South Africa
Insiders Review
Situated at the tip of the African continent and surrounded by two oceans, South Africa boasts spectacular scenery, charming coastal villages, vibrant African cities and some of the best safari experiences the continent has to offer.
Known for its diversity of experiences, and consistently voted as one of the top tourist destinations around the world, South Africa is a stunning year-round destination. It is home to one of the world’s biggest nature reserves and some of the most exclusive, the iconic Kruger National Park, as well as some of the most fascinating and beautiful cities, Cape Town with its surrounding Winelands and Johannesburg, fondly known as Jozi; a contemporary and fascinating urban space and the gateway to the cradle of human kind at Maropeng.
An incredibly versatile destination, there is something for everyone. South Africa caters well for families, is a perfect getaway for romance, adventure seekers can explore a range of adrenalin-filled activities, and culinary enthusiasts will have their taste buds tantalized with the uniquely delicious local flavours that have arisen from a melting pot of cultures.
For sheer gluttony, there’s so much to love in South Africa, but there’s nowhere else like it on the continent for incredible wine, gourmet produce and world class restaurants of Cape Town and Johannesburg. When travelling in South Africa, you can start with a luxury wildlife safari, follow it up with a gourmet food & wine safari, then add on a cycling safari to burn off all that indulgence.
If you are simply seeking an introduction to the wonders of this continent, the hospitality and warmth of the people will welcome you with open arms.
Highlights
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Explore the restaurants & art galleries of Cape Town
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Visit the famous Nelson Mandela prison at Robben Island
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Take a scenic helicopter flight over the Cape Peninsula,
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Visit Cape Point, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean,
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Tour the many vineyards of the Cape Winelands and enjoy world-famous wine tastings,
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Discover the magic of the vast dunes and fields of the Southern Kalahari , and go in search of the elusive and highly endangered Pangolin,
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Experience some of the best game viewing in Africa while on safari at the world famous Sabi Sand Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park,
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Get up close and personal with Africa's Big 5 on a walking safari in the Londolozi Private Reserve,
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Enjoy the seven distinct habitats of Phinda Private Reserve, described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’, a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivers, marshes and pans, while searching for the endangered black rhino or the elusive leopards of Phinda,
Luxury Safaris to South-Africa
Best of South Africa
This safari takes you from the vibrant & cosmopolitan City of Cape Town, to the world-renowned Wine Estates of the Cape to the awe-inspiring vastness of the Kalahari to the exciting and thrilling game viewing in one of Africa's most exclusive private reserves.
13 nights from $29,100 per person.
Explore Cape Town, Cape Winelands, Kalahari, Greater Kruger National Park & Phinda Private Reserve
South Africa & Mozambique Safari
This safari takes you from the vibrant Cape Town and the Wine Estates of the Cape to the awe-inspiring vastness of the Kalahari and the exciting and thrilling game viewing in one of Africa's most exclusive private reserves to the paradise spice islands of Mozambique.
12 Nights from $28,200 per person
Explore Cape Town, Kalahari, Greater Kruger National Park & Benguerra Island.
Livingstone Explorer
Enjoy the beauty of Cape Town and then head off to the game-rich Okavango Delta, and then onto the magic of Zimbabwe, where we visit the world's greatest waterfall, the Victoria Falls and then onto Mana Pools, where we will view some of Africa's most spectacular wildlife.
11 Nights from $29,500 per person
Explore Cape Town, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Mana Pools
Bush & Beach Explorer
This safari takes you from the exciting and thrilling game viewing in one of Africa's most exclusive private reserves to the one-of-a-kind Phinda Game Reserve with 7 distinct habitats where you will view the elegant cheetah and the elusive black rhino and then onto the paradise spice islands of Mozambique.
9 Nights from $25,100 per person
Explore Phinda Game Reserve, Greater Kruger National Park & Benguerra Island.
Hemingway
Explorer
Enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the Cape Winelands, before heading off to the Namib Desert, home to the largest dunes in the world.
We then fly off to the game-rich Okavango Delta, and then onto the magic of Zimbabwe. where we visit the world's largest waterfall, the Victoria Falls and the mighty Zambezi River.
12 Nights from $28,100 per person
Explore Cape Winelands, Sossusvlei, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls.
Desert, Bush & Beach Safari
Enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the Cape Winelands, before heading off to the Namib Desert, home to the largest dunes in the world.
We then fly off to the game rich Sabi Sand Private Reserve before heading onto the azure blue waters of the mystical Benguerra Island in Mozambique.
12 Nights from $29,100 per person
Explore Cape Town, Sossusvlei, Greater Kruger & Mozambique
More Destinations within South Africa
Cape Town
Known as the Mother City, beautiful Cape Town boasts more than its fair share of magnificent natural beauty, cultural marvels and historical sites.
Quintessentially modern and cosmopolitan, it is home to gourmet restaurants, trendy nightlife and a thriving café culture, combined with natural wonders ranging from miles and miles of beautiful beaches to the renowned Cape Winelands and iconic Table Mountain.
Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands are a scenic treasure, graced with majestic views and vaulting rocky hills that is home to some of the country’s oldest and most prestigious wine farms dating back to the 1650s.
In addition to its world-class vintages, the Winelands rightly considers itself South Africa’s culinary capital (according the the Winerist, the region is home to three of the top ten restaurants in South Africa, and one in the top 50 in the world).
Kalahari Reserve
The sundrenched Kalahari, with its ancient, undulating landscape and endless horizons, evokes memories of a land before time.
The portion of the great Kalahari desert that lies in the Northern Cape Province is but part of a large arid to semi-arid sandy area known as the Kalahari Basin, covering 2.5 million square kilometres that stretch from the Orange River to cover most of Botswana and parts of Namibia.
Greater Kruger Game Reserve
The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa and one of the world’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries
The Greater Kruger National Park refers to the Kruger National Park itself as well as the Private Game Reserves on the Western border of the Kruger National Park such as the Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Manyeleti and Thornybush Private Game Reserve.
Phinda Private Reserve (KZN)
Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, Phinda is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 436 bird species.
The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino.
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When is best to travel to Botswana?Best Time and High Season: Okavango Delta | Moremi | Chobe | Linyanti · June to September. May and October are also good months. October can get very hot but exceptional game viewing. Makgadikgadi Pans: · April and May are the best months to view the spectacular migration. November and December the rains can start, and it is very hot. These months can also provide excellent game viewing. January to April is the proper wet season and game viewing can be more challenging Low Season: December to April Best Weather: April & May – moderate temperatures, few clouds and little to no rainfall.
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How do I get to and around Botswana?Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa via any of the main airlines and you will find connecting flights or charter flights from Johannesburg to the Okavango Delta (Maun International) or Chobe National Park (Kasane International) Many of the remote Delta camps can only be reached by light aircraft, which is an incredible way to get around and experience this natural wonderland from a different vantage point.
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How long should I spend in Botswana?When travelling to Botswana allow for at least one week to experience the Okavango Delta and perhaps a visit to the Makgadikgadi salt pans. One could add on a few extra days to experience the Chobe River or cruise on a luxury houseboat on the Zambezi River. Booking is required in advance as most camps are small, intimate and remote. Botswana is considered as an expensive destination, which is worth taking into consideration when thinking about your budget.
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What attractions and experiences will I find in Botswana?If you are after a safari experience like no other, Botswana is a phenominal destination offering superb wildlife viewing opportunities, incredibly diverse landscapes and conservation initiatives. Botswana offers a plethora of unique destinations and landscapes including Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, Tsodilo, the Kalahari Desert and the vast Makgadikgadi Pans. Highlights would be - experience the Delta and the Makgadikgadi Pans from the air - take a horse riding safari - for the twitchers; discover some of the world's most unique bird species - spot rare and endangered wildlife such as rhino and wild dog - explore the winding waterways of the Okavango from a traditional Mokoro canoe - experience the intrigue and mystery of the Tsodilo hills and San bushman culture
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What is the political and economic climate of Botswana?Solid infrastructure, financial and political stability means that travelling in Botswana is both safe and easy. The standards of accomodation, service delivery and catering are extremely high. In fact you will find some of Africa's most luxurious experiences in Botswana, perfect for anyone who loves the finer things in life.
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What essential information should I know before visiting Botswana?Health: anti-malarials are required. We recommend you visit your travel doctor for the latest information on travel vaccinations. Language: English is the official language in Botswana along with Setswana. Currency: Pula is the local currency which is a Setswana word for "rain", Botswana's most precious resource and therefore a blessing. We recommend travellers travelling with US dollars especially for tipping but VISA credit cards are accepted in most locations. Accomodation: Most lodges are small and intimate so it would be wise to book as far in advance as possible to avoid missing out.