South Africa
Overview
With 11 official languages, you can expect South Africa to be a colourful state filled with diversity.
Located right at the southernmost tip of Africa, the country is divided into nine provinces and has almost 3,000 kilometres of coastline. It’s bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and surrounds the tiny nation of Lesotho, making it the perfect starting off point for further excursions into Africa.
Most people begin their travels in Cape Town, South Africa’s most popular and cosmopolitan city, with one of the most stunning urban landscapes in the world. This city really does have it all – incredible dining options, great wine, activities galore for adrenalin junkies, and plenty of cultural excursions inluding Robben Island – located just off the coast and a sobering day trip that any Cape Town visitor should take.
A short one-hour drive from Cape Town, The Winelands are one of South Africa’s gems, and if you’re a wine-lover it’s definitely worth spending a few days exploring the vineyards and wineries that are scattered throughout this beautiful region. The most popular wine regions are – Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington.
Heading east, we highly recommend a self-drive trip down the Garden Route – one of South Africa’s most popular journeys, stretching along the coast from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Driving is made easy with well kept roads that are clearly sign posted. As you drive along the route we highly recommended doing a bit of whale watching, which is superb from July to November.
Continue heading east and you hit the Eastern Cape, or what is also known as the Wild Coast. A region of great natural beauty with rugged cliffs, rough seas and dense green bush, it’s interesting to experience this after the much calmer Garden Route.
The KwaZulu Natal Province is home to the famous fields where conflicts and battles were won and lost between Zulus, Boers and the British. Many locations of historic and cultural interest still remain. This region is also full of dramatic natural beauty and spectacular isolation.
Kruger Park is an amazing choice for your first safari, is home to Africa’s Big Five, and is the second largest reserve in Africa – stretching 360km from north to south.
And lastly, a short 90-minute flight from Johannesburg brings you to the 75,000 acre Madikwe Game Reserve. It’s not only big, but it is home to the world’s largest wildlife trans-location project, and over the years has become one of the best run reserves in the country.
South Africa Regions
South African Winelands
Do you enjoy a good glass of wine? Did you know that South Africa has the ninth largest wine industry in the world? The Winelands are one of South Africa's gems, and it is definitely worth s…
Read MoreGarden Route
The Garden Route is one of South Africa's most popular journeys, stretching along the coast from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.
Read MoreGreater Kruger
Kruger Park is an amazing choice for your first safari. It is home to Africa's Big Five, and the second largest reserve in Africa - stretching 360km from north to south.
Read MoreJohannesburg
Johannesburg stems from gold and diamond mining, dating back to the 1800’s, and the city’s local name, Egoli, means The City of Gold.
Read MoreKwaZulu Natal
The KwaZulu Natal Province is home to the famous fields where conflicts and battles were won and lost between Zulus, Boers and the British. Many locations of historic and cultural interest s…
Read MoreMadikwe & The Waterberg
Take a short 90-minute flight from Johannesburg and find yourself in the 75,000 acre Madikwe Game Reserve.
Read MoreSouth Africa Itineraries
A Food & Wine Discovery of South Africa
Cape Town, South African Winelands, South Africa
Known for bustling Cape Town, the stunning Garden Route and magnificent Kruger National Park, South Africa is also a foodie capital with an innovative dining scene and some of the best win…
Read MoreThe Cape and safari in 7 days
South Africa offers much to enjoy, from penguins waddling on the Cape, wine tastings in beautiful vineyards, spotting The Big 5 in sprawled out National Parks and mind-blowing landscapes. Fo…
Read MoreFrom Beach to Safari
Botswana, Mauritius, Okavango Delta, Johannesburg, South Africa
A touch of adventure and a pinch of relaxation makes the perfect mix for a holiday! Start off your much deserved holiday with Mauritius and its pristine beaches where you can laze around …
Read MoreNature, Wildlife & City
Cape Town, Livingstone, Greater Kruger, South Africa, Zambia
During this 10 day holiday experience nature, wildlife & city in Zambia and South Africa, two countries in the African continent teeming with marvellous sights to behold. Your journe…
Read MoreThe Ultimate South Africa for Families
Cape Town, Johannesburg, Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
This ten-day itinerary is full of activites for the ultimate South Africa family holiday. Starting in Cape Town, visit historical sites before you take in the penguins at Boulders Beach, …
Read MoreThe Best of Both: Safari and City
Cape Town, South African Winelands, Greater Kruger, South Africa
Head to the Kruger National Park in South Africa for a chance to spot the big five in action. Spend two days exploring the park and relaxing in the luxurious surroundings of the Chitwa C…
Read MoreUltimate South Africa
This is a varied and thrilling itinerary taking in the finest experiences and the best that South Africa has to offer. Soak up the sun on the magnificent Cape Town beaches, sample fine wi…
Read MoreThe Best of The Cape
Cape Town, Garden Route, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Enjoy the perfect combination of the Western and Eastern Cape as you make your way from Cape Town along the Garden Route and onto Port Elizabeth - covering a wide range of terrains in wonder…
Read MoreThe Best of Southern Africa
This is a truly memorable two week itinerary that takes in some of the best that Southern Africa has to offer. You will move from country to country at leisure, really getting a feel for thi…
Read MoreSouth Africa Properties
&Beyond Exeter River Lodge
One of the forty lodges spread across five African countries that are owned and operated by the & Beyond group, &Beyond Exeter River sits on the banks of the Sand River in the weste…
Read More&Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp
This luxury safari lodge is set in delightful gardens overlooking the Sand River and the bushveld on the beautifully restored 1920’s homestead of conservationist Harry Kirkman. It is locat…
Read More&Beyond Leadwood Lodge
This luxury safari lodge lies on the banks of the Sand River, under a canopy of Jackalberry and Leadwood trees. &Beyond Leadwood Lodge is located in the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserv…
Read More&Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge
This luxury safari lodge lies in the shade of mopane and tamboti trees in the Ngala Private Game Reserve, on the western boundary of South Africa’s renowned Kruger National Park. &Beyo…
Read More&Beyond Ngala Tented Camp
This luxury tented safari camp lies on the edge of the seasonal Timbavati River in the Ngala Game Reserve in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, an area renowned for its abundance of game…
Read More&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
Set deep within a beautiful sand forest, &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge offers a calming atmosphere which can be described as Zulu Zen. Located in South Africa's Phinda Game Reserve, thi…
Read More&Beyond Phinda Homestead
Savour the luxury of Africa’s wide open spaces from the exclusive private safari villa at &Beyond Phinda Homestead. Breathtakingly stylish, yet refreshingly simple, the Homestead provi…
Read More&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge
As its name implies, &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge sits majestically on the crest of a mountain, boasting dramatic views of the rolling landscape, which can be admired from every suite. …
Read More&Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge
One of the few places in the world where you can sip on your drink whilst watching Bateleur eagles swoop by at eye level, &Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge is a romantic wilderness getaway set i…
Read More&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge is an intimate private safari destination overlooking a 23,000 hectare private game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Sitting on the edge of the sand fore…
Read More&Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge
&Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge is an intimate safari retreat situated amongst the densely wooded hills of the Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. Four thatched Zululand bush cottage…
Read MoreAnts Hill
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
On a private game reserve in the Waterberg region of South Africa’s north-westerly Limpopo province, Ant’s Hill is three hours’ drive north of Johannesburg. With a dramatic setting on …
Read MoreAnts Nest
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
Located in a natural amphitheatre, Ants Nest specialises in famiy safaris and offers a classic, relaxed, African atmosphere. Built on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Waterberg, the prope…
Read MoreBabylonstoren
South African Winelands, South Africa
Babylonstoren is a wonderful boutique hotel set on one of the oldest Cape Dutch Farms, surrounded by vineyards and orchards. The 14 unique cottages are located in the stunningly converted…
Read MoreBartholomeus Klip
This luxury boutique-style property offers four elegantly designed rooms in the main house and a separate suite with its own verandah overlooking the mountains. Each room reflects the farm…
Read MoreBirkenhead House
Perched high on the Hermanus cliffs, the regal Birkenhead House overlooks the whale watching paradise of Walker Bay. This is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside…
Read MoreBoschendal Farm
South African Winelands, South Africa
Boschendal Farm provides luxury boutique accommodation on one of the oldest farms in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. The estate is situated close to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch and its del…
Read MoreCape Cadogan
In the Gardens suburb of central Cape Town, Cape Cadogan has 12 standard and luxury bedrooms and a Presidential Suite. With secured parking and plenty of outside space in its gardens, cour…
Read MoreCape Grace
The Cape Grace is one of the famous classic hotels, set on its own private quay on Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with the yacht marina on the one side, the working ha…
Read MoreChitwa Chitwa
Chitwa Chitwa stands as a jewel of South African hospitality and an emblem of the savanna’s most authentic and refined luxury. Originally a private home, it was transformed into a private …
Read MoreDulini Lodge
This luxury safari lodge lies in the shade of ancient Ebony and Leadwood trees on the banks of the Mabrak River. Dulini Lodge is located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa’s Kr…
Read MoreEllerman House
A Relais & Chateaux property, Ellerman House overlooks the Atlantic from Cape Town’s upmarket residential suburb of Bantry Bay. With eleven rooms, two suites and a five-room villa, thi…
Read MoreFairlawns Boutique Hotel
Housed in an attractive neoclassical mansion which was privately owned until its conversion in 1998 into a hotel, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in the Johannesburg suburb of Sandton has…
Read MoreGrand Dedale
South African Winelands, South Africa
Grand Dédale is a recently renovated Cape Dutch farm at the foot of Bainskloof Pass, five minutes from Wellington, and only half an hour’s drive from Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. …
Read MoreGrande Provence Wine Estate
Less than a one hour drive from Cape Town, set within the Franschhoek Valley in South Africa’s Western Cape, Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate is 300 years old and set within a 47 acres…
Read MoreGrande Roche Hotel
South African Winelands, South Africa
Set on a private estate with a spectacular backdrop of Paarl Rock, in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Grande Roche Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel is considered one of the finest hotels in…
Read MoreJaci’s Safari Lodge
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
Jaci’s is a family friendly safari lodge located on the edge of the Kalahari, in the malaria-free 75,000 hectare ‘big five’ rich Madikwe reserve. Boasting magnificent wildlife and t…
Read MoreJohannesburg Intercontinental Airport Hotel
This Johannesburg hotel is within walking distance of the arrivals hall and train links to the Sandton central business district. The hotel features luxury amenities, including an indoor poo…
Read MoreKensington Place
Known as the 'coolest bothole in Cape Town', this luxury boutique hotel never fails to deliver sublime comfort, second-to-none service and an exceptional experience. It is one of Cape Town's…
Read MoreKwandwe Ecca Lodge
Ecca Lodge is made up of six spacious suites each with their own large verandah with a plunge pool, perfect for cooling off after a day in the bush. The interior design has a modern feel wit…
Read MoreKwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
One of four spectacular safari lodges on the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve on the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the Great Fish River Lodge sits on a steep bank overlooking the river after whi…
Read MoreLa Clé des Montagnes
South African Winelands, South Africa
La Clé des Montagnes is a collection of four luxury villas situated on a working wine estate in the heart of the stunning Franschhoek Valley, in South Africa, an hour’s drive from Cape To…
Read MoreLa Residence
South African Winelands, South Africa
If you’re looking for a real treat when you visit the winelands during your stay in South Africa, then look no further than La Residence, in Franschhoek. Eleven sumptuous suites in the ea…
Read MoreLe Quartier Francais
South African Winelands, South Africa
Luxury, privacy, unparalleled service, and gastronomy par excellence define Le Quartier Français, a peaceful retreat in the heart of the wine country near Cape Town, South Africa. The ho…
Read MoreLeobo Private Reserve
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
Leobo Private Reserve provides two very different accommodation options. For those seeking the utmost indulgence, The Observatory offers an over the top, decadent experience. Designed by awa…
Read MoreLeopard Hills
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking a waterhole and the plains and bushveld below, Leopard Hills lodge began operating in 1998, and stands in a private 10,000 hectare (25,000 acre) game r…
Read MoreLion Sands Ivory Lodge
The family-owned Lion Sands Game Reserve in the Sabi Sands is home to five superb lodges on the banks of the Sabie River in the Greater Kruger region, South Africa. Of these, Ivory Lodge is …
Read MoreLion Sands River Lodge
Family owned and managed since 1933, Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is situated in the southern sector of the 65,000 hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, a…
Read MoreLondolozi Founders Camp
This private game reserve in the heart of the Sabi Sand region has been family-run since 1926, and it is now the fourth generation of the Varty Family who welcome you to their reserve and th…
Read MoreLondolozi Pioneer Camp
This private game reserve in the heart of the Sabi Sand region has been family-run since 1926, and it is now the fourth generation of the Varty Family who welcome you to their reserve and th…
Read MoreLondolozi Private Granite Suites
This private game reserve in the heart of the Sabi Sand region has been family-run since 1926, and it is now the fourth generation of the Varty Family who welcome you to their reserve and th…
Read MoreLondolozi Tree Camp
This private game reserve in the heart of the Sabi Sand region has been family-run since 1926, and it is now the fourth generation of the Varty Family who welcome you to their reserve and th…
Read MoreLondolozi Varty Camp
This private game reserve in the heart of the Sabi Sand region has been family-run since 1926, and it is now the fourth generation of the Varty Family who welcome you to their reserve and th…
Read MoreMadikwe Safari Lodge
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
Comprising of three separate luxury properties, the Madikwe Safari Lodge sits on the Madikwe Game Reserve high up in South Africa’s north-western province, bordering Botswana. This area,…
Read MoreMakanyane
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
Makanyane is a luxurious and exclusive safari lodge, situated on private land within the magnificent 75,000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve - home to the Big 5 and a myriad of othe…
Read MoreMakweti Safari Lodge
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
Makweti Safari Lodge is unfenced, so visitors are not always predictable, but fabulous game viewing opportunities from the lodge itself, not to mention its surroundings, are all but guarante…
Read MoreMarataba
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
Marataba is a vast private concession within the Marakele National Park in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Hidden here, at the foot of the Waterberg Mountains and among the trees and shru…
Read MoreMateya Safari Lodge
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
Set on a rocky outcrop in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in Kruger National Park, South Africa, Mateya Safari Lodge is the epitome of style and sophistication and offers exceptional g…
Read MoreMelton Manor
Melton Manor is a luxury four-bedroom safari villa located at Kwandwe, a Malaria-free Big Five game reserve in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. This elegant frontier farmhouse combines distinc…
Read MoreMont Rochelle
South African Winelands, South Africa
This luxury boutique hotel is set on a hill on a 39-hectare estate in the charming vineyard town of Franschhoek, in South Africa's Western Cape. Recently refurbished, Mont Rochelle combines …
Read MoreMore Quarters
More Quarters offers the combination of apartment living with the service and hospitality of a hotel. The apartments are ideally located just off Kloof Street, referred to as the 'heart o…
Read MoreMorukuru Farm House
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
Farm House lies in lush gardens on a 100-hectare estate, on the other side of the mountain to sister properties, Owner’s House and River House, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve in …
Read MoreMorukuru Owner’s House
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
This luxury boutique retreat is hidden under ancient Morukuru trees on the banks of the Marico River, in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, in South Africa. The international airport in …
Read MoreMorukuru River House
Madikwe & The Waterberg, South Africa
Lying on the banks of the Marico River in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa, River House is the ultimate bush retreat. The international airport in Johannesburg is 380 km a…
Read MoreMount Nelson Hotel
Since opening its doors in 1899, the Mount Nelson Hotel has cemented a place in Cape Town’s history as a leader in hospitality and luxury. “The Pink Lady” (as she’s affectionately kn…
Read MoreNotten’s Bush Camp
Notten’s Bush Camp in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve’s Mpumalanga province is one of South Africa’s oldest private game lodges. It has been operating since 1986 on a portion of land acquir…
Read MoreOne&Only Cape Town
One of Cape Town’s largest hotels, the opulent South African home of the renowned One & Only group sits in the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, offering seclusion and peace while pro…
Read MoreQueen Victoria Hotel
In the heart of Cape Town’s Victoria & Albert Waterfront, this five star boutique hotel is part of the Newmark Hotels group. The Queen Victoria hotel has 35 rooms, of which three are s…
Read MoreRovos Rail
Embark on luxurious journey through Africa aboard a magnificent Pride of Africa locomotive with Rovos Rail. Step back in time and experience the glamour of a bygone era as you travel through…
Read MoreRoyal Malewane
In South Africa’s northernmost province of Limpopo, against the backdrop of the Drakensburg Mountains, Royal Malewane sits among the bushveld of the Thornybush Private Game Reserve. Supre…
Read MoreSabi Sabi Bush Lodge
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is a luxury safari lodge situated in the heart of the unfenced Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park in South Africa, a one hour 30 minute-fligh…
Read MoreSabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Since 1979 Sabi Sabi has hosted visitors from all over the world, drawn to this unique area by the promise of the safari experience of a lifetime. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, situated i…
Read MoreSabi Sabi Little Bush Camp
This luxury safari lodge lies hidden along the banks of the Msuthlu River on the borders of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, in South Africa, a one hour 30 minute-flight from Johanne…
Read MoreSabi Sabi Selati Camp
This award-winning luxury game lodge lies on the banks of the Msuthlu River on the border of the Kruger National Park, in South Africa, a one hour 30 minute-flight from Johannesburg. Sabi Sa…
Read MoreSavanna Lodge
In the western sector of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve lies over 10,000 hectares (24,711 acres) of pristine bushveld comprising the Savanna Private Game Reserve. Here, a luxurious nine-suite l…
Read MoreSingita Boulders Lodge
Situated in the exclusive and game rich Sabi Sand Reserve, Singita Boulders, South Africa is built around the theme of nature. The lodge is enviably located on the Sand River. Inspired by…
Read MoreSingita Ebony Lodge
The award-winning Singita group operates 12 lodges and camps in five regions across three countries in Africa. Singita Ebony, on the banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Reserve, is thei…
Read MoreSingita Lebombo Lodge
Singita Lebombo Lodge is an architectural icon in the safari world. Inspired by the perching nests of eagles, the 15 glass cube suites jut out from the rock face and offer spectacular views …
Read MoreTable Bay Hotel
The Table Bay Hotel holds a prime position on the historic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa. Located close to Sea Point, Green Point and the city centre, it makes …
Read MoreTanda Tula
This luxury safari camp lies on the banks of the Timbavati River in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. It is located in an area reno…
Read MoreThe Blue Train
Embark on an enchanting journey aboard The Blue Train as it travels through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery found in the African subcontinent. Travel in style past awe-inspi…
Read MoreThe Delaire Graff Estate & Spa
South African Winelands, South Africa
Delaire Graff is home to some of the most exceptional accommodation, art, design, food and wine, in one of the most stunning natural settings. The property is a piece of paradise nestled bet…
Read MoreThe Marine Hermanus
This luxury boutique hotel is perched on the cliffs overlooking Walker Bay in Hermanus, South Africa. The Marine Hermanus offers some of the most spectacular views in the Southern Hemisphere…
Read MoreThe Plettenberg
This luxury boutique hotel lies on a rocky headline offering awe-inspiring views of Formosa Bay, the Outeniqua Mountains and endless golden sand beaches. The Plettenberg is located in the he…
Read MoreThe Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas and Spa
An exclusive sanctuary in the upmarket residential Johannesburg neighbourhood of Sandhurst, the Saxon Boutique Hotel, also comprising Villas and Spa, is a former private mansion, and member …
Read MoreTintswalo Atlantic
The Tintswalo Group runs an exclusive handful of properties in South Africa, two of which are in the Greater Kruger National Park. Tintswalo Atlantic is the latest addition to their portfoli…
Read MoreTsala Treetop Lodge
Located between Plettenburg Bay and Knysna in South Africa’s Western Cape, Tsala Treetop Lodge is more than just an ideal base from which to explore the Garden Route; it is a unique experi…
Read MoreTswalu Kalahari
The Tswalu Kalahari – South Africa’s largest private game reserve - sits in the southern or “Green” part of the greater Kalahari wilderness area, close to the border with Botswana. …
Read MoreUplands Homestead
Uplands Homestead is a three-bedroom colonial-style house located the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, a malaria-free Big Five reserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape. This 1905 farmhouse comb…
Read MoreVICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE
Victoria Falls, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River with tents right along the bank. Each of the 13 tents are built on decks, have a sizeable thatched roof and come in earthy colours of white,…
Read MoreSouth Africa Travel Designer
Nico Heath

Country Info
- Capital: Pretoria
- Main Language: Afrikaans, English (9 other official languages)
- Population: 50.6m (2011)
- Time Zone: GMT +2
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Best time to go: September through May