South Africa

South Africa is a country of great natural and cultural diversity, five times the size of Great Britain, located on the southern tip of the African continent, bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and fully encompassing the independent kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland. South Africa is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean, fuelled by the chilly Benguela current on the west and the warm Agulhas current of the Indian Ocean on the east. The mixing of these currents off the Cape of Good Hope causes eddies and upwelling of nutrients, leading to a richly productive marine ecosystem. On land, the varied landscapes and habitats, globally-renowned flora and fauna, fascinating distant and recent history, friendly populace, exceptional lodges, service levels and value for money make South Africa a world-class destination.

There is a bewildering choice of high quality wildlife reserves to choose from, all offering a subtly different experience, many containing Africa’s ‘Big Five’ (Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros - animals which are considered dangerous to approach on foot) with lodges from rustic to five star. Other attractions add great variety to a holiday, including beautiful Cape Town and surrounds, with the classic ‘Garden Route’, wildflowers and whale watching; the spectacular Drakensberg mountains for hiking, and historic Zulu Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal; and the deserts of the Karoo and Kalahari. Although some areas are malarial zones, it is also entirely possible to arrange a malaria-free holiday to South Africa.

There is so much to see and do in South Africa that it makes an excellent stand-alone destination. However, it is also easily combined with other Southern African countries such as Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana and even with Madagascar for a wonderfully contrasting wildlife holiday. We will be more than happy to discuss your individual requirements.

Self-Driving in South Africa vs Chauffeured Tours

South African itineraries tend to lend themselves to self-drive arrangements since the roads and signage are good and this allows more flexibility and value for money. It can also be a great benefit for keen photographers. Self-drive safari is permitted in some areas of the Kruger National Park and other public reserves (or one can simply drive to the lodge and be taken out on dedicated safari vehicles with a qualified ranger). Hire cars are modern, usually with power-steering and air conditioning and British drivers will be pleased to learn that driving is on the left.

However, if you would prefer chauffeured transfers this can be arranged for most itineraries as well as scheduled and charter flight hops between locations. Some of our sample itineraries include a private driver, but please ask for details if you'd like to add the services of a driver to any itinerary.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

	Winelands, Garden Route & Game Drives A classic, varied and scenic self-drive itinerary using stylish accommodation throughout. A great taste South Africa and all malaria-free! From £2635.

	A Self-Drive Adventure in South Africa & Swaziland A highly rewarding road trip adventure including the stunning Panorama Route, safari in the Kruger, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi National Parks and Swaziland as well as glorious beach and scuba diving opportunities on the KwaZulu Natal coast. From £2580.

	South Africa & Swaziland Safari & Sea - Self-Drive A classy self-drive itinerary taken at a gentle pace, focussing on expertly guided open vehicle safari at Phinda Private Game Reserve and the Kruger - together with beach relaxation and scuba diving opportunities, with a Swaziland twist. From £3495.

	Mountains, Battlefields, Big Five and Beach KwaZulu Natal has so much to offer - dramatic mountain scenery, historic battlefields, fantastic African wildlife safaris, deserted beaches and incredible marine life. This self-drive itinerary has it all! From £3615.

	Whales, Wildflowers & Wildlife A high quality chauffeured itinerary encompassing uniquely South African fynbos flora, marine life, Cape Town, unspoilt wilderness, culture and archaeology with the luxury African safari experience you deserve! From £4190.

	Cape Town, Kalahari, Meerkats & Madikwe A fabulous three-centre holiday with no self-driving, combining Big Five safari at Madikwe Private Game Reserve with the enchanting landscapes and wildlife of the Kalahari and Cape Town and surrounds - malaria-free. From £4725.

	A Superb South Africa Honeymoon in Luxury A very stylish honeymoon indeed! Begins at the coast at Hermanus. Then luxurious safari in Makalali and Sabi Sand Private Game Reserves with romantic twists such as private sleep-out and bush bath under the African skies. From £4650.

	Exploring South Africa's Natural Beauty on Foot Hike through stunning coastal, mountain and forest scenery, then enjoy the thrill of walking safaris amongst the Big Five in Kruger National Park. Relax at the end with open vehicle game drives and luxury. Involves some self-driving. From £3645.

	Chauffered Cape Town, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Game Reserves Enjoy Cape Town and surrounds, Garden Route highlights, Shamwari Private Game Reserve and the stunning beach at Oceana with the benefit of a private driver to show the way - malaria free! From £4490.

	A Deservedly Deluxe Honeymoon to Madagascar & South Africa A mix of highly contrasting exotic worlds - Madagascar's forest, Indian Ocean beaches and lemurs, and South Africa's bushveld with elephants, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalos and more on luxury safari. An altogether wonderful wildlife honeymoon. From £5160.

	Madagascar & South Africa Wildlife Spectacular! Combining the weird and wonderful wildlife, forests and landscapes of Madagascar with luxury African safari game drives in South Africa. Experience two very different wildlife destinations in one holiday. From £4425.

When to go

A pleasant climate throughout most of the year is a major asset of South Africa. Seasons are the reverse of ours in the Northern hemisphere with midsummer falling in December and January and midwinter June and July.

The coastal lowlands of the south around Cape Town enjoy a Mediterranean climate of hot summers and warm rainy winters. Peak southern right whale-watching season along this coastline falls between July and October.

The lowveld of KwaZulu-Natal - Durban and the eastern coastlands - have a subtropical climate with most rainfall in summer between October and April coinciding with highest temperature and humidity. Leatherback and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in this region in summer.

The northeast lowveld areas (Kruger and surrounds) have a tropical climate of high temperature and humidity with rainy summers (with impressive electrical storms) and dry winters (note - the opposite of the west!). Game viewing is generally good throughout the year. Animals may be a little easier to spot during the winter months from May to September when the grass is lower and the bush less dense, but the thick bush of the summer encourages animals to use roads as walkways, sighting can be outstanding and colours vivid.

The western interior has a hot sunny climate and is mostly desert or semi-desert with any rain falling in summer between November and April.

In Johannesburg and Pretoria in the highveld or eastern interior the summers tend to be rainy and warm and winter days are mild with the chance of a dramatic drop in temperature at night. However, the high sunshine hours and low humidity produce a year-round pleasant climate.

REMEMBER!

We offer combination tours to SOUTH AFRICA & MADAGASCAR for a mindblowing mix of wildlife worlds - with lemurs, wildlife walks and other-worldly adventure in Madagascar to the 'Big Five' and out-of-this-world safari lodges of South Africa! Please find some sample itineraries above and contact us for endless other possibilities!