South Africa
Nelson Mandela’s moniker the “Rainbow Nation” describes the country of South Africa the best: 11 official languages; history that can be traced from rock carvings by vanished cultures to today’s technologically advanced nation; the onslaught of cultural influences from trading ships 1,000 years ago to modern times with visitors from all around the world. Not many countries have such a biodiversity and so many different ecosystems, or such a lineup of enjoyable cities and exciting wildlife preserves. There is so much to do and see in South Africa that you can easily travel here for months before confidently saying you know the country.
South Africa is the land of superlatives and contrasts. Cape Town has more wildflower species than whole North America or Europe; the yearly sardine migration combines so many fish that the shoals are visible from satellites; the first national park – Kgalagardi Transfrontier Park – that unites two countries and ignores a border was established here; the sophisticated metropolitan life is just a short trip from the untamed wilderness; the diving ranges from the cold water encounters with great whites to the balmy and pristine coral reefs of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal waters. You can sip excellent wines at the beautiful wineries of the Cape; visit a traditional Zulu village; tour the township of Soweto in Johannesburg; and hike the iconic Table Mountain.
Kruger National Park and its adjoining reserves, Sabi Sand and Ngala cover an enormous area with scenery ranging from open savanna to grassy river banks to stunning mountains to mopane woodland. All the African Big Five can be found here: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. In addition, there are cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hippos and many other animals, including more than 400 bird species. Close to Botswana's border you will find Madikwe Game Reserve, a triumphant 20-year victory of introducing wildlife back to its original habitat and saving species from disappearing for forever.
Another excellent park here is the KwaZulu-Natal, a World Heritage Site. Here, Phinda Game Reserve offers both the best African wildlife and the opportunity to dive in the pristine waters off shore. Savor the exceptionally beautiful beaches and dive the verdant coral reefs rich with fish, dolphins and whales. If you come here in the right season, you can witness huge leatherback turtles laying eggs on the beach or see the whales in Hermanus Bay. With all it has to offer, South Africa is a complicated destination – let us tailor it to your interests and make it a trip of a lifetime.
