Johannesburg is one of Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities. It is an economic powerhouse in Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. This bustling city offers a wide range of activities, attractions and plenty to do in and around the city including nearby Pretoria. Downtown is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. Soweto, a township steeped in history and a significant part of the Greater Johannesburg metropolitan area, is a popular tourist destination.
The world-famous Pilanesberg Game Reserve is situated in South Africa’s North West Province, north of Rustenburg. Set inside an alkaline volcanic crater (one of three in the world), characterised by vast ridges, the park’s fascinating rock and history attracts geologists and photographers from all over the world. Pilanesberg is also known for its mammoth achievement of re-introducing numerous long-vanished species and is home to roughly 360 bird species. It is a beautiful place in which to catch sight of the ‘Big Five’ as well as cheetah, giraffe, hippo, zebra, crocodile, and many other animals. Around 360 bird species also inhabit the park. An array of activities are on offer, including guided walks, game drives, and hot-air balloon rides. It is also possible to watch traditional tribal dance performances, participate in music workshops, and enjoy luxury spa experiences.
Thabazimbi, or ‘mountain of iron’, is named after its large iron ore reef, and is located in the western corner of Limpopo. Encompassing a high concentration of excellent private game reserves, the mining town offers many nature trails. The Marakele SANS National Park boasts excellent bird watching and game viewing opportunities, as well as the chance to take the famous ‘Adrenaline Drive’ which culminates at a 2080 metre-high viewpoint. Visitors can also hike to the Cape Vultures Nest to watch these enthralling beasts soar overhead. Other highlights include excellent opportunities for 4 x 4 excursions and quad biking, as well as superb mountain biking routes, a pristine 9-hole golf course, and a luxurious spa and wellness centre.
Straddling the Limpopo, Motloutse and Shashe rivers, in the easternmost corner of Botswana, the Northern Tuli Game Reserve is one of Southern Africa’s largest privately-owned natural reserves. This impressive expanse of protected wilderness features some extraordinarily scenic landscapes characterised by bushland, riverine forests, and marshland dotted with dramatic sandstone cliffs and uniquely shaped basalt rock formations. Visitors can look forward to spotting a diverse range of African wildlife while driving, hiking, cycling, horse riding, or even hot air ballooning around the reserve. Commonly spotted wildlife species include: elephant, lion, wildebeest, cheetah, zebra, leopard, hyena, impala, warthog, kudu, waterbuck, steenbok, large herds of eland, and a remarkable variety of bird species.
Game Viewing.
Game Viewing.
Game Viewing.
Game Viewing.
Game Viewing.
Perched atop the rugged Soutpansberg Mountains, Leshiba Wilderness commands a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. Explore the rich cultural heritage through guided tours to ancient rock art sites, showcasing the artistic legacy of indigenous people. Hiking trails wind through pristine wilderness, revealing cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation. Birdwatchers can enjoy a diverse array of avian species, while stargazers marvel at the unpolluted night sky. For the adventurous, rock climbing and abseiling offer adrenaline-fueled thrills against a backdrop of towering cliffs. The plateau boasts over 360 tree species and served as a pilgrimage site for early hunter-gatherers from the San and Khoe Khoe tribes, who collected medicinal and useful herbs. Explore the Venda Art Village, restored with the help of renowned Venda artists Noria Mabasa and Thomas Kubayi, in a tribute to Venda art, myths, magic, and legends.
The South African province of Gauteng - 'the place of gold' - is home to one of Africa's most vibrant cities and sub-Saharan Africa's economic capital Johannesburg, South Africa's capital Pretoria, vibrant Soweto, the Magaliesberg Mountains, and the World Heritage-listed Cradle of Humankind. While it is the smallest of South Africa’s provinces, it serves as the economic powerhouse of the country. Gauteng is known for its multicultural mix of people, eclectic heritage, and bustling jacaranda-lined cities fringed by scenic natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy ample nature trailing and hiking opportunities, discover South Africa’s most famous township and explore the origins of humankind.
