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South Africa Map
Please roll over the individual regions for a quick introduction,or click on them for a detailed exploration of what they offer
South Africa
South Africa has gained the enviable reputation of offering something for everyone. With awe-inspiring mountain ranges, the Big Five, parched deserts and heavenly beaches, the incredible variety of landscape is matched by a melting pot of cultures and a superb array of wildlife.
When to go
- Being so vast, South Africa does not have as defined seasons as many countries and they can vary greatly between provinces, so refer to the individual province for more specifics on the weather
- For this very reason, South Africa has something to offer all year round. Whilst it might be raining and blowing a gale in Cape Town, it might be in the 70s and clear blue skies in KwaZulu Natal. In Dec they might be experiencing afternoon downpours in Kruger and be basking in brilliant sunshine in Cape Town
What to do
- South Africa boasts of being a “World in one country” and this really could not be truer. With such a diversity of habitat and scenery there really is something for everyone. Visitors can be hiking in snow capped mountains in the morning and just a couple of hours away, paddling in the warm, Indian Ocean; be in a desert one day, and move a couple of hundred miles to watch whales and dolphins the next
Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape offers a wild combination of unrivalled splendour and stark contrasts – very few places in the world can rival it. Whether you choose to relax in the longest hours of sunshine on the coastline, enjoy malaria-free Big 7 game-viewing, hike in mountains, drive through deserts, there is something for everyone.
When to go
- In general, the weather of the Eastern Cape is kind to visitors. The main rainy season is in the autumn months of Nov–Dec and again in spring, Mar–Apr. It is generally hot and sunny in the summer (Nov–Mar) and cooler in the months of Apr–Oct when it can also get windy but is generally dry
- An exception to this is the Karoo Desert where the heat can be extreme and rain is less plentiful
What to do
- The Eastern Cape has some of the finest malaria free game reserves in Africa and is a perfect extension to the family friendly Garden Route; the options for families of all ages are excellent
- Enjoy mile after mile of sub-tropical coastline
- There are superb hiking trails in the mountains and deserts of the Karoo
Johannesburg & Surrounds
Johannesburg is the main hub into southern Africa and flight schedules sometimes necessitate a stop-over here. Located in the Gauteng Province, the historical cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria offer visitors plenty in the way of shopping and entertainment through its network of malls, casinos, flea markets and suburban stores; and some of the best museums and historical buildings are found here.
When to go
- The area has quite defined seasons with summer from Nov–Mar hot and sunny with thundery rain storms, and winter is dry and quite chilly. Due to the altitude it can actually get cold in winter and the odd snow shower is not unheard of
What to do
- The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is a stark reminder of a dark period in Africa's recent history and combined with a Soweto tour is an excellent way to spend a day and get a feel for the history of the country
- Pretoria definitely justifies a day to see Union Buildings, Church Square, Paul Kruger House and the Voortrekker Monument
- Both cities offer excellent shopping and fine dining, with great nightlife
Kruger Mpumalanga
Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species - 507 birds and 147 mammals - and varying habitats from open plains to hills dotted with baobabs. The South African side of the Greater Kruger Park, merged with the unfenced private reserves, is already over 20,000 sq kms.
When to go
- There is not a bad time to visit Kruger but the drier winter months offer clear sunny days and, as surface water dries up, game concentrates and animals and birds become easier to spot
- The Park has fewer visitors in the winter months and outside the South African school holidays
What to do
- Game viewing possibilities are endless. Self-drive visitors have the excitement of searching out the Big 5 on their own. Rest camps offer waterholes and escorted night drives, and private touring is an affordable option when using the rest camps
- Within the Park and in bordering private game reserves, camps and lodges offer open vehicle 4x4 day and night game drives with professional guides and trackers. Walking safaris from a few hours to several days are available too, as is hot air ballooning, helicopter flights and elephant back safaris
Kwa Zulu-Natal
Flanked by the Indian Ocean, KwaZulu Natal has areas of vast, unspoiled beaches and a coastline teeming with nature. The Big 5 are all found in the province's game reserves, and the largest population of Black and White Rhino is also found here. Along with the Drakensberg Mountains and historic battlefields, there is something for everyone.
When to go
- The province has a warm, sub-tropical climate, with temperatures moderated by the expanse of the Indian Ocean
- Summers are hot and humid averaging 28 degrees, and experience the majority of the annual rainfall
- The winters averages temperatures of 23 degrees and days are warm, dry and clear. There is occasional frost in the interior and snow often falls in the Drakensberg
What to do
- Big 5 game viewing in the many private and public Game Reserves is a must, and there are some fantastic options with the Greater St Lucia Wetland offering a completely different perspective
- Loggerhead and leatherback turtles come ashore to breed from Nov–Mar and these areas are now heavily protected but open to visitors staying at selected lodges. Marine life is superb and diving excellent
- Fascinating historical tours of the Anglo–Zulu and Anglo-Boer Battlefields
- Hiking and breathtaking scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains
Limpopo Province
Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 507 birds and 147 mammals, and varying habitats from open plains to hills dotted with baobabs. The South African side of the Greater Kruger Park, merged with the unfenced private reserves, is already over 20,000 sq kms.
When to go
- There is not a bad time to visit Kruger but the drier winter months offer clear sunny days and as surface water dries up game concentrates and animals and birds become easier to spot
- The Park has fewer visitors in the winter months and outside the South African school holidays
What to do
- Game viewing possibilities are quiet endless. Self-drive visitors have the excitement of searching out the Big 5 on their own. Rest camps offer waterholes and escorted night drives, and private touring is an affordable option when using the rest camps
- Within the Park and in bordering private game reserves, camps and lodges offer open vehicle 4x4 day and night game drives with professional guides and trackers. Walking safaris from a few hours to several days are available too, as is hot air ballooning, helicopter flights and elephant back safaris
Northwest Province
The wondrously scenic North West Province of South Africa is bordered to the north by Botswana, and is home to one of South Africa's most famous attractions, Sun City. There are also several excellent safari options, including the Madikwe Game Reserve and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, which is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, both home to the Big Five.
When to go
- The summer months (Aug-Mar) bring brief, refreshing afternoon thunderstorms. Summer temperatures range between 22°C and 34°C (71.6°F & 93.2°F)
- Winter (May-Jul) brings with it dry, sunny days and chilly nights. The average winter temperature is 15.5°C (60°F)
What to do
- Sun City as about as close to Vegas as you will get in Africa. A spectacular recreated Lost City with life-size carved elephants, a volcano that "erupts" every hour and a real size beach complete with waves and surf. All this is surrounded by hotels, casinos, theatres, and a whole host of family entertainment. There are also 2 championship golf courses
- Madikwe and Pilanesburg offer malaria free Big 5 game viewing from a selection of lodges, some of which are very family friendly
- The Magaliesberg Mountains for hiking and visit the Cradle of Mankind
Northern Cape
The Northern Cape is a land of many diverse cultures and is untamed nature at its finest. It has something to offer everyone, from hikers, safari enthusiasts, 4x4 adventurers to thrill seekers. The beautiful coastline, a number of unique national parks and one of the greatest floral kingdoms in the world offer visitors a very different experience of South Africa.
When to go
- The scant annual rainfall (50-400 mm) is unreliable. Jan temperatures are 33-36°C. Winter days are warm - the onset of night bringing dew and frost to supplement the low rainfall. In general, visitors enjoy hot summer days and chilly nights
What to do
- The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park comprises an area of over 3.6 million hectares – one of very few conservation areas of this magnitude left in the world. There are no private camps or lodges in the park, but a selection of Park's Board Rest Camps are available for the more intrepid safari goer
- Other Parks of interest in the Northern Cape include the Augrabies Falls National Park, Richtersveld National Park and the Tankwa Karoo National Park. Again, Park's Board Rest Camps are the only accommodation in the parks
- In spring (Sep–Nov) Namquakand explodes into a riot of colour as millions of flowers bloom in one of the greatest natural floral kingdoms on earth
Western Cape
The Western Cape is top of many visitors' must do lists and not without good reason. From the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town to the scenic beauty and delights of the Winelands along with the best land-based whale watching in the world and the scenically breathtaking Garden Route. Malaria free safaris and idyllic beaches make this the perfect family destination.
When to go
- The Western Cape has something of a micro climate compared to much of South Africa. Whilst the summer months of Nov – Mar are hot and sunny like most of the country, there is little rainfall. The winter months from May – Oct see much more rain and wind
- For flowers Sep – Oct is a great time to visit
- Whale watching is best from Jul – Dec, and for winter sun, Dec – Mar
What to do
- Cape Town is rightly considered one of the most beautiful cities in the World and we recommend 4 nights here to enjoy all there is to see and do
- Visit some of the hundreds of wine estates in the Cape Winelands and eat gourmet cuisine in Franschhoek, one of the most romantic towns anywhere
- Sightseeing along the Garden Route, with seasonal whale and dolphin watching, great white sharks, penguins and seals. Fynbos and Protea floral reserves for budding botanists
- The beaches of Plettenberg and the charming coastal town of Kynsna where the famous Tsitsikamma Forest offers nature and walking trails
- Malaria free, family friendly game reserves and National Parks
Call our experts (UK):
0161 789 8838
US/Canada Toll Free:
1-800-380-5485
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