Wine, Wildlife & Wellness: Holiday in South Africa

Klein Constantia wine growing region, South Africa. Image credit: Adobe Stock

Travellers looking for an unforgettable holiday will find one in Africa’s southernmost country. From urban-meets-nature cities to wildlife, historic towns, sustainably crafted wines and friendly locals preserving a shared heritage, expect the extraordinary on your holiday in South Africa. Direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg with South African Airways mean the country’s top wine, wildlife and wellness experiences are well within reach.

Fine wine regions

In South Africa’s sunny Cape Winelands and coastal valleys, the art and science of winemaking are complex and intricate. Follow the winery trail from Johannesburg to Cape Town for plenty of high-quality options, including: 

Johannesburg: Gerakaris Family Wines

While most wine regions are in the Western Cape province, you can still enjoy world-class wine without leaving fast-paced Johannesburg. Gerakaris Family Wines, the city’s first boutique winery, features grapes sourced from the Western Cape that are fermented and bottled on site. Sample Syrah and varieties of Chenin Blanc while trying farm-fresh cheeses, olives and Wagyu biltong—a popular snack made from cured meat.

Constantia: South Africa’s oldest wine estate

Tour Constantia, one of the most renowned wine regions, just 30 minutes from Cape Town International. Did you know Napoleon had a soft spot for South African wine? His favourite was the Grand Constance—the historic sweet wine of Groot Constantia, the country’s oldest-producing winery. Taste it for yourself on a wine tour and learn the craft of winemaking at the production cellar.

Stellenbosch: Home of the unique Pinotage

With its Cape Dutch architecture and streets lined with oak, the historic town of Stellenbosch is also the birthplace of Pinotage, a distinctly South African grape variety. Discover award-winning wineries and indulge in food-and-wine pairings that showcase local flavours, such as sour fig, oxtail pate or masala chai dark chocolate. For premium wine tasting, Stellenbosch offers well-known wineries including Spier Wine Farm, Tokara Winery, Alluvia Boutique Winery and Waterford Estate.

Franschhoek: Wine tram exploration

Franschhoek is arguably the most scenic of the Cape’s wine regions, surrounded by vineyards, colourful vegetation, dams, farmsteads and open pastures. Ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram to explore boutique wineries and grand estates set amidst spectacular landscapes. Some routes include stops at art galleries and picnic spots.

Zebra with a herd of impala, South Africa. Image credit: Adobe Stock

Wildlife safaris and animal encounters

Kruger National Park is prime lion territory, and Sabi Sands, on the western border, is one of the best places in Africa to spot the ever-elusive leopards. While rhinos and buffalo also roam Kruger, elephants are especially abundant in Addo Elephant Park. Pilanesberg National Park is another well-known location where the famous Big Five are often seen.

Make your animal encounter even more epic with one of these exhilarating experiences:  

Balloon safari in Krugersdorp

Float over the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site in a hot air balloon and spot game from the sky. Witness the sunrise and drift above rolling hills from one reserve to the next, with a bird’s eye view of meandering rivers and plentiful wildlife. This hot air balloon safari with a difference gives you a unique perspective and exceptional photographic opportunities.

Meerkat encounters at Oudtshoorn

Book a meerkat encounter for a taste of South Africa’s Karoo, a semi-desert region often compared to Australia’s Outback. See their social side as mobs of meerkats emerge from their burrows at sunrise to begin their morning routine. Although they’re familiar with humans, the encounters are completely non-invasive—sit on your camp chair and relish the slow-paced experience. 

Sail away on a sea safari

See the Marine Big Five—dolphins, seals, penguins, whales and great white sharks—on a guided boat tour near Dyer Island. You can also spot humpback and Bryde's whales from January to May, and then from June to December, the Southern Right Whales make an appearance. Love birdwatching? The sky is alive with seabirds, including albatrosses, terns and gannets, that put on a show diving for a meal or riding the waves.

Wildlife and wine tasting in Stellenbosch

Combine the best of both worlds in Stellenbosch. Go on a game drive at Vredenheim Wine Estate, which features cattle paddocks, fruit orchards, an animal farm and a big cat sanctuary. Be there at feeding time for an up-close encounter while the keepers share fascinating anecdotes about the animals. End your adventure with wine tastings at Vredenheim’s Tasting Room. Alternatively, take a horseback ride through the vineyard to see colourful bird species, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and springbok, among other South African wildlife. Sample a selection of wines from nearby Villiera Wine Estate before riding back. 

South Africa’s starry skies. Image credit: Adobe Stock

Wellness stays and retreats

Wellness retreats in South Africa are as grand as its wine and wildlife. Take the opportunity to reset with these standout wellness experiences in the wilderness:  

Hot spring relaxation

Thermal springs offer a soothing escape after a busy day of exploring, and South Africa has no shortage of them!

Bela-Bela, Limpopo

Hundreds of years ago, the local Tswana people believed the waters at Bela-Bela had healing properties. A two-hour drive from Johannesburg, it’s popular with those seeking a deeply relaxing getaway. Many Bela-Bela holiday resorts offer massages that complement the therapeutic benefits of hot spring relaxation.

Riemvasmaak Hot Springs, Northern Cape

With scenery, stargazing and mineral-rich waters heated by underground volcanic activity, Riemvasmaak ticks all the boxes. Float lazily in the pools, with temperatures reaching 40℃, surrounded by granite cliffs and untouched wilderness. The minimal light pollution in this remote location makes the chalet and camping area ideal for stargazing.

The Baths in Citrusdal, Western Cape

The Baths feature natural rock pools, as well as hot and cold swimming pools. Stay here and totally unplug—there are no TVs and minimal access to the internet. Take it slow, appreciate each other’s company, share sundowners on the deck and hike along trails that feature bushman art when you’re not taking hot, rejuvenating soaks. 

Indulge in yoga and wellness activities amidst South Africa’s natural beauty. Image credit: Adobe Stock

Spiritual retreats

Explore alternative therapies, meditation, well-being workshops and the opportunity to reconnect with nature at these spiritual-themed getaways: 

Melody Hill, Gauteng

The revitalising retreat of Melody Hill is tucked away in a pecan orchard by the Magalies River. Surrounded by indigenous bush, birdlife and wildlife, immerse yourself in calmness that invites reflection. Villas exude French farmhouse charm and South African warmth. Walk the river trails, explore the vegetable gardens and enjoy Melody Hill’s quiet, contemplative corners. 

The Temenos Retreat Centre, Western Cape

Body detox, yoga, inner growth, traditional healing or silent retreats—The Temenos Retreat Centre in McGregor delivers whatever you need. Choose a ready-made or customised retreat package and rediscover yourself amidst lush, tranquil gardens. Temenos prioritises mindfulness through simplicity and stillness, and it offers all the amenities to help you achieve it. 

Emoyeni Retreat Centre, North West

Emoyeni, meaning ‘place of the spirit’ in Zulu, sits along the slopes of the Magaliesberg Mountains, near the Cradle of Humankind. The centre is based on Buddhist principles and provides guests with a safe space away from the hustle and bustle of the city. People from all walks of life are welcome to reconnect or take a mindful pause.

Star bed sleepout

Sleep beneath the African night sky, surrounded only by the sounds of the wilderness. Most star bed setups are in the bush and feature a comfortable bed on a raised platform above the ground with no walls or barriers, so you can admire the celestial display.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Northern Cape 

Luxurious and gorgeous in equal measure, the Malori suite is a safari tent pitched on the Kalahari dunes, giving you front-row seats to breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Switch off and fully appreciate South Africa’s wild beauty with no electricity and only soft lantern light.

Samara Karoo Reserve, Eastern Cape

Samara’s opulent Milky Way star bed along the Milk River provides an off-grid experience surrounded only by the sounds of the Karoo. Indulge in a sunset picnic dinner, then settle beneath a blanket of stars.

Jaci's Safari Lodge, North West

Jaci’s Starbed Suite is a romantic safari escape designed for couples seeking something extra special. Spread across two levels, the suite features a king-size bed on the rooftop deck, perfect for starlit nights amid the beauty of the bushveld. 

Fly direct from Perth to Johannesburg with South African Airways. Image credit: Perth Airport. 

The best times to visit South Africa

For mild weather and beautiful scenery, visit between September and October or April and May. During these months, cities like Johannesburg burst into bloom, transforming the streets into colourful canvases. For wildlife lovers, the best time is between July and September, when game viewing is easier as animals often gather around waterholes. From December to March, the bush turns green and is abuzz with birdlife, another fantastic time to holiday in South Africa.

Fly direct to Johannesburg and start exploring

With South African Airways now flying non-stop from Perth to Johannesburg five times a week, there’s no better time to start planning your visit. From December 2025, Qantas will also offer a direct route between Perth and Johannesburg. These flight options make it easier than ever to explore South Africa and experience the best of its wines, wildlife and wellness getaways!

Editor’s tip: Book your parking online for a cheaper rate. You can also shop online or in-store at Perth Duty Free and pick up a fantastic deal or two. At Perth Airport, we’re passionate about ensuring passengers experience a smooth and hassle-free journey. That’s why you can also find plenty of useful resources online, including advice on travelling with kids and our guide for international travel through Perth Airport.  

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