South Africa

Welcome to South Africa, the only country with three capital cities, eleven official languages, the most amazing wildlife experiences, the warmest and friendliest of people and scenery around every corner that will take your breath away.

Highlights of South Africa include Cape Town, famous for its restaurants, graceful hotels, vibrant arts and easy-going atmosphere. The Western Cape vineyards that carpet the rolling landscapes of Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch are easily explored by car. The celebrated Garden Route follows Africa’s southern coast along windswept cliffs, sandy bays, sheltered forests and folded mountains and is perfect for nature lovers. The Eastern Cape has something for everyone; see the ‘Big Five’ in a malarial-free environment, surf the largest waves or jump from the highest bungee bridge in the southern hemisphere. KwaZulu Natal is another must - a melting pot of African, European and Indian cultures, this province boasts two natural World Heritage sites and fascinating historic battlefields. As well as having the third highest canyon in the world and the world's oldest cave, Mpumalanga is the best place to view wildlife whilst Johannesburg, Soweto and Pretoria create a cosmopolitan, multicultural mix from every corner of the world. Finally, North West province and Kruger National Park have the ‘Big Five’, fantastic bird-life and wide-open African skies.

Flights & Facts

Fly to: Cape Town/Johannesburg
Flying Time: 11 hrs 30/10 hrs 30 mins non-stop
Time Difference: GMT+ 2hrs
Visas: Not required for UK passport holders
Health requirements: Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Best time to travel: Oct-Apr/Sept-May

Weather

The climate in South Africa varies considerably between the Cape Region and Kruger. However, the best time to travel is during our winter, their summer. The Cape and Garden Route has warm summers with occasional rain from October to April (Cape Town can be slightly more windy). Winters, May to September are chilly, although often with clear skies. The Kruger has hot summers and warm rain free winter days, however winter evenings can be chilly.

Battlefields suggested Itinerary

Click on the link below to download a PDF version of our 'Battlefields suggested Itinerary' - An authentic experience of KwaZulu Natal’s historic battlefields. Experience some of South Africa’s richly diverse history and immerse yourself in events that have shaped this fascinating country. Journey through the province of KwaZulu Natal on an Abercrombie & Kent tailored itinerary. Stop at Fugitives’ Drift to learn more about the Anglo-Zulu battles of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. Complete your education of the area with a stay at Three Trees at Spioenkop - where arguably the most famous of Anglo-Boer battles took place. Combine this experience with an Abercrombie & Kent organised safari and experience the very best of luxury in the bush.

An authentic experience of KwaZulu Natal’s historic battlefields