SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA

Welcome to Mzansi, the Rainbow Nation!

Wozani! Sawubona! Wamkelekile! Amohela! Welkom! The ways to greet new arrivals in South Africa are as rich and varied as the country's breathtaking landscapes, amazing, colourful people and vibrant cultures. It was the late, great "Arch" - Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu - who called it the Rainbow Nation - a nickname that has come to reflect the rich tapestry of experiences that make South Africa one of the world's leading travel destinations. 


Wildr.Africa's homeland is also known locally as "Mzansi," which loosely translated means "south", but as the dear old Bard himself asked, what's in a name? No matter what you call South Africa it's still a fabulous safari sweet spot filled with incredible places to go, things to do, sights to see and experiences to be savoured. 


So, whether you're finding yourself gawping, mouth agog, at the sheer magnificence of towering mountain peaks, plunging canyons and vast horizons; tucking in to a fusion-filled feast of flavours at world-class restaurants; having heart-stopping encounters with iconic wildlife or just sitting back in the South African sun with a cold one, you know you're going to make lifetime memories in splendiferous "safrica"...

Welcome to Mzansi, the Rainbow Nation!

Wozani! Sawubona! Wamkelekile! Amohela! Welkom! The ways to greet new arrivals in South Africa are as rich and varied as the country's breathtaking landscapes, amazing, colourful people and vibrant cultures. It was the late, great "Arch" - Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu - who called it the Rainbow Nation - a nickname that has come to reflect the rich tapestry of experiences that make South Africa one of the world's leading travel destinations. 


Wildr.Africa's homeland is also known locally as "Mzansi," which loosely translated means "south", but as the dear old Bard himself asked, what's in a name? No matter what you call South Africa it's still a fabulous safari sweet spot filled with incredible places to go, things to do, sights to see and experiences to be savoured. 


So, whether you're finding yourself gawping, mouth agog, at the sheer magnificence of towering mountain peaks, plunging canyons and vast horizons; tucking in to a fusion-filled feast of flavours at world-class restaurants; having heart-stopping encounters with iconic wildlife or just sitting back in the South African sun with a cold one, you know you're going to make lifetime memories in splendiferous "safrica"...

SOUTH AFRICA IN A NUTSHELL

The where...

Here are some of the must-visit places we recommend including on a South African safari that can easily be combined with one another as well as a range of other complementary destinations...

SOUTH AFRICA IN A NUTSHELL

The where...

Here are some of the must-visit places we recommend including on a South African safari that can easily be combined with one another as well as a range of other complementary destinations...

Cape Town

Known as the "Mother City" thanks to being the first European settlement in South Africa, Cape Town is full of history and outstanding natural beauty. Dominated by the iconic Table Mountain, the city spreads out around the scenically beautiful, safe harbour that first attracted men of the Dutch East India Company way back in 1652. Vibrant, fun, stylish, gorgeous to look at and filled with an array of things to do and see, Cape Town is the perfect place to start or end a South African safari. 


Musts: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; Table Mountain; Cape Peninsula tour; Robben Island; Victoria & Alfred Waterfront; Two Oceans Aquarium; African penguins on Boulders Beach

Cape Town

Known as the "Mother City" thanks to being the first European settlement in South Africa, Cape Town is full of history and outstanding natural beauty. Dominated by the iconic Table Mountain, the city spreads out around the scenically beautiful, safe harbour that first attracted men of the Dutch East India Company way back in 1652. Vibrant, fun, stylish, gorgeous to look at and filled with an array of things to do and see, Cape Town is the perfect place to start or end a South African safari. 


Musts: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; Table Mountain; Cape Peninsula tour; Robben Island; Victoria & Alfred Waterfront; Two Oceans Aquarium; African penguins on Boulders Beach.

Cape Winelands

Home to some of the finest vintages in the world, the Cape Winelands begin at the historic town of Stellenbosch and spread out beneath the towering peaks of some of the most breathtaking mountain ranges in the country. Perfect for day trips or more focused, multi-day explorations, you can combine wine tastings with superlative food, enjoy a hop-on, hop-off tram that visits all the best wine farms in the renowned growing region around the picturesque town of Franschhoek and browse countless art galleries and shops filled with antiques and artisanal crafts.


Musts: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl; Spier Wine Estate; Babylonstoren farm; Boschendal Estate; Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Cape Winelands

Home to some of the finest vintages in the world, the Cape Winelands begin at the historic town of Stellenbosch and spread out beneath the towering peaks of some of the most breathtaking mountain ranges in the country. Perfect for day trips or more focused, multi-day explorations, you can combine wine tastings with superlative food, enjoy a hop-on, hop-off tram that visits all the best wine farms in the renowned growing region around the picturesque town of Franschhoek and browse countless art galleries and shops filled with antiques and artisanal crafts.


Musts: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl; Spier Wine Estate; Babylonstoren farm; Boschendal Estate; Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

Garden Route

South Africa really does have a knack for combining a variety of stunning landscapes and topography into easy-to-digest pockets of mixed-up amazingness, and nowhere is this more true than on the celebrated Garden Route. With towering mountains, rolling hills, indigenous forests, endless deserted beaches and iridescent lagoons, this route hugs the east coast of the country between Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and Storms River in the Eastern Cape. Dotted with endearing coastal towns and wonderfully wild wilderness, it's the perfect way to enjoy a meandering trip in one of the nation's most scenically beautiful regions.


Musts: Knysna; Wilderness; George; Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park; Outeniqua Mountains

Garden Route

South Africa really does have a knack for combining a variety of stunning landscapes and topography into easy-to-digest pockets of mixed-up amazingness, and nowhere is this more true than on the celebrated Garden Route. With towering mountains, rolling hills, indigenous forests, endless deserted beaches and iridescent lagoons, this route hugs the east coast of the country between Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and Storms River in the Eastern Cape. Dotted with endearing coastal towns and wonderfully wild wilderness, it's the perfect way to enjoy a meandering trip in one of the nation's most scenically beautiful regions.


Musts: Knysna; Wilderness; George; Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park; Outeniqua Mountains.

Greater Kruger National Park

The Greater Kruger is made up of the legendary Kruger National Park - one of Africa's most revered game reserves - and key privately owned neighbouring game reserves that have opened their fences to it, allowing for the free movement of iconic wildlife species across a huge swathe of protected wilderness. This really is safari central in South African terms, with some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Southern Africa including the legendary "Big Five" - buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard and lion, as well as cheetah and African wild dog. With a fabulous selection of luxury lodges, rustic bush camps and private safari villas, this is where the action happens!


Musts: Morning and afternoon/evening game drives, walking safaris, horse trails, mountain biking, hot air ballooning

Greater Kruger National Park

The Greater Kruger is made up of the legendary Kruger National Park - one of Africa's most revered game reserves - and key privately owned neighbouring game reserves that have opened their fences to it, allowing for the free movement of iconic wildlife species across a huge swathe of protected wilderness. This really is safari central in South African terms, with some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Southern Africa including the legendary "Big Five" - buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard and lion, as well as cheetah and African wild dog. With a fabulous selection of luxury lodges, rustic bush camps and private safari villas, this is where the action happens!


Musts: Morning and afternoon/evening game drives, walking safaris, horse trails, mountain biking, hot air ballooning.

The Panorama Route

Dominating the western edge of the Greater Kruger National Park, the northern Drakensberg escarpment is gob-smackingly beautiful and filled with things to do and see, including the aptly named Panorama Route. Winding its way along the edge of the escarpment, taking in the Blyde River Canyon (the third biggest in the world), a collection of waterfalls and geological wonders, this route makes the perfect day-trip from bases in the nearby towns of Hazyview and Hoedspruit or can be savoured over a few days. It's easily combined with a Greater Kruger safari.


Musts: Three Rondavels, God's Window and Pinnacle lookout points; Bourke's Luck Potholes; Graskop Gorge Lift; Berlin Falls, Mac Mac Falls

The Panorama Route

Dominating the western edge of the Greater Kruger National Park, the northern Drakensberg escarpment is gob-smackingly beautiful and filled with things to do and see, including the aptly named Panorama Route. Winding its way along the edge of the escarpment, taking in the Blyde River Canyon (the third biggest in the world), a collection of waterfalls and geological wonders, this route makes the perfect day-trip from bases in the nearby towns of Hazyview and Hoedspruit or can be savoured over a few days. It's easily combined with a Greater Kruger safari.


Musts: Three Rondavels, God's Window and Pinnacle lookout points; Bourke's Luck Potholes; Graskop Gorge Lift; Berlin Falls, Mac Mac Falls.

KwaZulu-Natal

Mountains, beaches, wilderness, wetlands and the Zulu nation... All of the things that make the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal fascinating and worthy of inclusion on your safari. If you're a culture vulture and history buff then the midlands battlefields beckon, along with the tales of derring do and absolute disaster that marked the Anglo-Boer and Zulu wars. Hike the roof of South Africa - the mighty Drakensberg or take in the solitude of endless beaches fringed by lush wetlands and lakes and pristine wildernesses filled with wildlife.

 

Musts: Rorke's Drift, Isandlwana and Spioenkop battlefields; Drakensberg National Park; iSimangaliso Wetland Park

KwaZulu-Natal

Mountains, beaches, wilderness, wetlands and the Zulu nation... All of the things that make the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal fascinating and worthy of inclusion on your safari. If you're a culture vulture and history buff then the midlands battlefields beckon, along with the tales of derring do and absolute disaster that marked the Anglo-Boer and Zulu wars. Hike the roof of South Africa - the mighty Drakensberg or take in the solitude of endless beaches fringed by lush wetlands and lakes and pristine wildernesses filled with wildlife.

 

Musts: Rorke's Drift, Isandlwana and Spioenkop battlefields; Drakensberg National Park; iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The when...

Quando, quando, quando? Try this easy breakdown of the seasons in South Africa together with recommendations on great times to visit and why. We hope it does the trick!

  • Spring

    When: September to November. 

    What to expect: Lovely warm days, cooler evenings and the first rains of the season in October and November.

    Why visit: Spring is whale season on South Africa's east coast when southern right whales calf in sheltered bays between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Trees get their first flush of growth after the dry season and come into blossom. Spring flowers burst forth in Namaqualand in the Northern Cape and all around the Cape Floral Kingdom. Summer migrant bird species begin to arrive.


  • Summer

    When: December to February.

    What to expect: Very warm to hot days, warm evenings and spectacular thunderstorms.

    Why visit: This is the emerald season when the African wilderness is green, green, green and new life is everywhere as many animals have their young during this time of plenty. The skies are filled with colourful birds in dazzling breeding plumage and living is easy. There are wildflowers everywhere and bees go into overdrive, producing incredible honey. It's also the rainy season when downpours can be expected, and humidity levels rise.


  • Autumn

    When: March to May.

    What to expect: Lovely warm days and cooler evenings.

    Why visit: You get the tail end of the summer greenery with the benefit of cooler temperatures and still have the chance to see some late baby animals. The humidity of summer dissipates and the climate is perfect for activities like hiking, cycling, horseriding, walking safaris and game viewing.


  • Winter

    When: June to August.

    What to expect: Cold mornings and nights, warm days.

    Why visit: This is the dry season when the bush thins out completely and wildlife stay close to water, making it the peak season for game viewing, especially where predator action is concerned. While you will need warm clothes for mornings and evenings, the days are sunny and warm with average daytime temperatures in the low to mid 20 degrees C.


The when...

Quando, quando, quando? Try this easy breakdown of the seasons in South Africa together with recommendations on great times to visit and why. We hope it does the trick!

  • Spring

    When: September to November. 

    What to expect: Lovely warm days, cooler evenings and the first rains of the season in October and November.

    Why visit: Spring is whale season on South Africa's east coast when southern right whales calf in sheltered bays between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Trees get their first flush of growth after the dry season and come into blossom. Spring flowers burst forth in Namaqualand in the Northern Cape and all around the Cape Floral Kingdom. Summer migrant bird species begin to arrive.


  • Summer

    When: December to February.

    What to expect: Very warm to hot days, warm evenings and spectacular thunderstorms.

    Why visit: This is the emerald season when the African wilderness is green, green, green and new life is everywhere as many animals have their young during this time of plenty. The skies are filled with colourful birds in dazzling breeding plumage and living is easy. There are wildflowers everywhere and bees go into overdrive, producing incredible honey. It's also the rainy season when downpours can be expected, and humidity levels rise.


  • Autumn

    When: March to May.

    What to expect: Lovely warm days and cooler evenings.

    Why visit: You get the tail end of the summer greenery with the benefit of cooler temperatures and still have the chance to see some late baby animals. The humidity of summer dissipates and the climate is perfect for activities like hiking, cycling, horseriding, walking safaris and game viewing.


  • Winter

    When: June to August.

    What to expect: Cold mornings and nights, warm days.

    Why visit: This is the dry season when the bush thins out completely and wildlife stay close to water, making it the peak season for game viewing, especially where predator action is concerned. While you will need warm clothes for mornings and evenings, the days are sunny and warm with average daytime temperatures in the low to mid 20 degrees C.


ABOUT US

For Sian Bester and Cara Lloyd, Zafaris is the result of years spent working at the coalface of the safari industry, learning their trade and perfecting it.


Zafaris isn't a regular travel company thanks to the fact that Sian and Cara don't just know their safari onions, they can also prepare and dish those onions up in a delectable and irresistible manner! Both have worked in lodges and have experience in the "how" of the art of safari at a practical level. They've also done their time working in large, corporate operators, sweating over the minutiae of countless itineraries.


Zafaris is the culmination of this experience - a boutique safari operator that's all about personal, professional service, expert recommendations and first-hand experience of the very best that Africa has to offer...


Zafaris is represented on SafariBookings.

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