The sub-Saharan African nation contains a rich variety of wildlife and a staggering 22,000 species of plants, all of which is easily accessible to travelers. Rugged mountain ranges, endless white sand beaches, forests, and arid plains are only the beginning of the natural wonders to experience.
South Africa’s variety of beautiful and unique habitats are home to animals such as lions, elephants, zebras, leopards, baboons, hippos, rhinos, and penguins. Traverse the expansive savannahs of Krueger National Park, investigate the bush in pursuit of the Big Five, or search the southern coastline for whales as you participate in discussions on global species conservation.
South African culture is extremely rich and fascinating, providing social scientists abundant inspiration to engage in historical discourses of division, struggle and rebirth, and investigate present-day efforts towards unity, diversity, and opportunity. South Africa’s conservation policies — manifested in its large national parks, private game reserves, and wildlife management projects — are cutting-edge developments that serve as examples for conservation initiatives worldwide.
The same level of expertise and dedication Holbrook applies to uncovering South Africa’s cultural riches and abundant wildlife is applied to all of our trips to South Africa, from birding tours and photography trips to garden tours and family vacations. Whether it’s exploring the beautiful cosmopolitan city of Cape Town or becoming immersed in the vibrant culture of small indigenous villages that pepper the Wild Coast, Holbrook’s connections and expertise can transform your eco-tour in South Africa into an enduring educational experience.
South Africa | Gardens, Parks, Wine Country and the Wildflower Super Bloom!
Game Reserves & the Big Five
For many wildlife lovers, South Africa is synonymous with safaris and photographing the Big Five—the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and rhinoceros. Indeed, South Africa’s many game reserves offer a variety of options and comfort levels. In addition to seeking out the big five, birding and whale watching are also popular. Numerous other large mammals, like zebras, monkeys, baboons, hippopotamuses, and antelope, are indigenous to South Africa, and game reserves offer the best chance to spot some of these majestic creatures.
Kruger National Park includes nearly every species of indigenous wildlife and is particularly noted for the small black rhino population. Among the nearly 150 species of mammals you may see in the park are cheetah, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, wild dog, black rhino, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, Cape Buffalo, African Elephant, giraffe and antelope. The park is also home to over 507 bird species including raptors, hornbills and ostriches.
At Kagga Kamma Private Game Reserve, enjoy the distinctive wilderness, scenic beauty, and dramatic rock formations. The reserve is located south of the Cederberg Mountains. Hluhluwe Umfolozi is one of South Africa’s most popular game parks. The wide range of plant life in the park gives rise to a diversity of mammals, birdlife, reptiles, and amphibians. The big five can all be seen here.
Flora & Fauna
In addition to its spectacular wildlife, South Africa has beautiful landscapes and features. Its well-maintained and magnificent gardens feature some of the most interesting and fascinating plant life within the continent. For a country of its size, South Africa has incredibly diverse plant life, with about 22,000 different species, many of them native.
Take a cable car ride to Table Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is covered by thousands of wildflowers in the spring. It is home to the famous silver tree and to fynbos, a unique, yet endangered, collection of shrubs and plants. Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is famous for the beauty of its displays.
The renowned, small, peninsular Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is known for its floral diversity, especially its wildflowers in springtime. It has about 2,700 species of plants indigenous to the peninsula and more than 250 recorded species of birds, ranging from ostriches to minuscule sunbirds. It is also the breeding ground for rare antelope.
At Boulders Beach, one might see black, torpedo-shaped African penguins darting up to 12 knots through crystal clear, warm waters. Birding is also good at Rietvlei Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Pretoria. A few of the commonly seen birds here include Black-winged Kite, African Pipit, Rufous-naped Lark, Crowned Lapwing, Dark-capped Bulbul, Fiscal Flycatcher and White-throated Swallow.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a pristine piece of wilderness hidden away at the southern tip of Africa. Spend your days exploring the reserve, watching whales, and learning about Grootbos’ social responsibility initiatives. Grootbos is situated in the heart of the Cape’s unique Floral Kingdom—botanically one of the world’s richest regions of plant life. More than 745 species of plants, 107 birds, 21 mammals, and 21 reptiles have been recorded on the reserve to date.
Culture & History
Cape Town is called the most beautiful port city in the world. Formerly known to Portuguese sailors as Cape of Storms, then The Cape of Good Hope, and subsequently, Cape Town, the area became settled by the Dutch in 1652 and was the first European settlement in South Africa. Cape Town is the legislative capital and known affectionately as the Mother City. South Africa’s history of apartheid is intertwined with its national identity, but its attempts at reconciliation and reparations show the country is not afraid of facing its past head-on. Learn more as you board a boat at the Nelson Mandela gateway at the V&A waterfront and transfer to Robben Island, where former South African president Nelson Mandela and other political anti-apartheid activists were imprisoned during the apartheid era.
Entry & Exit Requirements
U.S. and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport to enter South Africa. Passports must be valid for at least 30 days after the date of departure from South Africa.
A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days; visitor visas will be issued at the port of entry in South Africa.
South African law requires travelers to have two fully blank visa pages upon arrival into South Africa. Travelers without the required blank visa pages will be refused entry into South Africa, fined, and deported at their own expense.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the South African Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into South Africa.
Some physicians recommend that travelers get hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines before visiting South Africa.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
The CDC warns that travelers to Africa may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of insect bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
Currency
The currency of South Africa is the South African Rand.
Electricity
The electrical current in South Africa is 220-230V 50Hz AC. Travelers from the United States need to use a converter.
Time Zone
The time zone of South Africa is South Africa Time Zone (UTC+02:00).
South Africa does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
Departures and arrivals on flight schedules are listed in the local time.
Communications
PHONES
South Africa’s country code is +27.
To call South Africa (from the U.S.): Dial 011-27-(xx-xxx-xxxx)
To call the United States: Dial 001-(xxx-xxx-xxxx)
Please check with your cell phone provider if you’re unsure whether or not your cell phone will work internationally. Be aware that you are likely to incur additional charges for international use. It may be more affordable to purchase a local SIM card upon arrival.
INTERNET
Internet is very well-established throughout the country and most hotels and lodges are connected. Almost every city has a cyber café.
Reading List
FIELD GUIDES
The Safari Companion
Richard Estes
An invaluable encyclopedic guide to Africa's mammals by a noted scientist, this perennial bestseller includes black-and-white drawings, an overview of each animal group and in-depth information. Written with the typical safari-goer in mind.
African Wildlife
James Kavanaugh
A laminated foldout guide illustrating almost 150 species of African animals, designed for quick reference in the field.
500 Common Bird Calls in Southern Africa
Doug Newman
Accounting for each species of southern African songbird, their songs, similar-sounding species, favored habitats and ranges, this reference is ideal for the voyaging birder. Includes a CD of bird calls.
Southern African Mammals Made Simple
Doug Newman
Profiling 115 mammals common to Southern Africa, many of which (bat-eared fox, oribi, hartebeest) are not found anywhere else. The guide offers a three-step, foolproof process for identifying similar-looking species.
Wildlife of Southern Africa
Martin B. Withers
This Princeton Pocket Guide, featuring 400 color photographs by Withers and co-author David Hosking, covers all the birds, mammals, lizards and insects you are likely to encounter.
Newman's Birds of Southern Africa
Kenneth Newman
This commemorative 10th edition celebrates the late author with a fully revised and updated version. Edits were done by his daughter, Vanessa Newman, to reflect the latest research, taxonomy and common names.
Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals
Jonathan Kingdon
A conveniently compact edition of Kingdon's gloriously illustrated Field Guide to African Mammals. The guide includes abbreviated information on identification, distribution, ecology and conservation status and 480 outstanding color illustrations and maps.
The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals
Jonathan Kingdon
This stunningly-illustrated, comprehensive field guide by a leading authority includes over 500 of Kingdon's exquisite color paintings. Fully revised and updated with more than 1,100 species.
The Reef Guide, Southern Africa's East and South Coasts
Dennis King
For explorers of Africa's coastlines, this is a convenient identification guide to carry. Includes over 600 full-color photographs and essential information.
MAPS
Cape Town and Region Adventure Map
National Geographic
This double-sided map includes Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park and other reserves south to Cape of Good Hope.
South Africa Adventure Map
National Geographic Society
This handy double-sided and detailed travel map of South Africa is printed on water and tear-resistant paper. Scale 1:1,550,000.
GUIDEBOOKS
Eyewitness Guide South Africa
Eyewitness Guides
This superb guide features color photography, dozens of excellent local maps and a region-by-region synopsis of the country's attractions.
Culture Smart! South Africa
David Holt-Biddle
This handy guide introduces local customs, etiquette, and culture.
Time Out Cape Town
Time Out
Compact, informative and lively, this outstanding guide covers where to go and what to do in Cape Town and surroundings.
NATURAL HISTORY
South Africa
Michael Poliza
The intrepid Michael Poliza works his large-scale magic on the remarkable landscapes, people and wildlife of South Africa. He settled in the country for seven years, capturing the peoples, topography and, of course, the wildlife of the compelling country.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Africa, a Biography of the Continent
John Reader
With the ease of a practiced journalist, Reader weaves a masterful and lively tale of the continent, from ancient cultures to modern times. Both authoritative and informal, this is a splendid introduction to all of Africa.
Beyond the Miracle, Inside the New South Africa
Allister Sparks
The South African journalist (Tomorrow is Another Country SAF31) continues the tale of the transformation of South Africa and its accomplishments, failures and challenges in the decade following the collapse of apartheid.
Playing the Enemy, Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation
John Carlin
Carlin vividly documents how Mandela used the 1995 Rugby World Cup to unite South Africa.
The Fate of Africa
Martin Meredith
Ambitious in scope, immensely readable -- and as big as a doorstop -- Martin Meredith's blockbuster country-by-country overview of the tumult in Africa since independence is now revised and updated to reflect recent events.
The Fortunes of Africa, A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed and Endeavor
Martin Meredith
Covering the epic story of colonialism in Africa, Meredith's magisterial history depicts empire-hungry kings, missionaries, tribal warlords, mining barons -- even modern multinational corporations. An expansive but entertaining read.
The Making of Modern South Africa, Conquest, Apartheid, Democracy
Nigel Worden
This well-researched, readable primer covers South African history from colonial conquest to the end of apartheid and beyond, with an updated chapter focusing on 1994 to 2007. Worden is a professor of history at the University of Cape Town.
The Scramble for Africa
Thomas Pakenham
Absorbing and meticulously researched, this in-depth history of the Victorian land grab in 19th century Africa includes excellent portraits of the egomaniacal personalities who overran the continent.
Wild at Heart
Peter Godwin & Chris Johns
This lush collection of full-color photographs tackles conservation, development and tradition in southern Africa. It's a well-illustrated portrait of the region by National Geographic photographer Johns and veteran journalist Godwin.
Hidden Cape Town
Paul Duncan
This unique journey behind the facades of South Africa's most interesting landmarks is both an architectural and cultural study. It includes over 300 photographs and informative text.
Conversations With Myself
Nelson Mandela
Mandela draws on letters, notebooks and taped interviews for this account of a remarkable life.
Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela
An unpretentious tale of an extraordinary life, Mandela's autobiography is essential reading for an understanding of South Africa. His grace and his love for his country shine throughout.
Mandela's Way: Fifteen Lessons on Life, Love, and Courage
Richard Stengel
Time magazine editor Stengel, who collaborated with Mandela on his bestselling autobiography, distills Mandela's wisdom into 15 vital life lessons that have the power to deepen lives.
Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela
The companion book to the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom sets Mandela's own words alongside interviews of friends and family and archival photos. With behind-the-scenes photos and an inside look at making the film.
Mandela, My Prisoner, My Friend
Christo Brand
The man who guarded Mandela for 12 years at Robben Island Prison, Warrant Officer Christo Brand, shares the story of prison life in South Africa and his unlikely friendship with the nation's most infamous inmate.
No Future Without Forgiveness
Desmond Tutu
Winner of the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize, Desmond Tutu writes with insight and compassion in this memoir of his work for reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa.
South Africa, A Traveler's Literary Companion
Isabel Balseiro & Tobias Hecht
This diverse collection of short stories reveals South Africa through the eyes of its writers, including Nadine Gordimer, J.M. Coetzee and Alan Paton.
The South Africa Reader, History, Culture, Politics
Clifton Crais & Thomas McClendon
A rich guide to the traditions and politics of South Africa, this reader gathers diverse voices into one cultural portrait. Cartoons, songs and fiction are juxtaposed with iconic historical documents.
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