Africa Exclusive | South Africa

South Africa, Southern Africa

Sometimes called 'a world in one country' South Africa has it all. Enjoy fine dining and charming hospitality in the beautiful Cape wine country. Head east along the Indian Ocean coastline to discover the nature reserves, whales and beaches of the Garden Route. Turn north into Zulu country and encounter Rorke’s Drift, the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains and magnificent safari lodges. You could spend a month here and barely touch the surface of this vast land.

We will select charming boutique hotels where you can enjoy warm hospitality and delicious cuisine. Many are still owner run and centuries old, reflecting South Africa’s rich history and cultures. The gloriously pink Mount Nelson still watches over Cape Town from the slopes of Table Mountain as it did in the days of Cecil Rhodes.

This sport loving country is full of championship golf courses in stunning locations. It is made for walking and hiking. It is richly endowed with safari reserves including many that are malaria free.

You can indulge your interest in history at Zulu War and Boer War battle sites. Delight yourself on the two-thousand-mile coastline with water sports, whale and turtle watching, even caged shark diving.

South Africa is perfect for a family holiday with children of any age. South Africa has the continent’s only malaria free safaris. If you like to safari in style, this is the place for it. We can arrange your stay at sumptuous six-star lodges like Singita Boulders with fine dining and spa facilities almost in touching distance of wild elephants and giraffe. It is also only a couple of hours flight from Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and the Namib desert. Call us now to plan your unforgettable holiday to South Africa!

Explore regions

Rare is the destination which can compete with South Africa for the striking variety of its regions and attractions. From the Kruger National Park to KwaZulu Natal, Stellenbosch’s vineyards to the beaches of the cape, South Africa is truly remarkable.

CALENDAR: JANUARY TO MARCH

This is the height of South Africa’s summer, but thanks to the ocean breeze and relative coolness of the mountains it’s a fantastic time of year to explore the Cape. Starting in the early morning, walk up Table Mountain for views across Cape Town and out to sea. Alternatively, if you’re feeling lazy, ride up in the cable car. For a malaria-free safari, choose Shamwari in the Eastern Cape.

CALENDAR: APRIL

Autumn along the Garden Route and in the winelands is spectacular as the leaves turn gold and red. Weather is good providing easy driving and clear views across the valleys and off the coast where dolphin and whale swim. For safaris in this month we recommend Madikwe and Limpopo. Madikwe alone has over 10,000 large mammals including lion, cheetah, and wild dog, and Limpopo’s Waterberg is a protected UNESCO Biosphere.

CALENDAR: MAY

After the autumn rains, South Africa’s reserves look their best. Vegetation is lush and animals are well fed. KwaZulu Natal is particularly idyllic as many plants are in fruit or flower. The Cape tends to be quieter, it’s the perfect time to play on one of the Championship golf courses. Weather will be pleasant, the greens truly green, and there are unlikely to be any queues.

CALENDAR: JUNE

The anticipated whale watching season has begun. Cape Town is rightly regarded as the whale watching capital of the world, so spend a few days here spotting these magnificent mammals from the cliffs and beaches, though a specialist boat trip will get far closer. Combine this with golfing or a week out on safari. The parks are green, the wildlife content, and the air temperature is pleasantly cool.

CALENDAR: JULY AND AUGUST

The UK’s summer holidays coincide with South Africa’s midwinter, which is arguably the best time of year to visit. However, it’s peak season, so you’ll need to book early to get the best family accommodation in the Kruger private reserves or in malaria-free Madikwe. A quieter alternative is to head to KwaZulu Natal. The near-deserted coastline offers brilliant diving spots, history of the battlefields and fascinating culture.

CALENDAR: SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

Prime safari time continues throughout September and October: it doesn’t matter which park or reserve you visit as you can’t go wrong. Hikers should consider September for walking in the Drakensberg Mountains and the Blyde River Canyon, both incredibly scenic but can be hot at other times of the year. Diving and whale watching off the Cape remains good and Namaqualand’s wild flowers will be in magnificent bloom.

CALENDAR: NOVEMBER

South Africa’s summer starts and temperatures begin to rise. Kruger and Madikwe are already hot, but that creates excellent game viewing as animals spend much of their day around watering holes. We recommend November for visiting Cape Town and the Winelands. They are still hot but sitting on a terrace overlooking vineyards, with a cold glass of white wine in hand, is a rather enjoyable way to spend an afternoon!

CALENDAR: DECEMBER

Book early if you want to spend Christmas or New Year in South Africa. You do need to plan ahead but it’s well worth the effort as both Cape Town and the Garden Route are magnificent at this time of year. Migrant birds arrive from Europe and North Africa at this time, so birders will be in their element. Bring your binoculars as there are plenty of species to spot.

Experiences: Magnificent Cape Town

Cape Town is one of the world’s great cities with a unique setting beneath Table Mountain. It’s a place to enjoy the good things of life: Fabulous food, a vibrant culture, sports and exciting adventures.

Experiences: Malaria Free Safaris

South Africa is the only African country where you can enjoy a guaranteed malaria free safari. This makes it an excellent choice for a family safari and our experts know safari lodges with superb family accommodation.

Experiences: Epic Train Journeys

Take an unforgettable journey through the heart of South Africa on one of country's finest and most luxurious trains. Exuding the romance of a bygone era, magnificent scenery merges with the elegance and glamour of the golden age of rail travel, Rovos Rail promises an experience like no other.

Experiences: The Rainbow Nation

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the first person to call South Africa “the rainbow nation”. It’s a reflection on the fascinating diversity of this country, not only in the identities of its people but in the landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and activities it offers. South Africa is a country which, because of its variety, can be all things to all people, truly a rainbow of varied opportunities and experiences.

Experiences: Explore the Garden Route

Travel with Africa Exclusive on a journey of discovery along the Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, surely the most iconic drive in Africa. There’s wildlife on both land and shore, endless beaches, historic battlefields, and the vineyards are never far away. Self driving here is a breeze - though it’s also possible to have a car and driver - and with every bend in the road comes another dramatic view.

Experiences: Battlefields and Culture

The heroic defence of Rorke’s Drift and the massacre of the Welsh Guards on the eerie site of Isandlwana loom large in British military history. We can arrange for you to explore these battlefields, and those like Colenso and Majuba Hill of Boer war with a specialist guide during your time in KwaZulu Natal.

Experiences: Luxury and the Big Five

The essence of an Africa Exclusive safari in South Africa is that you never have to compromise on quality. Not only do the country’s national parks and reserves offer some of the very best game viewing in Africa - including outstanding opportunities for Big Five sightings - but the lodges and camps are also second to none. The guiding and service, not to mention the facilities and activities, are simply superb.