Southern Africa: African Safaris & More in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia & Beyond
The Allure Of South Africa Vacation Packages
There are few places in the world where excitement and adventure are the norm, rather than the exception. South Africa is one of those places. It is the perfect country for a varied and wonderful Africa vacation! Nearby are exciting destinations in their own right: Botswana, Zambia and Namibia.
Some of South Africa's cities are very modern with high-rise buildings, multi lane freeways, manicured parks and fancy shopping. Cape Town is beautiful. It’s called the Mother City, and it was here Europeans first made their foothold in South Africa. The scenic Garden route, Sun City, and the thriving wine country all compell one to visit.
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South Africa Wildlife Safaris
The main purpose of your trip, though, is to leave the cities behind and head for the bush. “The Bush” is a generic term for almost everything that is not a city or town. Most of Southern Africa, away from the coastal region, is on a large plateau in the arid sub-tropical zone. The vegetation of game reserves you will visit is considered chaparral or grassland. There are few forests.
You will cover the larger distances within Southern Africa by airplane. Where commercial service exists and makes sense, you will use it. If not, the appropriate airplanes will be chartered to take you as close to your destination as possible. Many safaris companies limit their guest’s luggage to 44 lbs, generally in soft bags. Read what a day in the bush is like.
Whatever Your Interests, South Africa Delivers
Africa makes for a wonderful family vacation. There are many family friendly activities, and experiencing wildlife in its natural habitat thrills all ages.
Planning a honeymoon? Some of Southern Africa's resorts are among the most romantic anywhere in their seclusion and luxury.
Interested in culinary vacations and fine wine? Franschhoek Valley is the gourmet capital of South Africa where you can visit some of the Cape's top wine estates.
Fancy rail vacations? South Africa's famous Blue Train is an elegant 27-hour journey through beautiful countryside between Pretoria and Cape Town, while Rovos Rail offers a vintage rail experience.
Craving some casino action, golf and world-class entertainment? Scintillating Sun City offers it all.
< Quick Tip: South Africa Vacations >
Travel in South Africa can be very different from vacations you've taken previously. We can help guide you on what to expect. You may need to take small planes to safari camps (which while fun, make some uncomfortable). Luggage can be quite restrictive on internal flights, particularly to Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.
Southern Africa's Highlights
While South Africa is an important destination on its own, South Africa's neighbors offer additional noteworthy experiences.
A bit smaller than Texas, nearby Botswana, with a sustainable eco-tourism policy, offers incredible and varied wildlife and unparalleled game viewing in one of the world's most pristine environments. Experience uniquely different safari encounters based on different ecosystems, from the green wetlands of the Okavango Delta, teeming with wildlife, the forests and grassy plains of the Moremi, and the desert sands of the Savute, with its high concentrations of elephant, lions and African buffalo in Chobe National Park.
Nearly uninhabited Namibia's breathtaking desert landscapes, like the red dunes of Sossusvlei, offer completely unique experiences, while Etosha National park is noted for its game.
Zambia and Zimbabwe border the fabulous Victoria Falls, one of Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It's easy to arrange a visit to see the falls when visiting South Africa. Here, too, one finds extreme adventures like bungee-jumping and microflight flying. Mozambique, with its miles of white sand beaches, is a diver's and snorkeler's paradise.
< Quick Tip: Weather in Southern Africa>
In their winer, May thru August, days are warm and nights can be cold. As water is scarce, it's a good time to see wildlife. In their summer, December thru April, days are very hot and humid, and rain causes wildlife to roam further from watering holes.
If you visit at the end of the winter season, most trees will have lost their leaves and grass is low. This makes it easy to view animals. There are also very few mosquitoes or other insects. There will be little (if any) rain: mornings will be cold, but mid-day temperatures will climb to the 70’s or above.
More Insights Into South Africa
Capetown, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet, is one of our favorite cities! Table Mountain is the backdrop for this city on the water, with sophisticated shops and restaurants, luxury hotels, as well as significant historical sights such as Robben Island where Mandela was incarcerated. Take the boat out to see it, the guides are all former prisoners! Hike up Table Mountain, or take the funicular - the view is incredible!
An hour away are the winelands of South Africa - vineyards, charming towns, Cape Dutch architecture. You might relish staying at a drop dead gorgeous house in the heart of the wine country with just five guestrooms, each a different style designed by the owner, run by great hosts who will do their best to pamper you and make you feel at home.
Champagne tasting in a valley reminiscent of Napa? Shopping in a town that has only a few streets but has gournet restaurants and a Relais and Chateaux property? Head down the coast just past Hermanus - stay either at a luxury property on a cliff overlooking the sea, or further down at a nature reserve where you will learn about the beauty surrounding you. Go whale watching or shark cage diving at the tip of the continent! There are golf courses along the way as well!
South African safaris can involve any number of game reserves, mostly in the Kruger area, both within and outside of Kruger National Park, with its 5 million acres. Here you will find the most over-the-top luxury camps, considered "6 Paw" in the lexicon of African luxury. Amazing comfort, service, gourmet meals, expert rangers. You will never want to leave! There are also wonderful and authentic 4- and 5-paw camps - offering the same elements but at a different level. Still comfortable with great guides, there is something for everyone.
Each time we visit we stay at different camps and lodges - each has its own appeal, whether it's the expertise of the ranger, the enthusiasm of the host, the magic of the game drives, or the unexpected! Once our vehicle came around a corner returning from a night drive and there was an entire Bedouin tent, decorated with lanterns, where we were to dine that night! Once it was coming upon a group of rhino standing next to the road like dinosaurs, on the drive from the airstrip to the camp!
The amount of game is not as plentiful as in East Africa - the herds are not as large. However, the payoff is, once you find the lions, giraffe, or rhino, you are often the only vehicle there! And in South Africa your game drives are in open-air vehicles! The silence is incredible - watching a leopard stalking its prey, holding your breath as the Cape buffalo surround and then walk past your vehicle - seeing the elephants interact - and of course ending your day with a lovely meal - that is what South Africa is about.
South Africa offers so much, but a visit to South Africa can be combined with the beach at Mozambique, or an island trip to Mauritius. It also works easily to add a few nights at Victoria Falls for an unforgettable ending!
Are You Ready To Plan Your South Africa Adventure?
Whatever your expectations and perceptions, your visit to Africa will exceed them. Let us arrange your trip of a lifetime! Find out more about other Africa vacations here. Contact our Africa travel experts or call 1-800-850-3220.
