South Africa

South Africa truly is one of the world’s most diverse countries. Anyone who relishes the chance to get outdoors will feel at home, with so much to see and do.

It’s a premier destination for wildlife and safari first and foremost, with over 600 parks and reserves to choose from. Combining a Safari with a stay in Cape Town is a great option for newcomers.

Cape Town, the second most populous city after Johannesburg, is widely considered one of the best destinations for tourists. It is renowned for being rich in culture, natural beauty and a housing a world-class wine region.

Using the city as a base for a tour of the Cape Peninsula is a perfect way to ensure you get to see picturesque beaches, coastal villages, the view from Cape Point, and a sample of the vineyards at Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch. You can also add in a drive along the world famous Garden Route that stretches 160 miles from Capte Town to Port Elizabethm if you plan to spend an extended period in the region. It’s such an incredible experience behind the wheel that we recommend the Garden Route as a separate driving holiday.

As for the safari scene, choosing the right one may appear overwhelming. But there are so many superb options that you are highly unlikely to leave disappointed. The Shamwari Game Reserve at Port Elizabeth is a popular option. There you will venture out into the African bush in an open safari with a professional guide. Morning and evening game drives afford you up-close encounters with wild animals, including the famous ‘Big Five’ (Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos).

While there you can also explore the bush safely on foot, learning about the smaller wondrous creatures and the different plants of the reserve.

And that’s just one example, the Tsitsikamma and Kruger National Parks are also highly recommended as destinations that enable you to get up close to a diverse selection of wilflife.