South Africa

South Africa, resting at the bottom of the enormous African Continent, is a land of great diversity and beauty: tropical coastlines and arid deserts; carpets of dazzling daisies and Big Five safaris; proud tradition and first-class infrastructure. South Africa is rich in culture.  From the world famous Kruger National Park to the awe inspiring views from the top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa is a country with plenty to offer.  All these elements make South Africa a perfect holiday destination.  Whatever your interest, whether it be luxurious accommodation, fine wine, top quality golf courses or Africa’s majestic wildlife, it is all easily accessible!

Suggested itinerary:  South Africa Highlights (PDF)
Suggested itinerary:  The Best of South Africa (PDF)

Please contact us if you wish to receive a detailed itinerary and quote for these itineraries or for other travel itineraries throughout South Africa! Indulge Africa reserves the right to amend the cost of these itineraries.  Terms and conditions apply.

Cape Town:
World-famous Table Mountain, covered in a ‘table cloth’ when it is windy, is a majestic backdrop to the vibrant city of Cape Town. Spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches close to the city centre and luxury accommodation options will ensure you have a memorable stay. Fill your days with shopping at the buzzing V&A Waterfront, a ferry trip across the bay to Robben Island or a scenic drive to Cape Point.

Cape Town boasts many of South Africa’s finest hotels with spa facilities and first class service.  Self catering villas are abundant in choice. The city is a gourmet’s delight with a vast selection of restaurants, trendy beach café’s, bars and clubs as vantage point from which to watch the sun set.

Recommended Accommodation:
The Cape Grace – www.capegrace.com
The One & Only – www.oneandonlycapetown.com
The Table Bay – www.suninternational.com
The V&A Hotel – www.newmarkhotels.com/newmark/vahotel
12 Apostles – www.12apostleshotels.com
Ezard House – www.ezardhouse.com
Ellerman House – www.ellerman.co.za

The Cape Winelands:
Along the Western Cape Wine Route, there are 69 wine farms, of which 11 are specialist brandy cellars and over 20 estates where “Port” is sold. If helicopter trips, balloon rides, hiking, paragliding, and mountain biking trails washed down with gourmet food and wine sounds fabulous, the active Cape winelands adventures will be right up your alley!  Or, if you’ve done the cellar tour (many times) and tasted the wines (lots of them), try this “grape escape” for a new take on fun in the winelands.  Escape to Mont Destin in Stellenbosch, where you and your beloved can soak like royalty in an outdoor Pinotage wine bath. With the whole vineyard to yourselves, relax in the warm, anti-oxidant packed liquor, sipping estate wine and revelling in the beauty of nature!

Recommended Accommodation:
Le Quartier Francais – www.lqf.co.za
Grande Roche – www.granderoche.com
Le Residence – www.laresidence.co.za

Garden Route:
South Africa's Garden Route, spread out along the coast like a giant natural theme park, is a rich tapestry of very large trees, freshwater lakes and deep gorges.  The name itself evokes the lush vegetation, indigenous forests and pristine beaches that the Garden Route is known for. An area between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, it boasts a beautiful coastline which stretches past towns of George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Golfers are spoilt with several championship courses to choose from.  Many excellent restaurants and watering holes have spectacular sea, river or lagoon views.  Whether you're paragliding over sandy white beaches, spotting dolphins and whales from the air or exploring the deep indigenous forests; it's a place where nature rules, and it does so beautifully.

While outdoor activities take centre stage on a Garden Route holiday, fine food and drink are always at hand - this is South Africa's oyster capital after all.  With some of the country's best beaches and a climate that is perfectly suited to playing outdoors, Garden Route holidays closely follow Cape Town holidays as being the most popular in South Africa.

Recommended Accommodation:
Fancourt Resort – www.fancourt.co.za
Pezula Resort – www.pezula.com
Tsala Treetop Lodge – www.hunterhotels.com/tsalatreetoplodge/
Simola Hotel & Spa – www.simolaestate.co.za
The Plettenberg – www.theplettenberg.com
Phantom Forest – www.phantomforest.com

The Eastern Cape:
The Eastern Cape is situated along South Africa's eastern coast and is an incredible Big 5, malaria-free safari area.  The birthplace of former South African President Nelson Mandela, the Eastern Cape is home to legendary surf spots, malaria-free safaris, luxury lodges and landscapes rich in tribal history.  The Eastern Cape has enough attractive towns, brimming nature reserves and spectacular geological features to make it a tourist favourite.

Recommended Accommodation:
The Shamwari Townhouse – www.shamwaritownhouse.com
Shamwari Private Game Reserve – www.shamwari.com
Kwandwe Private Game Lodge – www.andbeyondafrica.com

Kwazulu Natal:
From the magnificent peaks of the Drakensberg mountain range, across velvet hills and African bush, to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean - on a KwaZulu Natal holiday you can enjoy big game safaris in renowned parks and reserves, learn about South Africa's rich and bloody history at infamous battlefields, experience sensational scuba-diving, surfing or fishing, and indulge in gourmet cuisine and luxurious spa treatments in the emerald green hills of the Midlands.

Recommended Accommodations:
Thonga Beach Lodge – www.isibindiafrica.co.za
Phinda Private Game Lodge – www.andbeyondafrica.com

Johannesburg & Surrounds:
Johannesburg is the economic heart of South Africa. As the largest and richest city in South Africa, Johannesburg lifestyle is a fast-paced and hectic one.  Johannesburg is the heartbeat of the country. A dynamic and cosmopolitan city, everyone is on the move working and playing harder. It is the largest, wealthiest city thanks to its mineral-rich hills, the source of the diamond and gold trade.  Johannesburg accommodation is characteristically large, stylish, five star hotels; these Johannesburg hotels offer visitors some seclusion and peace in an otherwise frenetic city.

Many Southern African tours & safaris pass through Johannesburg, and the city's international airport offers flights directly into all South African attractions, from coastal towns to safari reserves.  For those interested in South Africa's history and culture, Johannesburg offers fascinating museums. A thriving café culture and a thrumming nightlife exist in many of Johannesburg's suburbs. Townships in Johannesburg, South Africa are also interesting to tour.

Recommended Accommodation:
The Saxon – www.thesaxon.com
The Westcliffe – www.westcliff.co.za
The Michelangelo – www.legacyhotels.co.za
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel – www.fairlawns.co.za
The D’oreale Grande Hotel – www.doreale.com

Sun City:
Nestled In the rolling hills of the Pilanesberg, one of South Africa's most scenic locations, Sun City is a world unto itself and has earned its reputation as Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure. Whatever you want, you'll find it at Sun City, from sizzling entertainment, world-class casinos and restaurants that cater to all tastes, to more relaxed poolside venues, quiet places, lush gardens and extensive sporting facilities including two world class golf courses. These are just some of the elements that make Sun City unique to the world's entertainment resorts.

The Palace lavishes its guests with 5 star service and is luxurious in every facet of its fabulous architecture. The Palace is adorned with exquisite mosaics, frescoes, hand-painted ceilings - works of art you would find nowhere else in the world.

Recommended Accommodation:
The Palace of the Lost City – www.suncity.co.za

South Africa Safari Destinations:
Kruger National Park
Several stunning ecosystems, millions of hectares of wilderness and thousands of wild animals contribute to the safari phenomenon that is the Kruger National Park.

Recommended Accommodation:
Singita Lebombo – www.singita.com
Tinga Private Game Lodge – www.tinga.com.za

The Sabi Sands
The Sabi Sands Private Game reserve borders the Kruger National Park.  Incredible densities of wildlife move between the Kruger and Sabi Sands freely.  If you're looking to be swallowed into a primal wilderness where predators seem more dangerous, the Big Five bigger and the bush thicker, then you'll want to visit the Sabi Sands.

Recommended Accommodation:
Singita – www.singita.com
Mala Mala – www.malamala.com
Londolozi – www.londolozi.com
Leopard Hills – www.leopardhills.com

Phinda Private Game Reserve
If you've been on safari before, or you’re looking for that little bit more than just a Big Five safari, look no further than KwaZulu Natal.  The tropical hills of Zululand offer visitors a chance to see the big five and enjoy a sunny beach holiday. On a KwaZulu Natal Safari there's the added benefit of incredible cheetah and both black and white rhino sightings.

Recommended accommodation:
Phinda Private Game Lodge – www.andbeyondafrica.com

The Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape may be less famous than its South Africa safari siblings but its malaria-free, Big Five reserves, luxury safari lodges and proximity to the world famous Garden Route make it an unbeatable best-of-both-world's safari.

Recommended Accommodation:
Shamwari Private Game Reserve – www.shamwari.com
Kwandwe Private Game Lodge – www.andbeyondafrica.com

Madikwe Private Game Reserve
The Madikwe reserve spreads across the plains of South Africa's North-West Province. This reserve is malaria-free and excellent for a safari holiday.  Madikwe offers a Big 5 South Africa Safari holiday for the whole family.

Recommended Accommodation:
Madikwe Hills – www.madikwehills.com
Madikwe Safari Lodge – www.andbeyondafrica.com

Thornybush Private Game Reserve
Nestled in the heart of Big 5 country adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park, with a huge diversity of mammal and bird species, lies pristine African Bushveld, the Thornybush Game Reserve.  Unrivalled big game viewing is complimented by exquisite accommodation and sublime cuisine.  Thornybush Game Reserve is the home of the Big Five and a variety of other African wildlife species.  The sheer enjoyment of unspoilt nature, the invigorating air and the spectacular open vistas will leave you relaxed and energized for your return to civilization.

Recommended Accommodation:
Royal Malewane – www.royalmalewane.com

Luxury Rail Journeys:
Rovos Rail – www.rovos.com
Rovos Rail is the ultimate in luxury train journeys offering a variety of different routes the most popular being Johannesburg to Cape Town and Cape Town to Johannesburg this is a two day journey offering some of the most spectacular sights South Africa has to offer.  Rovos Rail is a wonderful addition to add to a travel excursion a refreshing change from the boring commercial air travel.

Blue Train – www.bluetrain.co.za
The Blue Train has an aura of mystique about it. Kings and presidents have travelled on this magnificent moving five-star hotel. Its very name has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service.  The routes of The Blue Train - both scheduled and chartered - take guests through some of the most breathtaking countryside to be found anywhere in the world.  As the ever-changing scenery flashes past the windows, guests can savour exquisite meals freshly prepared on board by top chefs. Our meals are complemented by the best wines South Africa has to offer.

The suites on The Blue Train live up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour. The finest bed linen, marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms and sheer opulence all ensure that guests will never forget the time they spend on The Blue Train.  When you choose to travel on The Blue Train, you choose to travel in a world of grace, elegance and romance.