South Africa

Part urban jungle, part African wilderness, South Africa is an eclectic and exciting destination with a lot to offer. Home to a coastline renowned for offering unforgettable diving experiences, countless wildlife reserves including the world famous Kruger National Park, bustling cityscapes filled to the brim with culture, and majestic mountain ranges perfect for hiking, South Africa has it all.

South African Highlights

Unspoilt beaches, wild national reserves, red desolate deserts, towering escarpments of ancient mountains, and traditional villages are all a part of the allure of South Africa.

This vast land is one of the most diverse (both culturally and geographically) in all of Africa and as a result, has become a destination of unforgettable adventure.

It is South Africa’s Mother City, a place where landscapes, history, culture and people from all walks of life blend together, creating an iconic city unlike any other.

To compare it to an overseas destination, some say that Cape Town has a Mediterranean feel about it, but a closer look will reveal that behind the facade, Cape Town is uniquely African.

The city is considered to be the arts and culture capital of South Africa while it is also famous for its historical circuit. From the vibrantly coloured buildings of the Bo-Kaap, and the culinary experience that awaits those who visit the V&A Waterfront, to the enlightening District 6 Museum or a trip to Robben Island, where former President Nelson Mandela was incarcerated, Cape Town has a fantastic selection of attractions. 

Just outside of Cape Town lie the green vineyards of the Cape Winelands. In the shadows of the Cape fold mountains, which create the perfect cool climate, valleys are filled with ancient, highly prized vineyards. Tours of wine farms in Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Franschhoek can be arranged where guests can explore the vineyards, learn about the grapes and the wine-making process before finally tasting wines from some of the most famous vintages in the world.

The Kruger National Park is the country’s oldest conservation effort.  Countless animal, bird and insect species thrive here, living in the same habitats their ancestors once roamed thousands of years ago.

The park is home to the fabled Big 5 and guests can go in search of lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard while on a day safari, although spending more than one day in the park is advised. Other exciting sightings include pangolins, honey badgers, giraffes, wild dogs and cheetah.

In recent years, private land to the west of the Kruger National Park has been integrated into the park, creating a whole new world for guests and wildlife alike.

Celebrated for being quite secluded, and for offering guests a far more luxurious choice of accommodation, private game reserves such as Balule, Sabi Sands, Timbavati and Karongwe are enchanting destinations ideal for couples and small groups.

Guided safaris, bush walks and superb dining options are offered by the various lodges in the area. 

The dry grasslands of the Kruger National Park gives way to lush greenery, as guided tours take guests up into the mountains and hills of Mpumalanga.

The Panorama Route explores natural attractions in the north-eastern mountains of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. It offers some of the most sublime views, as the mountains suddenly give way to the Lowveld.

Some who visit here feel as though they can touch the clouds, as the mists of the mountains never seem to lift completely. A trip along the Panorama Route can be included in a tour of the Kruger National Park, given the close proximity to the two. 

One of the unforgettable attractions includes Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Considered a geological wonder, these natural rock structures are the result of decades of swirling eddies of water which has over time eroded the rocks, forming rock sculptures.

A journey to these iconic rock formations should be combined with God’s Window, a natural viewpoint looking down on the Lowveld, The Blyde River Canyon, renowned for being the third largest (and the only green) canyon in the world, and the Three Rondawels, which are hut shaped mountains in the Blyde River Canyon.

The newly built Graskop Gorge Lift, located close to the quaint artistic town of Graskop, is the only attraction of its kind in the area. Visitors have the opportunity to climb aboard a glass lift which drops gently down into an enchanting forest below.

The trip down is 51 meters and once at the bottom, guests can walk wooden walkways and cross suspension bridges as they meander through the indigenous lush greenery thriving in the gorge. The forest trail is about 600 meters and can easily be experienced in a morning or afternoon trip.

11 official languages and 8 unofficial languages, South Africa is the world’s most diverse country and the only place honoured with the title of Rainbow Nation.

Guests can visit various cultural villages for a more traditional look at how different tribes once live, but for an authentic, and modern, experience, a simple chat with the locals is often all that is needed to get a glimpse of the people who live here.

South Africans are known for being warm hearted and friendly.

How to Get There

International flights from all over the world fly directly into OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport. Certain direct international flights are also accommodated at King Shaka International Airport in Durban.

OR Tambo International is the Southern African flight hub and is responsible for linking this part of the continent to the rest of the world. Depending on where you are arriving from, flights to OR Tambo International are generally quite cheap due to the fierce competition amongst airlines.

Once you’ve arrived, self-drives are a popular option with rentals available from most airports. The other option, should you have booked a tour, is to travel by arranged transfer. There is a lot of ground to cover in South Africa, with destinations being quite a distance from each other.

Best Time of the Year to Visit

Most of the country experiences fantastic weather all year round, but when planning a trip, it’s a good idea to plan according to what you intend to do.

Safaris are best enjoyed from March to September before the intense heat of summer arrives.

The Cape is best visited in the summer months between October and April, as from about May to August, the area gets its annual rain.

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Our experienced team of consultants can share a wealth of expertise and knowledge on the whole of Southern and East Africa. Our destination management skills will be paired with your special requirements and will ensure a safe, reliable journey for your clients whilst in our care.

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