South Africa

Situated at the tip of the African continent, South Africa is the top vacation destination of a lifetime. A South African safari offers experiences ranging from exquisite landscapes, captivating wildlife, and amazing culture. Offering five-star luxury accommodations – ranging from top game lodges to bespoke boutique hotels – it’s a world-class destination and a true “Rainbow Nation”.

South Africa caters for first-time safari experiences as well as repeat safaris for enthusiasts – the Greater Kruger National Park, Timbavati Reserve, Manyeleti Reserve and the renowned Sabi Sands Reserve are all situated in the north-east of the country. If you prefer to embark on a malaria-free Big Five safari, South Africa is the only region in the world where this is possible in these areas: Eastern Cape, Madikwe, and The Waterberg.

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Highlights in South Africa

  • Cape Town and Table Mountain
  • Explore the Winelands of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and surrounds
  • Picturesque Garden Route on the East Coast
  • Big Five safaris within a range of excellent game reserves
  • Historical battlefields area in Kwa-Zulu Natal between the Zulus and British
  • Fine cuisine and award-winning wines
  • Adventure activities

Best time to travel

South Africa has a lovely temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Winter (May to August)

Across South Africa’s reserves, winter signals the dry season and the best time to go on safari. Days are mild with plenty of sunshine, however, temperatures often drop in the early mornings and late afternoons – so pack a warm jacket. If you’re spending time in Cape Town, you may see some rain in between the crisp, cool winter days.

Summer (October to March)

Cape Town is best in the summer months of October to March. Temperatures can get well into the 30° Celsius range (perfect beach weather!). Summer is the dry season in Cape Town, however, it is the wet season in South Africa’s reserves. Summer rains usually come down in short afternoon thunderstorms, and the landscapes turn lush and green.

Travel regions within South Africa

Marakele National Park

Marakele National Park is located in the far north of South Africa, within the Limpopo Province. It forms part of the Waterberg Biosphere, a region known…

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Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the world’s best-loved and most beautiful cities. Set against the instantly recognisable backdrop of Table Mountain, this laidback seaside town has…

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Kruger National Park

South Africa’s largest reserve, the Kruger National Park spans nearly two million hectares (roughly the size of Israel or Wales!). To the west of the park…

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Garden Route

South Africa’s Garden Route is holiday perfect: long sandy beaches, magnificent forests, lagoons, rivers and a million things to do. Although the official start of the…

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Cape Winelands

An hour’s drive northeast of Cape Town is an expanse of the most beautiful countryside in South Africa, with jagged mountain peaks and lush valleys lined…

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Whale Coast

The well-named Cape Whale Coast runs from the hamlet of Rooi-Els to the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Backed by fynbos-covered mountains, this magnificent stretch of coastline…

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Johannesburg

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city and the commercial heart of the country. Until recently, most travellers viewed Johannesburg as nothing more than transit city. But…

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Madikwe Game Reserve

Bordering Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s largest game reserves. This is prime big game territory set against rugged landscapes with rocky hills,…

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Kapama Private Game Reserve

Kapama Game Reserve is located in the Greater Kruger Park near Hoedspruit in the Limpopo Province. It stretches over 13,000 hectares of big game territory. Founded…

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Thornybush Game Reserve

Named one of the best Big Five reserves in South Africa, Thornybush is next to the Kruger Park and shares a fenceless border with Timbavati Game…

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Shamwari Private Game Reserve

This private reserve is 25,000 hectares of wildlife terrain in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Perfect for malaria-free safaris, Shamwari is an excellent destination for…

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Route 62

When travelling from Cape Town to the Garden Route, why not skip South Africa’s N2 national highway and opt instead for Route 62. This incredibly scenic…

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The West Coast

Charming fishing villages and delectable seafood is what the West Coast is famous for. Enjoy whale watching outings, hiking, golf courses, nature walks and amazing views!…

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Pretoria

Pretoria is South Africa’s administrative capital – with its colonial buildings and Jacaranda trees lining the streets, has a far more sedate pace. It’s located just…

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Cederberg

The Cederberg mountains lie about three-hours’ drive out of Cape Town. Fantastic hiking trails, clear mountain streams, sandstone rock formations and ancient rock art make this…

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Umhlanga

Located on Durban’s coastline, the resort town of Umhlanga is known for its warm waters, beautiful beaches, and tropical weather. Most of the luxury hotels are…

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Central Drakensberg

Known to the Zulus as the Barrier of Spears, the Drakensberg is a formidable mountain range with peaks rising to 3,000m. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park has…

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Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala lies in the dramatic landscape of the Eastern Cape, and is home to the Big 5 as well as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest, all…

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De Hoop Nature Reserve

Just 3 hours’ drive out of Cape Town, on the Cape Whale Coast, lies De Hoop Nature Reserve. This beautiful reserve is a fantastic choice for…

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Lowveld

Mpumalanga’s Lowveld region lies between the northern reaches of the Drakensberg mountains and the Kruger National Park. The largest Lowveld town, and the capital of Mpumalanga,…

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Maputaland Marine Protected Area

Maputaland Marine Protected Area comprises three protected areas, Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and Rocktail Bay. The reserve extends all the way from…

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Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve

The uniqueness of the safari experience at Tswalu is in the beauty of the 100 000-hectare southern Kalahari wilderness. With a variety of interactive safari experiences,…

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