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.
Bordering Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana, the Limpopo Province is South Africa’s northernmost province, renowned for its quintessentially African landscapes and rich natural heritage. This diverse region is known for its immense scenic beauty, where rugged mountains meet vast, pristine savannah plains that shelter an abundance of wildlife. It encompasses striking natural features such as the Makgabeng Plateau and the Blouberg Mountains, along with a variety of towns and rural communities surrounded by numerous private and public reserves, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park. Visitors are drawn to Limpopo to explore the fossil-rich caves of Makapansgat, discover the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Mapungubwe, and experience authentic safari adventures in some of South Africa’s most untouched wilderness areas. Combining cultural heritage, archaeology and spectacular wildlife, Limpopo offers a truly immersive African travel experience.
Set in South Africa's Limpopo Province, Rietspruit Game Reserve stretches over 5,500 hectares, about 5.5 hours drive from Johannesburg. Set in the foothills of the Klien Drakensberg Mountains and functioning as a beautiful gateway to the Greater Kruger National Park, this enthralling destination is a favourite among nature photographers, animal lovers, and travellers seeking outdoor adventure. Explore the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world-famous for its jaw-dropping vistas; choose from a selection of fantastic game drive opportunities, or indulge in a sublime spa treatment while taking in the views. Other activities on offer include swimming in the dam or fishing for bass. The reserve is home to endangered African wild dogs, as well as leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and an impressive variety of bird and reptile species.
Located in the Mpumalanga Province, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This magnificent 60 000 hectare reserve is best known for its two very rare white lions discovered here in the 1970s, which gave this destination its name. Meaning 'the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens', the park lives up to the hype with its enthralling African savannah, abundant wildlife, and friendly people. Visitors have the opportunity to see 40 mammal species, 360 bird species and the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). Enjoy a wide array of activities including daytime safaris, guided night game drives, bush walks, and excellent bird watching.
Situated in South Africa’s beautiful Mpumalanga Province, the quaint village of Dullstroom is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and fresh country air. Aptly named, Dullstroom (‘stroom’ meaning stream) enjoys an abundance of water, marking the beginning of the Crocodile River and home to other major tributaries. It serves as a convenient stopover for visitors on the way to the Lowveld and Kruger Park. Dullstroom piques the interest of many newcomers with its sub-alpine climate, three endangered crane species, abundant wildflowers, rare mammals, great fishing and features the highest railway station in South Africa at over 2000 metres above sea level.
The Panorama Route in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province traces the edge of the Great Escarpment, where the highveld plateau drops toward the Lowveld. Passing through historic towns such as Pilgrim’s Rest and the gateway hub of Graskop, this scenic driving route connects dramatic viewpoints, waterfalls and geological formations. Travellers are drawn by sweeping vistas over Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest green canyons, and iconic landmarks including Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window. Short hikes, lookout points and winding mountain roads reveal ever-changing scenery shaped by ancient erosion. Mist often clings to cliffs in the early morning, while sunlight breaks across dense vegetation and the cooler mountain air carries the sound of distant waterfalls through the escarpment.
As previously described