South Africa

Though the image of vast open African plains scattered with baobab and fever trees fits the north of South Africa, the rest of the country offers a unique diversity of captivating landscapes.

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South Africa: The World in One Country

South Africa

South Africa is a country that refuses to be summarised.

One morning you’re tracking a pride of lions through tawny grass in the Kruger. A few days later you’re sipping cool-climate Chardonnay beneath Cape Dutch gables, the scent of fynbos on the breeze.

Later on you could explore the scenic Garden Route coastline on a road trip, or hike up into sculpted mountains where the rock art predates written history.

“The world in one country” was once South Africa’s marketing line. In truth, it’s an understatement.

Few destinations combine serious wildlife, dramatic scenery, a complex and layered history and a confident food and wine culture – all with great ease. Add in the excellent infrastructure, malaria-free safari options, and minimal jet lag for European travellers, and it becomes clear why so many of our clients say their South Africa holiday was their most rewarding trip ever.

First Time Visitors, Families and Safari Connoisseurs

This is a country that works beautifully as a first safari. And equally well as a return visit with a deeper focus, as there is much to explore.

Similarly the malaria free game reserves and easy travel options are a winner for families. Whilst the ease of bush and beach combinations and the wealth of active options make it a fantastic honeymoon destination.

Where to Go?

Though the image of vast open savanna plains scattered with baobab and fever trees fits the north of South Africa, the rest of the country offers a unique diversity of captivating landscapes.

the family-friendly & malaria-free game reserves of the Eastern Cape or Madikwe. If you want to venture further afield, head to the wetlands & pristine Indian Ocean beaches of northern KwaZulu Natal, the majestic Drakensberg mountains or the vast Kalahari desert…

Main Touring Areas of South Africa

Cape Town - A city framed by mountain and sea, where penguins, vineyards and world-class restaurants sit within a 30-minute drive.

Winelands - Historic estates, oak-lined avenues and some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most exciting food and wine.

Cederberg & West Coast – Stunning rock formations, San rock art and a vast, restorative sense of space.

Hermanus & Route 62 - Whales offshore, farm stalls inland and a leisurely road trip threaded with characterful towns.

Garden Route - Forests, lagoons and beaches stitched together by one of the country’s most scenic drives.

KwaZulu Natal - Wetlands, coral reefs and battlefields — with a strong Zulu heritage running through it all.

 

Safari Regions (Mainly)

Kruger Natonal Park & its Private Reserves - South Africa’s flagship safari region — big landscapes, serious wildlife and some of Africa’s finest guiding.

Eastern Cape - Malaria-free Big Five reserves that pair easily with the Garden Route and Cape Town.

Madikwe - A quietly impressive, malaria-free reserve known for wild dogs and excellent family-friendly lodges.

Waterberg - An accessible wilderness of rolling hills and private reserves, ideal for a short safari add-on.

 

Other Areas

Johannesburg & Magaliesberg - South Africa’s beating heart — compelling history in the city, serenity just beyond it.

Northern Cape (Kalahari Safaris & Touring) - Vast desert horizons, star-studded skies and a safari experience defined by solitude.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about South Africa Safaris

How long do you need for a South Africa trip?

Ideally we recommend at least 11-13 nights in country as it’s a big destination so it takes time to cover just some of its highlights. If you have more time eg 3 or 4 weeks, this allows you to enjoy an unhurried road trip through more of South Africa

Is South Africa suitable for a first safari?

Yes its one of the best African countries for the 1st time  safari visitor with a strong infrastructure, excellent guides, easy logistics. Plus its many non-safari attractions allow you to dip your toes into a safari for a few nights without committing your whole holiday to it.

Can you see the Big Five in malaria-free areas?

Yes, the Eastern Cape, Madikwe, Waterberg and KwaZulu Natal all offer the Big Five

Can you do a Pure safari in South Africa?

Absolutely, our safari regions are all very diverse and so its worth combining 3 or 4 areas to enjoy the diversity of terrain and thus wildlife.

Why We Love It

Where to go in South Africa

On The Map

When to visit South Africa

Summer in South Africa

Summer is a tale of two countries: Cape Town and the rest of the Western Cape have a hot, dry summer climate. Whereas the rest of the country shares the broad summer rainfall pattern of the other countries in Southern Africa. However this rain falls mainly as afternoon or evening thunder showers and is actually welcome. It's a great time to come unless your overwhelming interest is wildlife. As you can see, climate stats for South Africa are far too broad to be meaningful. All it does is demonstrate the variety of our weather. Rather than give a uniform story!
AVG HOURS OF SUNSHINE 6-11 hours varies by region
SEA TEMPERATURE 17 to 25 ℃
MAX TEMP 24-35 ℃ / 75-95 ℉
MIN TEMP 15-22 ℃ / 59-72℉
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Autumn

The summer rains start receding somewhere in March, just when the hot Mediterranean summer starts to fade as March comes to an end. April sees the start of a few showers in the Cape. But overall this is a great time to visit. Still warm sunny weather throughout most the country, without the scorching heat.
AVG HOURS OF SUNSHINE 7 to 9 hours
SEA TEMPERATURE 16 to 25 ℃ depending on region
MAX TEMP 21-29 ℃ / 70-84 ℉
MIN TEMP 8-15.5 ℃ / 46-60 ℉
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"Winter"

This is our dry season which is warm, dry and sunny throughout much of the country. Though mornings can be very cold on the Highveld (Johannesburg and the Karoo) It is the best time to visit for a safari as you will learn elsewhere in this website. The Western Cape has a cooler wetter winter but it is a Mediterranean climate so not too much rain and pleasant tempertaures. So again a good time to visit unless you are wanting beach weather in the Cape!
AVG HOURS OF SUNSHINE 6 to 9 hours
SEA TEMPERATURE 15 to 23 ℃
MAX TEMP 18-26 ℃ / 64-77 ℉
MIN TEMP 2-11 ℃ / 36-52 ℉
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Heating up

The tale of two climates continues... Again a great time to visit South Africa but for different reasons depending on the region. Spring is wonderful in the Cape with wild spring flowers from August onwards and flowering fynbos. In the rest of the country, this is not so much 'spring' as the end of the dry season. So the game-viewing is excellent and temperatures are heating up rapidly prior to the start of the Summer rains.
AVG HOURS OF SUNSHINE 6 to 10 hours
SEA TEMPERATURE 16.5-24 ℃
MAX TEMP 21-32 ℃ / 70-90 ℉
MIN TEMP 2-11 ℃ / 36-52 ℉
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Lorna Trevelion

AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST

Hi I'm Lorna, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience GET IN TOUCH