SOUTH AFRICA

Luxury South Africa Safari ToursSouth Africa Safaris

If you are looking for a variety of exciting things to do on your Luxury South Africa safari tours, South Africa truly is a world in one country with so much on offer it will be difficult to include everything here! It is the perfect choice for the African safari traveler on so many levels.

Mountains, deserts, seascapes, and bushveld offer visitors some of the most spectacular and breathtaking scenery anywhere on the continent, and tourists from every corner of the globe arrive in  South Africa every day to experience these wonders.

Visitors can escape on a genuine South African Safari to wild and remote parks like the world renowned  Kruger National Park  and  Sabi Sands which includes  Kapama Game Reserve, Manyeleti, Thornybush, Timbavati and Makuleke  and a short flight later, find

themselves enjoying the luxuries afforded by modern cities and world-class hotels like Cape Town, the Cape Winelands  and  Johannesburg, known for their warm hospitality and superb accommodations and world class cuisine. For those of you looking  for an adrenaline  filled safari adventure, try shark cage diving in Gansbaai just outside Cape Town for a once in a lifetime experience. Take a look at our “Things to do in Cape Town and Surrounds” for more.

Or if Malaria is a concern, why not craft your South African dream safari tour to include the Eastern Cape  and/or the Madikwe Game Reserve,  both great African safari destinations and are  both malaria free areas so taking precautions against malaria (medications) will not be necessary. There are superb luxury game lodges in both areas with an abundance of wildlife for great game viewing.

Throw yourself in a hammock overlooking the ocean and let the world and the whales pass you by – ah – bliss! Spend a few days of your unique custom styled  safari vacation lazing on one of the many pristine beaches in luxury off the beaten track resorts in Hermanus and all along the garden route.

Visit  Hermanus & Grootbos  for  spectacular whale watching or keep on driving up  the Garden Route  visiting  Oudtshoorn  the Ostrich Capital of South Africa and the world famous Cango Caves, Knysna – THE oyster capital of South Africa and then on to Plettenberg Bay – also renowned for great whale watching excursions as well as dolphin watching and just off the coast and a huge colony of Cape fur seals on the Robberg Nature Reserve. Take squiz at “Things to do on the Garden Route” for more on these areas.

Go further East past  Durban through Umhlanga Rocks and you will arrive at the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu Natal. On your South African safari learn about Zulu history and Zulu culture and visit the coastal  iSimangaliso  (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park World Heritage Site due east of pivotal landmarks in Zulu history. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve, well known for its involvement in saving the white rhinoceros species from extinction. For more look at “Things to do in KwaZulu Natal”.

If desert is your thing then include something different and unusual in your South African safari itinerary – the  Southern Kalahari.  The rich red sand landscape and sparse vegetation makes for fantastic photographic opportunities. Who knows – you may even get to view cute little Meerkats

up close and personal which will probably be the highlight of your southern Kalahari  safari adventure!

South Africa has an invigorating climate with seasons reversed from the Northern hemisphere, and offers visitors cool winters and pleasantly warm to hot summers.

From a historical point of view, the country enjoys a rich and varied heritage. Visitors can trace the origins of man, or relive the country’s pioneering history and the Great Trek.

Marvel at the discovery of diamonds and gold in South Africa, or reflect on the conflicts of various wars. In addition to its past, history is still made every day in the areas of human rights and political change. With so much happening all around us, South Africa truly is a “World in one Country.”

Whether you are on a budget or would like a  scheduled safari tour, Karell can assist with the planning from A to Z.

Why Safari in South Africa?

Thinking of going on a safari tour in South Africa? You have made a great choice if you have decided to safari vacation in South Africa.

South Africa has it all – the diverse landscape of South Africa offers deserts, mountains, forests, wetlands and sprawling savannas. You can combine your African safari adventure with shark-diving in Gansbaai, bungy jumping off the tallest commercial bungy jump in the world at Bloukrans bridge in the Tsitsikama Forest on the Garden route, ascend Table mountain by cable car or if you are feeling energetic, hiking up, in Cape Town, wine-tasting in the Cape Winelands, a helicopter ride over the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumulanga and so much more.

No trip to South Africa would be complete without a safari! After all that’s what we are known for amongst other things –  animals, animals, animals!

Some of the top South African safari areas are:

The Kruger National Park as well as the adjacent Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Thornybush, Manyeleti and Kapama Game Reserves,  Hluhluwe and iSimangaliso/St. Lucia wetlands in Kwa-Zulu Natal,  Eastern Cape province (MALARIA FREE) ,  Madikwe in the Northwest province of Mpumulanga (MALARIA FREE), Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on the border of Botswana and South Africa.

So why not call now to get started, call one of our Africa safari specialists to start planning your very own Dream African Safari vacation to South Africa and/or any of our other destinations within Southern and East Africa.

We will customize your African Safari  with your specific interests and budget in mind so that your Africa safari dream tour is unique to you and you alone!

Top Reasons to Visit South Africa

• Cape Town  Table Mountain & the Winelands• Robben Island• The Heart of Cape Town museum where Dr.

Christiaan Barnard performed the 1st heart transplant

• African penguins at Boulders Beach• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens• Great White shark cage diving in Gansbaai• Surfing in J-Bay aka Jeffrey’s Bay• The Garden Route• Whale watching• Kayaking• White water rafting• Bungy jumping

• The Drakensberg• The Battlefields in Natal• The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg• Fabulous food – everywhere• Art galleries• SOWETO – South West Township• Liliesleaf in Rivonia• Braamfontein Urban Renewal• The Sterkfontein Caves – The Cradle of

Mankind• Rovos Rail• The Blue Train• Safari Safari Safari

Best time to go to South Africa

Safari in South Africa is a year-round activity however the seasons determine the best times to view game as well as pricing.

Optimal game viewing in most game areas and therefore the “Peak Season”, also known as the dry season,  is during the South African winter which runs June through August.

The grasses are low and animals tend to gather around the permanent water holes and therefore are easier to view. (no guarantees of course!).  The mornings and evenings can be very cold but the days are usually warm and sunny and dry.

The summers (October through March), also known as the wet season, are rainy and hot. Due to the rains, the grasses are long and game-viewing can more challenging however the bush is lush and green and is a beautiful backdrop for game viewing.

Bugs are also aplenty and therefore prophylaxis for malaria would be an absolute must in malarial areas. You may also want to consider what it would be like to be on an open game vehicle during a torrential downpour! If you do not like being wet, this time of year may not be for you.

Remember as well, that the seasons determine the costs of accommodations too so bear this in mind when you are planing your dates. Peak = higher prices.

Cape Town and the Western Cape experience winter rains June through August.

In Kwa-Zulu Natal  the weather is glorious during the winter time (June through August) – no humidity.

Sunshine all year and rains during the summer (November through January) which are hot and humid.

Cape Town and Winelands Tours

Cape Town – Known as South Africa’s “Mother City”, beautiful Cape Town lies on the southwestern tip of the African continent. Its historical significance dates as far back as the 15th century, having played a crucial role in the booming spice route to and from Asia. Cape Town would also go on to play a central role in the struggle against apartheid as Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and other freedom fighters were imprisoned on Robben Island.

Today Cape Town has emerged as one of Africa’s most vibrant and beautiful cities, boasting scenery sure to astound even the most seasoned traveler. Magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean are set against Cape Town’s hallmark Table Mountain, a truly unique feat of geology.

Be sure to make the journey by cable car, or hiking trail for the more adventurous, to the flat summit of Table Mountain and take in rare and dramatic views of the city.

Cape Town’s rich culture leaves no shortage of world-class hotels, restaurants, and shopping. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront offers a vast array of shops sure to keep you busy. Cape Town also serves as a great base for day trips into the surrounding Winelands where you’ll have a chance to visit some of South Africa’s premiere world famous wine estates.

Winelands – Nestled in the Western Cape, the Cape Winelands is the largest wine-producing region in South Africa and can be divided into six main wine regions, each offering their own unique wine route: Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington.

Constantia Valley wine region is situated in mountainous surroundings, and boasts some of the oldest wine estates and homesteads along with several award winning wines and restaurants. The majority of the farms offer wine tasting and cellar tours for both enthusiasts and casual wine drinkers alike.

Probably the best known in the Cape, Stellenbosch serves as home to a variety of cellars producing some of the country’s most acclaimed wines such as Boschendal, Neethlingshof, Delheim, Welmoed, Delair, Spier, Saxenburg, La Motte, Boschendal, Chamonix and Cabriere to name a few.

Set against the beautiful Franschhoek and Drakenstein mountains, the quaint village of Franschhoek boasts over 30 wine farms. The area is rich in history as well, having been settled by the French Huguenots over 300 years ago.

Please follow this link to see our Cape Town and Winelands Accommodation

Johannesburg City Tours

Johannesburg holds the distinction of being South Africa’s most populated city, with over 3 million citizens.

The Greater Johannesburg Area, however, has an estimated population of over 8 million.

This epic city is steeped in historical significance, including its famous gold and diamond mining infrastructure.

Of course, it is most famous for its central role in the struggle against the apartheid regime that oppressed South Africa’s population for so many years.

Johannesburg’s Soweto Township, former home of Nelson Mandela and crucial site in the fight for freedom, now attracts thousands of tourists to its inspirational streets.

Out of its deep history, Johannesburg has grown into a vibrant and modern metropolis boasting some of the continent’s finest hotels and internationally acclaimed cuisine.

A true shopper’s paradise lies at Sandton City, a huge shopping center considered to be one of the best in Africa.

Other attractions include the Apartheid Museum, the Hector Pieterson Museum, and the mining themed amusement park, Gold Reef City.

With so much life packed into this incredible place, you’ll be sure to enjoy your stay in Johannesburg and leave it craving more.

Please follow this link to see our Johannesburg Accommodation

Eastern Cape Safari Tours

The Eastern Cape lies on the southeastern South African coast. It is the countries second largest province and is approximately the size of Uruguay. The Eastern Cape is home to the noble Xhosa people famous for the “clicking” pattern of speech. The Xhosa language is the second most common home language in South Africa spoken by approximately 18% of the South African population.

Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Robert Sobukwe, Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Steve Biko, Walter Sisulu, Thabo Mbeki and Miriam Makeba are famous members of the Xhosa tribe. The province’s diverse climates and landscapes range from the dry and desolate Great Karoo to the lush forests of the Wild Coast and the Keiskamma Valley, the fertile Langkloof, renowned for its rich apple harvests, and the mountainous southern Drakensberg region around the town of Elliot.

Eastern Cape Excursions

On your Eastern Cape luxury safari enjoy spectacular luxury accommodations, g r e a t game-viewing, tantalizing cuisine, whale watching, dolphin encounters, bungy jumping at world famous Bloukrans Bridge – the world’s highest bungee bridge, walk through the Tsitsikamma Forest, a guided 2.2km walk through coastal forest and fynbos into ancient sea caves in the Featherbed Nature Reserve, a paddler cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, – all in a MALARIA-FREE environment!

Contact one of our safari specialists to start planning your Luxury Eastern Cape Safari Tour.

Why not include a drive up or down the renowned Garden Route which can include a visit to an Ostrich Farm in Oudtshoorn, the magnificent Cango Caves, a visit to Knysna for views of the spectacular “Heads” and an opportunity to feast on the best oysters ever, a stay in a tree-top hotel on your way to or from the famous seaside resort of Plettenberg Bay?

Don’t forget to include an OCEANIC SAFARI including whale watching and dolphin encounters in Plettenberg whilst planning your luxury Eastern Cape Safari adventure!

Please follow this link to see our Eastern Cape Safari Camps and Lodges

The Garden Route

The Garden Route is a popular and scenic stretch of the southern coast of South Africa, stretching from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River. It includes towns such as Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley.

The Garden Route enjoys a maritime climate with moderately hot summers and mild to chilly winters. Most rain falls in the winter months, brought by the humid sea-winds of the Indian Ocean rising and releasing their precipitation along the high mountain ranges just inland of the coast.

The Route is sandwiched between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains and the Indian Ocean.

The Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma indigenous forests boast a unique mixture of Cape Fynbos and temperate forest and offer renowned hiking trails and eco-tourism activities. Nearly 300 species of birdlife can be found in a variety of habitats ranging from fynbos to forest to wetlands.

Ten nature reserves embrace the varied ecosystems of the area as well as unique marine reserves, home to soft coral reefs, dolphins, seals and a host of other marine life.

Additionally, various bays along the Garden Route are nurseries to the endangered Southern Right Whale, which comes there to calve in the winter and spring (July to December).

Please follow this link to see our The Garden Route Hotels & Lodges

Kruger National Park

Perhaps Africa’s most well known reserve, the 2 million hectare Kruger National Park was established in 1898 to protect the fragile wildlife of the Lowveld area. Kruger National Park is known for its place on the cutting edge of environmental management techniques and its success finds emphasis in the enormous variety of species safely thriving here. These include 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.

Safaris at Kruger National Park

There are several types of Kruger National Park safari tours ranging from Kruger Park rest camps like Olifants, Letaba and Skukuza, self-catering family style traditional bungalows, self-drive safaris, private conservancies within the Kruger National Park and privately owned Game lodges/Camps in the Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Thornybush, Manyeleti and Kapama amongst other reserves . Grouped together these reserves form the greater Kruger National Park.

Let our safari specialists create a dream African safari vacation for you designed to cater to your personal interests, comfort levels and needs. From the Ritz Carlton in the bush to the hands on self-drive self catering fun safaris, honeymoon safaris, family safari tours, tented safaris, luxury private game lodges, a Kruger National Park Safari vacation has something for everyone.

Best time for Kruger Park Safari

Safaris in the Kruger National Park are a year round activity with very dry cold mornings and evenings during the winter (May-Sep) with sunny warm days which optimize game -viewing opportunities. The green season – summer –  brings very warm days and nights  (Oct-Apr) with often torrential downpours filling water holes to the brim.

Please follow this link to see our Kruger National Park Safari Camps and Lodges

Hazyview

Hazyview is a small town in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, it’s name derived from the shimmering haze caused by the intense summer heat.

In addition to its bustling banana farming industry, Hazyview enjoys a great location just west of Kruger National Park in close proximity to its major gates. Consequently, Hazyview makes a great jumping off point for guests self-driving into Kruger National Park, or for those who simply prefer to stay outside the Kruger park.

Hazyview safari tours also allow easy access to the region’s other attractions including God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Blyde River Canyon.

Adventurous spirits will find plenty on offer with available activities in the area like white water rafting, quad biking, and hot air balloon rides.

Please follow this link to see our Hazyview Safari Camps and Lodges

Madikwe Game Reserve

Although lesser known than Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve represents one of South Africa’s true conservation success stories and offers a malaria free safari option perfect for those unable to take malaria prophylaxis and/or families traveling with young children. In the early 1990’s, government studies determined that poor soil quality was impeding sustainable farming in this small area along the northeastern border with Botswana. A decision was made to convert the land into a national park, and between 1992 and 1999 over 10,000 animals spanning over 28 species were gradually relocated to Madikwe Game Reserve.

Dubbed, “Operation Phoenix,” it constituted the largest translocation of game in history and today this thriving reserve covers over 185,000 acres and boasts a rich array of species including the Big Five (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Rhinoceros) as well as healthy populations of cheetah, wild dog, hyena, giraffe, zebra, various antelope and more. In total, over 66 mammal and 300 bird species call Madikwe Home.

What was once derelict farmland now consists of vast woodland plains and grasslands dotted with large rocky hills known as inselbergs, offering visitors the breathtaking views and vistas you expect from the African bushveld. Numerous private lodges operate on the reserve, and access into the reserve is strictly limited to private lodge guests, ensuring a more authentic and exclusive experience in comparison with public parks.

In the Madikwe Game Reserve you’ll find a true conservation success story. Between 1992 and 1999, over 10,000 animals were relocated to this reserve after it was restored from farmland to a natural environment. Today, visitors can experience this rejuvenated habitat which includes the Big Five, as well as rare finds like the Wild Dog and Cheetah.

Please follow this link to see our Madikwe Game Reserve Safari Camps & Lodges

Kwazulu – Natal

Welcome to the Zulu Kingdom or the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Elephant Coast (Maputaland), Big Five nature reserves of international repute amid Zulu customs in Zululand.

The coastal iSimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park World Heritage Site due east of pivotal landmarks in Zulu history.

The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve, well known for its involvement in saving the white rhinoceros species from extinction.

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve often described as “Seven Worlds of Wonder” and boasts seven distinct habitats offers the perfect bush and beach adventure.

The mountainous ‘Barrier of Spears’ uKhahlamba- Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site adorned with Stone Age cave paintings realm of the legendary Zulu kings and steeped in living Zulu tradition.Timeless Indian culture in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.

The gateway city of Durban – pulsating and inviting fusion of East, West and Zulu motifs overlooking Africa’s busiest picture-postcard seaport.

Expansive golden beaches interspersed with idyllic getaway coves.

Battlefields of yesteryear where Zulu, Boer and British now make pilgrimages of reconciliation.

Please follow this link to see our Kwazulu Natal Accommodation

Hermanus

Hermanus is a seaside town with beautiful beaches and a moderate climate within easy reach of Cape Town Airport.

Hermanus is fondly referred to as the Riviera of South, and offers fabulous shore-based whale watching.

Starting in July/August every year visitors from from all over the world visit Hermanus to experience this phenomenon, a succession of Southern Right Whales parading up and down the coast.These magnificent annual visitors make for endless entertainment to the delight of a l l t h e human visitors.

The whales love the shallow waters of the bay for breeding and mating.

During the summer months the white sandy beaches are filled with holiday makers enjoying the sunny weather and excellent swimming in the sea.

Hermanus, located between the fynbos-covered mountains and the waves of the Atlantic has much to offer – golf, yachting,canoeing, scuba diving, hang gliding as well as surfing.

Please follow this link to see our Hermanus Accommodation

Southern Kalahari

The Green Kalahari, Northern Cape, extends for hundreds of kilometres along the Gariep (Orange) river forming an oasis of unspoilt nature reserves and outdoor adventure activities.

The Southern Kalahari is known as the green Kalahari because it receives far more rain than the Central Kalahari. The area is therefore able to sustain a wider diversity of wildlife.

When you are on a Southern Kalahari Safari, the red sand dunes and sparse vegetation allow for spectacular viewings of game and excellent photographic opportunit ies and  is home to  black-maned l ions, roan and sable antelope, gemsbok and cheetah.

If you are lucky enough you may get to see meerkats – the cutest critters in the bush.There is also the Augrabies Falls National Park, a gem among Green Kalahari attractions.

South Africa‘s greatest waterfall thunders 60 metres down into a gorge 240m deep and 18km long. With  extreme temperatures, you will find uniquely adapted animals such as mongoose, dassie, as well as the Cape clawless otter.

There is a good chance you may spot a black rhino in this area too.

Please follow this link to see our Southern Kalahari Accommodation

South Africa Annual Weather

The below is a rough guideline to an understanding of South Africa weather patterns. This is by no means the last word. Patterns can change and rains may be later or earlier from year to year. Data on the relevant minimum and maximum temperatures.

South Africa is generally an arid country, a large proportion of which comprises the Karoo and Kalahari semi-desert. The eastern side of the country receives on average higher rainfall, however, even this is highly variable, dependent on position in relation to the coast and altitude.This rainfall falls in the summer months of October to April. The south-western part of the country into which Cape Town falls is the opposite: in this so-called Mediterranean climate, rain falls during the winter months of May to September.

Phrases like ‘rainy season’ or ‘afternoon thundershowers’ need to be seen in the context of a generally arid country. Rain typically falls in short thunder showers in the late afternoon which produce spectacular dark skies and vivid rainbows before passing.