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South Africa

South Africa is one of the most popular safari and holiday destinations on the African continent. It is the country's extraordinary diversity that makes it so attractive, encapsulating so much of what the continent has to offer, and thereby making South Africa a perfect choice for an African safari or holiday.

There are over 300 game reserves and national parks, making it possible to search out specific animal species or to get an overview of the natural world. You can chose to stay in luxury safari lodges or budget national parks accommodation. It is even possible to choose a reserve in a malaria-free zone.

There are cosmopolitan cities, world renowned vineyards, and stunning beaches on the Cape, and the picturesque Garden Route which follows the coast between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Add to this a melting pot of different cultures, with tribal heritage and traditions from distinctive peoples like the Zulu, and South Africa becomes a great place for a holiday, whatever your interests.

The two small countries of Swaziland and Lesotho can also be easily included in a visit here, adding another dimension to an already varied South African safari holiday.

Featured Trips

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  1. Kruger, Limpopo and Mashatu

    Kruger, Limpopo and Mashatu

    Enjoy splendid wildlife viewing in private ares of the Greater Kruger and cross into Botswana to stay in a fabulous luxury lodge for game viewing, walks, cycling or horse rides.

    Length: 9 days - Guide price from.. £3015

  2. Arts and Ancestors

    Arts and Ancestors

    A fascinating insight to the history of the people of South Africa, including visits to cave paintings, historical sites, fossils and accompanied by a highly trained guide.

    Length: 9 nights - Guide price from.. £3000

Featured Accommodation

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  1. Thonga Beach Lodge

    Thonga Beach Lodge

    Thonga Beach Lodge is a 24-bed luxury lodge set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland coast, KwaZulu-Natal.

  2. Rhino Walking safaris

    Rhino Walking Safaris: Plains Camp and Sleep Out

    Rhino Walking Safaris' Plains Camp and Sleep Out are excellent for anyone wanting a walking safari in Kruger.

South Africa highlights

  1. Famed wildlife of Kruger National Park, and over 300 other parks and reserves.
  2. Incredible diversity of landscapes, environment, wildlife, cultures and available activities.
  3. Malaria-free African holidays.
  4. The beauty of the Garden Route, and the world-renowned Winelands.
  5. Stunning beaches, and cosmopolitan cities.
  6. Swaziland and Lesotho add another dimension to this vast land.

Weather

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sunny Sunny Cloudy Rain Sunny with Cloud
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Min temp
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Max temp
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Client Comments

We can't praise South Africa too highly. Everything we did was great.
B & C Natton

In many ways our holiday more than surpassed our expectations. The range and depth of our experience was magical, and the number of unique situations we found ourselves in was amazing.
G & J Mason

South Africa is a beautiful country with stunning scenery, fabulous and fascinatingly varied flora and fauna, endless opportunities for hiking in in well-maintained parks in very contrasting terrains. The people are friendly and hospitable, food and drink excellent, lots of warm sunshine - what more could one ask for?
Sykes family

A wonderful experience of South Africa, a varied and colourful taster of the country with 99% of places visited exceeding expectations.
Furbank party

View a map of South Africa

Map of South Africa

Language

English is South Africa's main administrative language and is widely spoken. There are 11 official languages, corresponding to the main tribal groups.

Visas

Visas are not required for British passport holders.

Health

No vaccinations are compulsory. Malaria is found in certain areas (mainly Kruger and the east coast towards Mozambique), but not throughout the country. Please ask for detail of the area you are considering.

Best times to go

Since the country is so huge, there is vastly differing weather patterns in different areas. Very generally, from about April to October, the Cape tends to be cool and wet, whilst Kwazulu Natal and the eastern regions are mostly warm and dry. From roughly October to April, the reverse is the trend. Ask for our Trip Planner for more detail and refer to the region pages.

Getting there

There are daily flights from Europe to Johannesburg (about 10 ½ hours direct) and Cape Town (about 11 hours direct). There is also a good network of domestic flights connecting all the main towns.

Foreign Office Travel Advice - www.fco.gov.uk/travel

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