South Africa: World's Best-Value Long-Haul Destination
South Africa is perennially popular with UK travellers, who go for the warm weather, stunning natural scenery and beaches, wildlife safaris and the cosmopolitan, creative pull of Cape Town. Plus, there’s only a 2-hour time difference, so jet lag is minimal.
Why go in 2017
Cape Town has just been named the world’s best-value long-haul destination by the Post Office. And despite the pound’s post-Brexit hiccups, there’s still a favourable exchange rate against the South African rand.
Insider tip
If time is on your side, we recommend hiring a car and road-tripping down the coast from Cape Town along the Garden Route. Expect winding mountain passes overlooking stretches of brilliant coastline, forests and lagoons, and Bohemian seaside towns.
When to go
This depends on the experience you’re looking for. For sun-seekers, peak season is December to February. You’ll find the best wildlife spotting in May-September, so this is the time to go on a safari.
See all of Travelzoo's 2017 Wow Destinations