South Africa: Cheaper than Ever for 2016

Why now is the time to go

The rand recently hit an all-time low against the pound, so you’ll get more for your money than ever before. And with the England cricket team touring South Africa from 15 December, 2015, to 21 February, 2016, early next year is a great time to visit for sport fans. South Africa has plenty to offer UK travellers - take your pick from a city break in Cape Town (which also happens to be home to some of the country’s best beaches), spot the Big Five on a safari in Kruger National Park or opt for a relaxing holiday on one of the endless sandy beaches. Despite the relatively long flight time, South Africa is just two hours ahead of the UK, meaning jet lag is kept to a minimum.

South Africa is known for

A unique mix of cultures, natural beauty and amazing wildlife. Cities such as Cape Town and Durban are very modern, with a similar feel to some European cities. South Africa is home to a combination of wildlife and adventure that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the world. Whether you want to get up close and personal with a pack of lions, go diving with sharks, bungee jump or skydive (or all of the above), this is the place to do it.

Insider tips

Cape Town is a must for any South African itinerary and the hip, arty suburb of Woodstock near the harbour is one of our favourite places. Take some time to explore the galleries, boutique shops and many restaurants - we recommend the Pot Luck Club, where a smoked beef fillet with truffle will set you back R110 (roughly £5). You will need to book in advance. Just outside the city is the beautiful wine-making region of Stellenbosch - you can either head out on a day trip from the city, or take it at a more leisurely pace by following a multi-stop wine route.

Best time to visit

This depends on what you’re going to South Africa for. The best time to visit most of the safari parks is from May to September, as this is the dry season so it’s easy to find the animals by rivers and waterholes. This period is actually the low season for South Africa. For beach holidays, November to March are good months to visit, as it’s hot and sunny.

Travel essentials

Currency: South African rand Visa required? Not unless you’re planning to stay for longer than three months Plugs: South Africa uses its own type of plug – it’s similar to UK plugs but has three round pins.

Visit the website for South Africa’s tourism board for more information