Encircled by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, St Lucia is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia lies on the magnificent St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres. It features abundant wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and offers a wide range of wonderful activities. This haven of tranquillity offers excellent mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to thrilling night drive safaris, hippo and crocodile cruises, and many comfortable accommodation options.
Scattered across the diverse landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal, an exceptional collection of game reserves protects some of South Africa's richest wildlife habitats. Rolling hills, open savannah, sand forests and wetlands support an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, while the province has earned an international reputation for its conservation efforts, particularly in the recovery of the southern white rhinoceros. Several reserves are home to the Big Five, alongside cheetah, wild dog, hippo and numerous antelope species. KwaZulu-Natal is also one of the country's premier birdwatching destinations, with uMkhuze Nature Reserve recording more than 420 bird species, including the elusive Pel's Fishing-Owl and Pink-throated Twinspot. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided bush walks, hiking and outstanding birdwatching, with the province's warm Indian Ocean coastline and world-class diving sites only a short drive from many of the northern reserves.
Situated in northern KwaZulu Natal, 350 kilometres from Durban and resting just outside Swaziland’s southern border, Pongola Game Reserve is famous for its breathtaking scenic variety and its array of wonderful leisure activities. In combination with the reserve’s abundance of space, these features create a unique destination. The landscape consists of rugged, towering mountains, expansive water bodies, and wild bushveld. Some of the main activities include safari cruises, canoe adventures, and excellent bird watching opportunities. Visitors can track rhino on foot, participate in the elephant tracking programme, try to catch tiger fish in Lake Jozini (South Africa’s top tiger fishing destination) or view game from a boat on the lake. The reserve has six private lodges, each equally luxurious, modern, secluded and exclusive.
Located in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, between Johannesburg and Durban, Nambiti Private Game Reserve is a spectacular malaria-free wildlife destination set within South Africa’s historic Battlefields region. Covering more than 23,000 acres of diverse wilderness, the reserve is home to the renowned Big Five – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhinoceros – as well as over 40 other mammal species. Its varied landscapes encompass rolling grasslands, expansive savannah, riverine bush, and thornveld, creating a rich habitat for wildlife and birdlife alike. Visitors can enjoy exceptional game viewing on guided safari drives, encounter a remarkable variety of animals in their natural environment, and discover the reserve’s abundant birdlife. Additional activities include bush walks, swimming, and stargazing beneath the clear African night sky. Combining outstanding wildlife encounters with beautiful scenery, Nambiti offers an unforgettable safari experience.
The Northern Cape is South Africa’s largest and least densely populated province, characterised by vast open spaces, dramatic landscapes and a sense of timeless solitude. Much of the region is defined by arid plains and semi-desert terrain, while the mighty Orange River creates a striking contrast as it winds through the province, supporting fertile valleys and outdoor adventure opportunities. The Northern Cape is home to several iconic attractions, including the spectacular Augrabies Falls National Park, the wildlife-rich Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the world-famous spring wildflower displays of Namaqualand. Visitors can also explore the historic diamond-mining city of Kimberley and its impressive Big Hole, discover ancient rock art sites, enjoy river rafting and hiking, or simply marvel at the province’s vast skies, rugged beauty and remarkable sense of space.
