, however, that makes it such a popular destination. There are fantastic beaches, breathtaking mountain trails, world-class restaurants and unforgettable road trips, with Cape Town often topping lists of the world’s favourite cities.

The Stellenbosch and Franschhoek Winelands, just an hour from Cape Town, are also a major attraction for the quality of the wines and the incredible scenic views. While the Garden Route, with its forests and beaches, enchants all who pass through. It’s all of this, combined with the fantastic game reserves found throughout the country that sees so many visitors returning to these shores.

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Reasons to visit South Africa

  • The Big 5 of the Greater Kruger National Park
  • Garden Route’s secret wonders
  • Cape Town’s beauty and energy
  • The dramatic Drakensberg Mountains
  • The majesty of the Cape Winelands
  • Home to some of the world’s best drives

Inside South Africa

Take a closer look at some of South Africa’s best places to visit.

Cape Town

The Greater Kruger National Park

Garden Route

Cape Winelands

The Overberg

Kwa-Zulu Natal

Madikwe Game Reserve

Eastern Cape

Trips featuring South Africa

There are thousands of ways our travellers can experience Africa. Our bespoke itineraries are created to ensure your trip is just right for you.

12 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Ultimate South Africa

13 days from $13,405 per person

15 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Cape Town, Karoo & Eastern Cape Safari

10 days from $5,269 per person

15 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Cape Town, Mana Pools, Kariba and Vic Falls

16 days from $16,345 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Cape Town, Overberg, Kruger and Mozambique

14 days from $10,305 per person (based on 8 people sharing)

12 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Cape Town, Kruger and Mozambique

12 days from $9,035 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Battlefield Bush and Beach

10 days from $3,149 per person

8 nights featuring the best of South Africa

Family Cape Town, Winelands & Safari

9 days from $6,985 per person

10 nights featuring the best of Southern Africa

Cape Town, Vic Falls & Botswana

11 days from $6,254 per person

8 nights featuring the best of South Africa

Cape Town, Winelands & Safari

9 days from $8,869 per person

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Scintilla’s top South African experiences

Our favourite things to do in the land of mountains, wine farms and game reserves at the tip of Africa.

Flavours of Cape Town
Flavours of Cape Town
Guided Scintilla Winelands Family Adventure
Guided Scintilla Winelands Family Adventure
Lion Sands Treehouses
Lion Sands Treehouses
Art in the City
Art in the City
Wine, Chocolate & Cheese
Wine, Chocolate & Cheese
Cape Highlights
Cape Highlights
Walk the Bo Kaap with a Local
Walk the Bo Kaap with a Local
Kruger Shalati – Train on the Bridge
Kruger Shalati – Train on the Bridge
Purposeful Family Safari
Purposeful Family Safari
Mandela’s Journey from Prisoner to President
Mandela’s Journey from Prisoner to President
Guided Scintilla City Table Mountain Explore
Guided Scintilla City Table Mountain Explore
Guided Scintilla Cape Peninsula Active
Guided Scintilla Cape Peninsula Active
Kosi Bay Multi Day Hike
Kosi Bay Multi Day Hike
The Ultimate Durban Explore
The Ultimate Durban Explore
Shamwari Explorer Camp
Shamwari Explorer Camp
Walk Durban
Walk Durban
Walking Safaris Tanda Tula Field Camp
Walking Safaris Tanda Tula Field Camp
Fynbos & Rivers on Horseback
Fynbos & Rivers on Horseback
Tswalu – A Wildly Exceptional Safari
Tswalu – A Wildly Exceptional Safari
Marataba Conservation Camps
Marataba Conservation Camps
Tsitsikamma Snorkelling Adventure
Tsitsikamma Snorkelling Adventure
Kayak & Lilo Storms River Gorge
Kayak & Lilo Storms River Gorge
Plettenberg Ocean Safari
Plettenberg Ocean Safari
Knysna Community Upliftment Tour
Knysna Community Upliftment Tour
Franschhoek Valley Boutique Wine Tour
Franschhoek Valley Boutique Wine Tour
Fly & Picnic in a Camphor Forest
Fly & Picnic in a Camphor Forest
Cycle Constantia – a Hidden Jewel
Cycle Constantia – a Hidden Jewel
Love South Africa – Community Projects
Love South Africa – Community Projects
Tintswalo Atlantic

Scintilla's curated Southern African stays

Labotessa

Scintilla's curated Southern African stays

Pineapple House

Scintilla's curated Southern African stays

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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
Best prices

Best prices

We specialise in showing our travellers how to discover unique, locally infused experiences.
Local Knowledge

Local Knowledge

We’re based in Southern Africa and have first-hand knowledge of the experiences that await our travellers.
Responsible Travel

Responsible Travel

All the experiences and destinations we recommend support their communities and environment.
Boutique Focus

Boutique Focus

Our goal is to connect curious-minded travellers to the essence of the place they’re visiting.
Immersive Experiences

Immersive Experiences

We specialise in showing our travellers how to discover unique, locally-infused experiences.
Exceptional Locations

Exceptional Locations

Our bespoke journeys feature stylish, owner-run properties in exceptional locations.
Bespoke Trips

Bespoke Trips

Our consultants are widely travelled and vastly experienced, with expert knowledge of Southern Africa.