South Africa

Climate
Even the climate differs from the African norm. The eastern regions have hot, humid summers with afternoon thunderstorms which clear the air then dry, sunny winters - ideal for game viewing and touring. In contrast, the Cape has hot, dry summers, (at the time of our winters), and cool, sometimes wet, winters. So, unlike most countries, you can be sure of having excellent holiday weather at any time of the year.

Wildlife
This scenic and climatic diversity leads naturally to a variety of wildlife, from the big game in the Kruger and adjacent private game reserves to the winning herds of bontebok and Cape mountain zebra to be found in the Cape. Land is being returned to its natural bushveld state and the wildlife protected. South Africa is the best place to see the Big Five, with large concentrations of elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and both the rare white and the black rhino.

Cultural Diversity
Now, more than ever before, South Africa is also ready and able to share its cultural diversity with you. Thought-provoking cultural tours in both urban and rural areas enable our visitors to meet South Africans from all walks of life. Local people have a growing appreciation of their cultural treasures such as the ancient rock art of the San (Bushmen) people, the healing mystery of the sangomas and the messages of the Zulu beadwork, and they are eager to share their stories with you.

Food and Wine
The quality of South African restaurants is generally very high, with cuisine ranging from Portuguese to Indian, Thai to French. Typical South African cuisine exemplifies its rich multi-cultural diversity: Cape Malay cookery is a distinctive, aromatic cuisine, the culmination of centuries-old blending of Malay and Dutch influences. In KwaZulu-Natal, Indian labourers introduced their culinary tradition in the 19th century. Increasingly, traditional African fare is available to sample, alongside dishes of western origin. South Africa is blessed with abundant seafood; from the Cape crayfish (lobster) of the West Coast to the enormous prawns of Maputaland and the succulent oysters of Knysna. Eating in an open-air seafood restaurant on the beach is hard to beat.

Accommodation
The drama of the landscape and brilliance of the colours is matched by an equally rich choice of places to stay. South Africas lodges and hotels are unrivalled in the region and some of our retreats and game lodges contend with the finest of the world. These are places where you can witness nature in the raw and return to a touch, or indeed the full-blown caress, of luxury!

Reasons to visit South Africa

Luxury Trains of South Africa - Rovos Rail

A train journey must be one of the most relaxing and evocative ways of crossing the vast landscape of Southern Africa. Combine the elegance of the glory days of train travel with modern comforts, superb cuisine and fine wines… There is nothing which quite matches the magic of a hiss of steam as a vintage engine pulls into the station . . . There can be no grander way to experience the delights of steam than on Rovos Rail. Nowadays diesel locomotives are used as well but wherever possible, original steam locomotives draw elegantly restored sleeper coaches plus a sumptuous dining car and period observation car. Each air-conditioned suite sleeps two. Pullman Suites have a sofa which converts to a bed in the evening; Deluxe suites have a lounge area and en suite shower room. Royal suites have full en suite bathrooms with Victorian bath and shower. Choose between the ever-popular two day journey between Pretoria and Cape Town (covering 1600km) with off-train excursions in both Kimberley and Matjiesfontein or the 56 hour ‘safari train’ between Pretoria and Durban taking in Mkhaya Game Reserve and the Kruger National Park on the northbound route, and Mkhaya and Hluhluwe Game Reserves on the southbound route. These are leisurely, civilized journeys, in which you enjoy fine cuisine and wines. Other occasional trips include Cape Town to Dar es Salaam (14 days); Pretoria to Swakopmund (7 days); an African Collage route through South Africa (9 days); and a Golf Safari (9 days).

• Train journeys with Rovos Rail

Luxury Trains of South Africa - The Blue Train

The Blue Train is a legendary train which has been synonymous with luxury hospitality since 1946. The famous 27 hour overnight journey between Cape Town and Pretoria provides a delightful interlude in a busy sightseeing & safari schedule! It’s particularly known for its superb cuisine, attentive butler service and immaculate mahogany and marble fittings. Each air-conditioned suite has an en suite bathroom and television with movie channels, telephone and a writing desk. The deluxe twin bed suite has a shower en suite and the deluxe double bed suite has a three-quarter bath en suite. Larger luxury suites offer a private digital entertainment centre and an en suite bath.

Golf in South Africa

South Africa has some of the finest golf courses in the world, including Sun City and the Fancourt, setting for the President’s Cup. Many others compare favourably with the best in Europe whilst taking full advantage of their spectacular African settings. Most of our clients combine golf with some time enjoying our varied country and wildlife. Choose between a self-drive holiday or a private escorted tour with a keen golfing guide, either option planned to your particular requirements. We can book appropriate tee-off times, caddies or buggies, arrange pro-golf lessons or a round with the resident Pro.

• Selbourne Hotel & Golf Estate

Adventure Activities in South Africa

For all of you who want a holiday in the sun but don't just want to lie on the beach, South Africa with its abundant sunshine and romantic natural beauty is the answer. There are a range of adventurous options available Cape Town – abseiling off Table Mountain, quad biking, ocean kayaking Hermanus - white shark diving Garden Route – Treetop canopy zipline, ocean canoeing, Cango Caves adventure tours Northern Cape – river adventures on the Orange river Cedarberg – adventurous hiking white water rafting on the Doring river in season (June to September) Limpopo – horse-riding safaris in the Waterberg and at Mashatu