Safari
South Africa holidays
Overview
South Africa's collection of luxury five-star lodges are far removed from the basic tented affairs of years gone by and a stay in one offers so much more than the opportunity to spot the ‘The Big Five’; lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard. Our safari lodges cater not only for couples, but for honeymooners and families too.
To complete your safari holiday, why not end with a few nights relaxing in Mauritius or the Seychelles?
More About Safari
A typical day on safari usually begins with a sunrise game drive with your expert guide. Return to your luxury lodge to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and enjoy the facilities of the lodge, or embark on yet another adventure such as a hot air balloon ride, helicopter trip or a guided walking safari. With some of the lodges offering fantastic spa facilities there are plenty of opportunities to relax and pamper. After a further afternoon game drive, evenings are spent around the boma enjoying exquisite cuisine and great company.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. To truly appreciate the incredible size of the falls, enjoy an unforgettable micro-light flight above them. The falls are also a part of Mosi O Tunya National Park which is home to various specious include giraffe and white rhino.
Malaria-Free Game Reserves
A selection of our recommended lodges and resorts are located throughout three different malaria-free parks. Just a 40-minute drive from Port Elizabeth is the Addo Elephant National Park; situated in the Sunday’s River region of the eastern cape, it is home to 450 elephants and the second largest breeding population of African penguins. Nearby is the 25,000 hectare Shamwari Game Reserve, many times voted as the world’s top conservation company. The Madikwe Game Reserve is a 45-minute flight from Johannesburg and is home to 66 large mammal species.
Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve
In the north-east of South Africa lies The Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve – both of which are reached by scheduled flights from Johannesburg. Kruger is the largest game reserve in South Africa and one of the largest national parks in the world; you may be lucky enough to spot the many species of mammals, birds, reptile and plants which are present in the park. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve borders Kruger National Park and as there are no fences between the two, there is an excellent chance of spotting ‘The Big Five’. Precautions against malaria are necessary.
Best Time to Visit
For premium game viewing, focus upon the dryer months between April and September when the grass is sparse and the animals tend to congregate at the waterholes.
Flights, Timezone and Currency
Flights:
British Airways, from London Heathrow to Cape Town & Johannesburg. Virgin Atlantic, from London Heathrow to Johannesburg.
Flight time: 11 hrs (Johannesburg)
Time Difference:
GMT +2 hrs (Nov - Mar) BST + 1hr (Apr - Oct)
Currency:
South African Rand
Climate - Johannesburg
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp °C | 26 | 25 | 24 | 21 | 19 | 16 |
| Hrs of Sun | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 125 | 94 | 90 | 54 | 13 | 9 |
| Month | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp °C | 17 | 19 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 25 |
| Hrs of Sun | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 4 | 6 | 27 | 76 | 117 | 103 |
