South Africa

A country of true diversity, with beaches lapped by two oceans, safaris, lush mountains and star-studded desert skies; South Africa is a magical place to venture.

Things to see and do South Africa is one of Africa’s best safari destinations, offering the opportunity to witness lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants and rhinos – known as the big five – and even more in accessible parks and reserves, such as hippos, zebras and hyenas. You can drive right into the epic wilderness at Kruger, Kgalagadi and other parks, or join khaki-clad rangers on guided drives and walks. While it is truly amazing to see these animals on safari, wildlife watching can happen when you least expect it here, whether its spying a leopard tortoise ambling alongside the road, a go-away bird chirping its distinctive chant in the trees, or an encounter with seals, whales or a great white shark along the coast.

Whale watching off the coast of South Africa is one of the best places to do so in the world! If you are lucky, you could see the humpback whale, a southern right whale, the blue whale (the largest animal on the planet) sperm whale and the killer whale. South African whale-watching territory runs from Doringbaai, far up the Cape West coast, around the Cape Peninsula and as far up the east coast as St Lucia, near the Mozambique border. They can be viewed from cliffs and beaches, while boat operators offer trips out to sea for close encounters.

Read more in the September issue…