South Africa
South Africa inspires with its beauty, resilience, and vision for unity, as reflected in the words of its leaders and thinkers
24% of all African safaris take place in South Africa
Why South Africa?
One of my greatest wildlife encounters of all, was being lucky enough to be in the 'hunt' with seven African wild dogs and some bewildered impala who were carelessly crossing the road. This encounter took place at the mighty Kruger National Park in South Africa in Easter 2026, and after more than 20 trips to Africa, this was only the second time I have ever seen wild dogs.
A memory to stay with me for life!
I can offer a range of bespoke travel packages to South Africa, with services tailored to meet your group or individual needs. My approach is focused on understanding and responding to what you require, providing effective and practical solutions whilst ensuring the local communities in South Africa directly benefit from your travel.
There is no wifi on safari but you will not find a better connection!
Flora, whales & vineyards
With nine provinces to explore, South Africa has it all. You can explore the coastline, mountains, sand forest, fynbos and the expected grassland/savanna's.
With experience travelling in six of the provinces, I can arrange a programme to include any of their habitats. One not to be missed for the flora lovers, is a visit to the fynbos in the Western and Eastern Cape, one of the world's six flora kingdoms.
One of South Africa's richest habitats is the fynbos meaning “fine bush” or “fine thicket” in Afrikaans, is one of the most extraordinary biodiverse habitats with 8,500 plant species with 6,000 species of these found only in this area. Adding this to a marine element in Gansbaai, whale watching in Hermanus and a trip to the vinyards around Cape Town.
Picnics, the big 5 & sundowners
There are many national parks, game reserves and wetland parks you can visit in South Africa, all with many distinct aspects. The Kruger is one not to be missed and can guarantee some fantastic wildlife sightings.
A South African staple... The mighty Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is described as "the most iconic wildlife safari destination", which is not far wrong considering the park is almost 2 million hectares!
With 23 camps to stay in and lots of choice, Kruger is home to around 507 bird, 336 tree, 147 mammal, 114 reptile, 49 fish & 34 amphibian species!
There are many activities to do within Kruger including sunrise, day, sunset and night drives.
Where should I stay?
Having visited many parts of Kruger, my personal favourites are Crocodile Bridge in the south east, Olifants in the middle & Satara, named the 'cat' camp, in the mid-east.
All camps can be booked online and as such, offer different rates per accommodation style, boarding & facilities.
If you are interested, get in touch so we can talk about your own preferences.
What route should we do?
With some nice economical flights' from Johannesburg to Kruger, you can fly in and either hire a car to self-drive or request a transfer from your lodge/accommodation.
Self-drive is simple with easy to do car hire, who can meet you when you land (or before entering the gates) or one you can pick up from inside Kruger, at Skukuza, the 'capital' of Kruger.
You just have to watch out for the huge tuskers that roam the park!
Cape Town - a marine journey
The blustery and majestic Cape Town has a lot to offer. With a casual, vibrant and smart appeal, you can spend 3-4 days in Cape Town to truly immerse yourself in the culture.
You can tour a local vineyards in the Cape wine regions and further afield to Walker Bay. Vineyards are a tourist dream with wine tasting, tremendous views and epic scenery a must. You can jump on the sightseeing bus and tour the whole area for less than £45. A safe and fun way to experience Cape Town.
Beyond Cape Town and head
further afield
Within two hours of leaving Cape Town, you can be in one of the greatest areas of Africa for marine life... Gansbaai and Hermanus. With daily shark cage diving and whale watching (June-October) you can amaze yourself in natures finest sightings, without even getting your feet wet.
Working the fabulous White Shark Projects, you can view sharks from the boat or from the water in one of their ecofriendly and conservation conscious shark dives. Ran by one of my ex-students and her team, we can guarantee you an amazing day. On rainy days, we can take you up to Betty's Bay to observe the endangered African penguin and enjoy a nice rooibos tea watching the whales.
Cultural immersion
If you are wanting to learn more about South African history, then why not spend a few days in Soweto with a Johannesburg stay over. You can experience the museums, sights and stories of their history with a visit to the Apartheid museum, walk the streets of Soweto and experience the Nelson Mandela histories the township has to offer.
A visit is a must to the Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, which illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. With real-life artefacts, stories and monologues, this museum will never leave you. I still think about it now and how moving its exhibits are.
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