South Africa has a spectacular and diverse landscape. Among the many attractions are Cape Town, one of Africa’s most beautiful cities, The Garden Route and wine region of the Cape Peninsula, the Drakensberg Mountains, and several breathtaking beaches. South Africa is famous for its beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands, the KwaZulu Natal region, and Kruger National Park. South Africa has remarkably diverse plant life for a country of its size.

Kruger National Park	Kruger National Park As well as being one of the most famous wildlife parks in the world, Kruger National Park is among the biggest and the oldest. It turned 100 years old in 1998. You can see all of the Big Five here — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, all sorts of antelope species and smaller animals. It is impossible to exaggerate how extraordinary it is to see these animals in their natural environment. That said, Kruger is not quite a wilderness experience: it's highly developed, organised, accessible and popular. The main entry points to the park are through the towns of Skukuza and Nelspruit, both about a day's drive from Johannesburg.
KwaZulu Natal Coast	KwaZulu Natal Coast Zululand is one of Africa’s most ecologically diverse regions. The KwaZulu Natal Coast is home to an unusual range of ecosystems and wildlife. Pristine beaches are home to giant leatherback and logger back turtles, and coral reefs rival those of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Freshwater lakes and river floodplains of the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands host crocodiles, hippos, flamingos and pelicans. The bushveld is home to both black rhino and white rhino.
Addo Elephant Reserve	Addo Elephant Reserve This national park is near the Zuurberg Range in the Sundays River Valley. There are hundreds of elephants in the park and you'd be unlucky not to see some. They are the remnants of the herds that once roamed the Eastern Cape. Be aware that the park closes if there has been heavy rain, as the dirt roads can become impassable; call ahead if in doubt.
Cape Town	Cape Town In this beautiful city even transient visitors can't help but devote a few million brain cells to storing images of its grandeur: its striking Table Mountain backdrop, its glorious beaches and enchanting vineyards, its rugged landscapes, its strange and wonderful plants and animals. Cape Town is famed for its hospitality. Its mix of trendy establishments matches up favourably any other cosmopolitan center . There's a lively cultural scene, particularly when it comes to music, which seems to pervade every corner of the city. The general ambience is open-minded and relaxed.
Mpumalanga	Mpumalanga Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's newest and fastest growing provinces. Mpumalanga's urban centres have one of South Africa's fastest growing employment rates, and the country's highest economic growth rate. The pre-apartheid area of the Eastern Transvaal is the core of Mpumalanga, boasting a spectacular display of scenic geographical formations and landscapes.
Eastern Cape	Eastern Cape From lush, indigenous forests to sun-kissed beaches, from rugged mountains and sparkling rivers to remote, untouched, malaria-free wilderness areas and the dramatic Karoo, the Eastern Cape is blessed with everything the outdoor enthusiast needs for an ideal holiday.

From classic tented camps, to mobile safaris, to luxurious lodges, South Africa offers a wide range of accommodations.

Phinda	Phinda Lodge Phinda Forest, Rock, Mountain, Getty, Zaka and Vlei Lodges are nestled between the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, and the lush waterways of the Greater Saint Lucia Wetlands Park. Accommodations at Phinda are exemplary, and call to mind the ancient culture of South Africa's warrior tribe, the Zulu. Phinda was restocked with lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard and giraffe, in an operation dubbed Phinda Izilwane (the return of the wild animals). Opportunities abound to canoe past pods of hippos, scuba dive with enormous whale sharks, encounter lions and rhino, and deep-sea fish for battling sailfish.
Ngala Lodge	Ngala Lodge Ngala Game Lodge is the only private reserve in world-famous Kruger National Park. Ngala Lodge is situated on the banks of the Mapone River, and features antique-filled interiors and a timeless, unhurried atmosphere. Ngala Tented Safari Camp is located on the great Timbavati River. Ngala (the Shangaan word for lion) has exclusive access to this rich and strategically important wildlife area. Activities include close encounters with breeding herds of elephant and buffalo, black and white rhino, giraffe and antelope, along with all of the great African cats.
Londolozi	Londolozi Lodge Londolozi Bataleur, Tree, Founders and Pioneer Camps are secluded in dense riverine forests on the banks of the Sand River, in the northern section of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The Reserve is a mostly flat landscape of undulating crests with some rocky outcrops, bisected by the Sand River. Londolozi is a prime wildlife haven and has been rated the best game experience in Southern Africa. Londolozi is a Zulu word meaning "protector of all living things." Activities at Londolozi center on wildlife viewing drives in open vehicles. Armed Shangaan rangers will lead you on bush walks. Wildlife includes impala, greater kudu, giraffe, buffalo, lion, and leopard. In the early dawn, you will hear the haunting calls of fish eagles, and the booming snorts of hippo. Sightings of lion prides are the order of the day at Londolozi.
Kwandwe	Kwandwe Game Lodge Kwandwe Game Lodge is set up high on the banks of the Great Fish River, in the Eastern Cape region. Each thatch and glass chalet has a private plunge pool and observation deck with spectacular views over the river valley. A mix of Settler and Xhosa décor is characterized by a subtle blend of earth-toned fabrics, indigenous timber, artifacts and antiques. Guests are likely to encounter almost every major African mammal at close quarters: leopard, cheetah, lion, rhino, hippo, elephant, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, warthog and more. There are several additional excursions available at Kwandwe, including a tour to the Valley of the Ancient Voices, to see thousand-year-old rock paintings, stone tools and artifacts. There is also a full day hike through big game country, all along the Great Fish River. You may track and dart rhino on foot, under the guidance of an experienced ranger.
Bongani	Bongani Mountain Lodge Bongani Mountain Lodge is situated in the Mthethomusha Game Reserve, bordering the world-famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. Lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo walk ancient paths once used by the San (Bushman) people. Over 250 San rock art paintings are found in the Reserve. Bongani is a low-risk malaria destination due to the altitude of the Lodge, which offers an unforgettable mountain safari with breathtaking views of the surrounding African bush.
Madikwe	Madikwe Safari Lodge Madikwe Safari Lodge is situated in the heart of the richly diverse and malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve – one of South Africa’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries. Famed for Operation Phoenix, the world’s largest game translocation exercise with the introduction of more than 8,000 animals, Madikwe’s diverse geology and broad mix of habitats allows a wide range of African wildlife to flourish – including the Big Five, cheetah and a thriving population of wild dog. Set on a gentle slope nestled between two rolling hills, Madikwe Safari Lodge overlooks game-filled plains with the Dwarsberg Hills in the distance and the Marico River nearby.
Garonga	Garonga Safari Camp Garonga Safari Camp is an exclusive 14 bed camp in the greater Makalali Conservancy situated west of the Kruger National Park. This unassuming sanctuary promises a more intimate wildlife encounter in an unhurried environment – somewhere where you can unwind, sleep deeply and be yourself.
Jaci's	Jaci's Safari Lodge Jaci's Safari Lodge masterfully blends into its surroundings, encompassing a magnificent main area built around an ancient termite mound. The location was discovered and the concept envisaged by Jan in combination with Jaci's colorful decorating style and attention to detail you are sure of a memorable and unique Safari experience. Featuring only eight large rooms and the exclusive two-bedroom "Nare Suite" - all built with shaggy thatched roofs, canvas walls and large tented windows - to create a true safari atmosphere, inviting you to enjoy your bush surroundings. Early risers may catch a glimpse of Bush Babies returning to roost in the trees around the rooms or enjoy the morning Francolin calls.
Ant's Hill	Ant's Hill Ant’s Hill is hosted by a wonderful team, who create an open friendly atmosphere. Built on the edge of a gorge, this bush home offers breathtaking views across the Waterberg. With spacious rooms and vast folding doors, the thatched lodge blends into the bush, while the exotic furniture and brightly colored African fabrics make it both sophisticated and comfortable. The draped four-poster beds are seven foot wide and each bathroom is spectacular, offering guests sunken baths and waterfall showers.

The early history of South Africa dates back nearly 3 million years to Australopithicus africanus, one of the earliest human ancestors. Archaeological evidence indicates that people resembling the San and Khoikhoi inhabited southern Africa thousands of years ago. The San were traditionally hunters and gatherers, while the Khoikhoi were nomadic and herded cattle. South Africa has thousands of rock art sites, dating from the Stone Age, depicting animals and other subjects. South African music is characterized by its fusion of diverse musical forms. Many South African musicians have won international acclaim, including Hugh Masekela and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Daily Life	Daily Life The apartheid system left a profound imprint on South African society. Most whites enjoy a standard of living comparable to people in the world’s most developed countries. For the great majority of South Africans, daily life is vastly different. Housing consists of single-story dwellings, and hostels are used by single black men and migrant workers. An increasing number of urban blacks live in shantytowns around major cities. Most blacks eat a staple diet of mealies (porridge), inexpensive cuts of meat, and some fruit and vegetables. The post-apartheid government has been anxious to promote gender equality, and women from all ethnic and racial groups are involved in the labor market. Black women are disproportionately the victims of violent crime. The official languages of South Africa are Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi (northern Sotho), Tswana, Sesotho (southern Sotho), Tsonga, Venda, Ndebele, and siSwati. Many black South Africans can speak two or more languages, in addition to English and Afrikaans.
Zulu	Zulu The Zulu number 22.4 percent of the population of South Africa. They live mainly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Their economy is based on cultivating millet and raising cattle, and they make millet beer, tan hides, smelt iron, and weave baskets. Traditionally the Zulu live in beehive-shaped huts in a circular compound, or kraal, with their cattle in the center. Today many Zulu have become urbanized, and work on farms or in mines.
Xhosa	Xhosa The Xhosa belong to the Nguni linguistic group, and live in South Africa's Cape Province. They are descendants of Bantu speakers who migrated from East Africa, and established farming communities. Nelson Mandela was a prominent Xhosa member, and became South Africa's first black president (although his appeal transcended ethnic lines). Today, the Xhosa represent 17.9 percent of the population. They continue to farm, and are a growing segment of South Africa's urban professionals and crafts people.
Pedi	Pedi and Sotho The Pedi and Sotho people represent 16.5 percent of the population of South Africa. They speak seSotho, a Bantu language, and are known as the Sotho. They cultivate sorghum, raise cattle, and live in densely populated villages. As many as 1,500 people cluster together in a single settlement. Large numbers of Sotho men have migrated to jobs in the gold and diamond mines of South Africa, leaving Sotho women to tend to the farms.
Afrikaners	Afrikaners Formerly known as the Boers, Afrikaners are a cultural group descended from Europeans. They speak Afrikaans, and represent about half of the 6.6 percent white population of South Africa. Afrikaners have believed they are God's chosen people, and a few continue to campaign for an independent Afrikaner homeland.

South Africa is famous for its beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands, the KwaZulu Natal region, and Kruger National Park. South Africa’s wildlife populations are extremely diverse, and include lion, elephant, zebra, leopards, monkeys, baboons, hippos, rhinos and antelope.

Cape Sugarbird	Fynbos The South African Fynbos (meaning "fine-leaved plants" in Dutch) is recognized as one of the six botanical kingdoms of the world, and has a richer flora than any other comparable sized area in Africa. There are an estimated 8,500 species of vascular plants found here, of which 70 per cent are endemic.
Bushfire	Montane Grasslands and Shrublands This habitat of the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho, supports a rich array of plants and animals, including some species that are restricted to a single mountain. The ecoregion supports large numbers of endemic grassland plants.
Jackass Penguin	Temperate Upwelling The warm waters along the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa harbor a mix of mangroves, vast offshore coral reefs, and sea grass beds, which provide food resources and habitat for seabird colonies and five species of nesting sea turtles. The Atlantic Ocean coast of South Africa is home to abundant populations of fish, seabirds and marine mammals, as well as important migratory bird populations in coastal lagoons and bays.
Namib-Karoo	Xeric Shrublands and Deserts This habitat features the semi-desert vegetation of the Nama, Karoo, Namib and Kaokoveld deserts. These zones support 5,000 plant species, including the highest diversity of succulent plants in the world. Poor land management has resulted in the conversion of semi-desert land for cultivation, and also for ostrich, goat, cattle, and sheep ranching.

• How do I get to South Africa?
  
  
  There are many excellent international flight connections to South Africa with the US, and there's minimal time difference when flying from Europe. South Africa is easily combined with Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique and the Indian Ocean Islands.
  
  
• What types of wildlife will I see?
  
  
  South Africa's world-renowned game reserves boast a range of African wildlife, often including the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, as well as African wild dog, giraffe, Burchell's zebra, warthog, kudu, impala, bushbuck, grey duiker, blue wildebeest, hippo and a large variety of bird species.
  
  
• What should I wear?
  
  
  You will need to pack comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your South African safari. Bright colors are not suitable for wildlife-viewing. It is best to have some warm clothing for early-morning and evening game-drives, especially in winter.
  
  
• How safe is South Africa?
  
  
  Your safety is of paramount importance, and even though South Africa is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports.
  
  
• What kind of medical precautions do I need to take?
  
  
  Travel to South Africa poses no medical threat, but there is malaria in certain areas. Please consult your physician or health department for the latest health and anti-malaria precautions when travelling in South Africa.
  
  Our leaders are the common thread as you move through your journey. They are your link to discovering exciting new places and cultures. They are your key to an exceptional experience. You'll learn more from them than from any guidebook. And their expertise, undying enthusiasm, language skills, environmental appreciation, cultural understanding, and safety training are unparalleled. They'll show you scenic wonders you'd never find on your own, and they'll make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.
  
  
• Which is the best time to visit South Africa?
  
  
  South Africa has a fabulous climate, with sunshine almost year-round. There is excellent game-viewing throughout the year, but it is best during winter (May - August) in the northern regions and during summer (September - April) in the south. Summer temperatures range from 75° to 89°F. Days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms. In winter, days are dry, sunny and cool to warm, while evening temperatures drop sharply. Temperatures range from 46°F to 73°F.
  
  
• When is the rainy season?
  
  
  Rainfall varies regionally, but occurs predominantly in the summer months (from September to April), in the form of magnificent late afternoon/evening thundershowers. There is very little winter rainfall in the north and low summer rainfall in the south.
  
  

Africa Guide
Comprehensive country information, travel advice and climate charts.

Lonely Planet: Destinations
Your guide to unfamiliar places on the African continent.

Lonely Planet: Traveler Reports
Useful advice from travelers who have visited Africa.

World Wildlife Fund: Global Ecoregions
Fourteen major habitat types showing diversity of life on land.