SOUTH AFRICA

Summary
When to go
Where to stay

South Africa is one of the most geographically varied countries of the continent and one of the most popular holiday destinations. You can still escape to wild, remote areas and experience exceptional game viewing and true wilderness – then, just an hour’s flight away, there are modern cities and hotels that compete with the best in the world.

With 11 official languages and a diverse range of cultures and ways of life, it is no wonder that Mandela named South Africa “the rainbow nation”.

South Africa is set between the warm Indian Ocean and the turbulent waters of the Atlantic.

This incredible country has three major geographical regions: the coastal strip running from Cape Town along the Garden Route and up to Kwazulu Natal in the northeast; the majestic and beautiful Drakensberg Mountains that run unbroken for over a thousand kilometres; and the central plateau which is covered by rolling grasslands known as “highveld”.

South Africa has an amazing three hundred game reserves and national parks, the largest and best known of which is Kruger National Park which sprawls for over 300km along the Mozambique border and covers almost five million acres. It has a savannah landscape and is home to Africa’s “Big Five” as well as a huge variety of other species totalling 142 other mammals, over 500 birds, 114 reptiles, 34 amphibians, 49 fish and 336 trees.

South Africa has a diverse climate, ranging from the warm, dry desert of the Kalahari to the cool, wet mountains of the Drakensberg. The climate is influenced by a number of factors, including the country’s location in the Southern Hemisphere, its altitude, and its proximity to both a cold and a warm ocean.

The amount of rainfall in South Africa varies greatly depending on the region. The Western Cape, which includes Cape Town, has a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers. KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga(the area Kruger National Park sits it) have a subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild winters.

The best time for a safari is between May and November in the Kruger area and the best time for Cape Town and the Garden Route are between October and March.

 

Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren is a breathtaking and historic estate located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, South Africa. Situated in the... Find out more

Birkenhead House

Birkenhead House is an exquisite boutique hotel located in Hermanus, South Africa, overlooking the pristine Walker Bay and the dramatic... Find out more

Delaire Graff

Delaire Graff Estate is an exquisite luxury retreat located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, South Africa. Situated on... Find out more

Dulini Leadwood

The intimate and luxurious Dulini Leadwood, located in the fantastic Sabi Sands Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, is the perfect choice... Find out more

Dulini River

Tucked away in the shade of a grove of ebony trees on the banks of the scenic Sand River, Dulini... Find out more

Ellerman House

Ellerman House Cape Town is an exquisite boutique hotel nestled on the slopes of Lion's Head in Bantry Bay, Cape... Find out more

Grootbos

Grootbos is a breathtaking eco-reserve and luxury lodge located near Gansbaai, South Africa. Nestled between the mountains and the ocean,... Find out more

La Petite Ferme

La Petite Ferme is a charming and luxurious boutique hotel and winery located in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, South Africa.... Find out more

La Residence

La Residence Franschhoek is a prestigious and opulent boutique hotel located in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, South Africa.... Find out more

Le Quartier Francais

Le Quartier Français is a luxurious and charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Franschhoek,... Find out more

Leeu Estates

Leeu Estates is an exquisite and luxurious boutique hotel nestled in the scenic Franschhoek Valley, South Africa. Surrounded by vineyards,... Find out more

Molori Safari Lodge

Molori Safari Lodge is quite possibly the finest safari lodge in Africa. Built originally in 2002 as a private bush... Find out more

One & Only Cape Town

The One&Only Cape Town is a luxurious and iconic hotel situated in the heart of the vibrant Victoria & Alfred... Find out more

Royal Malewane

An exclusive colonial-style safari lodge perfectly located in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane boasts its own private... Find out more

Singita Boulders Lodge

Singita Boulders Lodge is the more contemporary of the two lodges in the 45,000 acre Singita Private Game Reserve. The... Find out more

Singita Ebony Lodge

Singita Ebony Lodge is one of two lodges in the 45,000 acre Singita Private Game Reserve. The two magnificent lodges... Find out more

Singita Lebombo Lodge

There is an abundance of wildlife and birdlife in the area and game drives are conducted in open 4x4 safari... Find out more

The Cape Cadogan

The Cape Cadogan is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. Situated in the... Find out more

The Mount Nelson A Belmond Hotel

The Mount Nelson Cape Town, affectionately known as the "Pink Lady" of Cape Town, is a historic and iconic luxury... Find out more

The Silo

The Silo Cape Town is a luxurious and iconic hotel located in the heart of the vibrant V&A Waterfront in... Find out more

Tswalu

Tswalu Kalahari, owned by the Oppenheimer family, is South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering an area of over 1000... Find out more

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