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South Africa

South Africa is a country of great natural and cultural diversity, five times the size of Great Britain, located on the southern tip of the African continent, bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique and fully encompassing the independent kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland. South Africa is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean, fuelled by the chilly Benguela current on the west and the warm Agulhas current of the Indian Ocean on the east. The mixing of these currents off the Cape of Good Hope causes eddies and upwelling of nutrients, leading to a richly productive marine ecosystem. On land, the varied landscapes and habitats, globally-renowned flora and fauna, fascinating distant and recent history, friendly populace, exceptional lodges, service levels and value for money make South Africa is a world-class destination.

There is a bewildering choice of high quality wildlife reserves to choose from, all offering a subtly different experience, many containing Africa’s ‘Big Five’ (Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros - animals which are considered dangerous to approach on foot) with lodges from rustic to five star. Other attractions add great variety to a holiday, including beautiful Cape Town and surrounds, with the classic ‘Garden Route’, wildflowers and whale watching; the spectacular Drakensburg mountains for hiking, and historic Zulu Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal; and the deserts of the Karoo and Kalahari. Although some areas are malarial zones, it is also entirely possible to arrange a malaria-free holiday to South Africa.

There is so much to see and do in South Africa that it makes an excellent stand-alone destination. However, it is also easily combined with other Southern African countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and even with Madagascar for a wonderfully contrasting wildlife holiday. We will be more than happy to discuss your individual requirements.

When to go

A pleasant climate throughout most of the year is a major asset of South Africa. Seasons are the reverse of ours in the Northern hemisphere with midsummer falling in December and January and midwinter June and July.

The coastal lowlands of the south around Cape Town enjoy a Mediterranean climate of hot summers and warm rainy winters.  Peak southern right whale-watching season along this coastline falls between July and September.

The lowveld of KwaZulu-Natal - Durban and the eastern coastlands - have a subtropical climate with most rainfall in summer between October and April coinciding with highest temperature and humidity. Leatherback and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in this region in summer.

The northeast lowveld areas (Kruger and surrounds) have a tropical climate of high temperature and humidity with rainy summers (with impressive electrical storms) and dry winters (note - the opposite of the west!). Game viewing is generally good throughout the year. Animals may be a little easier to spot during the winter months from May to September when the grass is lower and the bush less dense, but the thick bush of the summer encourages animals to use roads as walkways, sighting can be outstanding and colours vivid.

The western interior has a hot sunny climate and is mostly desert or semi-desert with any rain falling in summer between November and April.

In Johannesburg and Pretoria in the highveld or eastern interior the summers tend to be rainy and warm and winter days are mild with the chance of a dramatic drop in temperature at night. However, the high sunshine hours and low humidity produce a year-round pleasant climate.
 

Driving in South Africa

South African itineraries tend to lend themselves to self-drive arrangements since the roads and signage are good and this allows more flexibility and value for money. It can also be a great benefit for keen photographers. Self-drive is permitted in some areas of the Kruger National Park and other public reserves (or one can simply drive to the lodge and be taken out on dedicated safari vehicles). Hire cars are modern, usually with power-steering and air conditioning and British drivers will be pleased to learn that driving is on the left.

If you would prefer chauffeured transfers this can be arranged on request (please ask for details) as well as scheduled and charter flight hops between locations.