South Africa holiday rentals: houses & more

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Destination guide

South Africa holiday lettings

Surrounded by Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent. With its mass of people from diverse cultures, including Sub-Saharan, European and Asian, all gathering together to share their heritage, this wide range of cultures have led the country to be commonly known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’. As a hub of various national customs and home to vast and resplendent landscapes, it’s no wonder so many travellers choose South Africa homes for their holiday lettings.

History

History around South Africa villa rentals

The area surrounding South Africa’s villa rentals has a long and pronounced history. In fact, South Africa is home to ancient and significant archaeological and human-fossil dig sites, including Sterkfontein, one of the richest locations for hominin fossils in the world and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site located in an area known as ‘The Cradle of Humankind’, zones of great palaeontological significance which provide numerous insightful tours, as well as kid-friendly maropeng cave tours. Table Mountain is another popular travellers’ attraction with a rich history behind it, including the evidence of prehistoric inhabitation of the indigenous Khoikhoi people. Maybe you’d like to take a tour of the 17th-century Castle of Good Hope, crafted by the Dutch East India Company as a fort during the turbulent year of 1664, when tensions with Great Britain and the Netherlands reached a boiling point. South Africa was also home to renowned civil rights leader Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician and philanthropist, who was the first black man to become the country’s head of state and the first to be elected in a fully representative election.

Outdoor activities

Things to do near South Africa holiday lettings

Finding a way to spend your days while remaining close to your holiday home is no problem in South Africa, with such majestic attractions as the Addo Elephant National Park, which also houses lions and black rhinos, or you may prefer a panoramic view of the city of Cape Town from atop Lion’s Head mountain. It won’t matter how you decide to spend your time here, because as soon as you get out and explore the country, you’ll be reassured that you’ve made the best holiday rental choice.

How to get around

Transportation around South Africa holiday rentals

Once in South Africa, you’ll have your choice of transport options to get you from the airport to your holiday cottage. Boating ports and railways are available throughout the country, as well as car services. A great majority of people choose to use the minibus taxis, as they are quite low-priced. Car rentals are relatively inexpensive and a good way to navigate the region. There are some more well-established rental companies, as well as local options to choose from. It should be noted that while taxis are readily available, they must typically be arranged beforehand.

Food & drink

Dining around South Africa holiday cottages

You’ll find no shortage of restaurants and cafes near your holiday home, with menus as diverse as the country’s population. Popular dishes such as ceviche with nettle granita, shortbread with dark chocolate and duck with cauliflower and cheese are just a few of the delicious options you can find at local dining establishments. Many restaurants also offer outdoor patio seating and live entertainment.

Essential info

Facts for the trip to South African holiday homes

You should know the local lingo of the area surrounding your holiday rental, and South African residents speak a number of different languages, including English. However, there are some non-verbal imperatives that should be considered when visiting the country. Beginning with eye contact, South Africans tend to maintain a steady stare during a conversation, though older residents may avert their eyes as a means of showing respect to authority. Placing your hands in your pockets during a conversation can be misinterpreted as a lack of respect, and so can gesturing with your index and middle finger in the V-shaped ‘peace sign’ with your palm facing you. Respect is important to South Africans, and one way to quickly show and gain respect is by greeting them quickly and gregariously, complimenting the land and its people. The country and its people are friendly and inviting, but you should plan day trip activities with safety in mind.

Can I find a vacation rental around South Africa?

Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 3,925 vacation rentals near South Africa. From 1,871 houses to 343 villas, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near South Africa for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.

What are the most popular destinations to visit in South Africa?

There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in South Africa. From Vrbo UK travelers, the most popular destinations to visit are:

Plettenberg Bay: 70 vacation rentals
Cape Town: 2,144 vacation rentals
Camps Bay: 147 vacation rentals
Sea Point: 239 vacation rentals
Constantia: 116 vacation rentals

And Vrbo UK offers you the chance to discover many other popular destinations in South Africa! Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available in other popular destinations.

What are the main cities to discover in South Africa?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the cities with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in South Africa:

Plettenberg Bay: 70 rentals
Cape Town: 2,144 rentals
Franschhoek: 150 rentals
Knysna: 79 rentals
Benoni: 58 rentals

For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Can I find easy-access vacation rentals when traveling by plane to South Africa?

Yes of course. Our owners offer a large selection of vacation rentals near airports. The airports with a large selection of vacation rentals in South Africa are:

George (GRJ): 55 vacation rentals
Plettenberg Bay (PBZ): 124 vacation rentals
Oudtshoorn (OUH): 18 vacation rentals

For other airports, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Near which points of interest can I spend my holidays in South Africa?

Vrbo UK offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in South Africa. From Vrbo UK travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

L'Ormarins Estate Wines: 286 rentals
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: 37 rentals
N1 City Hospital: 1,869 rentals
Steenberg Golf Estate: 1,760 rentals
South Africa Library: 1,791 rentals

But there are many other points of interest around South Africa listed on Vrbo UK where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection.