South Africa

A World in One Country

A trip to South Africa is an encounter with a world in one country. This is a nation of breathtaking scope and profound complexity, stitched together from a kaleidoscope of landscapes: sun-scorched savannas teeming with iconic wildlife, mountains tumbling into the ocean, and valleys carpeted with historic vineyards. This staggering natural diversity is the backdrop for an equally rich human tapestry – the “Rainbow Nation.”

To travel here is to engage with one of modern history’s most powerful triumphs of the human spirit. A South Africa safari is more than a tour of beautiful sights; it’s an active engagement with a living history, a chance to witness a nation’s vibrant and inspiring evolution. We design South Africa holidays that immerse you in this incredible story, from the wild heart of Kruger National Park to the cosmopolitan soul of Cape Town.

Ready to embark on your next adventure?

Top Regions and Attractions

South Africa’s vastness is best understood through its distinct travel circuits, each offering a world of experiences. The classic journey we design for our guests combines the wild heart of the safari lands in the northeast with the scenic and cultural splendor of the Cape in the southwest, often connected by an epic coastal road trip. Below, we introduce the iconic regions that form the pillars of an unforgettable South African adventure.

Greater Kruger National Park

The Safari Heartland

The legendary Kruger National Park and its adjoining private reserves form one of the most famous safari areas on the planet. This vast ecosystem is a Big Five stronghold, offering some of the most reliable wildlife sightings in Africa. The private Sabi Sand Game Reserve, in particular, is world-renowned for offering the best leopard sightings on Earth.

Cape Town & The Peninsula

The Mother City

Cradled between the iconic Table Mountain and two great oceans, Cape Town is consistently voted one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It is a vibrant hub of culture, complex history, and world-class cuisine, serving as the perfect gateway to the Cape Winelands, the Whale Coast, and the spectacular Cape Peninsula drive.

The Cape Winelands

A Culinary Paradise

Just an hour from Cape Town lies a region of breathtaking beauty, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and a globally recognized gourmet food scene. The oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch and the culinary capital of Franschhoek are home to hundreds of award-winning wine estates, offering an exquisite taste of South Africa’s oldest wine region.

The Garden Route

An Epic Coastal Road Trip

The Garden Route is an epic 300km self-drive journey through a paradise of indigenous forests, tranquil lagoons, and golden beaches. Centered around charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, it’s a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers, home to the dramatic Tsitsikamma National Park and the world’s highest bridge bungee jump.

South Africa Wildlife

Two Worlds of Wildlife

South Africa offers an incredible diversity of fauna, thriving both on its vast savannahs and in its two great oceans. A Kruger safari is just the beginning. The country’s commitment to conservation has created sanctuaries for both the celebrated “Big Five” of the land and the “Marine Big Five” of the sea, making for an unparalleled South Africa wildlife experience.

The Safari Big Five

The country is one of the most reliable destinations for seeing the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo, especially in the Greater Kruger region.

The Marine Big Five

The coastline is home to its own iconic quintet: the Southern Right Whale, Great White Shark, Bottlenose Dolphin, Cape Fur Seal, and African Penguin.

Leopards of Sabi Sand

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is world-famous for its habituated leopards, offering what is arguably the best leopard viewing on the planet.

African Penguins

Visit the charming and accessible colony of African Penguins at Boulders Beach near Cape Town for a delightful and unforgettable encounter.

Southern Right Whales

From June to December, the coastline around Hermanus becomes the world’s best land-based whale-watching destination.

Great White Sharks

For the adventurous, the waters off the Cape offer thrilling and responsible cage diving encounters with this magnificent apex predator.

At a Glance

Capital City

Pretoria (Executive), Cape Town (Legislative), Bloemfontein (Judicial)

Official Language

12, including English, Afrikaans & isiZulu

Currency

South African Rand (ZAR)

Population

Approx. 62 million

Key Safari Airports

Johannesburg (JNB), Cape Town (CPT)

Fascinating Facts

A World in One Country

The nickname reflects its incredible diversity of cultures, landscapes, and wildlife.

Three Capitals

It’s the only country in the world with three official capital cities.

The Oldest Wine Region

South Africa’s wine industry is the oldest outside of Europe, with the first vines planted in 1652.

Travel Essentials

Visas

Citizens of the USA, UK, and most EU countries do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

Health

The Kruger region is a low-to-moderate risk malaria area. Excellent malaria-free Big Five reserves are also available, which are perfect for families.

Safety

Self-driving is popular and infrastructure is excellent. We advise all our clients on best safety practices for a seamless and secure journey.

South Africa Safaris

Journeys Through the Rainbow Nation

We have crafted a selection of South Africa tour packages that showcase the incredible diversity of this “World in One Country.” Explore our classic Cape Town and Kruger safari packages or contact our experts to design a custom South Africa travel package just for you.

Family Treasures of South Africa Cape Town to Kruger Safari

Icons of Africa Luxury Family Safari: Cape Town, Falls & Wildlife

Singita Perfection Two Iconic Lodges, One Unforgettable Journey

Activities & Experiences

A South Africa safari tour with us is an immersive journey filled with diverse experiences. We create luxury safari tours in South Africa that blend thrilling wildlife encounters with cultural discovery and culinary delights.

Private Reserve Safaris

Experience the Greater Kruger from an exclusive private reserve like Sabi Sand. Enjoy off-road game drives, night drives, and guided bush walks with expert tracker-guide teams for intimate wildlife encounters.

Cape Town & Peninsula Tours

Let us arrange one of our Cape Town luxury tours, including a private guide to hike Table Mountain, a poignant tour of Robben Island, and a drive along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak to the Cape of Good Hope.

Food & Wine Immersion

Journey into the stunning Cape Winelands. We can arrange private tastings at historic wine estates in Stellenbosch or a trip on the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a unique hop-on, hop-off gourmet experience.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit South Africa for safari and travel depends on your itinerary, as the country has two distinct climatic zones. Our experts will help you choose the perfect time for your trip.

For Safari

May - September

This is the dry winter season in the Kruger region. The bush is less dense and animals congregate around water sources, making for the absolute best wildlife viewing. The weather is pleasant with warm days and cool nights.

For Cape Town

November - March

This is the warm, dry summer season in the Cape. It’s the perfect time for visiting the beaches, hiking Table Mountain, and exploring the city and Winelands in beautiful, sunny weather.

For Whale Watching

August - October

This is the peak season for land-based whale watching in Hermanus. Southern Right Whales arrive in the bay to mate and calve, offering incredible sightings often just meters from the shore.

FAQ

What is the difference between Kruger Park and a private reserve like Sabi Sand?

The National Park is open to the public for self-driving on marked roads. A private reserve like Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is exclusive to guests of its lodges, allowing for off-road driving, night drives, and a much more intimate, uncrowded safari experience.

Are there good malaria-free safari options?

Yes, absolutely. South Africa is a top destination for a family safari in South Africa because of its excellent malaria-free Big Five reserves, such as Madikwe Game Reserve. We can book you into a superb Madikwe safari lodge for a worry-free wildlife experience.

How much does a South Africa safari cost?

The South Africa safari cost offers exceptional value due to a favorable exchange rate. It can range from affordable self-catering options in national parks to the ultimate all-inclusive luxury at world-class private lodges.

Is it safe to travel in South Africa?

Like any country, it requires awareness, but a well-planned tourist itinerary is very safe. We provide all our clients with detailed safety briefings and 24/7 on-the-ground support, ensuring a secure and seamless journey through the main tourist areas.