There’s an old slogan that goes ‘South Africa is a world in one country’ and it’s not hard to see why. The balmy Indian Ocean buffets the sub-tropical east coast while the mercurial Atlantic washes up on the west. Cape Town and Johannesburg are world-class cities with every mod con while, surrounding them, are pristine wildlife areas where time has stood still. The sheer diversity of things to see and do here makes it popular with honeymooners, adventurers and multi-generational families. Landscapes range from dense Afromontane forest – home to elephants, jackals, bushpigs, porcupines and warthogs – to the Cape floristic region, which comprises 9 000 species of plants. When spring arrives in about September, they bloom into blankets of intense yellow, orange, purple and white flowers to make an incredible display.
Fortunate enough to call South Africa my home, I have been blessed with countless opportunities to explore this magnificent country. From the majestic peaks of Table Mountain in the Mother City, the famous vineyards of the Cape Winelands to the untamed wilderness of the Kruger National Park and the endless beaches of kwazulu-Natal and the Garden Route , I have had the privilege of immersing myself in South Africa’s diverse landscapes.
Itineraries to inspire you
Here are our favourite South Africa Itineraries to inspire you. All of our itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.
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You want to see the Big 5? The Kruger is, without a doubt, the best place in the world to see this sought-after collection of impressive animals. In fact, it’s not unheard of to see elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard in a single game drive in this wildlife-rich corner of South Africa. Your chances are so high here because of an excellent conservation ethos and a smaller traversing area so that guides can share – and get to – sightings quickly. Coupled with excellent lodges in private reserves, the Greater Kruger area is perfect for first-time visitors to Africa.
History, art, food, culture and nature all come together at the foot of Table Mountain and make Cape Town one of the most beloved places in South Africa. Spend your days visiting Mandela’s cell on Robben Island, enjoying the antics of penguins, marveling at Cape Point and strolling through Kirstenbosch Gardens before heading to one of the outstanding restaurants for dinner. Best of all, Cape Town is an easy scenic drive from the Winelands of Constantia, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where you can savour delicious wines on estates dating back to the 1680s, set in beautiful grounds.
A magnificent stretch of southern coastline, the Garden Route is ideal for those who want to drive themselves or who are travelling with younger children who need plenty of age-appropriate activities like animal sanctuaries and general outdoor fun. More adventurous travellers can go caving, hiking, sailing, bungee jumping and bridge swinging. Along the way are Knysna (look out for the famous Knysna loerie or turaco – and be sure to try oysters straight from the sea), Plettenberg Bay (with a huge golden beach) and the Tsitsikamma forest, a tangle of trees that could still be home to rare forest elephants.
This private reserve is proof of what patience and a dedication to conservation can achieve. In the early 1990s, this area was still farmland but the decision was taken to convert it to a protected wildlife reserve. Since then, remarkable progress has been made that showcases nature’s ability to regenerate if allowed the chance. Classic ‘veld’ or sandy grassland, the Madikwe and Groot Marico Rivers support thriving herds of kudu, zebra and elephant as well as predators like lions, cheetahs and packs of wild dogs, themselves an inspiring conservation story as they were brought back from the brink of extinction.
Pilanesberg National Park, a captivating South African Big 5 game reserve, offers accessible wildlife viewing in a malaria-free zone. Positioned between the Kalahari and Lowveld, it presents diverse ecosystems and accommodation options. The expansive Mankwe Dam region showcases stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, including waterbucks, zebras, and wildebeests. Bird lovers can relish a waterside hideout, spotting fish eagles and kingfishers.
Welgevonden Game Reserve, a mesmerising South African wildlife sanctuary, promises remarkable Big 5 sightings in a malaria-free environment. Located in the Waterberg region, it boasts varied terrains and lodging choices. The vast Rhenoster River area offers breathtaking landscapes teeming with creatures like kudus, impalas, and cheetahs. Bird enthusiasts will find delight in the tree-canopied hideaways, catching glimpses of hornbills and bee-eaters.
‘The place where the fun never sets!’ is how Sun City is often summed up. Starting out as a simple hotel in pristine bush, it has now grown to four hotels for all budgets, two golf courses, a large lake, a casino and a resort-style waterpark – all amid lush gardens. It is popular with multi-generational families as there is something for everyone, especially when combined with a Pilanesberg Big 5 safari.
Here are a few of our favourite options to add to your South Africa itinerary. These extensions are here for inspiration. We know that time is a precious commodity and we can tailor them to meet your requirements.
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