South Africa itineraries
Wondering when to go?

A land of scenic wonder. With its rolling farmlands and fertile vineyards, traditional tribal villages and cosmopolitan cities, few countries can rival South Africa’s diversity. The region encompasses spectacular mountains, jungles of flowers, fishing harbors, broad white beaches and sapphire seas.

Spectacular South Africa awaits

Dominating the skyline of Cape Town is the renowned Table Mountain, only one of Cape Town’s many charms. Dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive hugs the coast, leading you to tranquil beaches and lagoons, rocky shores and the many seaside resorts that dot the coastline. In the interior, the Blyde River Canyon is a scenic wonder that leads to Kruger National Park, a wilderness experience that ranks among the best in Africa. In the Great Karoo Desert, you’ll discover giant dolerite pillars that have eroded into spectacular shapes. And when the semi-desert of Namaqualand flowers in the spring, it is transformed into an oasis of color. The Drakensberg Mountains are an unforgettable sight in every season. In Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria you can buy anything from a karakul coat to a crocodile bag, antiques, hand-woven rugs and individually designed treasures in gold with diamonds, Tanzanite and other precious stones.

Gems of South Africa
Drakensberg Mountains

The Drakensberg or “dragon’s back” mountains are the country’s grandest mountain range, boasting deep gorges, pinnacles, ridge caves, sheer cliffs and overhangs with priceless examples of bushpeople rock art. The slopes are alive with clear mountain streams, waterfalls, wildflowers, ferns and ancient yellowwood trees. In winter, the summits are capped with snow. Climbers can scale the jagged peaks where eagles and bearded vultures fly; hikers and horseback rides follow nature trails.

Cape Province

Not surprisingly, South Africa’s largest province offers a phenomenal spectrum of climate, geography and scenery. From a coastline that’s rugged in places and placid elsewhere, soaring mountains and tumbling rivers, a vast semi-desert that blooms riotously in spring to tall forests and glorious flowers. The lakes, cango caves, ostrich and crocodile farms, mountains and forests of the Garden Route are bordered by impressive mountain ranges. The interior of the province and Cape Town is reached via a number of magnificent passes. The Cape Province is also home to world class vineyards, which provide wine lovers with the opportunity to sample and buy noble vintages and to explore exquisite Cape Dutch manor houses while delving into the history of the area.

Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga still has more than a hint of wilderness, mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, primeval forest, flowers and birdlife. Steeped in the history of pioneers, hunters and fortune seekers, fascinating gold rush towns abound. God’s Window provides a view to eternity, stretching across miles of thickly forested mountains, the lush and fertile lowveld and the magnificent Blyde River Canyon, one Africa’s natural wonders.

Natal/Kwazulu

The game sanctuaries of northern Natal and Zululand were designed for nature lovers who enjoy the untamed African wilderness. Habitats include open bushveld, coastal dunes, forests, lakes, rivers and mangrove swamps. Animals range from the Big Five to the tiny suni and prolific birdlife. Along the coast, coral reefs, multi-colored tropical fish, turtles and rays provide a fascinating study for divers and snorkelers. This is also the home of the great Zulu nation, and visitors are welcome to experience Zulu culture.

Kruger National Park

A national park with much-deserved international acclaim, Kruger offers a wilderness experience that ranks among the best in Africa. This vast area stretches 350 kilometers from north to south and is crisscrossed by a network of excellent roads. Home to great numbers and varieties of amphibians, reptiles, birds and 147 mammal species, this region is one of the subcontinent’s few remaining havens for big cats. Along the western border of Kruger lies the Sabi Sands area, a block of private game reserves. There are no fences between the private reserves and Kruger, so the animals roam freely across the borders. Guests are driven in open-top vehicles in the private game reserves. With nothing between your eyes and the view, it is easy to feel at one with nature.

Seasons
Summer: Nov – Mar
Hot, you can experience thunderstorms in Nov.
Average Temperatures: 56/77

 

Fall: Apr – May
Dry, with cool nights.
Average Temperatures: 48/69

 

Winter: Jun – Aug
Dry, with cold nights.
Average Temperatures: 42/66

 

Spring: Sep – Oct

Hot, with hot nights.
Average Temperatures: 54/73

 

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