South Africa

    Pictures of South Africa

    Here is a country like no other – enter the exotic African continent through the vibrant city of Cape Town or Johannesburg and experience it for yourself. Whether you choose the freedom of one of our self-drive holidays or sit back and enjoy our fully escorted

    tour, we have selected itineraries which will bring you up close and personal to the best of South Africa.

    An animal safari is an absolute must – the sense of privilege that you feel as you watch the big five: lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and the elusive leopard, strut their stuff in their natural habitat will live with you forever. Then there is South African wine, which boasts a superb reputation. What better way to experience it than on a tour of the wine region? The Garden Route also is delightful – with its magnificent beaches, mountains and rivers.

    Let’s be honest, where else could you go and find such a rich combination of culture, nature, wildlife, adventure and heritage? Explore it for yourself.

    Information South Africa

    Country guide
    Capital city Cape Town (Legislative) Pretoria (Executive)
    Population

    47,900,000
    Area

    Cape Town

    The ‘Mother City’ has lots to offer and you may have trouble fitting it all in! A must is the ten-minute aerial cable car ride up to Table Mountain (weather permitting). The 360-degree view includes Table Bay, Robben Island, the Cape Flats and the Cape Peninsula. Once you’ve got your bearings, there is much to explore – from the internationally acclaimed Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, to the V&A Waterfront shopping and dining experience.

    Johannesburg

    South Africa’s largest city, ‘Joburg’ is dynamic and cosmopolitan. The Apartheid Museum is a moving experience and a tour of Soweto offers an insight into anti-apartheid resistance. But there are many light notes too, from African bazaars and fine

    restaurants, to the world’s deepest pub in a gold mine!

    Kruger National Park

    We are talking world-class and world famous, offering over 2 million hectares of  spectacular wildlife. Here expert game rangers track the big five on both game drives and walking tours. This flagship park has an unrivalled diversity and includes some 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals!
    Local time

    11 hours London Heathrow to Cape Town (Time difference: GMT + 2)
    Climate
    Climate / season

    South Africa’s summer is from October - March and its winter from May - August. Most of the country benefits from a sunny climate, fine and settled weather, and pleasant temperatures throughout the year. Cape Town and The Garden Route have summer temperatures averaging around 27C, with slightly wetter winters around 17C. Durban is hot in the summer (although this is moderated by daily sea breezes) and mild to warm in the winter. Johannesburg has warm summers with occasional afternoon storms, and cooler / drier winters. Kruger National Park can be hot and humid in the summer (32C), and experiences dry and hot (28C) winter days and cooler nights.
    Culture
    Politics President Kgalema Motlanthe
    Clothing

    Cool, casual clothing is recommended for this tour. During the day either lightweight trousers or better still shorts, together with short sleeve shirts. A cardigan or jacket may be advisable in case of the odd cool evening.  Whilst in the game reserve clothing in white or bright colours should be avoided. Binoculars, although not essential, could be very useful throughout the tour.

    South Africa 

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