SOUTH AFRICA HOLIDAY
Experience Big-Game Safari and Incomparable Natural Beauty on the Edge of Africa
SOUTH AFRICA SAFARIS AND TOURS
A South Africa Holiday will delight you in its destination diversity. This is where the untouched wilderness meets luxurious comfort and where wild safari experiences are complemented by plunge pools with fine dining.
Furthermore, a South Africa holiday is combined with world-class vineyards, dazzling coastal cities and seemingly endless beaches. In short, South Africa is a country that offers something for everyone, one that will make every visitor feel at home.
When Is The Best Time To Plan Your South Africa Holiday?
- The most popular time to go to South Africa is October to April. You get to escape the cold back at home and experience the long and warm summer on the coast.
3 Nights / 4 Days
Rovos Rail Pretoria to Victoria Falls
from: £ 1,255.00 per person
Quite simply the rail journey of a lifetime. Combine the glamour and excitement of the golden age of steam on the Rovos Rail from Preterio to Victoria Falls. Inclusive of free night in luxury Hotel in Pretoria.
5 Nights / 6 Days
Durban – Phinda Game Reserve
from: £ 2,015.00 per person
Visit Durban with its golden sun-kissed beaches, fabulous scenery, and the warm Indian Ocean waters, combined with a wildlife adventure in Phinda Game Reserve and experience luxury as never before.
7 Nights / 8 Days
Kruger – Mozambique
from: £ 3,155.00 per person
Begin with a journey to one of South Africa’s premier private game reserves for amazing wildlife inclusive of bush breakfasts, bush dinners and star gazing; then on to the beautiful paradise-like beach in Mozambique for an unforgettable experience.
Inspiring Highlights on a South Africa Holiday
- Marvel at an intimacy with wild leopards and lions on a safari in the Sabi Sands.
- Sit back amid the vines with a stay at a Stellenbosch wine estate.
- Experience a perfect first-time safari at one of the country’s exclusive big-five reserves; Madikwe is just one we recommend.
- Stand on the summit of Table Mountain before exploring Cape Town’s colourful streets and superb beaches.
- Encounter the big five, again, and again, and again.
- Discover the history behind all us when you visit the World Heritage Cradle of Humankind.
- Explore the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, including at Robben Island.
- Take a self drive holiday on South Africa’s excellent roads, with the Garden Route being an excellent option.
- Surround yourself with wild animals, at the best lodges in the most wildlife-rich areas.
Fascinating Facts
- South Africa is home to the highest commercial bungi jump in the world at 710 feet.
- There are more than 1950 shipwrecks just off the South African coast, most dating back at least 450+ years ago.
- South Africa is the land where 2 Oceans collide. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean & the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Table Mountain alone has over 1,500 species of plants, more than the entire United Kingdom.
- The Rovos Rail in South Africa is considered the most luxurious train in the world.
- Table Mountain is over 260 million years old. The iconic mountain’s layer of sandstone was flattened by icesheets giving it the ‘table’ reference.
South Africa Travel Information
Is it safe? That’s the number one question we get from those considering a South Africa holiday. Yes it is safe. Most of the country’s reputation is unfounded and the negative stereotyping puts a lot of people off visiting. Of course, you need to follow basic precautions and there are some no-go areas. That’s why we partner with South Africa’s best guides, who will show you what to do and what not to do, as well as where not to go. We only use hotels and lodges in very safe areas, so you will feel confident and comfortable when exploring the local area.
In addition, South Africa is the only country in Africa where you can experience a malaria-free safari. That means there’s no need to take malarial medication for your trip. This naturally makes it hugely popular with families.
With so much to experience it can be difficult knowing where to start. We’ve got you covered. If you dream of tracking a leopard on a misty morning we know where the encounter can almost be guaranteed. If South Africa means adventures on Table Mountain and tutored wine tasting then we know the guides to show you around. If it’s a self drive holiday we’ll book you into the best hotels for your budget, as well as providing detailed advice on planning a realistic route.
For South Africa safaris it all depends on your preferences and interests. Some of the lodges we use are pure luxury, with private plunge pools, decadent dining and a butler bringing bottles of wine to your suite. Others are more geared towards adventure, with nighttime game drives and walking safaris part of the daily program. We’ll recommend a different reserve and lodge if you are a family, or a couple on a honeymoon. A South Africa safari could be one day. Or it could be one week or more. We can guide you through all the options so you can make informed holiday choices.
In a country where there is something for everyone, we want you to experience something that’s unique to you.
South Africa has a dual climate and is a true year-round destination. The most popular time to visit is October to April, when you can escape the cold of home to enjoy South Africa’s long and warm summer along the coast. Cape Town and the Winelands are particularly enjoyable during these times, before the grapes are harvested.
The best game reserves are located in the north of the country, where the winters are cool and dry. This provides the best conditions for a big game safari. Wildlife must cluster around what little water that remains, so they are easier to find. Animals don’t need to find shade as it’s not as hot during the middle part of the day, so your activities see more and continue for longer. So these months, May to October, are best for a South Africa safari.
The best time to travel is dictated by whether you plan to spend more of your time on safari or along the coast and in South Africa’s other destinations. But don’t worry too much – any month of year has its positives. Note that mid-December to late-January is peak season and prices go up substantially; this is mostly due to local school holidays.
Language: There are eleven official languages of South Africa including English. Almost everyone you encounter will speak good English, although not necessarily as their first language. They may speak Xhosa, Afrikaans or Zulu at home.
Time zone: GMT + 2
International dialling code: +27
Visas: Visas are not required by nationals of the United States, the EU, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zeland amongst others. When travelling with children you must produce their full, unabridged birth certificate at immigration. There are additional immigration rules if a child is not travelling with both their biological parents – we can advise you on these.
Passports: Every traveler entering South Africa, is required to show a passport valid for at least 6 months. The passport must also contain at least one unused page for endorsements.
Health: No inoculations are necessary, unless you’re traveling via a country where yellow fever is endemic, in which case you’ll need a vaccination certificate to enter. Parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, Kruger National Park and surrounding reserves, are all high-risk malaria zones , though some areas become low-risk in the dry winter months (May to September). Always check with a travel clinic prior to your travel for updated advice.
Money: South African currency unit is the rand (ZAR or R)
Getting there: Johannesburg’s International Airport, known as OR Tambo International Airport , and Cape Town International are the major airport hubs in Southern Africa.
Getting around: With a network of well-maintained road systems crossing over scenic landscapes, together with a good range of car-rental companies, relatively low fuel costs, a combination of flight and road travel is the way to go if you visiting South Africa for 2 weeks or longer.
These Exclusive Reserves Also Have A Handful Of Secluded, Luxurious Lodges That Are Among Our Favourites For A Romantic Safari Break.
Kwazulu-Natal – Beaches, Safaris & Historic Battlefields
From the broad beaches of the sunny KwaZulu-Natal subtropical coast and the luxury accommodation of its big game reserves to its soaring mountain peaks and historic battlefields – this is where to go in South Africa for game viewing, bird watching, adventure, history and on-the-beach relaxation.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Once a volcanic crater, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is one of South Africa’s best wildlife destinations and is centred around a large hippo and crocodile-filled lake. Although conveniently close to Sun City, these two top destinations feel words apart: some visitors choose to stay in Sun City and travel across for a half-day safari, but with such great Big 5 game viewing on offer plus a wide choice of excellent safari lodges, we’d highly recommend a night or two in this beautiful piece of African wilderness.
Madikwe Game Reserve – Exclusive Big 5 Game Viewing
About a 3-hour drive or a short flight from Johannesburg lies one of South Africa’s least known large reserves, the Madikwe Private Game Reserve. Its Kalahari grasslands and woodlands are full of animals and the Reserve is one of the best places to see the highly endangered African wild dog plus the Big 5. Madikwe lies outside the malarial belt and offers excellent family-friendly lodges as well as romantic retreats and honeymoon suites.
