Countries featured on this page include South Africa, Esatwini and Lesotho
South Africa
There’s so much more to South Africa than wildlife-watching,
it’s not surprising that it is known as ‘a world in one country’.
SOUTH AFRICA :
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Venturing beyond the imposing mountains of the Cape, travelers will encounter the enthralling expanse of the Karoo. Unlike the traditional Big-5 terrain found in the northeastern part of the country around Kruger National Park, the Karoo offers a distinct wilderness and unique wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to observe magnificent herds of springbok, the very antelope from which South Africa’s World Cup-winning rugby team derives its name. Amidst this landscape, it’s well worth deviating from the well-trodden path to witness the grace and agility of the springbok as they race at breathtaking speeds, kicking up clouds of dust and “pronking” (jumping) on all four legs for pure exhilaration.
Further north, Johannesburg, the economic powerhouse of South Africa, unfolds as a dynamic city steeped in cultural diversity and pulsating energy. Home to high-powered businesses and a thriving stock exchange, the city resides at an altitude of 5,000 feet, symbolizing its lofty aspirations and tenacity. Johannesburg embodies a cosmopolitan allure, catering to individuals with distinct ambitions in both work and play.
Spanning a grand coastline of 2,000 kilometers, South Africa entices with sun-drenched beaches, enchanting seaside towns, picturesque ports, river mouths, and rugged cliffs. Interconnected by well-maintained roads, this coastal realm offers an inviting opportunity for leisurely self-drive safaris, enabling travelers to meander through an assortment of charming locales.
Throughout South Africa’s nine provinces, a tapestry of natural and man-made wonders awaits exploration, each bearing a singular signature that offers captivating glimpses into the nation’s storied past. Notably, Kwa-Zulu Natal boasts the majestic Drakensberg mountain range, a haven for avid hikers, and ancient caves adorned with over 2,000-year-old San Bushman paintings, evoking a raw and primal portrayal of the ancient struggle between humanity and nature. The province is also the ancestral home of the Zulu people, South Africa’s largest ethnic group, making a visit to a traditional Zulu village an essential addition to any safari itinerary.
As you venture through South Africa’s diverse landscapes, be prepared for an explorer’s paradise, where every step unveils a new marvel waiting to be discovered.
CAPE TOWN
Situated at the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Town beckons visitors with its striking beauty at the convergence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Fringed by pristine beaches and set against the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain, a recognized wonder of the natural world, the city is a captivating destination for travelers of all stripes.
Click on images below for a larger view:
Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
Cape Town
Table Mountain
Beautiful day in Clifton beach
KRUGER PARK
The land was set aside for a park in 1898 by President Paul Kruger when he realized how quickly the wildlife population was diminishing. Wild animals had roamed all over South Africa in vast herds from the Cape to the Indian Ocean. The speed at which they were being shot appalled the president: his was an act of conservancy without precedent at that time.
The eastern side of the Kruger National Park borders Mocambique and on the west farms, mines, villages, and a series of private game reserves originally set up as hunting blocks, straddle the length of the park. The best known is the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which had been divided up into private farms for cattle ranching until halted by a rinderpest epidemic after which many owners turned to hunting.
In 1962, the Sabi Sands was officially recognized as a game reserve and hunting was banned. Today, together with neighboring private game reserves the Timbavati and Klasserie, the Sabi Sands is home to some of the most luxurious safari lodges in Africa.
Eswatini (formely Swaziland)
Eswatini, still commonly known in English as Swaziland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa bordered by Mozambique to its northeast and South Africa to its north, west, and south. As one of the few remaining monarchies in Africa, culture and heritage are deeply engrained in all aspects of Swazi life, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
As well as the rich culture, the overwhelming friendliness of the people makes all visitors feel truly welcome and very safe. Add to that stunning scenery of mountains and valleys, forests and plains; plus wildlife reserves across the country that are home to The Big Five; and a fascinating mix of modern and traditional festivals, ceremonies and events, and you have all that’s best about Africa in one small but perfectly formed and welcoming country.
Lesotho
Lesotho, a high-altitude, landlocked kingdom encircled by South Africa, is crisscrossed by a network of rivers and mountain ranges including the 3,482m-high peak of Thabana Ntlenyana. On the Thaba Bosiu plateau, near Lesotho’s capital, Maseru, are ruins dating from the 19th-century reign of King Moshoeshoe I. Thaba Bosiu overlooks iconic Mount Qiloane, an enduring symbol of the nation’s Basotho people.
Various outdoor pursuits form the most popular leisure activities for tourists in Lesotho. The mountainous terrain draws tourists for hiking, pony trekking and skiing, as well as the use of four-wheel drive trails. The Afriski ski resort operates during the winter months.
The most used entry-points into Lesotho include Moshoeshoe I International Airport and the land border crossing points of Maseru and Maputsoe.