South Africa Lodges & Camps

Cape Town

Scenically spectacular, with an array of activities on offer, Cape Town is great for an extended holiday on its own, or for an add on to a safari in South Africa, or any other countries. As an easy 2 hour hop from Johannesburg, with numerous daily flights, as well as some international flights from and to various countries, Cape Town is easily accessible, and an enjoyable way to ease into, or wind down, an African itinerary. Cape Town has regularly been voted amongst the world's most popular holiday destinations, with many visitors returning year after year.

Cape Winelands

The Western Cape boasts a number of leading wine estates and growing regions, from the well-known towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl, to the more remote areas of Robertson, Tulbagh and Riebeeck Kasteel. A stop along the wine route is a wonderful way to unwind, and enjoy a tasting, a cheese platter, or simply soak up the beautiful scenery and environment.

Drakensberg

"Ukahlamba", or "Barrier of Spears" is a 200 kilmometre long mountain range, called the "Dragon Mountains" by the early Dutch voortrekkers. Made up of awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snowcapped in winter, which tower over riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, the range forms a massive barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho. Combining sheer natural beauty with a step back in time to the early tribes of Africa, the experience of exploring the Drakensberg is truly unforgettable.

Durban

There is no city in South Africa quite like Durban. Because of its subtropical coastal climate, warm seas, safe swimming beaches, its variety of restaurants and nightlife and many sporting facilities, Durban has always been a holiday city, popular with both domestic and international visitors. It helps that Durban also has the excellent King Shaka International Airport, great transport infrastructure and a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets. Durban's rich cultural diversity is what gives it a vibrancy enjoyed by few other South African cities. By far the largest section of Durban's population is Zulu speaking, and evidence of Zulu culture is everywhere - in the markets, in art galleries and theatres, on the streets where vendors sell Zulu and African crafts and curios, and in the sprawling townships that surround the city. It is fascinating to visit sites where people such as Mahatma Gandhi, John Dube and other heroes of the South African struggle once lived.

Eastern Cape

Located in the south-eastern part of South Africa, the Eastern Cape is a destination of unmatched natural beauty - from the warm Indian Ocean to the vast plains of the Camdeboo, stretching from the foothills of the Sneeuberg Mountains in the north to the rugged Baviaans mountain wilderness in the south. The Eastern Cape's boasting rights include over 800 km of incredible coastline with some of the most amazing beaches in all of South Africa, jaw-dropping rock formations and landscapes, and magnificently rich diversity of fauna and flora. The Baviaanskloof is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its extreme floristic diversity. Uniquely the Eastern Cape offers sightings of the Big 7 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, Southern Right whales and Great White sharks). Friendly people and their generous hospitality is not the only warmth you'll experience. The Eastern Cape has more 'sunshine' days than any other South African province - more than 300 out of 365 days are sunny. Most significantly, the Eastern Cape is the birthplace of several of South Africa's most celebrated leaders, notably the late global icon and humanitarian, Nelson Mandela.

Garden Route

Running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, with rugged mountain ranges separating the forested coastline from the harsh, vast landscapes of the Karoo, the Garden Route has a host of enchanting towns, bays and beaches. It is the ideal location for a family holiday, being simple to self-drive, and allowing pure relaxation. With 2 main airports servicing the Garden Route, it is easy to access, but once there, it is hard to leave!

Johannesburg

Although usually only used for quick stopovers by most travellers, Joburg is an exciting and vibrant city, with some excellent hotels, fantastic shopping facilities, loads of historic signifcance, and a flourishing sporting culture. With the launch of the Gautrain in 2010, the Sandton district is now only 10 minutes from the airport, and this places one in a position to easily access most of the city's highlights.

Kalahari

The Kalahari Desert is a semi-arid sandy savanna that extends across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, covering approximately 900,000 square kilometers (350,000 square miles). Characterized by its flat, sandy terrain interspersed with salt pans such as the Makgadikgadi Pan, the Kalahari experiences extreme temperature variations with hot summers and cooler winters, and receives low and variable rainfall, typically between 150 and 350 millimeters (6 to 14 inches) annually. Despite its arid conditions, the region supports a diverse range of wildlife adapted to its harsh environment, including oryx, springbok, Kalahari lions, and various bird species. Vegetation is sparse but includes drought-resistant shrubs and grasses, which become more abundant during the rainy season. The Kalahari is also home to the San people, whose traditional knowledge and cultural practices are closely adapted to the desert environment. This semi-arid region plays a significant ecological role with its seasonal landscape variations and ancient salt pans, which are important for wildlife and scientific research. Both conservation efforts and tourism focus on preserving the region's delicate ecosystem and supporting sustainable resource management while offering opportunities for wildlife observation, exploration of unique landscapes, and cultural engagement.

Kruger Park & Surrounding Area

About a 6 hour drive, or a 1 hour flight, from Johannesburg, Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest and most famous national park. With nearly 2 million hectares, and an enormous variety of species (336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals), you can ensconce yourself in Africa's wilderness with ease. Bordering the park to the west is a number of private game reserves, with luxury lodges and exceptional game viewing. Inside the main park, visitors can drive themselves, and have access to remarkably low priced accommodation options.

KwaZulu-Natal - Battlefields

The battles fought in the rolling hills and valleys of northern KwaZulu-Natal some 120 years ago changed the course of South African history, and still today, the area now known as the "Battlefields" seems to echo with the heroic and often tragic deeds of the past. The sites of famous skirmishes that rocked the British, weakened the Boers and broke the mighty Zulu nation continue to draw visitors. A good place to start and to give some context to your visit to this fascinating and beautiful region of KZN would be to take a guided tour. Other options are to self-drive to each site with a good guidebook and just enjoy the beautiful and often haunting views, or for a wonderfully authentic experience, you can tour some places on horseback. Engaging the services of a qualified tourist guide will bring these sites to life. A great many forts established by the British during the South African wars have disappeared, while others, such as Fort Durnford near Estcourt, are now most interesting and somewhat quirky museums. Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift are two of the most famous battlefields in the country, and also perhaps in British history, perhaps because it was here that, in a furious two-hour battle, Zulu forces armed primarily with traditional spears and shields thrashed the mighty British Colonial Empire forces, one of the few times they were ever routed by an indigenous army. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded to those who defended Rorke's Drift.

Kwazulu-Natal - Elephant Coast

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve is one of South Africa's largest game reserves and one of its best-kept secrets. Located in the North West Province, close to the Botswana border, Madikwe was established in 1991 as part of an ambitious conservation project that involved one of the largest game translocation exercises in history. Today, the reserve is home to the Big Five and over 66 large mammal species, including one of the best populations of wild dogs in South Africa. Madikwe is a malaria-free area, making it an excellent choice for families with young children. The reserve operates on a concession model, with a selection of luxury lodges providing all-inclusive safari experiences. Being only a four-hour drive from Johannesburg, or a short flight, Madikwe is easily accessible for a short safari break.

Northern Cape

Oudtshoorn

Overberg

Panorama Route

Pretoria

Route 62

Sun City and Pilanesberg

Waterberg

The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is a mountainous region in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, characterised by dramatic red sandstone cliffs, lush bushveld valleys, and crystal-clear streams. The area is home to several private game reserves and lodges, offering a malaria-free Big Five safari alternative to the Kruger National Park. The Waterberg's diverse habitats support a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffaloes, as well as rare species like sable and roan antelope. The region is also significant for its cultural heritage, with ancient San rock art sites and the Makapansgat fossil site. The Waterberg is less than three hours' drive from Johannesburg, making it an excellent choice for a weekend safari.

Whale Coast