10 DAY TASTE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Situated in the Limpopo Province and forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa, the Balule Private Game Reserve is known for its abundant free-roaming wildlife, fascinating birdlife and is home to the renowned Big Five, which includes lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard. While the big game is the undoubtable highlight of the reserve, visitors can also look forward to spotting an array of other African wildlife such as a variety of buck, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and over 250 bird species living amongst the savannah, riverine forest and wooded mountains. Other popular activities include: boating down the Olifants River on an exciting water safari, visiting a cultural village, or horse riding, white water rafting and hot air ballooning through this spectacular landscape.

The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Pak, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviours to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.

Officially known as the ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’ and still referred to as Swaziland, this tiny landlocked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and is Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems featuring towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerizingly beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife watching, rafting, mountain biking, and hiking along a network of scenic trails which traverse spectacular mountainous landscapes.

Scattered across the undulating plains of KwaZulu Natal, a wonderful array of game reserves can be explored. These magnificent parks are renowned for their dramatic hilly countryside, diversity of flora and fauna, high standards of conservation and their invaluable contribution to protecting endangered species, including the white rhino, from extinction. It is possible to see the famous ‘Big Five’ animals, as well as a variety of other animals. The area is a bird watcher’s paradise, with the Mkhuze Game Reserve alone home to 420 different species of birds, and species like the Pel’s Fishing-Owl and Pink-throated Twinspot making special appearances. Visitors can enjoy a host of activities including day and night game drives, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, hiking and guided walks. Many of the parks include stunning beaches, which feature turquoise, warm Indian Ocean waters and soft white sands.

With its beautiful beaches, lively wining and dining scene, and rich cultural heritage, Durban is South Africa’s third largest city and KwaZulu Natal’s tourist hub. The swimming and surfing are rated the best of any major city across the world and because of the sub-tropical climate the water is warm all year round. Known as the Golden Mile, this stretch of beaches and amusement parks is Durban’s major attraction with the recently developed UShaka Marine World at the southern end providing a world-class aquarium and other entertainments. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: strolling along the beachfront promenade, visiting the Durban Botanical Gardens and exploring the many Asian and Indian markets.

Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is a large town often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’, surrounded by stunning bays perfect for sailing, boating, and swimming; picturesque beaches and lagoons; and world-renowned forests. This well-catered town is also a perfect base for safari expeditions at nearby parks such as Knysna Elephant Park, and close-up animal experiences at centres such as Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. From here, enjoy ample opportunities for surfing, swimming, yachting, jet-skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing. Visitors can also look forward to an array of wonderful markets, a picturesque waterfront filled with superb restaurants and shops, and several fantastic art galleries. Make sure to take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters.

Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.