An unforgettable emotional experience
No matter where you go in South Africa, you’ll experience unique, breathtaking moments as you discover the extraordinary non-stop evolution of extraordinary landscapes. The famous inhabitants of the South African “bush” can be viewed throughout the year. The best time to observe is early morning and dusk during one of your memorable day or night safaris.
Diversity of fauna
In many of the country’s national parks and nature reserves, the famous ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) get special attention as the kings of a preserved natural environment. But you can still view an impressive number of cheetahs, antelopes, hyenas, hippos, baboons, zebras, warthogs and other crocodiles. South Africa is also home to an astounding variety of birds, with more than 900 different species. For a change of scenery, Walker Bay in the Cape Town region, between Hermanus and Gansbaal, is also home to colonies of penguins and whales between June and December.
The famous Kruger National Park
Larger than Belgium, Kruger National Park is the largest in Africa, and famous for its 8,000 elephants, 20,000 buffalo, 140,000 impala, 30,000 zebras … and for its birdlife (500 species of birds). You can also admire the San rock paintings and archaeological sites such as Thulamela and Masorini. The best way to explore the Kruger National Park is to stay a few days in a ‘Restcamp’ like Olifants, Lower Sabie and Berg-en-Dal. Important: remember to book your accommodation a few days before your arrival, and you’ll be given all necessary contacts at the park entrance.
Exciting sites
If you’re really passionate about observing wild animals, other national parks like Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, Khahlamba-Drakensberg – a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Pilanesberg, or the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park – an amazing ecosystem that surrounds Lake St Lucia, all provide unforgettable moments.
Private nature reserves
Private reserves have two notable features. On the one hand, they’re known for upscale service and infrastructure; on the other, you’ll find at the heart, natural settings – whether savannah or rocky cliffs – possessing an undeniable beauty. They typically offer a chance to see the "big five" on a guided safari in a 4 x 4. Among those best known for their hospitality and ‘Out of Africa’ ambience: Madikwe, Mala Mala, Pongola, Singita, Sabi-Sabi (near the famous Kruger Park), and Londolozi, which Nelson Mandela declared: "This is a great place to safeguard the nature of our country."
Amazing flora
In South Africa, flora is no exception, since there are more than 22,000 different species of plants. The Cape region is home to more than 8,000 species not found anywhere else in the world. In the spring, the region of Namaqualand blooms with thousands of colorful flowers, each more beautiful than the next. A sight you don’t want to miss!