Tailor made Wildlife Holidays in South Africa
Everything we do in South Africa is tailor-made. It is a wonderful country to enjoy in isolation (there is just so much to do!), or in combination with Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, perhaps Mozambique or even Madagascar. There are numerous daily flights to South Africa but we generally make use of South African Airways or British Airways. The flights are overnight services and as there is little or no time difference it is a great place to visit. There are now even a number of flights to South Africa on Kenya Airways opening up East Africa as an easy option to combine with southern Africa. Whilst our suggested itineraries emphasise the selfdrive options we are very happy to offer privately guided safaris and combinations of guided and nonguided trips - just ask for our ideas and suggestions.
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is a magnificent province of contrasts, where you can drive through highlands of rushing rivers, sparkling waterfalls, deep gorges and cool, moist forests and then drop down the escarpment to the game-rich 'lowveld' below where the heat and vegetation remind you that you are in fact in the heart of the African bush. Mpumulanga is the gateway to the Kruger National Park's southern half and includes some of the country's most exclusive private lodges and reserves in the new Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park... an area far larger than many independent countries and home to Earth's largest concentrations of free roaming Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Cheetah, and literally hundreds of other species of wild mammal.
One of the regions highlights is the 'Panorama Route' which takes in the spectacular Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes along with a number of dramatic waterfalls. Also of interest are Sudwala Caves, the former gold-mining town of Pilgrims' Rest and the charming town of Hazyview. Mpumalanga is also home to scores of rare endemic birds, over 80% of the sub-continent's raptors, with Kruger National Park alone boasting 500 bird species. Special attractions include the only southern Africa breeding site for Taita Falcon and two breeding colonies of the critically endangered Blue Swallow; the only overlapping breeding colony of Blue Crane, Wattled Crane and Crowned Crane; and the world's fourth largest colony, at over 660 pairs of the vulnerable Cape Vulture.
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is world famous for offering a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the lowveld, it stretches 350 kilometres from north to south, is roughly the size of Wales and is virtually unrivalled in its diversity of life forms, with 300 species of tree, 49 fish species, 33 amphibian species, 114 reptile species, 507 bird species and 147 mammal species! Notable amongst its mammals are Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Hippo, Nile Crocodile, Giraffe and both Black, and White Rhino. The park is divided into the busier, southern sector with several tarred road circuits and the quieter northern sector around Pafuri where there are fewer visitors. The park is managed as a public national asset, with cheap, basic accommodation in 12 main camps and a network of excellent roads for self-drive game-spotting. Bordering Kruger are some of Africa's most exclusive private wildlife lodges, camps and reserves which guarantee visitors a far more intimate immersion in Africa's wilderness, including one-on-one encounters with the Big Five, night-time game-drives and private bush walks.
Northern Kruger
The Pafuri region of Northern Kruger is the ancestral home of the Makuleke people and is perhaps the most diverse and scenically attractive part of the Kruger. The 20 tented rooms at Makuleke Pafuri Camp all look out over the Luvuvhu River and from your verandah you may see Elephant, Nyala, Common Waterbuck and Bushbuck coming to drink. Activities here include game drives (day and night) and walking safaris all with expert naturalists.
Southern Kruger
Jock Safari Lodge is situated within Kruger in its own private concession and has stunning views over the Mitomeni and Biyamiti Rivers. Luxury air-conditioned suites, a beautiful swimming pool and a spa all complement the game drives and walks that are offered here.
River Lodge is a luxurious retreat in the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand area, adjoining Kruger. The lodge has 18 deluxe thatched bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, outdoor and inside shower and viewing deck. There are two swimming pools, observation decks, a secluded bird hide, hammocks and a spa. During your stay you can go on morning and afternoon game drives as well as guided bush walks. Southern Kruger is bordered by some of the world's best private game reserves and top luxury private camps such as Sabi Sabi, Londolozi, Singita, King's Camp, Motswari and Mbali. They all offer outstanding gameviewing in exclusive surroundings combined with the ultimate in food, service and personal pampering. Any of these can be incorporated into your tailor-made itinerary ??? just ask us for more details.
KwaZulu-Natal
The rolling hills of the Zulu homelands are covered with bright green sugar-cane plantations interspersed with some of the country's best game reserves including magnificent Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Game Reserve and luxurious Phinda. The Zulu people are warm and welcoming and keen to share their proud culture with visitors at various villages throughout the region. Their fascinating and turbulent history is entwined with the arrival of the Dutch and British settlers and few visitors remain untouched by the tales of courage and bravery shown in the numerous battles throughout the region. A highlight for many British visitors is the site of the infamous Battle of Rourke's Drift and nearby Isandlwana. To the west the mighty Drakensberg Mountains divide South Africa from the small independent Kingdom of Lesotho and provide some fabulous hiking and birdwatching opportunities. Along the coast are white sand beaches, wetlands, mangrove swamps and coral reefs, epitomised by the wild and totally unspoilt Maputaland Coast in the north.
Durban
Durban is the bustling seaside city of KwaZulu Natal as well as a major port. It is famous for its accessible sandy beaches along the Golden Mile and is in the process of regenerating its downtown area with new attractions such as the uShaka Marine World development, incorporating the fifth largest aquarium in the world. Other highlights include some beautiful botanical gardens, museums and Bird Park. The city beaches are protected by shark nets and this provides a fascinating opportunity to accompany the Natal Shark's Board on the their early morning boat trips to check them.
The Battlefields
On a visit to the Zulu battlefields you will learn in gripping detail about the bravery of the Zulu army that defeated the British, on the 'Day of the Dead Moon'. Listen to the famous story of Rorke's Drift, where 100 British soldiers were attacked by 4,000 Zulus, winning more Victoria Crosses than in any other battle in history.
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is located in northern Kwazulu Natal. It is home to both Black, and White Rhino and all the major plains game. It is a wonderful reserve in which to enjoy self-driven game-viewing, and there are resident naturalists who (at additional cost) accompany morning and afternoon game drives. Walking safaris are also available and the birdlife superb. Accommodation is at Hilltop Camp which has the benefit of being within the park itself. It is comfortable with 20 twin rooms under thatch and has commanding views of the surrounding reserve, but those requiring an additional level of service may prefer to stay in one of the superb private reserves nearby.
Phinda Private Game Reserve
Phinda is a private reserve located in the lush rolling hills of northern KwaZulu-Natal, bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. It shelters an extraordinary diversity of wildlife within no less than seven ecosystems. Giant Leatherback, and Loggerhead Turtles lay their eggs on the pristine beaches, freshwater lakes and river floodplains are the domain of Nile Crocodiles and Hippos, pelicans and flamingos, whilst the savannah is home to Africa's 'Big Five' and over 380 bird species. Meanwhile, the marine diversity off the Sodwana coast is said to rival Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Accommodation at Phinda is in four private and exclusive lodges: Forest Lodge or Mountain Lodge, and the even more luxurious Rock Lodge or Vlei Lodge where each suite comes with its own private plunge pool. All the lodges have experienced rangers and Zulu trackers who offer excellent game-viewing in open 4- wheel drives. You can also experience the thrill of tracking Black Rhino on foot, scuba diving on the world's southern-most coral reefs and perhaps seeing Whale Sharks from the air.
Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountains is a 200-kilometre-long World Heritage Site. Known locally as uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) this mountain fortress comprises massive basalt cliffs and soaring sandstone buttresses which separate the South African province of KwaZulu- Natal from the tiny independent Kingdom of Lesotho. The whole area is now a World Heritage Site in recognition of its natural beauty, endemic and threatened species and around 35 000 San rock art images. The range in altitude from 1280 metres to almost 3500 metres means an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna with over 2150 species of plants and nearly 300 species of bird, including the White-winged Flufftail, Cape Parrot, Corncrake, Lesser Kestrel and Yellowbreasted Pipit. More common species include Ground Hornbill, Blue, and Crowned Crane, Bald Ibis and a wide variety of birds of prey. There are 48 species of mammal including Leopard, baboons, jackals, Black Wildebeest, Eland, Oribi, and Red Hartebeest, as well as the largest population of Clawless Otters in South Africa.
Didima Camp comprises comfortable chalets with selfcatering facilities. The camp has been themed around the art of the San people and incorporates a Rock Art Interpretive Centre. Surrounded by mountains, the camp is sheltered by the Cathedral Peak valley. There is a central restaurant, bar and lounge area, pool and tennis courts. Activities include local hiking trails, swimming in mountain streams, guided hikes to Mike's Pass, Rainbow Gorge, Baboon Rock and Bushman paintings.
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is a luxury retreat surrounded by Giants Castle Nature Reserve, on the edge of a trout filled dam beside Little Mooi River. Walking, swimming in mountain streams, trout fishing, birdwatching, horse riding and excursions to local bushman paintings are just some of the activities ??? enjoyed on the farm and in the area.
Maputaland Coast
Maputaland encompasses the remote north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, where it meets the Mozambique border, and is home to a string of unique game and nature reserves stretching from the Kosi Bay Marine Reserve in the north, to the Maputaland Marine Sanctuary, the Sodwana Bay National Park, the St Lucia Marine Reserve and Cape Vidal in the south. The magnificent Lake Sibaya is the country's largest natural freshwater lake, supporting large populations of Hippo and Nile Crocodile, endemic fish and 279 bird species. In the far north the unspoilt natural area of the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve combines a marine sanctuary with a wildlife reserve and deserted sandy beaches stretch for miles and miles. In summer the area is home to Leatherback, and Loggerhead Turtles which come ashore to lay their eggs. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is a wilderness reserve comprising Lake St Lucia and its estuary, a number of islands, a wildlife reserve and a portion of the Marine Reserve along the coast. The wetlands are protected by some of the highest and most thickly forested sand dunes in the world and boat trips on the lake provide exciting encounters with pelicans, flamingos, spoonbills, crocodiles and eagles. Whales can also be seen off the coast during June to September as they slowly make their way southwards. Some fabulous lodges in this area offer luxury accommodation and access to a totally unspoilt, pristine coastline, where it is possible to walk for hours without meeting another soul. In the summer there are nightly excursions to record turtle nesting activity and the crystal clear warm waters make this one of the world's top scuba diving destinations - providing the perfect end to a South African Safari.
Rocktail Bay Lodge is an intimate lodge comprising 11 tree-house chalets nestled into the forest canopy of the Coastal Forest Reserve, between Sodwana Bay and Kosi Bay. From the main dining area and swimming pool a boardwalk winds through the dune forest to an endless white sandy beach. Turtle observation (in summer), fishing, birdwatching and scuba diving are all possible.
The luxury Thonga Beach Lodge sits in the heart of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, just a few kilometres from Lake Sibaya. It offers 12 air-conditioned suites overlooking a secluded bay, nestled amongst coastal dune forest with sweeping views of the pristine beach below. Activities here include snorkelling and diving, turtle tracking (in summer), whale and dolphin safaris, kayaking on Lake Sibaya, birdwatching, hiking and of course, relaxing on the beach or beside the pool.
Mashatu Game Reserve (Botswana)
Mashatu Game Reserve is located in the Tuli Block, a remote eastern corner of Botswana at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers. This huge wilderness area offers diverse landscapes of savannah, riverine forests, open plains and sandstone outcrops, as well as some fabulous game-viewing by vehicle, foot, horseback or mountain bike - all with expert guides. Mashatu is home to large herds of Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Giraffe, Eland, Ostrich, and Kori Bustard, and over 350 species of birds. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for Impala, Blue Wildebeest and Burchell's Zebra, whilst at night, Bat-eared Fox, African Wildcat and Leopard search for prey. Geographically remote, access to Mashatu is easiest through the nearby South African border post at Pont Drift. Alternatively, scheduled flights go to Polokwane Airport, from where flights can be chartered to Mashatu.
Mashatu Main Camp has 14 luxurious air-conditioned suites, a waterhole, pool, lounge and dining room, where as Mashatu Tented Camp is an idyllic getaway nestled in the remote northern area of the reserve, with eight luxurious twin tents each with en-suite facilities and a camp plunge pool.
Augrabies Falls National Park
Augrabies Falls National Park is named after the magnificent 56 metre high waterfall on this beautiful stretch of the rugged Orange River Gorge. An astonishing diversity of species has adapted itself to this harsh, rocky environment including Springbok, Klipspringer and Gemsbok. Broadley's Flat Lizard and Rock Hyrax can be seen sunning themselves on the rocks and soaring overhead in search of them, Verreaux's Eagle. Cape Clawless Otters and Fish Eagles hunt for fish in the swirling waters. The accommodation here is in simple national park chalets. There are self-guided nature trails here and (at an extra local charge) the chance to go on night drives. Whilst the falls is located in a remote area it is a mid-way point between the north-eastern provinces and west coast and it combines well with a visit to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
This is the most remote and least visited of South Africa's parks but is a haven for wildlife that congregates around the large pans in the Mabuasehube area. There are good populations of Springbok, Blue Wildebeest, Gemsbok, Eland and Red Hartebeest and the endearing Meerkats. A large variety of supporting predators include the area's famous black-maned Lions, Leopard, Brown, and Spotted Hyena, and Cheetah. There are occasional sightings of threatened species such as Wild Dog, Pangolin and Honey Badger. The birdwatching is excellent too with over 300 recorded species including huge colonies of up to 300 weavers, Ostrich, Kori Bustard and some 52 raptors. The park has some stunning scenery and photographers delight in the spectacular parallel dunes of red and white sand. The park is situated in the southern Kalahari, with 73% lying in Botswana and the remainder in South Africa. This enormous area protects a large ecosystem relatively free of human interference - an increasingly rare phenomenon in Africa. There are no physical barriers between the countries, which allows for the free movement of the ungulate populations and their predators and consequently there is little need for extensive management intervention.
Twee Rivieren Camp is the park's largest rest camp, situated on the banks of the dry Nossob River. It offers a range of accommodation including family cottages and chalets. It has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool.
Kalahari Tented Camp overlooks a waterhole in the dry bed of the ancient Auob River. The camp boasts 15 elegantly decorated safari tents with rustic touches. Each self-contained tent contains a bedroom with ceiling fan, bathroom and kitchen. There is a swimming pool and the camp is designed for individual privacy and solitude.
Cape Town & Winelands
Cape Town has one of the world's most dramatic backdrops, with the vast bulk of Table Mountain dominating the skyline for miles around. Travel to the top to soak up the amazing view of the ocean and the winelands fringed with hazy purple mountains; or take a harbour cruise to look for seals, whales and seabirds, and visit infamous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for so many years. The harbour area is full of boutiques and mouth-watering restaurants, as are the upmarket resorts of Camps Bay, Clifton and Bantry Bay.
There are so many things to do that Cape Town and its surroundings definitely warrant at least a few days stay. Allow time for a full-day trip to Cape Point, taking in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve with over 250 species of birds and herds of Eland, Burchell's Zebra and Ostrich, the African Penguins at Simon's Town and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. A short drive takes you into the heart of the Winelands. Beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and restaurants serving fine food to accompany excellent wines characterises the pretty regional towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek. This is after all, home to many of the world's top vineyards.
Cape Town also marks the beginning (or end!) of the Garden Route - a popular self-drive route along South Africa's southern coast, taking in towns such as Swellendam, Outshoorn, and Plettenberg Bay, with wildlife viewing opportunities at Knysna Lagoon, Wilderness and Tsitsikamma National Parks.
Accommodation in Cape Town and the surrounding area is varied, ranging from top luxury hotels, to small boutique style bed and breakfasts, country estates and even private cliff-top villas, complete with butler service! We are here to help offer advice and discuss which options would suit you best. Here is just a small selection of our favourites...
The Cape Grace Hotel is one of the world's premier small luxury hotels. With a classically inspired exterior and graceful elegant interiors, it sits on its own private quay at Cape Town's vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and offers fabulous rooms with views of the ocean, harbour and Table Mountain. There is an excellent restaurant, spa and pool terrace.
The Radisson Waterfront Hotel has 177 rooms and suites, all with breathtaking views of the mountains, ocean and Robben Island, a short walk from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Facilities include a restaurant, pool, spa and fitness centre.
Roggeland Country House is an 18th century Cape Dutch masterpiece surrounded by the Drakenstein Mountains and extensive vineyards in the heart of the winelands. The farmhouse features a variety of original antique features, and the guest rooms all have character and charm. There is a pool and award-winning restaurant. Activities on offer here include hiking, biking, swimming and picnics, golf, horse-riding and winetasting. Five wine routes converge here and Cape Town is only an hour away by road.
Hermanus
Hermanus is a scenic sleepy seaside town on the south coast just over an hour from Cape Town. However the town comes alive between August and early November, when whale enthusiasts come to one of the world's finest locations for shore-based whale-watching, with Humpbacks, and Southern Right Whales seen almost daily. Two whale festivals herald the arrival of the whales and their calves in August and September and the town is unique in having the world's only 'Whale Cryer', who sounds his kelp horn whenever whales are spotted. There is good birdwatching here too with over 100 local species, including Blue Cranes and Fish Eagles,and many great opportunities to spot them on Hermanus's spectacular 11 kilometre cliff-top walk. Other highlights in the area include boating on the Hermanus lagoon, broad white sandy beaches, watersports, shark diving, golf and of course wine-tasting.
Blue Gum Country Estate is a family-run lodge surrounded by pastures and vineyards in the foothills of the coastal mountains. Charming suites are accompanied by excellent food and a relaxing 'country estate' atmosphere. Activities include whale-watching, birdwatching, hiking, riding, tennis, cycling, boat trips on the Stanford River and just relaxing around the garden pool.
Gansbaai & Grootbos Nature Reserve
Gansbaai nestles at the foot of Duyenefontein Mountains in southern South Africa and boasts a beautiful coastline with magnificent fynbos vegetation - the world's smallest and richest floral kingdom - protected by the Grootbos Nature Reserve. This charming village has become a popular holiday resort and whale-watching is excellent here between July and November when Southern Right Whales come into the bays. On Dyer Island there is a breeding colony of African Penguins, and huge numbers of Cape Fur Seals breed and swim in the area. The seals attract Great White Sharks, making this one of the best places in the world to observe these elusive and magnificent predators up close.
Visitors to Gansbaai can stay at the Grootbos Nature Reserve where large luxury suites have their own secluded balconies. From here you can admire the sunsets over the ocean or start the day in tune with the forest birds.
Shamwari Game Reserve
At the end of South Africa's famous Garden Route, not far from Port Elizabeth, is the Shamwari Game Reserve. Steeped in settler history, this large private reserve boasts five of South Africa's seven eco-systems, a malaria-free environment and a tremendous variety of wildlife including all of the 'Big Five' and a host of birds. The reserve has six lodges to choose from - each is luxurious with fabulous food and service and has its own unique atmosphere - and one is even specially geared towards families with child-friendly activities. Game-viewing is by open-topped vehicles in the morning and evening and guided walks are available on request. There is also a three-day ranger school guest experience and a volunteer programme. We will be happy to provide you with more specific details of each individual lodge on request.
Driving in South Africa
Self-driving in South Africa couldn't be easier. The spacious roads are in good condition, sign-posting is good, and most importantly you drive on the left! Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore South Africa's nooks and crannies as you please. You can stop off for great photo opportunities, or stretch your legs along the way.
The vehicles
We offer a full range of vehicles from comfortable sedans to spacious people carriers and 4-wheel drives. There is always plenty of room for your luggage, the cars are modern, generally have powered steering and air-conditioning and all are in tip-top condition.
Insurance
Fully comprehensive insurance is always included with your hire car, as is a detailed 'Route Digest' which contains daily point-by-point directions, points of interest along the way, and useful tips.
Your peace of mind
When you arrive to pick-up your vehicle we can arrange for one of our local representatives to discuss your holiday route and answer any questions that you may have. We always make sure that you have plenty of time to drive from one destination to your next (with plenty of time to see things along the way!) and that you will never have to drive at night.
Roadside support
We provide roadside support but can arrange for you to have free mobile phone rental - all you do is pay for calls you may make.
Mozambique
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