South Africa

 

A country rich in diversity, from lush forests, vast savannahs, beautiful beaches, arid semi-desert, dramatic mountain ranges to its cosmopolitan cities, ‘Big Five’ wildlife reserves, winelands, gourmet restaurants and colourful shanty towns. Strong on adventure, sport, nature and wildlife, it is also a pioneer and global leader in responsible tourism.

African Pathfinder - South Africa map

Our highlights

  • Hike up the face of iconic Table Mountain, or if the legs don’t permit it, take a ride on the cable car to its summit and marvel at the magnificent views.
  • Stand at the Southern-most tip of Africa at Cape Aghulas, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.
  • The Franschhoek Wine Tram is a fun and unique way to experience some of the Cape’s best wine estates.
  • Be immersed in township life on a cultural tour to learn more about the upliftment & community projects.
  • Go on a Shark Cage Diving Tour to see Great Whites and other ocean predators up close.
  • Swim with penguins at Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony in Cape Town.
  • Discover the myriad tunnels and caves of the Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa.
  • Enjoy the incredible views from above the 3rd largest canyon on Earth, the Blyde River Canyon, either in a Hot Air Balloon or by microlight.
  • Zip along lines strung between the giant, ancient trees of the Tsitsikamma Forest in a Treetop Canopy Tour.
  • Enjoy a sublime sunset yacht cruise on the Knysna Lagoon.
  • Bungee jump from Bloukrans Bridge, the highest bridge bungee jump site in the world!
  • See Nelson Mandela’s prison cell at Robben Island where he was incarcerated for 18 years.
  • Hear the brutal and heroic battles fought between the Zulu and British brought to life by master story-tellers at Isandlwana and Rourke’s Drift.
  • Safari, safari, safari – with no less than 20 national parks including the famous Kruger National Park, and numerous private reserves, South Africa offers a rich variety of wildlife & nature experiences to suit all budgets, tastes and requirements, from single travellers to multi-generational families.

Best Times to Travel

  • South Africa has many climates! The Mediterranean Western Cape, the sub-tropical and arid Eastern Cape and the sub-tropical Kruger regions. They all have hot summers (December to March), and the coldest months are July and August. The Western Cape has a winter rainfall while the Eastern Cape, KZN and Kruger regions have summer rainfall. Autumn (April and May) and Spring (September and October) are the nicest times to travel in South Africa as all regions are generally lovely, days not too hot and evenings not too cold.
  • January – March: Peak season for Cape Town and the Winelands with lovely hot and dry days.