A Guide To South Africa's Flora & Fauna

A Guide To South Africa's Flora & Fauna

Africa Travel has specialised in creating private luxury tours to South Africa to enjoy the country’s magnificent flora and fauna for over 30 years.

The fauna of South Africa is a term which describes all the animals found living in this extraordinary destination – both on land and in the seas. These include mammals, reptiles, birds and insects, with many being unique to the country. Its biodiversity means that it is a popular location for safari aficionados as well as for animal researchers. In order to avoid being sadly wiped out, the majority of these safari animals are to be found in National Parks, game reserves and private conservation areas, where the keen safari-goer is able to get up close like nowhere else.

Possibly the best known set of animals are the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros & buffalo - so named as historically these were considered the five most dangerous animals to hunt. In addition South Africa is also home to an amazing array of fauna – hippo, springbok, ostrich, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, meerkat, baboon, impala, warthog, hyena, wild dog and pangolin amongst the land-dwellers, with whales, sharks, penguins, seals and crocodiles in the waters.

Floral-wise, South Africa is a plant-lover’s paradise, containing an estimated 8% of the world’s vascular plants, three global biodiversity hotspots and approximately 21 000 species.

It has 6 floral kingdoms, the most famous of which is the fynbos biome. Colourful displays of wildflowers can be found in the West Coast National Park, Ramskop Wildflower Nature Reserve & up through the region of Namaqualand, bursting into bloom each year, and the green-fingered can go on a carefully-curated itinerary which includes the very best displays of flora and fauna in the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. South Africa also has a wide variety of private manicured gardens, such as the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, and National Botanical Gardens which the flora and fauna visitor is able to visit, with the most renowned being the Kirstenbosch, Harold Porter, Hantam & Karoo Desert Botanical Gardens in the Cape, and the Walter Sisulu & Pretoria Botanical Gardens near Johannesburg

Luxurious accommodation for your South Africa flora and fauna holiday 

Wherever you’re planning to visit for your South Africa flora and fauna trip, we will make sure you spend the duration of your holiday residing in comfortable, luxurious accommodation that is tailored to your requirements. Our dedicated staff listen to each of your needs and preferences before recommending the best accommodation for you, which is always based on their own personal experiences.

Where to stay on your flora and fauna tour of South Africa?

If your flora and fauna trip is going to include a safari, the choices are almost limitless. The Kruger National Park is the grand-daddy of all South African National Parks, with private reserves such as Sabi Sands, Thornybush & Timbavati all hosting world-class safari lodges. Those wanting a malaria-free safari can head to the safari lodges and camps of the Madikwe Reserve, to the Amakhala & Shamwari Reserves in the Eastern Cape, or to the Cape’s Sanbona Reserve, where the Big Five will be waiting.

For all things floral, first stop should definitely be at the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Overlooking Walker Bay, this luxurious hillside reserve allows guests to experience the Cape's floral kingdom and fascinating bird, mammal and marine life. There is a wide range of nature-orientated activities available, from nature drives and trails through the unique fynbos and forests, to horse-riding along the beach and boat trips to view the whales, seals & sharks.

A good base for any floral tour of Cape Town is the Belmond Mount Nelson, the best-known of all the city’s hotels. Originally built to house passengers from the Union Castle cruise liners, the hotel sprawls over several buildings within seven acres of beautiful rose gardens and manicured lawns, creating a peaceful oasis in the heart of Cape Town. If you are going to be travelling to view the annual carpet of wild flowers in the Wild Coast National Park, then make the Farmhouse Hotel in nearby Langebaan your base. Overlooking the tranquil Langebaan lagoon it is within walking distance of two beaches, and sits right next door to the National Park.

Finally, any floral tour of South Africa really should include a stay at the Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat. Located within the Cape Floral Kingdom in Clanwilliam, this award-winning property in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains is not only covered with numerous species of indigenous fynbos, but also offers access to 130 sites of ancient Bushmen rock art.

Wherever you choose to travel, we will ensure you stay in ideally located and serene accommodation.

Why book your South Africa flora and fauna trip with Africa Travel?

With over 30 years’ experience in creating tailor-made and bespoke holidays to South Africa, there is no one more qualified to organise an unforgettable flora and fauna tour of this wonderful destination than Africa Travel. We have a wealth of specialist resources to help you book your perfect flora and fauna South Africa safari and as all of our staff have travelled the country themselves you can trust that our personal recommendations will deliver the floral holiday that you have always dreamed of. We even have our own staff located in South Africa to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible.

Our years of knowledge mean that we can give personalised recommendations for your trip, including the best time of year to see the wild flowers in bloom or the whales breaching, the best safari and floral-friendly places to stay, and the best horticultural guides and experts, such as the master botanist Sean Privett, to show you the sights.