South Africa Safaris

temp_southafricaN.gif
Map of South Africa

South Africa, bordered by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, is sometimes called a “world in one country” with landscapes stretching from snow-capped mountains to tropical white-sand beaches and including spectacular views and national parks and reserves filled with game.

In contrast to the variety of the landscape, there are cosmopolitan cities which boast excellent museums and top class restaurants. South Africa is the most developed country on the continent of Africa and offers the greatest choice of cultural, leisure, wildlife, and sporting activities.  The road and rail networks are excellent and there are regular internal flights between the major cities.

Highlights of a South African vacation could include a visit to the beautiful city of Cape Town, overshadowed by the imposing Table Mountain, exploring the gastronomic delights of the Cape Wineland area, enjoying a classic wildlife safari in one of the “Big Five” private reserves bordering the Kruger National Park, hiking in the wilderness uplands of the Drakensberg Mountains, or exploring the superb beaches and marine reserves of subtropical KwaZulu-Natal.

South Africa Safaris - Travel Tips


  • South Africa is a wonderful family safari destination, and many of the wildlife reserves are malaria-free.
  • Cape Town and the Garden Route have a Mediterranean climate so these regions are best visited in the warmer months between April and August.
  • The northern game reserves are best visited between April and October.
  • Connections both within South Africa and to the other countries in Africa and the Indian Ocean are easy.

South Africa Safaris - A Personal View

Charlotte OppermanWhere do I start with South Africa? Favorite family vacations, wonderful riding, great game, glorious beaches, glamorous hotels, superb food … the list is endless. It is to this ‘world in one country’ that I turned when I wanted to introduce my own children to safari. Combining the beaches of the Cape with safari proved so good on our first visit, that we went back a year later for more. I doubt we’ve finished either, with this fantastic family vacation destination - there is just so much more to see and do.

I’ve ridden through herds of zebra and giraffe in the late evening sun, admired magnificent lions snoozing through the heat of the day and wondered how something as big as an elephant can just vanish into the bush before your eyes. One day you can be in the middle of the bush and then next in sophisticated Cape Town – for me, this incredible versatility is a complete winner … and never once did I hear that ‘I’m bored and what can I do now’ so often repeated on a family vacation!”

Charlotte Opperman - One of Aardvark Safaris' South Africa safari specialists

South Africa Safaris - Ideas You Might Not Have Thought About

South Africa - catamaran Tigger Too in Waterfront area Cape Town   Fishing for Lunch
On a boat trip from Hout Bay close to Cape Town you can view the magnificent coastline onboard “Tigger Too,” a 53 ft catamaran cruiser. Seals are often spotted and you can try your hand at fishing. If you’re in luck you can grill your catch on the barbeque for lunch.
     
South Africa - Rovos Rail luxury train safari   Cross-Country - Take the Train
The amazing journey from Cape Town to Pretoria can be undertaken aboard a luxury train which has been lovingly refurbished to recapture the atmosphere and romance of a bygone era. Watch the ever changing scenery roll by from the comfort of your suite, which by night becomes a luxurious bedroom. Relax in the comfort of the observation car or in the five star lounge; enjoy fine cuisine from the a la carte menu served in the elegant dining car. There is the opportunity to visit places of interest on route on this world class travel experience.
     
South Africa - Fugitives Drift Lodge near Rorkes Drift battlefields   Fugitives Drift - History Comes Alive
Fugitives Drift Lodge is in a large private reserve on a hillside above Buffalo River Gorge close to Rorke's Drift in KwaZulu Natal. The lodge is run by the Rattray family and is in the heart of the Anglo-Boer war and Zulu sites. The owners’ enthusiasm and knowledge of local history gives the lodge a splendid, almost museum-like atmosphere. A tour of the battlefields, with superb story telling from your guide, brings alive the history of this fascinating region.
     
South Africa - kids on a family safari at Jembisa   Malaria Free Safaris - Family Friendly Destinations
South Africa has malaria-free safari camps which make superb destinations for families with young children. Jaci’s Safari Lodge, Ant’s Nest, Jembisa and Kwandwe Lodge are just a few of our favorite properties where the staff knows exactly what makes a fantastic family safari. Amazing game drives to spot the “big five” and easy connections with Cape Town allow a beach-based start or end to your family safari.
     
South Africa - rental car on a self drive vacation   South Africa - The Open Road
Self-drive is a very popular way to explore the wonders of South Africa, offering complete freedom and privacy. Good roads and easy navigation make this a great choice. The flexibility of designing your own itinerary leaves you free to stop off where you like to take in particularly impressive views, restaurants or shops. We can provide ideas for suggested routes and book your accommodations along the way.