South Africa is a country of great charm and contrast: mixing African bush and wildlife reserves, mountains, deserts and modern cities, an incomparable experience awaits you. The fertile farms and winelands are plentiful, the futuristic skyscrapers alongside tribal villages, the spectacular mountains skirting the coast and game reserves will immerse you in the larger-than-life African bush.
South Africa shares 1% of the global territory yet 10% of all bird species, fish and plants and 5% of all mammals and reptiles. It is the 3rd largest country by biodiversity on Earth. South Africa is the World in one Country.
We pride ourselves on creating personalised tours that cater for particular interests, tastes, needs and budgets. We do, however, recommend certain itineraries above others as some routes, hotels and destinations are simply better than the alternatives.
South Africa in a Nutshell (10 days) | Family Holiday in South Africa (13 days)
The Great Parks (SA/Botswana) (8 Days) | Kwazulu Natal & Mpumalanga Self Drive (8-13 Days)
Ultimate Bush & Beach (SA/Mozambique) (13 days) | South African South-West Coast (10 days)
WHEN TO GO
Sold as a year round destination South Africa has two distinct weather patterns. Cape Town, Garden Route and winelands enjoy a dry summer between October and March making it the ideal time of the year to travel to the Cape. Conversely the rest of the country has a wet summer, making the winter months between June and October the ideal, and drier, time to travel for wildlife.
GETTING AROUND
Direct international flights to South Africa regularly depart from major US and European hubs. Most flights land in Johannesburg, although there are limited flights directly into Cape Town. Most of our travellers use a combination of scheduled flights, private charter flights, guides and drivers, and some self-driving, to make the most of their time within in the country.
PRICE GUIDELINE
200-1200 USD per person, per day. This typically includes all hotels, regional flights, ground transfers, guided excursions, some meals, and Africa Focus Tours trip planning services and support. The season you choose for your safari can have a bearing on the price of your trip and traveling in low season can potentially reduce the cost per night of the camps and lodges you stay in by 10 – 20%
VIBEY CITIES
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, glitzy cities, beautiful mountains and beaches.
STAY HEALTHY
Generally no malaria, apart from the Kruger National Park and the low-lying areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal, where we recommend antimalarials. Depending on where you are coming from, you may need to bring a Yellow Fever certificate. We do recommend you visit a travel health clinic to make sure your standard travel vaccinations are up to date.
LANGUAGE
There are more languages spoken than we care to count, but most speak English.
CURRENCY
South Africa’s currency is the rand.
VISA
No visas are required for British, EU or North American passport holders. All children under the age of 18 – both local and foreigners – must travel with a valid passport and an unabridged (full) birth certificate stating both parents’ names. If the child is travelling alone or with only one parent, then they must also carry an affidavit filled out by the missing parent or parents.
TIPS & TIPPING
As a rough guide: give 10% to 15% to a waitron in a restaurant; about US$10 (or equivalent) per day to your safari ranger.
