Highlights of South Africa
Embark on an epic search for the Big Five in Kruger National Park, savour delicious wines in Stellenbosch, discover the iconic Garden Route and spot pods of whales in the Indian Ocean on our South Africa small group tours.
Kruger Safari
Discover Kruger National Park on our dedicated South Africa Wildlife tour or Family Safari and Beach Adventure- an immense natural landscape, home to more than 140 species of mammal and over 500 species of bird. From riverine forests and desolate savannah grasslands to mopane woodlands and prickly thorn thickets, the diversity of its scenery is surpassed only by the extraordinary number of opportunities to spot African wildlife, with all ‘big five’ African animals – lions, buffalo, leopards, rhinoceroses and elephants, all inhabiting the park.
Rise before dawn and board the safari trucks for a game drive through the park. As the sun casts its rays over this iconic natural landscape, watch out for buffalo and antelope drinking from the waterholes and giraffes grazing on acacia trees. Patiently watch herds of elephants and follow paw prints in search of lions or maybe even a cheetah.
The Garden Route
Join our South Africa Garden Route tour or Family Garden Route tour for an unforgettable South Africa adventure. This iconic road trip will lead you along the scenic south coast from Cape Town, around Plettenberg Bay and onward to Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth). Ascend Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain for jaw-dropping views of the city, savour the region’s wines in the picturesque vineyards of Stellenbosch and meet the largest colony of African Penguins at Stony Point.
Get the blood pumping with adrenaline-fuelled white-water rafting on Breede River’s rapids, explore the limestone caverns of the Cango Caves and hike through Robberg Nature Reserve, keeping an eye out for dolphins and seals in the cold waters of the Indian Ocean. If you travel between July and November, you may even get the change to to spot a whales. Finally, embark on a game drive safari in Addo Elephant National Park in search of elephants, lions, hyenas and leopards, and dine with views overlooking a nearby waterhole teeming with wildlife.
Winelands
For the discerning wine connoisseur, a visit to South Africa’s Winelands is an absolute must. Join our South Africa Highlights Discovery tour to learn how the local wine is harvested and produced, with opportunities to savour some of the finest red and white wines that the region has to offer. Stellenbosch boasts an excellent reputation for its exceptional Chenin Blanc, best enjoyed with fresh seafood from the adjacent Indian Ocean. Alternatively, why not try the local Pinotage, a blend of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, the perfect accompaniment to a traditional braai-grilled meat.
Solo Travel
Our small group tours to Africa are a popular choice for couples, friends and solo travellers alike.Everyone who travels with us shares a desire for a fun and authentic adventure, so whether you’re travelling solo, or with company, you’ll join like-minded people and make new friends along the way. Your experienced local leader will manage the logistics of your journey, alongside visits to the must-see sights and hidden gems on your South Africa adventure holiday.
Best time to go to South Africa
Garden Route
South Africa’s Garden Route welcomes visitors all year round. The high season, from November to February, offers plenty of warm, sunny weather, but be prepared for more tourists and large crowds at popular sites.
Christmas is also a great time to visit, with an electrifying atmosphere in Cape Town. Temperatures gradually cool from March to July, and the nights feel colder, but the advantage is that popular sights will be much quieter. Consider taking the family in August for a fun adventure - temperatures remain mild, with only occasional rainy days - or enjoy a Springtime escape in September or October when temperatures begin to rise again and whale watching at Hermanus is at its best.
Kruger Safari
For the best chance of spotting the Big Five, plan your visit to Kruger National Park during the dry season, from June to October, when the wildlife tends to gather around waterholes. The trade-off is that conditions will be very dusty, and there will be more tourist vehicles out on tracks. Also consider the rainy season from November until May when the landscape transforms into a lush oasis and migratory birds flock in vast numbers. Newborn animals often make their appearance at the start of the year and, apart from the Easter period, you can enjoy quieter tracks and camps during this off-peak season.