Official Tourism Platforms and Trusted Local Explore Guides
South Africa is one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations, offering everything from iconic wildlife safaris and dramatic mountain ranges to world-class beaches, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. With multiple provinces, climates, and travel styles to consider, using the right travel websites is essential for planning a smooth and memorable trip.
In this guide, we highlight the most useful websites to use when visiting South Africa, starting with official national and regional tourism authorities, followed by trusted Explore platforms such as South Coast Explore, North Coast Explore, and Cape Town Explore — helping travellers plan confidently from north to south.
1. South African Tourism – The Official National Travel Authority
The official South African Tourism website should always be your first stop when planning a visit to the country.
This platform provides authoritative, up-to-date information for international and local travellers, helping you understand the country as a whole before choosing specific destinations.
What You’ll Find on South African Tourism
- National destination guides covering all South African provinces
- Visa, entry requirement, and travel safety information
- Suggested itineraries for first-time and repeat visitors
- Wildlife, cultural, adventure, and coastal travel inspiration
- Links to accredited tour operators and accommodation providers
This website is ideal for building your overall travel framework — deciding where to go, when to visit, and how to structure a multi-province trip.
2. KwaZulu-Natal Tourism – Official Guide to KZN
Once KwaZulu-Natal is on your itinerary, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism becomes an essential planning resource.
As the official provincial tourism authority, KZN Tourism provides a broad overview of the province, covering coastal destinations, cultural heritage, nature reserves, and adventure activities.
Why Use KZN Tourism?
- Province-wide destination information for KwaZulu-Natal
- Highlights of the KZN North Coast, South Coast, Midlands, and Drakensberg
- Cultural, heritage, and eco-tourism insights
- Event listings and seasonal travel recommendations
KZN Tourism is especially useful for understanding the big picture of the province, while local Explore platforms provide the finer details once you’ve chosen your coastal destination.
3. Cape Town Tourism – The Official Authority for the Mother City
For travellers heading to the Western Cape, Cape Town Tourism is the city’s official tourism organisation and a key resource when planning a visit to Cape Town.
This platform focuses specifically on the Mother City and surrounding metro area, offering structured guides and official visitor information.
What Cape Town Tourism Covers
- Major attractions such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the V&A Waterfront
- Cape Town’s beaches, cultural districts, and neighbourhoods
- Events, festivals, and seasonal highlights
- Responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives
Cape Town Tourism is an excellent starting point before diving into more experience-driven platforms like Cape Town Explore.
4.SANParks – Your Gateway to South Africa’s National Parks
For anyone planning to explore South Africa’s breathtaking natural beauty, SANParks is the official source for everything related to the country’s national parks. From the iconic Kruger National Park to the scenic Table Mountain National Park, SANParks provides comprehensive information to help visitors plan their trips.
What You Can Do on SANParks
- Book Accommodations: Reserve lodges, campsites, and guesthouses across South Africa’s national parks.
- Plan Activities: Find detailed guides for game drives, hiking trails, birdwatching, and other outdoor adventures.
- Access Park Information: Get up-to-date details on park regulations, seasonal highlights, and conservation efforts.
Why Use SANParks
- Reliable and Official: As the governing body for South Africa’s national parks, all information is accurate and trustworthy.
- Convenient Planning: From booking to itinerary creation, SANParks streamlines the trip-planning process.
- Enhances Your Experience: Knowing park rules, recommended routes, and available facilities ensures a smooth and memorable visit.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, SANParks is the essential website for planning a South African adventure, giving you all the tools to enjoy the country’s iconic landscapes and wildlife safely and responsibly.
5.Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency
Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency tasked with building and promoting South Africa’s national image both locally and internationally. It was established to create a positive, unified reputation for the country that boosts tourism, trade, and investment, while also inspiring pride among South Africans. Brand South Africa
What Brand South Africa Does
- Nation Branding: Develops coordinated marketing strategies to position South Africa as a competitive and appealing destination for visitors and investors alike. Brand South Africa
- Tourism Promotion: Shares insights about South Africa’s landscapes, cultures, and experiences to attract international and domestic travellers. Brand South Africa
- Economic and Cultural Messaging: Highlights the country’s diversity, economic opportunities, and cultural richness to strengthen global understanding and engagement. Brand South Africa
Why It’s Useful for Visitors
For tourists planning a visit, Brand South Africa provides valuable context about the country beyond travel logistics. It helps you understand South Africa’s cultural identity, national priorities, and what makes the country unique — enriching your travel experience even before you arrive.
Using Brand South Africa’s resources can give you a deeper appreciation of the places you visit, from urban centres and historic sites to national parks and coastal escapes like the South Coast.SATSA – Trusted Tourism Guidance for Visitors to South Africa
6. SATSA – Trusted Tourism Guidance and Credibility for Travellers
The Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) is a long-established, non-profit tourism industry association that represents over 1,100 credible tourism operators and service providers across Southern Africa, including South Africa’s major travel destinations. It was founded to promote integrity, quality, and professionalism in the inbound tourism industry.
What SATSA Does
- Credibility & Standards: SATSA vetting and membership indicate that a tourism company meets high standards of professionalism, legal compliance, and financial stability — giving travellers peace of mind when booking tours, safaris, accommodations, or activities.
- Consumer Protection: All members adhere to a strict Code of Conduct, and the organisation provides recourse and reassurance for travellers in case of disputes or service issues.
- Industry Support: SATSA promotes best practices, ongoing education, and safety initiatives within the tourism sector, helping ensure a positive experience for visitors throughout their stay. Satsa
Why SATSA Matters for Visitors
Travel in South Africa can involve many arrangements — from safaris to coastal tours, adventure excursions to wildlife experiences. Booking services with SATSA-accredited providers means you’re working with companies that are verified, bonded, and held to clear ethical and professional standards, which reduces the risk of unexpected issues and enhances confidence in your travel planning.
Whether you’re arranging safari lodges, adventure tours, or guided experiences, SATSA is one of the key websites and organisations to check for trusted tourism partners when planning a visit to South Africa.
7. South Coast Explore – Your Local Guide to KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast
For travellers planning a beach holiday along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, South Coast Explore is one of the most practical and user-friendly regional travel platforms available.
This website focuses entirely on the South Coast, offering local insight that goes far beyond general tourism overviews.
What South Coast Explore Offers
- Detailed guides to South Coast towns and beaches
- Information on swimming beaches, facilities, and coastal conditions
- Listings for accommodation, restaurants, attractions, and services
- Travel inspiration blogs and seasonal holiday guides
South Coast Explore forms part of a broader Explore travel network that reaches:
- 145,000 Google views per month
- 3.5 million views across social media platforms
This reach ensures travellers are accessing trusted, widely viewed travel content, while local businesses benefit from strong visibility among people actively planning South African holidays.
8. North Coast Explore – Discover KwaZulu-Natal’s Northern Beaches
North Coast Explore complements South Coast Explore by focusing on KwaZulu-Natal’s northern coastal towns, including Ballito, Umhlanga, and the Dolphin Coast.
This platform is ideal for travellers seeking:
- Surf-friendly beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters
- Family-friendly coastal destinations
- Modern resorts, restaurants, and lifestyle experiences
Together, South Coast Explore and North Coast Explore provide full coastal coverage of KwaZulu-Natal, making them valuable tools for comparing destinations within the same province.
9. Cape Town Explore – Experience the City Like a Local
While Cape Town Tourism provides official guidance, Cape Town Explore offers a more experience-driven approach to visiting the city.
This platform helps travellers discover:
- Popular and lesser-known Cape Town beaches
- Food, wine, and lifestyle experiences
- Outdoor adventures and scenic day trips
- Neighbourhood-specific recommendations
Cape Town Explore is ideal for travellers who want to move beyond the main attractions and explore Cape Town at a more local level.
How to Use These Websites Together
The most effective way to plan a South African holiday is to layer official and regional resources:
- Start with South African Tourism
→ Build a national overview and understand travel logistics. - Use Provincial and City Authorities
→ KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Cape Town Tourism help refine regional choices. - Dive into Explore Platforms
→ South Coast Explore, North Coast Explore, and Cape Town Explore provide local insight, accommodation options, and activity ideas.
This approach ensures accurate planning, local relevance, and a richer travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What website should I use first when planning a trip to South Africa?
The official South African Tourism website is the best starting point, as it provides national travel guidance, entry requirements, and destination overviews.
Is KwaZulu-Natal Tourism useful for beach holidays?
Yes. KZN Tourism offers province-wide coastal information, while South Coast Explore and North Coast Explore provide detailed local beach guides.
What’s the difference between Cape Town Tourism and Cape Town Explore?
Cape Town Tourism is the official city authority, while Cape Town Explore focuses on local experiences, attractions, and lifestyle content.
Can I plan a multi-province trip using these websites?
Absolutely. These platforms are designed to work together, helping travellers move seamlessly from KwaZulu-Natal to the Western Cape.
Why use Explore websites instead of only global travel platforms?
Explore websites offer local expertise, current information, and region-specific detail that global platforms often overlook.
Final Thought
South Africa is best experienced with the right information at hand. By starting with official tourism authorities and then using trusted regional Explore platforms, travellers gain a deeper understanding of the country — from KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline to the streets and beaches of Cape Town.
