South Africa

About South Africa

When you visit South Africa, travel across a golden country which has everything to offer its visitors – vast empty spaces, wilderness, glorious beaches, dramatic scenery and scorched plains.

It is a country where two oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian – meet and converge to provide a spectacular coastline, a country so rich in soil that it’s fys is a protected element, and yet it still houses one of the most inhospitable deserts on earth, the Kalahari.

But most of all it is a land rich in wildlife, making South African safari holidays one of the most unique experiences you will ever enjoy. It teems with lion and elephant, thousands of antelope, the elusive leopard and the endangered wild dog, not to mention a myriad of antelope, zebra, wildebeest & giraffe and hundreds of species of bird. It is also the ideal place to see the greatest creatures of the deep during the whale-watching season and is one of the few places on the planet where you can spy penguins on the sands & dive with great whites. Add to that the lushness of the Garden Route, the bounties of the Wine Region, the riches of the Kruger National Park and the cosmopolitan glamour of Johannesburg and Cape Town and you have a land for all seasons, all tastes.

Interesting things to do in South Africa

South Africa is a destination which offers a truly diverse range of experiences, allowing you to see the best of the safari, cuisine and sight-seeing available. 

Get right to the heart of Cape Town, with a Cape Eats tour – a great opportunity to explore behind the scenes and experience a taste of the cultures that make up this cosmopolitan city. Some great ways to explore South Africa's spectacular and diverse scenery are on horseback, by taking a tour through the winelands, offering a different style of wine-tasting, or exploring the Drakensberg Mountains from a vantage point. 

If the botanical side of South Africa takes your fancy, experience the Western Cape transformed into a carpet of colour as the wildflowers bloom for a short window in August and September each year.

South Africa offers incredible opportunities for animal watching both on safari and in the sea. Assist a specialist conservation unit on safari, to see the work that goes on and join in with crucial exercises such as Rhino darting and notching, or come improbably close to humpback and southern right whale on a marine cruise, and don't miss the chance to see other marine species such as dolphin, seal and sharks as well.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

• Summer (November to February): Days can get very hot, although there is often a cooling breeze, especially in coastal regions. Northerly regions often experience spectacular afternoon Thunderstorms.
• Autumn (March to May): Temperatures start to drop meaning excellent weather for safari, especially around the Kruger area. It gets drier in coastal areas as well, making them perfect for outdoor activities.
• Winter (June to July): Mornings and evenings can get very cold, although days are generally pleasantly warm with clear skies. Excellent weather for safaris and the first Southern Right Whales start to arrive on the South-West coast.
• Spring (August to October): Days are rapidly starting to get warmer and the rains return to the more Northern regions. Spring flowers are in bloom in the areas to the North of Cape Town and it is a fantastic time of year to visit The Garden Route.

In The Know

• Capital – Pretoria
• Currency – South African Rand
• Point of Entry – Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban
• Airlines – British Airways, South African Airways, Virgin Atlantic
• Flying Time – 11 hours
• Time Zone – GMT +1
• Visa not required
• Medical Requirements – Malaria prophylaxis recommended

Insider Tips

• For foodies visiting Cape Town make sure you visit The Test Kitchen or The Pot Luck Club . Both are run by Luke Dale-Roberts who is one of South Africa’s leading Chefs, offering superb gourmet food in fantastic surroundings.
• August and September sees the spring flowers blooming in Namaqualand to the North of Cape Town and we can put together some wonderful itineraries to explore this beautiful part of South Africa.
• The Madikwe Game Reserve in the North-West is a hidden gem of a reserve and perfect for families – malaria free and with many lodges boasting family units as well. The game viewing is superb and it offers South Africa’s best chance of seeing African Wild Dog.
• Dedicate walking safaris can be enjoyed in the far North of the Kruger National Park, where 80% of South Africa’s biodiversity is found in 2% of the Kruger Park’s total area.
• The South African Winter (June to August) is a beautiful time to visit KwaZulu-Natal, with bright, clear skies, warm days and everywhere is much quieter.