South Africa is a land of outstanding natural beauty. Here, two great oceans-The Indian & Atlantic meet, warm weather lasts most of the year and big game roams just beyond the city lights. South Africa’s extraordinary mix of races and cultures together with its outstandingly beautiful scenery, spectacular wildlife and excellent entertainment makes it one of the world’s most intriguing holiday destinations.
Cape Town sits at the foot of flat-topped Table Mountain; a must for visitors is a ride to the summit by cable car for unparalleled views of the city and coast. Also high on most travellers’ list is Cape Peninsula, with the shoreline between Clifton and Kommetjie being particularly dramatic.
A journey along the Wine Route just outside of Cape Town takes you through a region that not only produces exceptional wines and offers opportunities to sample them but also possesses outstandingly beautiful pastoral landscapes.
Follow the Garden Route along the south coast to see some amazingly varied landscapes of exceptional coastline, excellent beaches, thick forests, tranquil lakes and rugged coves. Nature reserves for dolphins and primates as well as early 300 species of birds offer further distractions.
The best wildlife watching though is in the Kruger National Park, which is home to an unrivalled range of animals, including lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, rhinoceros, hippopotamus and antelope. Although the largest game reserve in South Africa, it is easy to explore.
Alternatively, you can head into the mountains and hike amidst the peaks and plunging valleys of the Drakensburg, listen to the silence in the Karoo, settle back on the warm sands of KwaZulu-Natal, visit the diamond mines in Kimberley and watch the stark landscape of Namaqualand burst into bloom during springtime.
BEST TIME TO BE THERE
South Africa can be visited comfortably any time. However, depending on what you plan to do, it’s worth paying attention to the seasons, which are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Winter (June to September) is cooler, drier and ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. Because vegetation is less dense and thirsty animals congregate around rivers and other permanent water sources, winter is also the best time for wildlife-watching.
Best of Durban and Zululand (6 days/5 nights)
Durban – Zululand – Durban
Tour Highlights
- Durban – the exiting port city with its beaches and shopping
- The magnificent Drakensberg Mountains
- Zululand’s fascinating culture
Experience Africa’s little playground Durban, which has been shaped by the early colonial settlers, whilst enjoying the natural beauty and history of Zululand.
Day 1: Durban
Arrive at Durban International Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Durban
Day 2: Durban – Zululand (240 kilometers)
In the morning you depart for Zululand, where ancient traditions and modern cultures of both Zulu and Settler have combined into a vibrant society. Enjoy the highlights of the African bush with experienced rangers on an afternoon game drive in the Ubizane Wildlife Reserve. Overnight in Zululand
Day 3: Zululand
A morning game drive provides a different perspective of the flora and fauna of the bush. An afternoon visit to the Veyane Cultural Village introduces you to the fascinating aspects of traditional and modern Zulu life. Later, enjoy a relaxed cruise on the St Lucia estuary. Overnight in Zululand
Day 4: Zululand – Durban (240 kilometers)
After breakfast you depart for Durban. The day is at leisure for you to enjoy the burgeoning seaside town of Umhlanga with its exciting shopping and colourful restaurants. You could also opt to visit uShaka Marine World which houses one of the world’s leading aquariums. Overnight in Umhlanga, Durban
Day 5: Durban
Depart early on your Drakensberg World Heritage tour. Today, you will visit the stunning mountain scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains and the World Heritage site of Giants Castle which introduces the enigmatic Bushman’s paintings. Overnight in Umhlanga, Durban
Day 6: Durban
The morning is at leisure before you transfer to the airport for you onward flight home Total distance: 480 kilometers
Tour available as:
Private chauffeur-drive-includes air-conditioned car, driver, with English speaking guide and pre-booked accommodation.
The Garden Route Wonderland (6 days/5 nights)
Cape Town – Oudtshoorn – Knysna – Cape Town
Tour Highlights
- Cango Caves with magnificent dripstone formations of stalactites and stalagmites
- George to Knysna via the less travelled seven passes
- Knysna – a bustling arts and craft town Ostrich farm experience
Experience the exceptional natural beauty of the Garden Route area on this tour which takes you through varied landscapes of soaring cliffs, rocky coves, thick forests and tranquil lakes.
Day 1: Cape Town
Arrive at Cape Town International Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Cape Town.
Day 2: Cape Town
The whole day is at your disposal to discover this fabulously diverse and vibrant city. You can savour its pleasures by opting for a half day city tour or a Cape Point tour which is inspired by the splendour of the two oceans meeting here. Overnight in Cape Town.
Day 3: Cape Town – Oudtshoorn
You depart your hotel and head for the pretty village of Barrydale and then on to Oudtshoorn, known as the feather capital of the world, thanks to its huge ostrich industry. Overnight in Oudtshoorn
Day 4: Oudtshoorn – Knysna
This morning go underground to marvel at the icy formations in the Cango Caves, regarded as South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. You then drive to the town of George, from where you were to start a meandering journey to Knysna. Overnight at Knysna
Day 5: Knysna
Visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve and enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone ‘Heads’ which guard the sea’s entrance to Knysna’s huge tidal lagoon. After lunch the rest of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy this special town. Overnight at Knysna
Day 6: Knysna – Cape Town
After breakfast you head back to Cape Town via Hermanus, which has earned international fame as a place from which to spot the magnificent Southern Right Whales. Arrive at Cape Town International Airport for your onward flight.
Tour available as:
Private chauffeur-drive-includes air-conditioned car with English speaking driver and pre-booked accommodation.
