Go Big. Go South. Discover South Africa.
- 24 September 2026
- Blog
- Virgin Atlantic Flightstore
Have your clients thought about visiting South Africa?
If not, here’s why it deserves a spot on their bucket list…
From the energy of Johannesburg and the spectacular scenery of Cape Town to the thrill of the African bush, South Africa brings together city adventures, culture, coastlines, food, wine and unforgettable wildlife.
It’s a destination where your clients can experience two very different sides of the country in one trip, from exploring vibrant neighbourhoods to heading into the wilderness for a safari. With Virgin Atlantic flying direct from London Heathrow to both Johannesburg and Cape Town, getting there is easier than ever.
Cape Town: where city meets coast
Cape Town has it all.
With Table Mountain as its backdrop, the city combines dramatic scenery, beaches, culture, food and wine. Clients can explore the V&A Waterfront, discover the colourful Bo-Kaap, head to the Cape Peninsula or venture into the Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Cape Town is just the beginning. The wider Western Cape offers everything from vineyards and mountain landscapes to beaches, nature and adventure.
Wesgro, the official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, showcases the diversity of the region, making it a great source of inspiration when building a South Africa itinerary.
Cape Town highlights
Table Mountain & dramatic scenery
Beaches & coastline
The Cape Winelands
Culture & colourful neighbourhoods
Food & wine
Boulders Beach & the Cape Peninsula
Johannesburg: city energy meets safari
Johannesburg is more than a gateway to the wild.
Known for its vibrant arts scene, food and wine, the city is full of energy, with neighbourhoods including Braamfontein and Maboneng offering plenty to explore. Sandton and Melrose Arch bring another side of Johannesburg, with shopping, dining and entertainment.
For clients dreaming of safari, Johannesburg makes a fantastic starting point. From the city, destinations such as Kruger National Park and the surrounding reserves can easily be incorporated into a wider South African adventure.
Johannesburg highlights
Vibrant city life
Arts & culture
Food & wine
Shopping & entertainment
Gateway to safari
Easy access to South African wilderness
From city sights to safari
For clients who want to experience more of South Africa, combining a city stay with a safari creates a trip with two very different sides, that's where Welgevonden Game Reserve comes in.
Located in Limpopo, Welgevonden is a private game reserve known for its wildlife and Big Five experiences. For the South Africa experiential trip, two very special safari stays will showcase another side of the destination: Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Tshwene Lodge.
Looking for a safari stay?
Mhondoro Safari Lodge
Set within Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg District of Limpopo, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa offers a luxurious safari experience surrounded by wilderness.
The lodge's accommodation includes luxury suites and a private villa, while guests can enjoy two safari activities each day, including open-vehicle game drives or walking safaris.
One of Mhondoro's standout features is its underground wildlife hide. Connected to the lodge by a 65-metre tunnel, it offers guests the chance to observe wildlife at eye level as animals approach the waterhole.
Back at the lodge, there's a spa overlooking the waterhole, a gym, saltwater pool and stargazing deck, giving guests plenty of ways to unwind between safari experiences.
Mhondoro highlights
Big Five safari
Two safari activities each day
Underground wildlife hide
Spa & wellness
Saltwater pool
Stargazing deck
Tshwene Lodge
For a more intimate safari escape, Tshwene Lodge sits surrounded by magnificent rock outcrops in the rugged valley of the Taaibos River within Welgevonden Game Reserve.
The lodge has five luxurious suites, each positioned to make the most of the views across the valley and hills beyond. Private wooden decks offer a peaceful place to take in the sounds of the bush, while the lodge itself features lounges, a swimming pool, bar, dining room and outdoor boma.
Safari is at the heart of the stay, with two game drives each day in open safari vehicles, including sundowners and snacks out in the bush.
Tshwene highlights
Two daily game drives
Bush sundowners
Five luxury suites
Private viewing decks
Swimming pool
Scenic outdoor dining
City to safari: make more of South Africa
Why choose between city and safari when your clients can experience both?
Start with the energy of Johannesburg, continue to Cape Town, then add a safari adventure for a memorable South Africa itinerary.
South African Airways (SAA) offers flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, making it easy to combine two of South Africa’s key cities in one trip. Clients can experience Johannesburg’s urban energy before continuing to Cape Town for its coastline, landmarks and surrounding wine regions.
The journey can extend beyond the cities. SAA’s network includes Hoedspruit, offering another option for clients looking to incorporate a safari-focused destination into their South Africa itinerary.
For travel advisors, SAA also brings the added value of SAA Voyager, its frequent-flyer programme, while SAA’s membership of Star Alliance provides access to a wider international network and associated benefits for eligible members.
From city culture and coastlines to wine country and wildlife, SAA can help clients build a South Africa itinerary around the experiences they want most.
Flying to South Africa has never been easier with Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic connects London Heathrow with Johannesburg and Cape Town, giving your customers direct access to two of South Africa's most sought-after destinations.
| Virgin Atlantic flights to South Africa | M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
London Heathrow - Johannesburg |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
|
London Heathrow - Cape Town Seasonal service 15 October '26 - 20 April '27. |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
Ready to sell South Africa?
Book Virgin Atlantic flights to Cape Town or Johannesburg through Virgin Atlantic Flightstore between 27th August and 20th October 2026, and you could earn your place on our exclusive South Africa experiential trip.
Seven places are up for grabs:
- Top Premium South Africa Booker
- Top Upper Class South Africa Booker
- Top South Africa Booker
- Most Improved South Africa Booker
- 2x Wild Card Places
- Best South Africa Social Promotion
Don't forget the social challenge.
Share your best South Africa package on your social channels, inclusive of Virgin Atlantic Premium or Upper Class flights, and use #FlyVirginToSouthAfrica so we can discover your package.
