Selene Brophy

Cape Town’s own dance dynamo, Rudi Smit, has been setting stages alight. Known for his electric choreography, deep love for the local dance scene, and his fierce loyalty to his UntimitiveDance crew, Rudi is all about movement with meaning. We caught up with him fresh off a whirlwind tour to Europe to talk creative recharge spots, favourite city haunts, and the dancefloor that never fails him.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by RUDI SMIT (@rudi_smit) You've just come back from Germany, tell us about it - what was the most exciting part? I was on a small European tour in Germany, Amsterdam, Paris and Malta for about 3 weeks, which was really fun! I think the most exciting part was going to the small town of Bonn and getting to see the theatre that I’ll be working in at the end of the year for two months, as I go there to choreograph the opera called Il Barbiere Di Siviglia with South African director, Matthew Wild.  When you're hosting international dancers in Cape Town. Where are you taking them to eat, drink, and get a feel for the city?   To eat, I’ll take them to Hacienda. For drinks, I’ll take them to Kloof Street House. To get a feel for the city, I’ll take them out to a First Thursday and hop from spot to spot in town!  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hacienda Cape Town (@hacienda_sa) Where's your go-to spot to catch live music or a DJ set in the Mother City? If there’s ever a Str

Armed with a deep understanding of how invisible labour holds up the world, Busi Jama has put her psychology degree and entrepreneurial spirit towards the kind of work that doesn’t come with much fanfare or institutional sponsorship.   For six years, she walked into the female centre at Pollsmoor Prison before sunrise, offering motivational talks and building sisterhood circles for wardens working in what can best be described as one of the country’s most emotionally demanding and toxic environments.  She did it without a title or salary, and knowing the rewards of her mentorship today, she’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.  These days, you’ll find her using her spare time mentoring young girls, including Black Girl Rising, a grassroots NPO founded by activist Xoli Funyani.  Jama says she looks to meet young girls where they are - emotionally, mentally, spiritually - and helps them open up through storytelling, while encouraging them through relatable voices and the same powerful formula harnessed at Pollsmoor: honest love and a consistent, unwavering sense of care and presence. “I use love as a tool for change,” she says. “Because that’s what I needed. That’s what we all need.”  This Women’s Month, we're showcasing female changemakers using their power for good. In this Q&A, Jama shares why she thinks sisterhood is the fiercest form of resistance.  Time Out: You’ve said, “I use love as a tool for change.” What does that mean in real, everyday terms?  Jama: We live in a

Cape Town’s West Coast is one of those places that sneaks up on you with its rugged beauty and its wild unpretentiousness. Come spring, the fynbos explodes into riotous bloom, and the coastline swaps grey skies for golden afternoons.  The 'Weskus' certainly has some big drawcard energy: charming fishing villages, unspoilt beaches, salt-of-the-earth food and just enough off-the-grid magic to feel like a picture-perfect escape you’d want to take again and again.  Together with my family, I've honed this West Coast meander down to a mini-break fine art over the years. Let's hit the road and soak up all the laid-back wonder.

Winter in Cape Town means it’s often more tempting to pull on your woollen slippers than your dancing shoes, but with the cold and wet weather comes plenty of great opportunities for locals to get out and discover Cape Town and the Winelands. With fewer tourists around to book rooms, and restaurants looking to entice diners to often-empty tables, now’s the time to seek out bargain deals at some of the city’s best and brightest hotspots. So, whether you fancy a weekend away in the Winelands or a glam night out in the city, here’s how to make your Randelas go further this winter. Just don’t forget the brolly. RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best indoor activities for kids in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town  

“People go to an exhibition expecting to be bored, to be quite candid, and they're delighted when it's not,” Albie Sachs tells me in a near-whisper, leaning in during the opening of Spring Is Rebellious, now on at Zeitz MOCAA. “And I think this is a total surprise,” he adds with a glint of mischief. Listening to Sachs reflect on a turbulent period in Southern Africa’s history, and his own life as an activist, is quite something. There’s a radical optimism in it. Not the hollow kind peddled by revivalists, but something more complex: a joy hard-won, defiant, and elevating. The curatorial approach, led by Dr Phokeng Setai, resists the trap of monumentalising one man (though Sachs, by all accounts, deserves it). Instead, it becomes its own rebellion against the singular hero narrative. And yet Sachs, with his signature blend of humility, humour, and piercing intellect, still anchors the experience. His personal collection, along with that of the Constitution Collection (commissioned and curated under his watch), shapes the experience. His story, including surviving a car bomb planted by apartheid security forces that cost him an arm and the sight in one eye, is not presented as tragedy. It becomes, in his words, a testament to “the intense joy of survival.” Yes, it’s a historical exhibition and a biography - but also a deeply moving love letter to a life lived in full colour. A life of freedom fighting, legal vision, Constitutional Court judge and an unwavering belief in the tr

Whether you’re here to sip champagne in a booth, sweat it out on a packed dancefloor, or chase sunrise with your besties, Cape Town’s club scene has something for every kind of night owl. Fresh off its Time Out global ranking as Africa's Best City for Nightlife right now, the Mother City is serving serious after-dark energy, from amapiano-fuelled lounges and LGBTQIA+ celebrations to underground techno dens and multi-venue dance corridors. And we’re not just talking about the clubs; the city’s late-night energy is pulsing through pop-up sets, hybrid venues, rooftop bars and basement hideaways. Whether you're vibing to a live DJ in a heritage mansion, losing yourself under strobe lights in a warehouse, or kicking off a Kloof Street bar crawl that spirals into 2am dancefloor therapy - this list is your golden ticket to the best nightlife scenes in Cape Town. RECOMMENDED:  😋 The best restaurants in Cape Town🍷 The best wine farms in and around Cape Town🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town🏖 The best beaches in Cape Town ☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town

Tucked beneath The Pot Luck Club in Woodstock’s Old Biscuit Mill, you’ll find Salon - a space that began as an overflow area and is now an award-winning dining destination in its own right. There’s a considered rhythm to service here: a storytelling Explorer Menu unfolds course by course, from cheese shaved on a girolle to the theatre of a Crêpe Suzette-inspired duck plated table-side with a three-day citrus jus. A hush falls as plates arrive - not out of stiffness, but out of anticipation. “When Luke Dale Roberts opens a restaurant, people want to eat,” says Executive Chef Carla Schulze with a laugh. “People were ordering the canapés twice over. So we introduced a main course. And it eventually evolved into an 11-course tasting menu.” Carla's been there through the thick of the evolution, leading the pass to clinch Restaurant of the Year at the 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards, where she was also awarded Culinary Innovation of the Year. In short, Salon's Explorer Menu is a globally inspired seasonal journey, visually mapping flavours across Italy, Morocco, France and the United Kingdom, while being anchored by local South African ingredients.  Karoo saffron lifts a Sicilian-inspired broth. Simon’s Town choka (octopus) is paired with miso and chilli. The reinvention of the humble ‘slangetjie’ is a quirky surprise, as each plate nudges you towards unexpected memories of homegrown flavours in the most wonderful way. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time

 “Restaurants shouldn’t always have a concept. Sometimes, they should just have delicious food.”   That’s Bertus Basson - straight-talking, a proudly local Afrikaaner, and now officially on Cape Town turf with Ongetem as his first sit-down city restaurant. It’s not just a new chapter in his food empire - it’s a full-throttle, fire-cooked, hip-hop-soundtracked rally cry for locals who simply want to eat well, without the pretence (don't be surprised by the cowhide over your table). Located inside the new Hilton Canopy Hotel on Park Road in Gardens - Ongetem (Afrikaans for untamed) is gritty, playful, and living up to its name.  “There’s already enough fancy-smansy in Cape Town,” says Bertus. “We wanted to build something for South Africans — where you can grab a burger and a martini on a weeknight or bring your missus for date night.” He’s not exaggerating - it’s the kind of spot where you can rock up in boots or heels, stay for cocktails, or order a two-course including a cheese burger (R130) and soufflé (R140), and still afford rent. This is Basson's shot at building that ‘reasonable middle’ in Cape Town dining, the kind of place he believes locals should be happy to pop into at least twice a week. Selene BrophyOngetem in the Hilton Canopy in Cape Town. Fire and food that doesn’t F...(aff) around!  If you’ve eaten at any of Basson’s other restaurants - Eike, Spek & Bone, De Vrije Burger -  you’ll know he doesn’t repeat himself. “All of our restaurants are different. It

Exploring a world-class city for the weekend or during the holidays might conjure concerns about hefty price tags, but we're here to tell you that it is possible to have some family fun without blowing your budget.   There are numerous opportunities for exposing your little ones to all that Cape Town has to offer - from free meals and supervised play areas to scenic outdoor spaces and culturally rich stops. Here’s your ultimate guide to where kids eat free and what to do in Cape Town with free or almost-free access for children.  Follow Time Out Cape Town on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!  RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best indoor activities for kids in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town 

 Winter in Cape Town doesn’t mean staying indoors, although nobody’s judging you if that’s your thing.   I admit, I often side-eye those small active groups on crisp Cape Town mornings, defying what the body naturally wants to do, amazed.   Testing your fitness limits might not come naturally, and it’s probably not a good idea to register for the upcoming HYROX straight off the bat - although I know a few folks who are totally up for the challenge, with less than a month to go.  Top Tips for Winter Warriors: Layer smartly – start warm, strip as you go. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, just because it’s cold. Sign up early – indoor events and popular trail runs fill up fast. Find a crew – training with others will help keep you accountable until spring. But whether you're a trail fiend, cyclist or tri-nerd, these events will keep you motivated all winter long. And if all else fails, these local Cape Town hikes are just as effective in keeping moving. 

Winter is in full swing in Cape Town - with snow-filled reports becoming more frequent.  A few weeks ago, parts of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal experienced considerable snowfall in the past few days and could easily be mistaken for a wintery European countryside right now.  And the latest forecast shows snow fall could hit 10cm or more across the province. Snow in Cape Town? And while Cape Town’s winter is mild by Northern Hemisphere standards, flurries of snow along the surrounding mountains have become something to look forward to despite the chilliness. Even Table Mountain has been known to surprise Capetonians with a rare dusting of snow - usually after an icy cold front and only if you're up early enough to catch it before it melts.  Recorded snowfall on the mountain dates back to the early 1900s, and when it does happen, it’s a truly magical (and fleeting) winter moment.  However, for those who live for these brrracing winter weather moments, there are a few spots that offer you a good chance of chasing snowflakes without having to leave the Western Cape. Pack your boots, grab a flask, and let’s go snow hunting.   RECOMMENDED: ☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town 📍 The best day hikes in Cape Town 🥣 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town 🏨 The best hotels in Cape Town  

Forget sweaty Santa hats and limp summer salads. Christmas in July lets us do the holidays the “right” way. Who doesn't love a crackling fire, mulled wine, rich roasts, and all festive kitsch that just hits better in wool socks? And while half the city seems to have fled to Europe in search of overpriced Aperol and questionable summer tans, we get to lean into all the cosiness, local-style.  And these days, Christmas in July can be a full-on vibe: a chance to gather, indulge, and get festive at the exact time of year when we need a little sparkle. Whether you're here for themed markets, silly jumpers or traditional feast options, it's time for a bit of festive magic this winter.  Have a Christmas in July event to share? Get in touch via hello@timeoutsouthafrica.com or tag us on socials: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.    RECOMMENDED: 😋 The best indoor activities for kids in Cape Town🍳 The best breakfast and brunch spots in Cape Town☕️ The best cafés and coffee shops in Cape Town📍 The best things to do in Cape Town  

  Cape Town’s direct link to London is getting a major upgrade.   Virgin Atlantic has announced that its seasonal Cape Town–Heathrow route will now run from 13 October 2025 to 19 April 2026 - adding an extra 17,000 seats to the summer season. From 26 October, a new double overnight schedule kicks in, with flights timed for better rest and faster onward connections to all of Virgin’s US destinations, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Orlando. VS 478 departs London at 22:30, arrives in Cape Town at 12:10 (+1) VS 479 departs Cape Town at 21:55, arrives in London at 07:45 (+1) A special Easter extension will see daily flights continue through to 19 April 2026. All services will be on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with Virgin’s signature Upper Class, Premium, and Economy cabins. Marc Harding, Virgin Atlantic’s South Africa Country Manager, says the move cements the airline’s long-term commitment to the market: “These changes give customers more seats, more flexibility, and even better connections through Heathrow – making it easier than ever to travel between South Africa, the UK and the US.”   Flights are on sale now at virginatlantic.com.    ICYMI: Qatar brings more flights to Cape Town

Effective 1 October 2025, Emirates will prohibit the use of power banks onboard all its flights, including those departing from Cape Town International Airport.   While passengers may still carry one power bank under 100 watt-hours with them, charging devices or the power bank itself during the flight will no longer be allowed. New Emirates power bank rules include: Only one power bank under 100Wh is allowed per passenger Power banks must be kept in seat pockets or under the seat (not overhead bins) No use of power banks to charge devices during flight No charging of power banks via the aircraft power supply Power banks remain prohibited in checked luggage This change comes after safety reviews highlighted increasing incidents involving lithium-ion battery-related fires caused by power banks. Power banks pose a safety risk due to the potential for thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction inside lithium batteries that can cause overheating, fire, or explosions if the battery malfunctions.  According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were 15 reported lithium battery-related incidents in 2025. Between 2015 and 2024, lithium battery fires on US flights increased by 388%. South Africa has reported no thermal runaway incidents on flights to date, with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) following international safety standards from ICAO and IATA.   What this means for Cape Town travellers: Cape Town International Airport serves as a key hu

This Women’s Day weekend, you have a vibrant mix of events to choose from to celebrate, inspire, and connect across all walks of life. From glittering disco nights, mindful art-making workshops, high-energy zumba sessions, and soulful live music, there’s something to light up every moment of your weekend from Saturday, 8 to Sunday, 10 August. It's also set to be a bit of a wet weekend, so layer up and stay warm. But make sure you don't miss out.  CBD Paradisco – Lady Marmalade Date and time: Saturday 9 August 2025, 18:00–02:00 Venue: Grand Africa Café & Beach, Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Ticket price and booking: From R450 via Howler Step into a disco-drenched fever dream this Women’s Day as Paradisco returns with its Lady Marmalade edition. Expect a glamorous night of sequins and glamour on the beach, with DJs spinning everything from disco to house. Dress to dazzle and get ready to dance. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PARADISCO (@paradiscoparty_)   Women’s Day Art Making & MCC at Zeitz MOCAA Date and time: Saturday 9 August 2025, 10:00–14:30 Venue: Zeitz MOCAA, Silo District, V&A Waterfront Ticket price and booking: R600 per person, all materials and lunch included - booking essential. Spend the public holiday surrounded by art, creativity and bubbles. Zeitz MOCAA hosts a Women’s Day art-making workshop paired with a glass of MCC and guided reflection on works by leading women artists in the collection.  

One of Cape Town’s oldest fire stations has a new lease on life. First built in 1926, the Sea Point heritage site, has undergone a R7 million renovation that blends old-world character with modern essentials.  If you’ve strolled past the corner of Kloof and Regent Roads recently, you may have noticed the building's fresh fire-engine red coat of paint, while added improvements include a new roof and an electrical infrastructure overhaul.       READ: Sea Point Promenade upgrade wraps up: here's what's changed  The City confirmed that retaining the station’s original architectural features was central to the restoration plan. "It is important for communities to know that they are well-maintained and continue to provide services for those in need for generations to come," said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman Smith.     City of Cape TownThe fire station has had a full electrical circuit upgrade.     The project, now 95% complete, was delayed for five months because of seagulls nesting in the heritage gutters. As a protected species, their nests couldn’t be disturbed until the chicks hatched and flew off. Councillor Nicola Jowell previously told People’s Post the gulls made themselves at home in the very features designed to preserve the building’s historic character.  Making the upgrades more than just cosmetic and adding to the appeal of the popular Atlantic Seaboard suburb.   City of Cape TownAlderman Smith, Clinton Manuel: Chief Fire Officer and Ma

FlySafair has announced the end of its pilot strike following a formal agreement with Solidarity, brokered through the CCMA. Full flight operations will now resume, with all aircraft returning to service. The airline says the return to full capacity will help stabilise airfares by increasing seat availability across its network. “We’re pleased to move forward with our full team and focus on restoring affordable, reliable service for South Africans,” said Kirby Gordon, FlySafair Chief Marketing Officer.   28 July: Limited availability as strike enters second week More pilots are returning to duty, according to a statement released by FlySafair over the weekend, despite members of the trade union Solidarity rejecting the latest offer.  The reduced flight schedule, implemented ahead of the strike, now sees limited seat availability, with no new date set for the next negotiation meeting confirmed as yet. Solidarity members previously rejected a 5.7% wage increase and additional compensation adjustments, with the union alleging that the majority of FlySafair’s pilots are “exhausted, unheard and unvalued.”   The latest deadlock centres on the "implementation of fixed scheduling rules." FlySafair’s ongoing dispute with its pilots has reached a deadlock over the proposed implementation of fixed scheduling rules aimed at improving work-life balance for the pilots. FlySafair previously stated it adheres to the industry’s required Flight Duty Period and rest time regulations, noting th

Whether you’re sipping an early morning coffee on Darling Street, stepping out of the Golden Acre at midday, or catching the golden light across the Grand Parade in front of the City Hall at sunset, you'll hear a sound that's more than a century old - and impossible to ignore.   After nearly a decade and a half of silence, the iconic City Hall clock is not only ticking but striking once again - revived in all its Westminster-style glory. Installed in 1905 by legendary British clockmakers JB Joyce & Co. (yes, the same company behind Big Ben), the tower clock has been restored to its original splendour thanks to a meticulous six-month project led by the City of Cape Town, local engineer Marius Schoeman and self-taught horologist Alexios Vicatos.   @timeoutcapetown The City Hall clock and bell chime is ticking in perfect time following its restorations which kicked off 6 months ago. We had an exclusive look at the clock chimes and tower that is a core part of the city’s heritage. #TimeOutCapeTown #capetown #tiktokcapetown #visitcapetown #capetownsouthafrica #capetowntravel #timeoutexclusive ♬ original sound - Time Out Cape Town    The project brought a wave of nostalgia for many, including Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis's grandmother-in-law, who grew up in Woodstock and remembered shopping in town on Saturdays, the clock’s bells echoing in the background. “She got glassy-eyed when I told her it would ring again,” he shared at the ceremony marking the c

Cape Town has just shattered records for infrastructure investment - and with it, the city is signalling a bold stance on a question that lingers for many locals and visitors alike: Just how safe is Cape Town?   In his 30 July address to City Council, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced that Cape Town invested R9.5 billion in infrastructure in the 2024/25 financial year — the most ever spent by a South African metro.   With 92% of the capital budget delivered, it's a rare feat in South Africa’s current municipal landscape. And at the heart of this record spending? Safety and Security. Reclaiming the city, street by street South Africa is often perceived as a risky travel destination, with concerns about violent crime and safety dominating international headlines, despite significant variation in actual risk across regions and cities. With 99.7% of its R472 million capital budget spent, the City’s Safety and Security Directorate was the year’s top performer, directing funds toward upgraded fire stations, new vehicles, metro police training facilities, and advanced safety tech like CCTV, bodycams and digital systems. “This performance really speaks to their intent to do whatever it takes to make our city safer and take back our neighbourhoods from criminals,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.  There has been a strategic push to make security more visible and responsive, with over 700 new municipal police officers - including ward-based officers and specialised teams to protect infrastruct

It's the Airlink sale you don't want to miss - today only!  Airlink is running a special one-day promotion today, Tuesday, 29 July 2025, offering 30% off the base fare on selected flights. Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, making it the perfect time to plan and save.   It's the perfect time to plan your mini-break from Cape Town to Durban, Namibia or St Helena - all routes offered by the Southern African airline.   Full details and bookings for the limited Airlink sale are available here. SAA launches direct Cape Town–Mauritius flights ahead of festive season South African Airways (SAA) will launch it's new direct route between Cape Town and Mauritius from Tuesday, 9 December 2025 - and not November as previously reported - enhancing regional connectivity for travellers in the Western Cape. Flights will operate three times a week - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - the outbound flight departs Cape Town at 09:25 AM, arriving in Mauritius at 4:30 PM, with a total flight duration of approximately five hours. The return leg departs Mauritius at 5:20 PM, arriving back in Cape Town at 9:30 PM.  Air Mauritius already offers a direct service from Cape Town, and increased competition should impact flight prices positively. SAA CEO Professor John Lamola says the route supports broader tourism goals for both countries, while CCO Tebogo Tsimane highlights the schedule’s alignment with peak travel periods. Bookings are now open via flysaa.com or accredite

CapeNature has raised the alarm on the growing threat of biodiversity crime in the Western Cape, revealing 12 new cases and 23 fines issued between April and June 2025 alone. Offences range from illegal plant harvesting and trading, to the picking of wildflowers without a permit - and they are having a severe impact on the province’s ecosystems. Of the 12 registered cases, eight involved flora and four involved fauna. Most fines were related to violations of the Nature Conservation Ordinance, with 15 involving wildlife. Four fines were issued under the Marine Living Resources Act. “These statistics reflect the seriousness of biodiversity crime in the province and our ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance and enforcement,” said Western Cape Environmental Affairs MEC Anton Bredell. Each act of enforcement helps safeguard the Western Cape’s globally significant ecosystems, he added.  CapeNatureAn example of biodiversity crime: Avonia sp and Conophytum sp seized from a trafficker at the airport. SEE: CapeNature’s 2025 Snapshot: New Species, Big Threats  Home to the UNESCO-listed Cape Floristic Region, the province harbours one of the world's richest floral kingdoms. However, nearly 16% of its species and over half of its ecosystems are now listed as threatened. CapeNature’s efforts include multi-agency collaboration with units of SAPS such as the Hawks and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, alongside various law enforcement and conservation partners. These opera

Forget front row seats – this is a full-blown, foot-stomping, record-breaking spectacle you’ll want to be part of. On Saturday, 2 August, the city plays host to a world-first musical mission: over 1,000 marimbas unite for the largest marimba ensemble the world has ever seen to smash the current record of 505.   That's right, the organisers Marimba Jam, are aiming to double that. There will be booming bass notes, bright xylophonic joy, and a medley of “Waka Waka” and “Jerusalema” to turn on the goosebumps. And this isn’t just about breaking a record either.  It’s about breaking barriers as kids from 70+ schools across township, private and rural come together to jam in the name of ubuntu, rhythm and national pride. “You can’t feel sad when a marimba plays in C major,” says Kiara Ramklass, founder of Marimba Jam. She has been on a decade-long mission to spread joy through music.   Don't Miss out: What's on in Cape Town  Want to join in? Venue: GrandWest Grand Arena Date: Saturday 2 August Doors open 4pm | Show kicks off 5.30pm Tickets: From R79 via Quicker Stick around for the post-record vibes: a live gig with Goodluck, art installations, djembe drumming, VR zones and more. Whether you're a music nerd, rhythm junkie or just here for the history, this is one event that hits all the right notes.  ALSO SEE: Where GoodLuck hang out in Cape Town  

The South African passport is back in the game — climbing two spots to 48th in the latest Henley Passport Index, with visa-free (or visa-on-arrival) access to 103 destinations. It’s a modest win. But in a world where passport power signals global standing, economic muscle and strategic diplomacy, it’s not just about where we can go, it’s also about how open we are in return. The Passport Indexis based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) – seen as the largest, most accurate travel information database, together with Henley & Partners’ research team. Here are the Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in 2025 Visa-free access by passport holders, according to the latest Henley Passport Index: Singapore – 193 destinations Japan, South Korea – 190 Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain – 189 Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden – 188 Greece, New Zealand, Switzerland – 187 United Kingdom – 186 Australia, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, Poland – 185 Canada, Estonia, UAE – 184 Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia – 183 Iceland, Lithuania, United States – 182   Key passport ranking facts for 2025: South Africans can now travel visa-free to 103 destinations, up from 104 in May, and moving the passport up two places in the global ranking. We’re now tied with countries like Georgia and Azerbaijan — but still lagging behind top African nations like Seychelles (26th) and Mauritius (30th). At the top of the 2025 Henley Passpo

South Africa has once again earned its place among the world’s top travel destinations, ranking 4th in the Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, as voted by more than 20,000 readers of the UK-based publication.  This follows Cape Town being recognised as the world's best city on Earth in the cities category of the awards!  The 2025 awards for the best country saw New Zealand reclaim the top spot, followed by Japan and India, with South Africa holding strong in the top five, ahead of destinations such as Greece, Australia, and the Maldives.   This year's fourth position maintains South Africa’s decade-long streak in the top ten, affirming its place as a world-class destination. Praised for its breathtaking diversity — from Big Five safaris and dramatic road-trip coastlines to award-winning wine regions and vibrant cities — South Africa continued to be celebrated for offering a full continent’s worth of adventure in a single country.  ICYMI: Who’s loving Cape Town right now? The UK is leading the comeback While New Zealand drew votes for its cinematic scenery and adrenaline-fuelled experiences, The Telegraph credited South Africa for its unforgettable wildlife, rich cultures, warm hospitality, and astonishing natural beauty — all at an exceptional value for travellers, thanks to the rand's favourable exchange rate.  This isn’t South Africa’s first brush with travel glory. In fact, it topped the list just two years ago in 2023, and its continued presence in the global spotlight