South Africa

Cities, Mountains, Wine, Beach, Safari

Southern Africa consists of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique. You have many choices in this group of amazing countries from adventure to luxury: Vehicle and Water safaris, Beaches, Victoria Falls.

South Africa, Nestled at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa is a vibrant country known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the sprawling savannas of Kruger National Park, South Africa offers diverse experiences for travelers and locals alike. Its cities pulse with energy and history, from Johannesburg’s bustling urban scene

South Africa is a year round destination, their winters are in North America’s summer and is mild 60s-70s day time and their summer is in the north America winter months, 70s-80s. Rain is possible throughout the months but South Africa is largely an arid nation.

But – start with the incredible city of Cape Town & Cape Winelands then on to safari-land!

South Africa is a favorite of mine, I love Cape Town and the Southern coast. I love to hike Lion’s Head or Table Mountain, sea kayak off shore with dolphins, whales, penguins and seals or sea lions, paddle-board in the city of Cape Town, exploring Kirstenbosch Gardens and the small towns to the east and west of the city of Cape Town. Cape Point National Park is a beautiful grand park to bike or explore on foot, in a tour or by car to see the incredible beaches some wildlife on land and sea. Go a bit farther to Gaansbai for an exciting Great White Shark cage dive, or visit Hermanus which was once a whaling town to whale watch during season. scuba dive off the coast in several areas, the options are endless and I never get tired of spending time here!

The dining scene is also top in Cape Town with many highly rated restaurants as well as the nearby Cape Winelands. Foods here are fresh and local from meats to fish and fresh produce and I have my list of favs! Stay in the winelands for a few days, wine tasting, bike, hike, horse riding, hot air ballooning!

SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA

Ways to travel – Jeep safaris, Walking safaris, Canoe safaris, Horse riding safaris

Kruger National Park: South Africa’s Premier Wildlife Sanctuary

There are many great safari parks, private reserves to visit. Kruger National Park is the most famous region of safari in South Africa. Kruger is a public park and it is 7,523 square miles (19,458 sq km) and is the largest park in the country. Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s largest and most renowned game reserves, offers an unparalleled safari experience. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, this iconic park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo—as well as numerous other species like cheetahs, giraffes, and hippos. With its varied landscapes, from dense bushveld to open savanna, Kruger provides excellent game-viewing opportunities throughout the year. Visitors can explore the park through guided safaris, self-drive tours, and luxurious lodges, immersing themselves in the untamed beauty of the South African bush. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, Kruger National Park promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the African wilderness.

Many tourists and South Africans visit as day trippers or take overnight stays in the myriad of properties and options, some self driving in the park or taking tours from the park’s operation. There is a shuttle safari bus that runs through the park offered by the park system. Tourists from all over the world also visit The Kruger and what I recommend is a several day stay in one or two of the many places in the park or private reserves adjacent to the park. Sabi Sands, Balule, Timbavati, Klaserie, MalaMala and Manyeleti are a few of the many private reserves that border the Kruger. Fences between these reserves and the national park have all been dropped to form one vast ecosystem allowing the free movement of wildlife.

Sabi Sands is a large private reserve that has many lodges from moderate accommodations to very high end famous safari lodges such as Singita and Londolozi. Sabi has the best antipoaching operation of all the parks in So Africa. Nestled adjacent to Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is renowned for its luxurious and intimate safari experiences. Spanning approximately 65,000 hectares, this private reserve offers some of the best game viewing in Africa, with an emphasis on personalized service and exclusivity. Known for its exceptional leopard sightings, Sabi Sands is also home to the Big Five and a wealth of other wildlife species. The reserve’s lodges and camps are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing guests with unparalleled comfort and stunning views. With its expertly guided safaris, diverse landscapes, and focus on conservation, Sabi Sands promises a truly memorable and immersive African adventure. The properties here generally tend to be smallish and each safari lodge or camp has it’s own “piece of the pie” that is Sabi Sands game reserve.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve: An Exclusive Safari Experience

Nestled adjacent to Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is renowned for its luxurious and intimate safari experiences. Spanning approximately 65,000 hectares, this private reserve offers some of the best game viewing in Africa, with an emphasis on personalized service and exclusivity. Known for its exceptional leopard sightings, Sabi Sands is also home to the Big Five and a wealth of other wildlife species. The reserve’s lodges and camps are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing guests with unparalleled comfort and stunning views. With its expertly guided safaris, diverse landscapes, and focus on conservation, Sabi Sands promises a truly memorable and immersive African adventure.

Madikwe Game Reserve: A Hidden Gem of the Northwest

Located in South Africa’s Northwest Province, Madikwe Game Reserve is a pristine wilderness that offers an exceptional safari experience. Spanning over 75,000 hectares, Madikwe is a malaria-free reserve known for its diverse landscapes, which range from rolling hills and rocky outcrops to expansive savannahs and lush riverine forests. The reserve is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, wild dogs, and a host of other species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers. With its luxurious lodges and exclusive game viewing, Madikwe provides a blend of comfort and adventure. The reserve is also committed to conservation and community development, enhancing its appeal as a responsible and immersive safari destination.

This area is malarial free and others like Kruger and Sabi are at some risk albeit pretty low and for this reason, this is a great family reserve because of the lack of malaria here.

Phinda Private Game Reserve: A Sanctuary of Diversity and Luxury

Phinda Private Game Reserve for,s a large part of the Munywana Conservancy. A large 74,000 acre wildlife preserve in the Kwazulu Natal area of So. Africa.

Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, Phinda is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 436 bird species. The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino. With its seven distinct habitats, Phinda is often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’, a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivers, marshes and pans. Home to 1 000 hectares (2471 acres) of Africa’s remaining rare dry sand forest, the reserve is situated in close proximity to the unspoiled beaches and spectacular coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, offering an unmatched combination of bush and beach adventures.

There is a wide range of accommodation in Phinda, from family suites and villas to small boutique 6 room properties with private pools in both the north and the south of the preserve. Whichever you choose you will not be disappointed. There are 6 lodges throughout this vast preserve.