Often described as ‘a world in one country’, South Africa offers the visitor a breathtaking variety of landscapes, from desert and lush forest, to soaring mountains and vast empty plains. Whatever your reasons, you will find South Africa positively inviting, with world-class infrastructure, transport and accommodation.
‘Africa’ has a seductive appeal for many would-be travellers, and South Africa’s reputation as a destination that offers such an extensive variety of breathtaking holidays and experiences throughout the year, combined with its first world infrastructure, continues to bring more and more visitors to its superb beaches, world-famous game reserves, dramatic mountains, sophisticated cities, historic battlefields, great and small semi-deserts, wide-open spaces, exhilarating adventure activities, and much more.
It is renowned for its wide choice of accommodation, from luxury game lodges and five-star hotels to friendly country houses, small hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering establishments. It is a perfect ‘first-time to Africa’ destination for families. With an appealing Mediterranean climate it make the perfect antidote to the northern hemisphere winter.
Fondly dubbed the Mother City, Cape Town is one of the most popular destinations in the world and boasts half of the top 10 attractions in South Africa. These include the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Cape Point. The various wine routes offer a wide variety of activities, from horseback trails to mountain biking and hiking and close to the best land-based whale watching in the world. The Cape has blossomed into a foodies heaven and the winelands are all within 90 minutes drive of Cape Town.
Whether you’re here on safari or to enjoy the beaches or to lap up the atmosphere along the Garden Route, we will help you experience the very best that South Africa has to offer.
Time difference: + 2 hrs GMT
Visa: No visas are required for most passport holders. Please ask us for specific details at time of enquiry.
Health: Generally no malaria, apart from some of the safari areas in the Greater Kruger where we recommend anti-malarials. No specific vaccinations are required. However, depending on where you are coming from, you may need proof of a Yellow Fever certificate (Particularly, Kenya & Tanzania). We do recommend you visit a travel health clinic to make sure your standard travel vaccinations are up to date.
Language: Numerous are spoken, the main ones being English, Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans.
How to get around: Most travellers use a combination of scheduled flights and charters. Self driving is hugely popular due to the excellent road networks, particularly around the Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal. We can happily arrange private transfers and private guided tours whilst travelling if that is of preference.
How to get there: There are regular direct international flights to South Africa from London Heathrow and some of the major US hubs, such as Atlanta and New York. These flights mainly fly into Johannesburg and some are direct into Cape Town.
Who does it suit? South Africa really does have something for everyone. Families, honeymooners, couples, adventure types, horse riders, foodies. It is also a great destination for the first time safari go-er. And for people who want a holiday packed full of variety – safari, winelands, vibey cities, beautiful mountains and beaches.
South Africa is a year round destination. Every single month can be matched with a great experience somewhere in the country. However, due to its huge size, comes huge seasonal variations within the one country. For safari around the Kruger area, the best time is during the dry, winter months between April – October. The Cape on the other hand, is best during the summer months of November – March. Sprinkle in the whale season from July – November and the wild flowers up the west coast from September – October and you get the picture. Short answer is, best to chat so that we can match your experience with the best season.
Due to its size and sheer variety of experiences, South Africa is often a one stop shop. But, it does combine well with the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia, Mozambique for the beaches or using Cape Town as an add-on to any safari in southern africa.
With direct flights between Cape Town and Nairobi, it also makes a wonderful combination with East Africa.
Get in touch and let us start planning your special trip… info@sarahjamestravel.com
