South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa, with a 2,798 kilometres (1,739 mi) coastline on the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. To the north lie Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe; to the east are Mozambique and Swaziland; while Lesotho is an independent country wholly surrounded by South African territory.
South Africa is known for a diversity in cultures and languages. Eleven official languages are recognised in the constitution. Two of these languages are of European origin: Afrikaans, a language which originated mainly from Dutch that is spoken by the majority of white and Coloured South Africans, and South African English. Though English has a large role in public and commercial life, it is nevertheless only the fifth most-spoken home language.
The country is divided into nine provinces and 367 magisterial districts. The government is represented by National Departments, Provincial Departments, and Local Government at the district level. Environmental issues are the responsibility of the government at each of these levels.
South Africa's population was estimated to be 49 million in the 2010 census, with roughly 50% living in urban areas, and 50% in rural areas.
Garden Route The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in South Africa, and is home to the coastal villages of Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and Wildnerness. It is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline imaginable, from verdant lake settings where the setting is so peaceful that the rare African Oystercatcher is able to bred undisturbed on its coastline.
The Drakensburg Mountains
The Drakensberg mountains of South Africa or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears) is a 200-kilometre-long mountainous wonderland and world heritage site. The largest proportion of the Drakensberg area falls in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Zulu people named it 'Ukhahlamba' and the Dutch Voortrekkers 'The Dragon Mountain'. The Drakensberg Mountains, with their awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snowcapped in winter, tower over riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, form a massive barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
The magnificent Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is best known for its cultural heritage and its dramatic landscapes. Offering a vast array of exciting options for the visitor, the Panorama Route hosts some of the best adrenalin enhancing adventures in the country as well as some more placid pastimes.
One of the major highlights of the region is the Blyde River Canyon Reserve, home to spectacular wildlife and birdlife and some of the best views in South Africa.
Cape Town
Cape Town is famous for a variety of attractions that stretch from the famous Table Mountain all the way down to the sea. With a rich history, vibrant culture, pearly white beaches, charming fishing villages, colourful floral reserves and numerous activities including Robben Island and The Cape of Good Hope.
Kruger National Park
Is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers 19,485 square kilometres (7,523 sq mi) and extends 360 kilometres (220 mi) from north to south and 65 kilometres (40 mi) from east to west. It is home to the Africa's 'Big 5' - elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, lion and buffalo. Kruger National Park has over 500 species of birds, 150 species of mammals (including some 12,000 elephants). 100 reptiles, 23,000 plant species and a variety of amphibians.
Tours that visit South Africa:
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African Insight (Northbound) 2012
From the excitement of Big 5 game viewing in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, cross the fringes of the dry and desolate Kalahari into Botswana. Enjoy relaxing sundowners on a boat cruise while watching wildlife activity on the Chobe River. Relax or go wild with the all the adrenaline activities on offer from Livingstone in Zambia, and marvel at the thunderous Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
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African Insight (Southbound) 2012
A scenic overland tour from Livingstone to Johannesburg, this tour is ideal for the traveller who is short of time. Some of the best attractions Southern Africa has to offer will be seen, including the Kruger National Park in South Africa, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and the Victoria Falls in Zambia.
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Cape Desert Safari (Northbound) 2012
Experience Africa’s enormous skies and wild remote landscapes on a journey through some of the continent’s most striking scenery. Encounter deep canyons and towering dunes, diverse wildlife and fascinating tribal culture on this exciting tour through Namibia and the Cape, mixed with a host of adrenaline activities along the way.
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Cape Desert Safari (Southbound) 2012
Experience Africa’s enormous skies and wild remote landscapes on a journey through some of the continent’s most striking scenery. Encounter deep canyons and towering dunes, diverse wildlife and fascinating tribal culture on this exciting tour through Namibia and the Cape, mixed with a host of adrenaline activities along the way.
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South West Safari (19 days) 2012
From Africa’s premier attraction, Victoria Falls to its most beautiful city – Cape Town – via the world’s oldest desert, the Namib and the tranquililty of the Okavango Delta, dramatic Fish River Canyon and Etosha and Chobe game reserves– this is a superb introduction to southern Africa.
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South West Safari (25 days) 2012
View the great elephant heads of the Chobe River, the worlds oldest desert, the Namib-Naukluft, the diverse Okavango delta and have cultural exchanges with Kalahari Bushmen in this superb introduction to Southern Africa.
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Desert Tracker (19 days) 2012
A safari which will take you through the very diverse landscapes of southern Africa. From the barren desert to the cold Atlantic coastline, from thriving game parks to wild savannah and the roaring Victoria Falls.
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Desert Tracker (25 days) 2012
A safari which will take you through the very diverse landscapes of southern Africa. From the barren desert to the cold Atlantic coastline, from thriving game parks to wild savannah and the roaring Victoria Falls.
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South East Adventure (31 days) 2012
Starting in Nairobi, Kenya, and ending in Johannesburg, South Africa, this overland tour offers the best of what Central and Southern Africa have to offer.
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South East Adventure (Alternative) 2012
This 32 day tour from Nairobi to Johannesburg offers world renowned game parks, beaches, tropical Zanzibar, Victoria Falls, Malawi, the Okavango Delta. With a full range of action-packed activities along the way, this is a great adventure with rewarding wildlife encounters!
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Zanzibar, Victoria Falls & Kruger 2012
An African adventure that takes you from the plains where the Big 5 roam, to the sun laden beaches of Zanzibar. Meet the fascinating people of Africa, and the white water of the majestic Victoria Falls.
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East African Explorer (29 days) 2012
This tour offers the renowned Big 5 game parks, the friendly laid back beaches of Lake Malawi, the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, and the Victoria Falls. Ideal for those wanting to see the best of Africa.
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Kenya to Cape Town 2012
An epic journey from Kenya to Cape Town covering scenic game parks, the world’s largest inland delta, tropical Zanzibar Island, the third largest lake in Africa, the world’s oldest desert and the ‘Smoke That Thunders’ over the dramatic Victoria Falls. Africa’s best highlights on this comprehensive tour.
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Southern Ranger 2012
From the east to the south this tour offers world renowned game parks, shimmering beaches, the impressive Victoria Falls, friendly Malawi with South Africa’s Kruger National Park, and Garden Route. This comprehensive tour covers the best of East and southern Africa.
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Cape Town to Kenya 2012
From Cape Town to Nairobi, the journey begins and ends at two mountains, Table mountain and Mt Kilimanjaro. Along the way, traverse the giant sand dunes of Namibia, laze on the beaches of Zanzibar, and gaze upon the thundering Victoria Falls. This comprehensive tour will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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Cape Town to Zanzibar 2012
From Table Mountain in Cape Town to Zanzibar, from giant sand dunes in ancient deserts to sun-drenched beaches on tropical Zanzibar, from Victoria Falls to the Chobe River, from Malawi’s beaches to the Indian Ocean – this tour covers a vast area and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
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Zanzibar to Cape Town 2012
An African adventure that takes you from the beaches of Zanzibar to game viewing in Chobe and Etosha National Parks. Discover the fascinating people and places of Africa, the enormous Lake Malawi, the beauty of Botswana and the rush of adrenaline at Victoria Falls/Livingstone.
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Rivers, Lakes & Mountains (46 days) 2012
This overland tour from Johannesburg to Kampala includes mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda, visits to world renowned Big 5 game parks, the friendly beaches of Lake Malawi, the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, and the mighty Zambezi river.
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Cape Town to Kampala 2012
From Cape Town to Kampala taking in the wild deserts and coastline of Namibia, the wilderness of the Okavango Delta, thundering Victoria Falls, the tranquil Kafue River, Lake Malawi and the enchanting spice island of Zanzibar, wrapping up with big game encounters in the Serengeti Plains, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Mountain gorilla trek.
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Ultimate African Adventure (46 days) 2012
This tour explores famous game reserves, mighty rivers, misty mountains and golden beaches. Encounter wildlife from the gorillas to the ‘Big 5’, and meet diverse cultures from the red-robed Masai to the warm-hearted Malawi people. From the source of the Nile to Kruger, from Zanzibar to Victoria Falls, this is the Ultimate African Adventure!
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Ultimate African Overlander 2012
The ultimate in African overland adventure safari tours. Enjoy an audience with the gentle gorillas in misty highlands, watch the Zambezi River tumble over Victoria Falls and view the shimmering dunes of the ancient Namib Desert. Game parks, beaches, deserts and wetlands – from Lake Victoria to Table Mountain.
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Kruger Walking Safari 2012
This walking safari takes place in the world renowned Kruger National Park. Witnessing the wildlife of the African bushveld is truly an unforgettable experience.
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Call of the Kruger 2012
This tour includes a visit to the Blyde River canyon, the third biggest canyon in the world, as well as open game driving in the Kruger National Park and camping underneath the stars.
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Kruger Encounter 2012
See the Big Five while on safari in the Kruger National Park, and relax in a private conservancy.
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Kruger, Swaziland & Durban 2012
Big Five game viewing in the world renowned Kruger National Park is merely a precursor to a great tour still to come. After Kruger, witness Swazilands vibrant culture and continue on in to Zulu land before heading for the beaches in Durban.
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Coast to Cape Town 2012
Remote beaches of the Wild Coast Elephant encounters at Addo Elephant Park Tsitsikamma National Park Hermanus - Garden Route, whale/dolphin watching Cape winery visit and tasting
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Kruger to Cape Town 2012
See the big five, see the kingdom of Swaziland and then travel along the garden route down the coast of South Africa, passing through major tourist destinations.
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Trek South Africa 2012
A comprehensive tour of north eastern South Africa, South African colonial history, visiting battlefields, and learning about Zulu culture, as well as visiting the kingdoms of Swaziland and Lesotho.
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Lesotho, Battlefields and Zululand 2012
See the battlefields of the boer wars, such as Blood River, Rorkes Drift and Talana Hill. Walk through traditional Zulu and Basotho villages, and see the kingdom of Lesotho.
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Zululand, Battlefields & Lesotho 2012
Embark on the history of the early British, Afrikaner and Zulu wars at Blood River, Talana Hills and Rorke's Drift. Visit the mighty Tugela Falls (the second highest waterfalls in the world) Walk the mountainous Drakensberg mountains before exploring the breathtaking country side of Lesotho.
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Kruger, Lesotho and Battlefields 2012
Wildlife encounters in Kruger National Park battlefields, ‘Blood River‘, Rorke‘s Drift, Talana Hill Zulu and Basotho villages Drakensberg and Royal National Park trekking Kingdom of Lesotho
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Lesotho, Battlefields, and Garden Route 2012
Starting in Johannesburg, this tour will take your through Lesotho, where you will experience Basotho culture, followed by a trip to the Drakensberg mountains and visiting of the battlefields of the Boer war. After which, the tour heads along the garden route down to Cape Town.
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Kruger, Lesotho and Garden Route 2012
Five days spent roaming the Kruger National Park, followed by a tour through Lesotho and the Drakensberg, visiting battlefield sites on the way to Durban. Then a trip along the garden route towards Cape Town.
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Kruger & Victoria Falls 2012
A short tour starting with game walks in the Kruger National Park, visiting the Blyde River canyon, and ending up at the Victoria Falls in Zambia.
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Kruger & Victoria Falls (Accommodated) 2012
Visit the Blyde River Canyon, The Three Rondervels and cruise the Olifant's river on route to South Africans famous Kruger National Park in search for the 'Big 5' animals. Drive the desolate and vast country of Botswana ending your tour viewing the mighty Victoria Falls, Zambia.
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Okavango Wilderness Trail 2012
Scenic African sunsets. Huge elephant herds at Chobe National Park. 'Poling' through the water channels of the Okavango Delta. Fish Eagle Game Cruise on th Chobe river and Game drives in the Khama Rhino Sanctuary on route to Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Okavango Wilderness Trail (Accommodated) 2012
Huge elephant herds at Chobe National Park. Enjoy a relaxing pole through the water channels of the Okavango Delta. View the animals from the Fish Eagle Game Cruise and Game drive the Khama Rhino Sanctuary in search for the white and the black rhino's.
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Southern African Magic 2012
From bush camping in the Okavango delta, to game driving in the Kruger national park, this tour will satisfy those looking for adventure.
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Southern African Magic (Accommodated) 2012
Picturesque Mpumalanga with dramatic views of the Blyde River Canyon. Sunset cruise on the Olifants River. Game drive South Africa's famous 'Kruger National Park' in search for the 'Big 5'. Activity opportunities at Victoria Falls. Bush camping in the beautiful Okavango Delta. Sunset over the Chobe river and Rhino encounters at Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
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Delta & Chobe Waterways (Accommodated) 2012
Activity opportunities and Africa's greatest spectacle 'Victoria Falls' at Livingstone, Zambia. Huge elephant herds at Chobe National Park. Mokoro safaris though the watery Okavango Delta. Sunsets over the Kalahari desert. Rhino encounters at Khama Rhino Sanctuary all on route back to Johannesburg.
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Cape Town Teaching & Namibia 2012
Volunteer in an extensive programme for the upliftment of children in Cape Town. A perfect combination of seeing the regions’ highlights and contributing to worthwhile causes before embarking on a journey though Namibia's diverse landscapes, rolling sand dunes, majestic Fish River Canyon and eerie and barren deserts to the coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia's adventure capital!
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Kruger Swaziland and Big 5 Conservation
Kruger National Park, Swaziland Royal Enclosure, Miliwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Hluhluwe / Umflozi Game Reserve, St Lucia, Wildlife conservation in Thanda Private Game Reserve
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Cape Town Shark Dive 2012
As an established marine park, the area around Dyer Island off South Africa’s south coast is one of the most exciting sites to dive with the Great White Shark. Attracted by the 50,000 Cape Fur Seals that live on the island, sharks are commonly seen here and our sightings success is very high. Your dive takes place from a launch boat, in a submerged cage and allows for fantastic views! While you need to be competent in the water, no dive experience is required and there are equally great photo opportunities from in the boat should you wish to stay dry! Our comfortable accommodation in Cape Town is an ideal base to explore this amazing city.
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Natural Wonders of the World (Southbound)
From Africa’s natural wonder Victoria Falls to Table Mountain – Cape Town – via the world’s oldest desert, the Namib and the tranquililty of the Okavango Delta, stopping at Etosha and Chobe game reserves– this is a superb introduction to southern Africa.
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Natural Wonders of the World (Northbound)
From an interactive township tour to the diverse landscapes, eerie and barren deserts, pounding Atlantic coastline, lush and prolific game parks to the peaceful waterways of the Okavango Delta finishing off at the mighty and thunderous Victoria Falls.
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Namibian Sand, Sea and Safari (Southbound)
Starting in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. View the game from the night flood lit water holes at Etosha National park. View The dramatic landscapes of Spitzkoppe, Fish River Canyon and Sossusvlei, the oldest dunes in the world. Relax or indulge in the small town of Swakopmund. Finishing up in South Africa's mother city 'Cape Town'.
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Namibian Sand, Sea and Safari (Northbound)
Wild desolate deserts, deep canyon and towering dunes, diverse wildlife and fascinating tribal culture on this exciting tour though Namibia and the Cape, mixed with a host of city affairs and town activities.
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Cape Town City Stay 2012
Your hostel is a great base from which to explore Cape Town. Visit the Cape of Good Hope and the Peninsular or famous wineries. The evenings are yours to sample the sumptuous fare of the many al fresco restaurants and bars within the city. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and three nights minimum are required to explore this fascinating city and surrounds.
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Johannesburg City Stay 2012
Johannesburg is sub-Saharan Africa’s largest city. It is a cosmopolitan and fast-paced urban centre with a vast amount of attractions and activities on offer for any visitor, as well as modern glitzy shopping malls and first-class restaurants. Choose from city and Soweto Township tours, seeing wildlife at the Lion Park, or visiting an old goldmine shaft at Gold Reef City.
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Cape Garden Route 2012
This short tour from Cape Town follows the beautiful shoreline of the Western Cape. Forests and wetlands can be enjoyed in the Garden Route’s national parks, while wildlife activities include tracking the ‘Big Five', visiting an ostrich farm, shore and boat-based whale watching in season, and the option to cage-dive with a great white shark.
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Cape Garden Route (Accommodated) 2012
This short tour from Cape Town follows the beautiful shoreline of the Western Cape. Forests and wetlands can be enjoyed in the Garden Route’s national parks, while wildlife activities include tracking the ‘Big Five', visiting an ostrich farm, shore and boat-based whale watching in season, and the option to cage-dive with a great white shark.
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