Uzbekistan is one of the five countries of Central Asia, a region renowned for its unique culture and nature. Each Central Asian country has its own distinct cultural, ethnic, natural and historical characteristics. However, Uzbekistan stands out as the quintessence of the region, with the richest variety of historical, religious and cultural monuments, as well as landscapes reminiscent of its neighbouring countries.
When planning tours to Uzbekistan from South Africa, the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are a must. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, these cultural centres will captivate visitors with their extraordinary oriental architecture and rich history.
Uzbek cuisine is another highlight. The country's most famous dish, rice and meat plov, is considered the culinary symbol of Uzbekistan. Visitors should also try kebabs, samsa, local salads and seasonal fruit. A meal can be made even more special with a local folklore show featuring dancing in traditional costumes.
Tours from South Africa to Uzbekistan also offer the chance to explore the country's natural landscapes, from deserts and mountains to picturesque valleys. Given the distance from South Africa to Central Asia, travellers may wish to consider multi-country tours to several Central Asian countries to make the most of their trip.
The distance from South Africa to Uzbekistan is approximately 9,000 kilometres and there are no direct flights between the two countries. Travellers will need to make connections via major cities in the Gulf - Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai - or via Istanbul in Turkey. While ideal connections can reduce travel time to 16 hours, most flights take more than 24 hours to reach Uzbekistan.
Unfortunately, South African citizens are not eligible for visa-free travel to Uzbekistan and an e-visa is not available for them. There are also no embassies between South Africa and Uzbekistan. The only way for South African travellers to obtain a visa is through a travel agency in Uzbekistan, which will send a request for a letter of invitation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. Read more about it here.
8-day Uzbekistan Classic Tour from South Africa
A short journey through the most popular cities of Uzbekistan, where you will discover the richness of the country's history and culture. Explore medieval mausoleums, mosques, minarets and madrasas in the fascinating cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand.
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva
Details8 Days | All year round from US$ 1,110 per person
10-day Silk Road in Uzbekistan Tour from South Africa
A grand journey through Uzbekistan - from the artisan centres of the Fergana Valley in the east to the museum city of Khiva in the west. Along the way you'll see the best of the ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara and the modern capital, Tashkent.
Tashkent, Kokand, Fergana, Margilan, Rishtan, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva
Details10 Days | All year round from US$ 1,480 per person
11-Day Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan Tour from South Africa
A grand journey through two Central Asian countries in one tour. You will explore the medieval monuments of Samarkand and Bukhara as well as the modern metropolises of Tashkent, Almaty and Astana. The tour also includes a number of fascinating sites that will enhance your experience of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand, Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Astana
Details11 Days | All year round from US$ 2,360 per person
23-day Five Stans Tour from South Africa
An amazing journey through five countries - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. On this tour you will explore historical monuments from the Middle Ages, encounter diverse natural landscapes and become absorbed in the cultures of different peoples. Along the way, you'll also have the chance to enjoy the national dishes of each region. This is one of the best tours for an unforgettable holiday.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan
Details23 Days | Spring, autumn from US$ 5,180 per person
Although the connection between Uzbekistan and South Africa may not seem obvious, history reveals interesting links between the two regions. In 1497, Vasco da Gama reached the Cape of Good Hope and the following year sailed to India, establishing a sea trade route to Asia. This shift in trade routes led to the decline of the Great Silk Road, with cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Kashgar losing their importance as hubs for goods, technology and culture.
Conversely, the conquests of Tamerlane - whose empire extended from Samarkand - disrupted trade routes and forced Europeans to seek alternative routes to Asia, leading to the voyages of Columbus and Vasco da Gama.
Uzbekistan's climate has some similarities to that of South Africa. The Kyzylkum Desert in western Uzbekistan is similar to the Kalahari, with summer temperatures often exceeding 40°C. In eastern Uzbekistan, mountains replace deserts, although they differ from South Africa's Drakensberg Mountains, and the climate remains dry and continental. The best time to travel to Uzbekistan from South Africa is April-May and September-October.
Below you will find the best tours to Uzbekistan and Central Asia from South Africa. If the tours listed seem too short, explore other categories and we will be happy to tailor a programme to suit your specific needs.
