SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI GUIDE

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has a bit of everything: amazing wildlife, incredible walks and winelands, cosmopolitan cities and indigenous cultures, adrenalinefuelled activities and much, much more. It is no wonder the country has become one of Africa’s top destinations for safari holidays.

With such a wealth of options to chose from, first-timers may find the planning process overwhelming, but South Africa is essentially very easy to travel to.

Whether you are looking for some family time, a romantic getaway or a wildlifefilled adventure to a number of parks and reserves, we can tailor any trip to suit your needs with the help of our knowledgeable Destination Specialists.

Here at Natural World Safaris, we have a long history of sending clients on safaris in Africa. We realise that for many, seeing the Big Five in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, often dreamed about for many years. We specialise in providing bespoke safaris that put our clients in the right place at the right time to maximise their wildlife experience, and are always excited to help you make the most of this incredible experience.

While witnessing the Big Five for the first time is undoubtedly an experience to be cherished, South Africa offers plenty of other things to see for the novice safari-goer and expert traveller alike. In the pages of this in-depth guide you will find information on South Africa’s Big Five, Little Five, Marine Five and Ugly Five, as well as our top picks for hotels, lodges and wine regions. There’s also a selection of our favourite safaris, which of course can be tailored according to your specific requirements.

We hope to see you out there on the road.

Safe travels,

Will Bolsover

Founder & CEO Natural World Safaris will@naturalworldsafaris.com www.naturalworldsafaris.com

TOP PARKS & ATTRACTIONS: CAPE TOWN, DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAIN RANGE, DURBAN, GARDEN ROUTE, JOHANNESBURG & SOWETO, KALAHARI, KAROO, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, KWANDWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, KWA-ZULU NATAL NORTH COAST, MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, WINELANDS. TOP WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS: LION, LEOPARD, ELEPHANT, RHINO & CAPE BUFFALO. GREAT FOR: FAMILIES, HONEYMOONERS & FIRST-TIME SAFARI GOERS. ACCOMMODATION: LUXURIOUS

Madikwe Game Reserve

Kruger National Park

Kalahari Desert JOHANNESBURG & SOWETO

Phinda Private Game Reserve Drakensberg Mountain Range

Karoo CAPE TOWN

Winelands

KwaZulu-Natal North Coast Durban

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Garden Route

SOUTH AFRICA THE ULTIMATE SAFARI DESTINATION

Due to its scenic and cultural diversity, plus some of the best wildlife-viewing anywhere in Africa, South Africa has something to offer every type of visitor. Be it safari activities, vineyard visits, beach relaxation or cultural interaction, there is something to please all tastes. Whether your main aim is to swim with penguins on Boulders Beach or walk with lions in Kruger National Park, we can put you in the right place at the right time to maximise your enjoyment of your South Africa holiday.

A safari to South Africa can not only bring you close to big cats and the Big Five, but also lead on to exploring the incredible cities and coastal experiences of South Africa. Although situated at the very tip of the continent, it still shares international borders with six African countries; nestled between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and with eleven official languages, South Africa is rich in both culture and wildlife.

In the northern subtropical section of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Phinda Private Game Reserve offers an overwhelming array of wildlife and is particularly well known for its cheetah population. Along the Kwa-Zulu coastline, find opportunities to learn about the enormous great white sharks that are known to frequent the waters, alongside a number of bottlenose dolphins which claim the waves as their playground.

The sheer size of the country alone means the habitat varies from thick coastal forests to dry sandy deserts and everything in between. South Africa’s charms are certainly magnetic and have been so for thousands of years, encompassing historic battlegrounds, cosmopolitan cities, iconic scenery and wildlife-rich wilderness areas, which makes it one of the world’s most beguiling and popular destinations for exploration. It truly does have a bit of everything!

Durban lies a hop down the coast, a lively and wellconnected city with a world of activities on offer, from surfing huge waves to visiting Africa’s largest surviving botanical gardens. Inland, an area of supreme natural beauty can be found in the form of the Drakensberg Mountain Range, the highest mountains in South Africa which are steeped in ancient traditions.

South Africa is plentiful in national parks and game reserves bursting with wildlife, all alongside charismatic cities, coastlines and townships ideal for exploration. In the northeast lies the famous Kruger National Park, a park roughly the size of Wales that contains more wildlife species than anywhere else in Africa. Safari holidays are usually concentrated in private game reserves around Kruger, which boast regular Big Five sightings as well as a plethora of elegant and luxurious lodges.

Expect awe-inspiring wildlife experiences and first-class accommodation to match.

Other northern reserves include the giant sand basin that is the Kalahari – a massive expanse of desert wilderness where black-maned lions prowl the sand dunes – and the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets. The beating heart of the north has to be Johannesburg and Soweto, a cluster of bustling suburbs that compose South Africa’s most vibrant township.

To the south, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve represents an impressive conservation effort and is home to a rich array of wildlife, including hundreds of bird species. Meanwhile, the Garden Route provides some of South Africa’s most revered scenery. This narrow stretch of coastal terrain offers mile upon mile of white-sand beaches punctuated by coastal towns and picturesque lagoons, all with forest-clad mountains as a backdrop.

Ever diverse in landscape, the Karoo in the west provides an extreme contrast. This semi-arid region covers more than 100,000 square miles and forms the botanical transition between the Fynbos biome to the south (unique to South Africa) and the savannah to the south.

Another western highlight has to be Table Mountain and Cape Town, one of the world’s most enigmatic cities; expect stunning scenery, wonderful restaurants and overwhelming hospitality. Last but by no means least, some of the world’s best wines and delectable cuisines can be found nearby in the Winelands, the longest wine route in the world, approximately 1,000km long.

WHERE TO GO, WHEN JANUARY

January sees the peak of South Africa’s summer season. This brings hot, humid temperatures and particularly heavy rainfall. These are usually torrential downpours in the afternoons so it is still possible to enjoy morning and evening safaris when the weather permits.Temperatures on the Indian Ocean side (east coast) are especially warm and the humidity may be uncomfortable for some. However, the Indian Ocean has a warm current which makes swimming pleasant year-round. Kruger National Park should be somewhat quieter than in December as the South African school holidays will have finished. However, due to the winter rainfall, wildlife will be more difficult to see through the thick, verdant bush.

FEBRUARY

As with January, February in South Africa has notable rainfall, usually in the form of heavy downpours. These are somewhat unpredictable but are unlikely to last all day; as a result, safaris are still possible and likely to be pleasant. Temperatures are still in the high 20s (°C) range throughout the day and evening, so layers won’t be necessary for game drives.

Thanks to the rainfall of the green season and the availability of the water supply, antelope will give birth at this time to give their young the best chance of survival. It is possible to see the calving season of impala, gemsbok, eland and plenty more so please ask our Destination Specialists for the best locations.

MARCH

March begins with a decrease in rainfall from the previous summer months. Although this may not be immediate, it is generally a drier month all-round than January or February.

With this, temperatures also start to

decrease, although not dramatically.

Evenings in Kruger are unlikely to get lower than 15 °C, but with the wind chill factor on game drives, warmer layers may be necessary for evening and early-morning drives. Daytime highs will still be up in the late 20s and as the afternoon skies are clearer than the summer months, you may have a chance to relax by the pool with a book between game drives.

Vegetation will still be fairly thick during March as it has not had time to dry out and be grazed down by the wildlife yet, but as the climate is somewhat drier you will have plenty of chances on your drives to seek out the quintessential African animals.

APRIL

Cooler temperatures arrive in April, and fewer clouds and clear skies means less rainfall in the northern and eastern reserves. Although this means mornings and evenings will be a bit colder, days will remain pleasantly warm. Humidity also drops which means daytime temperatures around 25-28 °C are much more agreeable than the earlier summer months.

Birdlife remains abundant into April in South Africa before departing for the warmer summer climes of the Northern Hemisphere. They can also be slightly easier to spot during this time as vegetation reduces due to the lessening rainfall. Thanks to the warm current from the east, the Indian Ocean side of the country is comfortable during this time and the sea water is temperate.

MAY

Sunshine and clear skies perpetuate May days, making this a wonderful time to visit South Africa. Of course, temperatures will vary depending on where you are in the country, but it is likely to be pleasant nonetheless.

Morning and evening temperatures

will be significantly cooler than earlier months, so plenty of layers are necessary for game drives, but as the sun peaks in the sky, the mercury will reach back up to the 20s and afternoons will be comfortably warm.

KwaZulu-Natal has a subtropical climate so remains warmer during the winter months than the more southern regions.

JUNE

Although temperatures continue to drop throughout June, there is little to no rainfall, so glorious clear skies will be the backdrop to your safari.

Visiting Kruger National Park at this time is great as wildlife is abundant, and although tourist numbers will be rising, they will not have peaked due to Northern Hemisphere school holidays not yet having started. Landscapes will be turning into shades of browns, yellows and oranges, not only making fantastic scenes for photography but also making wildlife much easier to spot due to the thinning vegetation.

JULY

Landscapes dry up further into July, making wildlife sightings even better.

This is the optimum time to seek out elusive leopards in South Africa’s game reserves. Animals are forced to gather around the dwindling water supplies, making their movements more predictable. Therefore, rangers can ensure you are in the right place at the right time to ensure you have the best wildlife encounters possible.

Although morning and evening temperatures are cooler still, days will remain clear and dry and the mercury averages around 15 °C in the middle of the day. These mild temperatures are suitable for walking safaris and are great for kids taking part in safari clubs. However, nights can drop to 0 °C, so make sure you have plenty of warm layers for the evenings.

AUGUST

Temperatures nationwide will start to rise in August but rainfall remains relatively low, making this a fantastic time to visit. Although most of South Africa is malaria-free, mosquitoes can be a nuisance during the warm, wet, summer months. By the winter, and particularly as late as August, there are relatively few mosquitoes in the air, which makes days much more pleasant. This is perhaps the best time of year to see the wide array of wildlife South Africa has to offer, from traditional Big Five game to Cape Town’s marine life. Plains landscapes are particularly dry by this stage and vegetation sparse, so wildlife visibility is perhaps at its best.

SEPTEMBER

Similarly to August, September sees dry days and fairly high numbers of tourists throughout the country.

Temperatures do, however, start to rise; averages in Kruger National Park are around 22 °C. Although rainfall has risen from August, it is still only around 24mm average throughout the month, which is unlikely to have a huge impact on your safari experience. Vegetation will remain sparse as the majority of shrubs and grasses will have been grazed down throughout the winter. This makes spotting all the big cats much easier than during the wet season as game movements are more predictable.

OCTOBER

As South Africa moves out of its dry winter season and rainfall increases, landscapes begin to thrive and thus more vegetation becomes available.

It is at this time that many creatures give birth to provide their young with the best chance at survival, as more nutrition and shelter will be available.

The earlier you travel in October, the less wildlife will be hidden behind

lush trees and shrubs. October is the shoulder season between the dry season and the busier high season.

However, as it is outside of all school holidays, parks should still be relatively quiet. Temperatures are pleasant and it is unlikely that storms will perpetuate whole days, so morning and evening safaris are still enjoyable.

NOVEMBER

Similarly to October, the rains will have started but temperatures generally won’t be too high throughout the country in November. Wildlife can become more and more difficult to spot as the areas of vegetation thicken and water sources become more prevalent thanks to the increasing rainfall. However most parks are still regarded as fair to travel to during this time. Black and white rhinos can usually be seen year-round in the Huluwe-Umfolizi National Park, as with elephants in Kruger.

DECEMBER

December is often a very popular time to travel on an African safari, both for locals and those travelling from further afield. Many choose a luxury safari for a family Christmas break, so popular parks and lodges can get particularly busy at this time and rates increase accordingly. If you wish to enjoy this incredible experience for your Christmas and New Year holiday, advance booking is essential. If you wish to avoid the crowds at this time it is best to choose one of Kruger National Park’s private concessions or one of the smaller, lesser-known parks.

Being a few months in to the wet season, landscapes are of course lush and verdant, which creates a fantastic backdrop for wildlife photography, although the animals will be harder to locate in the bush.

T HE

Big FIVE

Known as the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot, the ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – were much sought after by the early big game hunters. Some still seek to see them from behind the barrel of a gun, but for many of us, these majestic creatures now fulfill a much more noble role: as highlights of our African safaris.

AFRICAN ELEPHANT SYMBOL OF THE SAVANNAH

The ground rumbles as you sit tentatively, cameras poised. You hear them before you see them, an almighty crunch as the lead female breaks through the foliage and onto the wide savannah plains, shortly followed by the rest of the herd. The first time you see an African elephant in the wild is a moment to behold; overwhelming in size and beauty, these noble creatures are simply iconic.

The African elephant is the largest land animal alive today. They are emblematic in the history and culture of Africa, with herds wandering through 37 countries, South Africa being one of them. Their huge ears look almost like the African continent and are used for radiating heat, but when it gets too hot, there’s nothing they enjoy more than splashing around in the water, shooting cooling sprays from their trunks.

Weighing up to six tonnes and reaching heights of more than 10 ft at the shoulder, these majestic beasts are some of the most intelligent and longlived animals still roaming the African wilderness.

Their huge tusks continue to grow each year, and are used in fights with fellow elephants as well as for marking and digging. Despite their great size and weight, elephants can reach speeds of 25mph when running, and the spongy soles on their rounded feet enable them to move with a surprising delicacy. Living in tight-knit matriarchal communities, their herds can reach hundreds in number, yet these family-oriented animals look out for each individual member, often going to great lengths to rescue trapped or endangered calves, support injured companions, and even grieve their dead.

The trunk they are famed for contains about 100,000 muscles and is used for communicating, as well as handling objects and food. The two finger-like features at the end of the trunk assist

them with grasping objects and sticks. Elephants can also produce a deep rumbling sound from their throat, which uses low-frequency infrasound to enable contact between individuals over distances of many kilometres. These ingenious creatures also have a greater impact on their own landscape than any other mammal except man. By breaking up trees and vegetation, they enrich and fertilise their surroundings, creating micro-habitats for smaller animals, opening up woodland into grassland and changing an area’s ecology.

African elephant populations in southern range countries have largely recovered from the days of big game hunting thanks to the international ivory trade ban. Their tusks feature in the South African coat of arms and are said to represent wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity.

Most safari-goers in South Africa will look to see elephants in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the country’s flagship wildlife park, which is home to more than 15,000 of the animals. The lesser-known Madikwe Game Reserve, which borders Botswana in the northwest, is an ideal alternative where one can spot herds of elephant all year round. The pristine 75,000-hectare reserve is also home to the exquisite Jamala Madikwe, a boutique lodge with an abundance of natural elegance, perfectly situated for great wildlife-viewing without compromising on luxury.

“

Walking alongside these magnificent animals really does bring home their huge stature, as well as their individual personalities.

70 YEARS AVERAGE LIFESPAN

415,000 E S T I M AT E D P O P U L AT I O N

STATUS VULNERABLE

BLACK RHINO

WHITE RHINO

40 YEARS

40 YEARS

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

5,500

18,000

E S T I M AT E D P O P U L AT I O N

E S T I M AT E D P O P U L AT I O N

STATUS

STATUS

C R I T I C A L LY E N D A N G E R E D

N E A R T H R E AT E N E D

RHINOCEROS A MODERN-DAY DINOSAUR

As you see a rhino peacefully wandering through its habitat and quietly browsing foliage, you will wonder why on earth anyone would want to poach these largely gentle creatures. Possessed of a thick, armour-like hide and two intimidating horns, rhinos are some of the most prehistoric-looking animals on the planet, and seeing them in the wild is always a privileged experience.

Found in savannahs, shrublands, grasslands and deserts, rhinos spend the majority of their time foraging for plants, eating up to 220 different species. During the hottest parts of the day they can be found lounging in the shade or wallowing in mud to keep cool. This is a fantastic time to see interactions between mothers and calves, as the energetic little one will be vying for its mother’s attention while she is clearly trying to relax. Occasionally, if a rhino feels threatened, they will mock charge the predator, snorting and puffing as well as scuffing the dirt below their feet in order to assert their authority. More often than not they will stop short of physically engaging with the predator, but regardless, this really is a sight to behold for any animal enthusiast.

There are two kinds of rhino found in South Africa: the white rhino and the smaller, rarer black rhino. Both species are actually a dark grey in colour, but the black rhino can be distinguished by its distinctive prehensile lip which it uses to grasp plants and sticks. As a result, black rhinos are sometimes known as the hook-lipped rhinoceros, whereas white rhinos have the moniker of square-lipped rhinoceros.

Another feature that distinguishes black rhinos is the large hump on their back, which is a consequence of the browsing technique they adopt when eating trees and bushes. In contrast, white rhinos tend to graze on grasses and other plants lower down to the ground. Another way to tell the difference is by looking at their young:

©Andrew James

adult black rhinos walk with their young trailing behind them, whereas white rhinos tend to follow their calves. Aside from mothers and calves, rhinos are generally solitary creatures, moving through a territory that ranges between 4km² and 8km² in area.

Having been around for millions of years, these ancient creatures have an important impact on their own ecosystems. As big grazers, they consume large amounts of vegetation, which in turn shapes the landscape, benefitting other animals and maintaining a crucial balance.

South Africa is home to 80% of the white rhino population, a number which has greatly increased in recent years due to conservation efforts. Sadly, the black rhino remains critically endangered as the demand for rhino horn is on the rise once more, and as record numbers of rhinos are poached across Africa, both species are at risk. Anti-poaching units play a key role in protecting the rhinos that still remain.

One of the best places to see these magnificent creatures in the wild is Phinda Game Reserve, a 170km² private reserve composed of seven distinctive ecosystems. Here you will discover why Phinda name means ‘to return to the wild’.

The reserve is well served by the superb Phinda Mountain Lodge, an ideally situated property with authentic African architecture, suites that offer stunning panoramic views, and ample gameviewing opportunities, including both black and white rhinos.

CAPE BUFFALO AFRICA’S FORMIDABLE NATIVE BOVINE

Cape buffalo can be somewhat overlooked, as wildlife enthusiasts on their dream African safari seek out the rest of the Big Five during game drives and bush walks. However, buffalo herds can produce quite spectacular sightings as they thunder across the savannah, while individuals often stand their ground against lions, leopards and other predators.

These highly sociable animals can live in herds that are hundreds strong, although these tend to break into smaller groups when drought occurs in South Africa. Buffalo are herbivores, but like the rhino, they’re no pushover. They work as a group to protect their young and aren’t afraid of using their strong bulk and prominent horns to fight off predators attempting to attack. In the famous viral video clip known as the ‘Battle at Kruger’, a buffalo calf was saved by its herd when attacked not only by lions but a crocodile as well! Weighing in at around 700kg, the Cape buffalo is Africa’s only native bovine and is not closely related to domestic cattle. It is their distinctive fused horned skull that sets them apart, an adaptation which protects them against predators.

Buffalo aren’t known to be territorial; the matriarchal females decide the direction the herd will travel during rest periods and will then be followed by the group. The herd interactions can be fascinating to watch, with calves and adult males sometimes sparring as part of play.

Knowing that there is safety in numbers, buffalo herds are tight-knit and protective of their young.

A trapped buffalo’s distress calls can alert the rest of the herd and spark a turnaround to face whatever predators have captured the calf – most commonly a pride of lions. The older males will eventually split off from the herd and form lone bachelor groups, known as ‘dagga boys’. This term is derived from the Zulu word for mud, which is where these lone males tend to wallow.

The Cape buffalo, a subspecies of the African buffalo, tends to be found in savannahs, grasslands and floodplains. The forest buffalo, a smaller subspecies restricted to Central and West Africa, prefers forests and swamps. Cape buffalo are a much more common sight on African safaris. Requiring large amounts of water in order to survive, it is necessary for them to migrate between water sources, which determines their reproductive cycle and ensures that calves are born during the rainy season.

Kruger National Park is the perfect location for catching sight of these magnificent beasts all year round. An incredibly vast tract of land that is arguably southern Africa’s most famous game reserve, Kruger attracts millions of visitors worldwide. The area actually includes a cluster of enormous private reserves around the western border of the park, and these reserves are renowned in their own right, allowing you to veer off the obvious route and into the surrounding area. As fencing was removed years ago, this has enabled the abundant buffalo population to move freely between the national park and the reserves.

The other appeal of Kruger is, no doubt, the luxurious settings and accommodation available in the area. Garonga Safari Camp, situated in the Makalali Conservancy, is among the best. This camp offers an authentic experience in beautiful surroundings, with six tents that blend luxury, comfort and a professional yet friendly service.

“

Seeing a buffalo herd ward off a hungry lioness on the prowl is an unforgettable experience.

20 YEARS AVERAGE LIFESPAN

900,000 E S T I M AT E D P O P U L AT I O N

STATUS N E A R T H R E AT E N E D

“

These big cats are fascinating to observe. Many people want nothing more than to sit and watch their behaviour unfold for hours on end on the plains of Africa.

15 YEARS AVERAGE LIFESPAN

AFRICAN LION TRUE ANIMAL KINGDOM NOBILITY

23,000 E S T I M AT E D P O P U L AT I O N

STATUS

When it comes to lion prides, it is the lionesses who take the lead in stalking and chasing down their prey, while the cubs play in the shade and the males with their magnificent manes battle for supremacy. Perhaps the world’s most well-known predator, African lions make for a fantastic safari experience, whether they be on the hunt, at rest or at play.

VULNERABLE Exploring via game drives and even walking safaris, you can witness the fascinating behaviours of these big cats as the drama of the African plains unfolds in front of your very eyes. Lions are a quintessential part of the African safari and with more than 2,000 living in South Africa across a number of parks and reserves, the country is a popular destination for those hoping to see the species in the wild.

than East Africa’s open savannah, although their numbers are higher in southern Africa than most areas. There are thought to have been 200,000 wild lions in Africa a century ago, but they have since undergone a catastrophic decline. Although not as threatened as some other big cat species, African lions are still today threatened by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, loss of prey and the illegal wildlife trade.

African lions vary in colour from light buff to yellowish, reddish or brown, making them unmistakable compared with the other large felines of Africa. Lions live in groups called prides, which usually consist of several related adult females and between one and four males who defend the territory. As Africa’s largest cat and top predator, their choice of prey varies with their habitat. Most of the hunting is done by the smaller and more agile females, who will work together to hunt anything from small antelope up to buffalo. Stalking by sight, lions utilise impressive stealth and patience before launching an explosive charge. Males will often get involved to help tackle the larger and more dangerous prey animals. Males have a large mane of hair which can be beige or black depending on the individual and the area they live in.

In Kruger National Park, lions will follow paved roads at night, soaking up the warmth of the tarmac after a day in the sun. Even if you don’t see one on a night drive, you will hear them, as their territorial roar is audible for up to eight kilometres on a still night. South Africa’s Kalahari region is known for its population of rare black-maned lions; with their powerful build and beautifully dark manes, these lions are a spectacular sight to behold.

Lions love to laze around in groups and are especially sedentary during the day, becoming more active at night. South Africa’s bushveld is a slightly more challenging terrain to spot lions

The Tswalu Kalahari Lodge is situated in South Africa’s Northern Cape province, within the spectacular Kalahari Desert itself. Here you will share your stay with many creatures you may recognise and some you may not, including springbok, buffalo, the elusive desert-adapted black rhino and the rare black-maned lion all year round. Tswalu is a barefoot luxury lodge, designed with exclusivity in mind, making the very most of dramatic and expansive views of one of Africa’s last true wildernesses.

©Virunga Lodge/Robin Francois

AFRICAN LEOPARD A STEALTHY & ELUSIVE AMBUSH PREDATOR

Known for their power and elegance, in addition to their clandestine nature relative to the rest of the Big Five, the leopard always makes for an exciting safari sighting. Though an apex predator in some parts of their range, when sharing habitat with lions they must defer to the larger cats. Leopards are more agile than lions and can often be seen lurking in the trees.

12 YEARS

“

Seeing a leopard in the wild is the ultimate dream for many big cat enthusiasts.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

700,000 E S T I M AT E D P O P U L AT I O N

STATUS In African folklore, leopards have a mythical status and are thought of as cunning and clever. It’s easy to see why when observing these often solitary and secretive cats, which operate in great contrast to the noisy and sociable lion. Leopards prefer cover to open savannah, making them often difficult to spot save for fleeting moments; thus, sightings of these elusive creatures should be cherished.

Leopards stalk the deserts and bush in search of unsuspecting ungulates such as zebra and antelope. Due to the threat of lions and hyenas stealing their prey, they haul their quarry high into trees to feast on their meal without interruption.

Leopards have also been known to use high vantage points to seek out their prey before slinking through the long grass and making the fatal pounce. Despite being somewhat difficult to locate due to their covert nature, leopards can be seen during game drives in the majority of African safari destinations, including South Africa. They can be found in a variety of South African landscapes, as they inhabit mountains, deserts, woodlands, bushveld and rocky areas.

Leopard coats vary in colour depending on their location, from pale yellow to more brownish chestnut hues. Their rosette markings range from black spots on their lower limbs to large open “flowers” on their back and hind. These markings mean they are often confused with jaguars, native to South and Central America. The underside of

a leopard’s tail and torso are whitish in colour, and when walking through groups of mammals, they use their tail’s underside as a sign denoting they are not seeking prey. These independent animals commonly live in separate territories, only interacting in order to mate. Fights can break out if other males intrude upon a neighbour’s range.

Male leopards can also be a threat to cubs that are not their own, causing mother leopards to keep cubs closely guarded.

Humans represent the leopard’s main threat, as the species is considered at risk due to poaching and loss of habitat. In South Africa, farming is usually the main cause of the latter. Leopards are stealthy animals that require environments which offer cover, so open plains cleared for farming do not suit them. If you want to maximise your chance of spotting a leopard, head to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where prolific sightings are recorded all year round in the 65,000-hectare reserve which borders Kruger National Park.

In the northern region of Sabi Sands, Chitwa Chitwa Lodge is set on the banks of the largest dam in the region, close to two large lakes which provide incredible wildlife-viewing opportunities, all encompassed in a design that combines both style and comfort, featuring 10 luxury suites and one large private villa, each with their own sun deck and plunge pool.

VULNERABLE

RWANDA

THE

Marine FIVE

Sharks, seals, whales, penguins and dolphins are South Africa’s sea-based alternative to the terrestrial Big Five. They can be seen from the waters off Cape Town to the coastlines of the Garden Route and Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape.

THE MARINE FIVE LEAVE THE LAND BEHIND

South Africa, true to its name, encompasses the entire southern tip of the African continent. Its coastline stretches for over 1,700 miles, and a number of different ecoregions are represented in its offshore waters. There is exceptional marine biodiversity here for travellers to find.

With the Atlantic Ocean lying to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east, it is no surprise that South Africa lies at the confluence of two great oceanic systems. it is this unique position that ensures South African waters are teeming with life at all times of the year. To the east, the Agulhas Current brings warm water from the Indian Ocean southward, while the Benguela upwelling system of the west draws cool, nutrient-rich water from the seafloor to the surface.

There is so much good eating to be had here that huge whales can be seen at certain times of the year. Southern right whales are the most common sighting; position yourself along the southern Cape coast between June and November for your best chance of sightings. Humpback whales, which range throughout much of the world’s oceans, are visitors to these waters between May and December. Bryde’s whales can be spotted all year round, while orcas, or killer whales, are more rarely sighted. Keep watch for spectacular whale behaviour such as spy-hopping, lobtailing and breaching. Birkenhead House in the seaside town of Hermanus, which lies southeast of Cape Town, is a great base for keen whale-watchers.

The whales’ cetacean cousins, dolphins, are another well-known beneficiary of South Africa’s rich marine ecosystem. Among the species that you are most likely to see on a marine safari are the common and bottlenose dolphins, which can at times form pods up to a thousand dolphins strong!

Along the Garden Route, summertime (November - February) is peak dolphin season, but they can be seen year-round. Lekkerwater Beach Lodge in the De Hoop Nature Reserve is an excellent accommodation choice. Alternatively, you can

choose to travel during the annual sardine run (May through to July). At this time, billions of sardines spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northwards along the coastline of KwaZuluNatal province, sparking a feeding frenzy.

The great white shark is undoubtedly the most famous (or infamous) shark that is known to frequent these waters. Capable of reaching 20 ft in length and more than two tonnes in weight, the great white is second only to the basking and whale sharks in size, and those are filter-feeders. Your best chance of seeing these marine giants lies in heading to the Western Cape, where hotspots like Mossel Bay and Gansbaai can be found. By basing yourself at the idyllic Grootbos Forest Lodge, you will be well situated for trips to the Gansbaai coast.

The Cape fur seal makes up a sizable portion of the great white shark’s diet in South African waters.

Visitors to Seal Island in Cape Town’s False Bay can even witness the incredible sight of great whites launching themselves out of the water with seals clutched in their jaws. Travellers hoping to spot seals in a more cheerful setting can stop off at a number of islands and coastlines, from Port Elizabeth to the Garden Route and up along the Western Cape.

Tintswalo Atlantic, a boutique lodge in Hout Bay, is one of the best accommodation options available.

African penguins make up the final member of this marine quintet. Two of the best mainland sites where you can see them are Stony Point and Boulders Beach, which occupy opposite sides of False Bay. The proximity of these sites to Cape Town means they combine well with a stay in the city. The charismatic birds are resident year-round.

THE

Little FIVE

Bush walks can act as a great counterpoint to game drives, allowing you to experience the natural world at a slower pace. While on these walks, it is possible to meet the diminutive namesakes of the famed Big Five: the elephant shrew, buffalo weaver, leopard tortoise, rhino beetle and antlion.

THE LITTLE FIVE SPEND TIME WITH SOME UNDERAPPRECIATED FAUNA The ubiquity of big game on South African safaris has led to broadening interest in the country’s more bizarre creatures. If you’ve already ticked off the Big Five from your safari checklist, try casting your eyes to the ground (and the trees) to spot these fascinating fauna.

The smallest member of the Little Five is named after the Big Five’s most fearsome predator. The antlion, in its adult form, is relatively unremarkable – they are flying insects not dissimilar from dragonflies – but their larvae are squat, wingless, bloodthirsty beasts possessed of huge sickleshaped jaws. After digging a conical depression in the sand of the bushveld, the larvae use their face-mounted weapons to grasp ants and other small unsuspecting insects that fall into the trap.

Once captured, the prey is viciously shaken from side to side and dragged beneath the ground to be devoured. There are about 2,000 species of antlion distributed throughout the world, and a variety can be found in South Africa. Look for sandy areas in places like Kruger and the Kalahari Desert.

Next up is another insect, the rhinoceros beetle.

This too is a family made up of some 300 different species, around 60 of which are found in South Africa. With armour plating and a huge horn jutting from the front of their head, the rhinoceros beetle is aptly named, but it also shares its herbivorous diet with its larger cousin. They may be intimidating in appearance, but the beetles are harmless to humans and feed mainly on nectar, fruit and plant sap. Their horn is used variously as a digging device and as a weapon to solve disputes over territory. In proportion to their body weight, rhinoceros beetles are some of the strongest creatures in the world!

Impressive as the antlion and rhinoceros beetle may be, they would quake in fear of the elephant shrew. This insectivorous mammal lives in arid lowlands, rocky outcrops and savannah grasslands throughout southern Africa, and comes in a number

of different species. Their elongated snout aids them in the search for food. Although most are no more than a few inches in length, they have been recorded reaching speeds of more than 17mph!

This ability helps them to escape from predators like snakes and raptors. Female elephant shrews undergo a menstrual cycle similar to human females, making them one of the few non-primate mammals to do so.

Leopard tortoises are so called because of their patterned shell, which features black and yellow markings similar to the rosettes on the big cat’s coat. Although more than 50% of the world’s tortoises are threatened with extinction, this successful species is widespread throughout savannahs in eastern and southern Africa. Capable of reaching more than half a metre in size and weighing up to 40 kilograms, this is the world’s fourth-largest tortoise species. Mostly solitary, they can sometimes be seen on quiet stretches of road, so keep an eye out during game drives through national parks and reserves. During exceptionally hot or cold weather, they can even be found in abandoned fox, jackal or aardvark burrows!

The final member of the Little Five, and the only one that doesn’t dwell on the ground, is the buffalo weaver. They are also the only member that is often seen alongside members of their own kind. Buffalo weavers are social birds that live in open colonies, creating nests in the branches of tall trees that are made from thorny twigs and coarse grasses. There are three species of buffalo weaver, but the redbilled buffalo weaver is the only one native to South Africa. Make a note to look for these gregarious birds when travelling through dry savannah areas.

THE

Ugly FIVE

Looks aren’t everything; at least, that’s what the storks, vultures, hyenas, warthogs and wildebeest of South Africa would have you believe. Though not quite as glamorous as certain other species that tend to hog the limelight, the Ugly Five are still valuable members of the colourful cast of characters that you can hope to see on safari.

T H E U G LY F I V E BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER Carnivores, herbivores and scavengers are all represented in the Ugly Five, a group composed of South Africa’s most aesthetically challenged creatures. Often overlooked, these animals will soon be counted among your favourite fauna; if you love an underdog, that is.

The spotted hyena may well be an underdog, but it’s not a dog; nor is it a cat. It is actually classified as a feliform, a cat-like carnivore related to true cats as well as viverrids like mongooses and civets.

However, while its relatives are mostly solitary in nature, spotted hyenas are the most social of all carnivores. No other meat-eater demonstrates more complex social behaviours or lives in larger groups, which can include as many as 80 members. Weighing in excess of 60kg, with bonecrushing teeth, a top speed of more than 35mph and a level of intelligence similar to some primates, it is no wonder why the spotted hyena is the most successful large carnivore in Africa. In South Africa they are restricted to the north and northwest.

Kruger and the Kalahari are good for sightings.

Along with hyenas, wildebeest are another common sight on African safaris, and South Africa is the only country where both species of the latter – the blue wildebeest and black wildebeest – can be found in their native range. Both are large antelopes known for their distinctive curved horns and flattened heads. The blue wildebeest is the most common; huge herds of this species take part in the annual Great Migration between Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti. The black wildebeest is endemic to southern Africa and is slightly smaller than its cousin. Their ranges overlap to quite an extent, and they have even been known to hybridise. Both species can be seen in many parks and reserves throughout South Africa.

The common warthog boasts one of the most singular profiles in the whole animal kingdom. Two pairs of curved tusks jut out from above and to the sides of its snout, while the “warts” from which the animal derives its name are not warts at all; they

are in fact thick growths of skin that protect the hog during combat. The tusks, meanwhile, serve as weapons. Having evolved such an arsenal of offensive and defensive adaptations, the warthog can more than hold its own in the often unforgiving African wilderness, and has been observed battling large predators like lions and leopards in the struggle for survival. Warthog-on-warthog crime is also commonplace, with fights occurring mostly during the mating season.

Vultures are among the most maligned of all animals. Their name itself is an insult and they may not boast the magnificent plumage that certain other birds possess, but these scavengers play a vital role in African ecosystems. They possess exceptionally corrosive stomach acid that allows them to safely digest carcasses infected with dangerous toxins and bacteria, thus preventing the spread of diseases that would be lethal to other animals. The vulture was not always so vilified though: it served as the deity of Upper Egypt in ancient times and is the first animal mentioned in the Bible, as nesher, or ‘king of birds’. South Africa is home to eight different species.

Another avian not blessed with the greatest looks is the marabou stork. This wading bird suffers from the same problem as vultures, namely a lack of feathers. Their bald head serves the same purpose as it does in vultures: when plunging their head into corpses to feed, any feathers attached to their head would come out covered in blood and viscera; baldness, therefore, is beneficial to hygiene.

The marabou stork isn’t helped by its nickname of ‘undertaker bird’, which refers to its cloak-like wings. Look for these storks in aquatic and open, semi-arid areas in South Africa’s northeast.

THE

Wine FIVE

South Africa is home to some of the greatest winelands in the world. Whether you’re a trained sommelier or an amateur enthusiast, a visit to these regions makes for a great addition to any journey.

THE WINE FIVE THE WINELANDS OF SOUTH AFRICA The Cape Winelands, which occupy a fertile region of South Africa’s southwest, are some of the most scenic in the world. With some 560 wineries and 4,400 primary producers of vineyards in the Cape, wine tourism is one of South Africa’s fastest-growing industries. You’ll find our favourite parts of this charming province below.

Stellenbosch

First established in 1679 below the Great Drakenstein and Stellenbosch Mountains, Stellenbosch is the second-oldest European settlement in South Africa. The town is known for its oak-lined avenues, Cape Dutch architecture, and of course its wine routes. Grapes were first planted here by Huguenot refugees in 1690, and today the Stellenbosch Wine Routes are the largest and oldest in the country, with more than 200 producers. There are five sub-routes that differ according to climate, location and wine style.

Franschhoek

The Franschhoek Valley is another top wine region that got its start in viticulture from the French Huguenots. The town of Franschhoek boasts a similarly picturesque location to Stellenbosch, being also located in the shadow of spectacular mountain ranges. Widely regarded as South Africa’s gastronomic capital, this is a must-visit destination for all those interested in the culinary arts (and the wine’s not half bad either). There’s also a selection of art galleries and stylish guesthouses to sample.

Paarl

Located about 15 miles north of Stellenboch and Franschhoek, Paarl is the largest town in the Cape Winelands. It is known for its full-bodied, spicy reds and crisp whites. When travelling along the Paarl Wine Route – the second-oldest in the country – expect a mix of Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and more.

Constantia This wine-producing suburb of Cape Town makes for an excellent stopover during a tour of South Africa’s ‘Mother City’. The Cape Dutch architecture, historic wine estates and stunning mountain views that characterise many regions in the Winelands are all present here. During your stay, make sure to visit the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, the oldest wine-producing farm in South Africa.

Durbanville

The Durbanville Valley is nestled in the Tygerberg Hills, just 20 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. One of the country’s coolest wine regions, the terroir of Durbanville is known for producing flinty, herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc as well as intense, fruit-driven varieties of Chardonnay, Shiraz, Pinotage and Merlot. There are 12 prestigious wine farms for you to discover here, each one offering something unique to the palate.

THE

Luxury FIVE

South Africa is one of the continent’s best destinations for top-of-the-line accommodation. Indulgent lodgings can be found in sophisticated cityscapes as well as national parks and reserves, combining wilderness with luxury.

FAIRLAWNS B O UT I Q UE HOT E L & SPA Morningside, Johannesburg

A boutique Johannesburg hotel set within 5.5 lovingly manicured acres, Fairlawns offers guests a sumptuous stay in one of its individually decorated rooms as well as a range of Balinese spa treatments.

E LLER MA N H O US E Bantry Bay, Cape Town

A luxurious converted mansion set in the sublime natural beauty of Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is about 10 minutes from central Cape Town. Each and every corner of the property is adorned with the finest 20th-century South African art.

BUSH MA N’S KLO O F Cederberg Mountains

Set amidst scenic foothills, the focus at Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is on protecting the region’s unique environment and indigenous culture.

G R OOTBO S N AT UR E R ES ER V E Gansbaai

One of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, Grootbos is a 4,200-acre nature reserve overlooking Walker Bay, perfect for whale watching and romantic getaways.

S IN GITA BOU L D ER S LO D G E Sabi Sands Reserve

Singita Boulders Lodge offers a contemporary twist on the safari experience, great for game drives and tranquil retreats in the Sabi Sands Reserve. Built from natural stone, each space welcomes in the outside world.

THE

Safari FIVE

In this section we’ve provided examples of tailormade luxury South African holidays, each of which can be adapted by our experts to suit your needs.

CAPE TOWN MARINE BIG FIVE ADVENTURE DURATION

7 DAYS PRICE FROM

£3,600 $4,690 DESTINATION

SOUTH AFRICA WHEN

SEP - FEB ITINERARY DAY 1: ARRIVE CAPE TOWN You’ll begin your journey in South Africa’s oldest and most cosmopolitan city. After learning the art of paddle boarding on the city’s canals, cycle along Sea Point Promenade. Following lunch on vibrant Bree Street, hike to the colourful Bo-Kaap. Finally, you’ll be rewarded with a well-earned sundowner atop Table Mountain.

DAY 2: CAPE TOWN

DAYS 3-4: WHALE COAST

Today you will be accompanied by

Spend the next two days

a top underwater cameraman who will capture your day’s adventures.

You will travel to Duiker Island, where you and your cameraman will plunge into the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean to snorkel with hundreds of playful Cape fur seals.

You will also have the opportunity to see some of the coastline’s oldest shipwrecks and charming towns.

tracking the Marine Big Five (sharks, dolphins, seals, penguins and whales). You will partake in coastline drives, land-based whale watching, a whale watching boat tour, and a secnic flight between Hermanus and the southernmost tip of Africa in a small aircraft carrying just three passengers.

DAY 5: DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE

DAY 6: DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE

De Hoop is well known as one of

This nature reserve comprises

DAY 7: DEPART DE HOOP NATURE RESERVE

the best whale-watching spots

part of the Cape Floral Region, a

With your South African

in South Africa. The trail offers

UNESCO World Heritage Site, as

safari now at an end,

the opportunity to explore the

well as a marine protected area

make your way back to

incredible natural diversity of the

that extends three nautical miles

Cape Town while soaking

De Hoop Nature Reserve, where

out to sea. Snorkel through the

in the last of the scenery

you can experience the unique

waters and explore the large, clear

before connecting with

fynbos biome that covers the

rockpools which are home to a great

your international flight

reserve’s plains and mountains.

diversity of marine life. You will also

home, or your onwards

End the day with a sunset cruise

have the chance to visit a colony of

journey in Africa.

exploring the De Hoop Vlei.

endangered Cape vultures.

BEACH & BUSH ADVENTURE IN THE EASTERN CAPE DURATION

7 DAYS PRICE FROM

£1,880 $2,450 DESTINATION

SOUTH AFRICA WHEN

YEAR-ROUND ITINERARY DAYS 2-3: SIBUYA GAME RESERVE DAY 1: ARRIVE SIBUYA GAME RESERVE Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative and transferred about 1.5 hours east to Sibuya Game Reserve.

This hidden gem contains a wealth of flora and fauna within its borders that makes any trip a memorable experience. Start your first day with a scenic boat ride upriver and take two game drives through the reserve.

A further two game drives will be available

DAY 4: SIBUYA GAME RESERVE – CAPE ST FRANCIS

DAY 5: CAPE ST FRANCIS

each day while staying in Sibuya, and the

Today you’ll depart Sibuya and

from a choice of four. The St Francis

make your way to Cape St Francis

Bay Golf Club offers an 18-hole

Resort, located on the other side

course composed of bunkers, lakes

of Port Elizabeth. An excellent

and beautifully tended green lawns

base from which to explore the

– prime territory for all keen golfers.

surrounding area – where you’ll find

South Africa’s Cape is one of the best

white-sand beaches and a number

places in the world for surfers, and

of nature reserves – this resort also

even beginners will be well catered

offers a host of activities for those

for should they wish to set foot on a

with itchy feet.

board for the first time.

sights on offer are plentiful and varied.

In addition to game drives, guests can also go birdwatching and horse riding, or join one of Sibuya’s guides for a bush walk. Water-based activities include boat cruises, canoeing, swimming and even seaside picnics. As night draws in, return to your camp and sit by the campfire surrounded by the sounds of the bush.

Two activities are on the menu today,

DAY 6: CAPE ST FRANCIS On your final day here in Cape St Francis, you can choose to take one of two exciting day trips. The first will take you up the Kromme River on a luxury 12-seater barge, sailing past grazing bushbucks, hunting waterbirds and spectacular views of the mountainous Groot Winterhoek region. Alternatively, an hour’s drive northwest will bring you to the pristine Baviaanskloof Reserve.

DAY 7: DEPART CAPE ST FRANCIS After breakfast you’ll have time to go on Betty’s Tour, which showcases the ways Cape St Francis Resort are giving back to the local wildlife and community. A shuttle bus will then take you to Port Elizabeth Airport to catch your international flight home.

INTO THE TSHWENE TSHWENE HILLS: EXPLORING MADIKWE DURATION

5 DAYS PRICE FROM

£5,660 $7,370 DESTINATION

SOUTH AFRICA WHEN

JUL - SEP ITINERARY DAYS 2-4: MADIKWE GAME RESERVE DAY 1: ARRIVE MADIKWE GAME RESERVE Upon your arrival into O. R. Tambo International Airport, you will be met by our local representative who will assist you in boarding the convenient scheduled light aircraft flight to the Madikwe Game Reserve. Home to 350 bird species and 66 mammal species – including giraffes, cheetahs, hippos, painted dogs and the Big Five – Madikwe offers a wealth of wildlife for safari-goers to encounter. Settle into your sumptuous lodgings at Morukuru Owner’s House before preparing for an evening game drive in the bush.

The next three days will be yours to explore the majesty of Madikwe. Your safari vehicle will be equipped with a variety of snacks and drinks, so on crisp mornings you can watch the sunrise whilst wrapping your fingers around a hot drink and be in awe of the nature that surrounds you. For evening game drives, enjoy the sunset that engulfs the African skies revealing a sheath of colour and warmth, all with the ubiquitous gin and tonic in hand. Bush walks allow you to see, smell and hear so much more, getting up close and personal with plants, insects and the smaller members of the animal kingdom. You’ll also be hosted by an experienced ranger throughout, who will share their in-depth knowledge of Madikwe’s rich flora and fauna. Make sure to take advantage of the soothing spa treatments during your stay at Morukuru as well, which you can enjoy in your personal villa, by the side of the pool, or in a sala overlooking the Marico River.

DAY 5: DEPART MADIKWE GAME RESERVE Make the most of your final few hours in Madikwe by embarking on a morning game drive, before bidding farewell to Morukuru and taking the light aircraft flight back to Johannesburg, where you’ll connect with your international flight home.

TWO SIDES OF SOUTH AFRICA: CAPE TOWN & TSWALU DURATION

8 DAYS PRICE FROM

£9,230 $11,765 DESTINATION

SOUTH AFRICA WHEN

YEAR-ROUND ITINERARY DAYS 5-7: TSWALU

DAY 1: ARRIVE CAPE TOWN Upon arrival you will be met at Cape Town International Airport and transferred to your hotel on the V&A Waterfront. This is the perfect base to explore all the sights and sounds that this magnificent city has to offer.

DAYS 2-3: CAPE TOWN

You will have three full days with your private guide

Take these days to explore Cape Town and enjoy all that it

to explore the reserve. In addition to game drives,

has to offer. Highlights include taking the cable car up Table

you can enjoy traditional Kalahari donkey cart rides,

Mountain; paying a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson

horse riding, walking safaris, sleep-outs under the

Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; driving the coastal

stars, hot-air balloon rides and rhino tracking on

road through Camps Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay and the Cape Peninsula; and meeting the penguins at Boulders Beach. The V&A Waterfront is also a lively place for you to explore, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops, markets, the 2 Oceans Aquarium and outdoor performance areas. If you would prefer you can arrange group or privately guided excursions to the main areas around Cape Town.

DAY 4: CAPE TOWN - TSWALU Today you will leave the coast and head inland to the stunning Tswalu Private Game Reserve, where you will spend the next few days on safari, getting an in-depth view of the natural world in this part of South Africa.

foot! If you want to get involved in the conservation of the endangered black rhino, Tswalu offers guests the opportunity to help the local vet with darting

DAY 8: DEPART TSWALU

and tagging operations. Among the other wildlife

Transfer back to the airport

are cheetah, antelope, aardvark, pangolin, jackal,

and fly either to Cape Town or

Hartmann’s mountain, zebra, habituated meerkats,

Johannesburg for your onward

and a population of rare black-maned lions.

journey.

CAPE TOWN, WILDLIFE & VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI DURATION

10 DAYS PRICE FROM

£4,800 $6,120 DESTINATION

SOUTH AFRICA & ZIMBABWE WHEN

YEAR-ROUND ITINERARY DAY 1: JOHANNESBURG KRUGER – SABI SANDS On arrival in Johannesburg you’ll be assisted with your onward flight to Arathusa Airstrip, with a stopover in Skukuza. Once you’ve touched down you’ll then be transferred to your lodge to check in and, time permitting, head out on an afternoon game drive in search of Africa’s Big Five and the rest of the wildlife who make this area their home (or hunting ground)!

DAYS 2-4: SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE

DAY 5: SABI SANDS VICTORIA FALLS

DAY 6: VICTORIA FALLS Victoria Falls is classified as

DAY 7: VICTORIA FALLS - CAPE TOWN

Over the course of the next

Leaving Sabi Sands behind

the largest waterfall in the

three days you’ll enjoy morning

you, today you’ll take to the

and afternoon game drives

air once more as make your

inside Sabi Sands, home to a wealth of iconic African

DAY 9: CAPE POINT

This morning you will

DAY 8: ROBBEN ISLAND AND CITY DAY TOUR

picked up and driven

DAY 9: DEPART CAPE POINT

world, with a width of 1.25

transfer to Victoria Falls

This morning you will

to Hout Bay Harbour.

Today, you will

miles. A visit to this natural

International Airport in

embark upon a tour

Explore the vibrant

bid farewell to

way to Zambia. On arrival at

wonder is sure to be a

time for your international

of Cape Town and

harbour or join the

Cape Town. After

the airport you will be met

highlight of anyone’s safari

flight to Cape Town.

Robben Island. Your

optional visit to Seal

checking out in

wildlife. The oldest and most

by our local representative

in southern Africa, and the

Upon arrival in this

guide will be a former

Island. Your journey

the morning you

established of Kruger’s private

and driven to your lodge

area is also a hub for water-

famous city you will be

inmate of the infamous

continues as you drive

will be met at

game reserves, Sabi Sands

on the Zimbabwean side

and land-based activities.

met by a representative

Robben Island Prison,

along the dramatic

your hotel and

sits adjacent to Kruger National

of Victoria Falls. The rest

You’ll be able to experience

and transferred to your

who will not only tell you

Chapman’s Peak to

transferred to the

Park on its western border and,

of the afternoon is yours to

the Falls by land, water and

boutique hotel on the

about the history of the

Cape Point, a beautiful,

airport, in time

with no boundary fences, the

spend before setting out

air, with helicopter flights

slopes of Table Mountain.

island but also about

rugged nature reserve

to catch your

wildlife is free to roam between

for a sunset cruise on the

available. Most activites can

The rest of the day is

their own personal

60 kilometres south of

onward flight

the reserve and the park.

Zambezi River.

be booked upon arrival.

yours to spend at leisure.

experiences here.

Cape Town.

home.

Today you will be

IN T HE P R E S S // AWA R D S Natural World Safaris has won various awards for our unique and carefully crafted safaris. We’ve also featured in the press around the globe, receiving rave reviews from some of the world’s most respected travel writers.

“The Fixer to use”

“A marvel for first-hand knowledge of destinations”

“One of the most unique experiences in the world”

“One of the more intrepid operators in southern and eastern Africa”

ATOL All the flights and flight inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate.

Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate ABTOT The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under ABTOT Combined and The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Natural World Safaris Ltd., ATOL number 9826, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages; 2. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the EEA, which are sold to customers outside of the EEA; and 3. flight inclusive packages, flight only and linked travel arrangements (LTAs) sold as a principal under ABTOT Combined.

“An adventure off the scale – a place and experience to make your heart beat faster”

ABTOT Combined cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made by customers outside the EEA are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Natural World Safaris Ltd. In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call ABTOT’s 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT protected travel company.

You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/contents/made All the flights and flight inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected either by ABTOT Combined or the ATOL scheme. When you pay for something protected by the ATOL scheme you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: http:// www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate FRONT COVER: Image courtesy of Shannon Wild IN THE PRESS: Image courtesy of David Yarrow

Natural World Safaris Second Floor 130a Western Road, Brighton East Sussex, BN1 2LA, UK UK Tel +44 (0) 1273 691 642 US Toll Free 1866 357 6569 Australia Toll Free 1800 668 890 naturalworldsafaris.com @natworldsafaris NaturalWorldSafarisLtd naturalworldsafaris Registered address: Natural World Safaris Ltd Granta Lodge, 71 Graham Road, Malvern Worcestershire, WR14 2JS, UK Registered in England Company No: 05649357