South Africa Destination Information
When you consider the range of experiences in South Africa, it seems almost impossible that a single place could contain it all. How many countries can claim to have lions, penguins and dolphins all living within their borders? How many can offer safaris and surfing as easily as offering wine tastings and art galleries? South Africa somehow manages to do all this and more, and blends the best of African and European influences.
Travelers to South Africa often are lured by the chance to safely see big cats, giraffes, antelope, wildebeests and other exotic safari animals up close – animals that most people only get to see in nature documentaries. Kruger National Park in the northeast offers 7,500 square-miles of amazing animal preserves with 16 distinct natural areas, plus deluxe accommodations and services that make safari experiences delightfully comfortable for its visitors.
South Africa’s national imprint is left in cosmopolitan Johannesburg and the leisurely Cape Town area. Johannesburg is home to the county’s major history and art museums, and where you can find cultural pursuits that range from Lipizzaner horse exhibitions to casual shopping in the city’s many craft markets. Cape Town and its surroundings feature many scenic wonders, magnificient seascapes and panoramic vistas and the allure of Cape Town extends throughout its many resort areas along the Atlantic. It's also gateway to the Winelands, South Africa's scenic wine growing region. Both Johannesburg and Cape Town embody the best of South Africa – relaxing fun and a unique culture with a touch of the wild.
Vacation Destinations in South Africa, Africa
- Cape Town
Cape Town, the political capital of the country, is also the leisure capital with a Mediterranean-style climate. The city plays host to some of the finest nightlife and eateries in South Africa. It’s a remarkable coastal city surrounded by the striking plateau of Table Mountain, where rugged activities like rock climbing and cave exploration add a new wrinkle to city life. Each of Cape Town’s beach areas has its own charm that sets it apart – False Bay’s water is typically warmer than most, the upscale Atlantic beaches are flush with cafes, and Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African penguins. If you want to catch the wave of the city’s relaxed vibe, grab a surfboard and discover why Cape Town offers some of the best surfing in the world.
Hotel & Lodges in Cape Town, South Africa
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Cape Grace Hotel  |
| Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence |
| Kichaka Private Game Lodge |
| Mount Nelson Hotel |
| One & Only Cape Town |
| Taj Cape Town |
| The Table Bay Hotel Cape Town |
Radisson SAS Hotel Waterfront  |
Park Inn Foreshore  |
| Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Cape Town |
- Game Lodges
Kruger National Park offers 7,500 square-miles of amazing animal preserves with 16 distinct natural areas, plus deluxe accommodations and services. Sabi Sands is a private conservation area where lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant roam in very high population numbers, and hundreds of exotic animal and bird species make their homes.
Game Lodges in Kruger National Park/Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa
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| 1933 at Lion Sands |
| Lion Sands Ivory Lodge |
| Lion Sands River Lodge |
| Londolozi Founders Camp |
| Londolozi Granite Suites |
| Londolozi Varty Camp |
| Makalali Private Game Reserve |
| Mala Mala Main Camp |
| Mala Mala Rattray's Camp |
| Mala Mala Sable Camp |
| Ngala Private Tented Safari Camp |
| Royal Malewane |
| Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge |
| Sabi Sabi Selati Lodge |
| Singita Boulders Lodge |
| Singita Ebony Lodge |
| Singita Sweni Lodge |
| Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge |
Hotel & Lodges in Waterberg, South Africa
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| Makweti Safari Lodge |
- Garden Route
The Garden Route is famous for its hardy fynbos floral kingdom, its secluded little bays and its year-round holiday frame of mind. And it's conveniently accessible from Cape Town. While the Garden Route road is extremely scenic, it is the hidden destinations on its side roads that are the secret of this region. One of the most well known areas of the garden route is the town of Knysna, situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon - it offers many activities and attractions of a wide variety including the breathtaking Knysna heads - two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea. Along the scenic roads you will find how over the years wine makers, artists, businessmen and top chefs have all found their niches along the Garden Route with wineries, exquisite dining options and world class accommodations all at your fingertips.
Hotel & Lodges in Garden Route, South Africa
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| Birkenhead House |
| Pezula Hotel & Spa Knysna |
| Protea Hotel Knysna Quays |
- Johannesburg
As a former capital, Johannesburg is still the center of the country’s culture and vibrant city life. Unlike most major cities, however,Johannesburg is largely dominated by its natural attractions, which include an astonishing six million trees. The city features its own bird gardens, plus a lion park where visitors can pet lion cubs and drive through areas with lions, zebra and other game species.
Hotel & Lodges in Johannesburg, South Africa
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| The Westcliff |
| Radisson Blu Gautrain |
| The Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa |
| Michelangelo Hotel |
Crowne Plaza Rosebank Hotel  |
- The Winelands
Just outside Cape Town lies the Winelands, the heart of South Africa’s wine-growing industry. Beloved by those who enjoy wine tasting and admiring gorgeous countryside, this region features 15 routes that pass through rolling landscape and more than 600 wineries. The 200-mile Garden Route extends from Cape Town through a scenic stretch of the southern coast, nestled between mountains and the Indian Ocean, and includes 10 nature reserves with pristine forests, coral reefs, dolphins, seals and whales.
Hotel & Lodges in the Winelands, South Africa
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| La Residence Franschhoek |
| Le Quartier Francais |
Fun Fact: South Africa is one of the most bio-diverse countries on the planet. Despite taking up only 1 percent of the land area on earth, it contains 10 percent of all plant species and 6 percent of all mammal and reptile species within its borders.
While on safari in South Africa, you’ll hear the term “The Big Five” used quite often. This term refers to lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and African buffalo. Back in the 1800’s when the term originated, these animals were considered the most dangerous to hunt. Today, you can view them easily and quite safely.