South Africa - one of the premier holiday destinations in the world. A land of sunshine, blue skies, pristine beaches, adrenaline activities galore, the Big Five, superlative wildlife viewing, safaris, panoramic views and vistas, and of course, Cape Town.  But choosing the right type of holiday in this diverse country can be challenging. Where to start? Should you spend time in the wilderness of Mpumalanga, or lazing on a beach in the Mother City? Is the culture of Durban your best bet, or savouring exquisite wines on a Winelands tour? With so many things to do in South Africa and so little time to do it in, a little help goes a long way when planning your South African holiday. 

When planning your trip to South Africa there are a few things to consider, the most important being whether you want to travel independently or in a group. Do you want to follow a fixed itinerary, or have the freedom to tour the country at your own pace? 

Planning your holiday 

The key to a successful holiday in South Africa is plan, plan, plan. Do sufficient research beforehand and get prices before setting off on your journey. Remember to stick to a budget as well, or you may end up overspending.  

Tours 

When most people think tour, they conjure up images of rustic accommodation, rickety buses and groups of rowdy youngsters partying their way through the country. In fact, yours can be as luxurious as you want, if you are willing to pay of course. Tours are a great and convenient way to explore the country in all its diversity and splendor as it encompasses a wide spectrum of tastes, adventures, interests and travel styles. You can experience a luxury stay at a bush lodge in the heart of the Kruger Park, followed by a world class hotel stay in the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. The choice is yours, and you would not have to worry about a thing. With a tour, your holiday can be as varied as you want it to be. 

A lot of research goes into planning a tour to South Africa, therefore the reliable itineraries of a fixed tour is appealing. This type of holiday provides you with the peace of mind of having already paid for your trip. You know what costs are involved, so budgeting is made easier. 

Tours also involve a lot of learning, with local tour guides offering insight into the customs, traditions, cuisine and activities of the area. And if you are worried about not having enough independence on these tours, tour operators usually include some free time into your schedule for self exploration. 

Packaged holidays 

Like tours, packaged holidays usually have fixed itineraries, with hotel accommodation and transfers included in the price and booked in advance. Basically, a package holiday has the best of both worlds, you have the freedom to explore and discover your destination at leisure while still enjoying the convenience and reliability attached. Packages holidays are ideal for first time visitors to South Africa. 

Independent travel 

Independent travel means no group, no guide and no fixed itinerary. You are in control of where you want to go, who you want to go with, and how you want to do it. This is ideal for those wanting to travel at their own pace, but expect to pay more as this type of travel usually cost more than packaged holidays and tours. 

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This article was written by  Flightsite offering a guide on Travel Packages tours and holidays in South Africa.