South Africa is an utterly compelling country. The ‘rainbow nation’ is not just a melting pot of races and cultures, it’s a constantly changing landscape of rugged mountains and arid plains, verdant forest and windswept beaches, pounding surf and rolling savannah.
It’s a destination where every day brings another unforgettable moment, from the thrill of a big cat sighting to the jaw-dropping views from Table Mountain. Most first time visitors are lured here by the incredible wildlife, and a South African safari is a true bucket list experience. There’s no need to rough it here, with an outstanding array of luxurious lodges that provide a perfect base from which to explore game-rich reserves like Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park. Naturally you’ll want to tick off the ‘Big Five’ - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino - but expert local trackers will also get you up close to zebras, hippos, giraffes and much more during your daily game drives. And the spectacular wildlife is not limited to dry land; the waters off South Africa’s dramatic coastline are home to seals, whales, penguins and even the great white shark.