South Africa is one of the most geographically varied countries of the African continent, comprising territory that ranges from the rolling, fertile plains of the highveld and the wide open savanna of the Eastern Transvaal to the Kalahari desert and the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains. While all of its diverse regions offer ample opportunities for adventure travel, the focus in South Africa--as in much of sub-Saharan Africa--is the safari. In addition to possessing two of the world's most renowned wildlife reserves, the Kruger and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Parks, the country contains over a dozen smaller regional parks and reserves. In addition, with its excellent road and rail systems, its abundance of top-rated accommodations, and its bountiful farmlands and vineyards, South Africa allows visitors ample opportunity for more luxurious comfort along with adventuresome excitement.

South Africa is located, as one might expect, on the southern tip of Africa. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Indian Ocean on the south and east. Along its northern border, from west to east, lie Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, and to the northeast are Mozambique and Swaziland. Wholly-enclosed by South Africa, and situated in its eastern central plain, is the independent kingdom of Lesotho.

Almost all of South Africa's 472,000 square miles (1.2 million sq. km.) lie below the Tropic of Capricorn, and the country is geographically composed of three primary regions: an expansive central plateau, a nearly continuous escarpment of mountain ranges that ring the plateau on the west, south, and east, and a narrow strip of low-lying land along the coast. Most of the central plateau (and most of the country) consists of high (4,000-6,000 ft/1,220-1,830 m), rolling grassland known as highveld. The highest points of the mountainous escarpment are found in the stunning Drakensberg (dragon's back) Mountains, where the tips of dragon's back can exceed heights of 10,000 ft (3,050 m).

When to Go

Although South Africa's climate varies considerably across its various regions and environments, temperatures remain comfortable throughout the year. The best time to visit for safari is between May to August, when there is less rain and much less dense vegetation, making animal sightings far more frequent.

Ultimate South African Safari

South Africa is a land of seemingly endless variety and the Ultimate Safari ensures that you visit the highlights whilst enjoying a level of luxury accommodation that is unique to this warm, friendly and scenically beautiful country. The journey begins at The Mount Nelson, a Cape Town landmark and a hotel which retains the grace and charm of a by-gone era whilst providing you with every modern convenience and service. Explore stunning Cape Town and be sure to venture out into the surrounding winelands and the wilderness areas of the Cape. For a change of pace, fly to Sun City and spend two nights at the fabled Palace of the Lost City - home of an ancient people and their royal family, this is an Africa unto itself! For two gloriously indulgent nights enjoy a level of opulence and majesty "fit for a king". After a night at a boutique hotel in Johannesburg you continue on to the Kruger National Park area where your last three nights in Africa are spent at Singita. One of Africa's finest private game reserves, the game viewing will thrill you as will your stay at either Boulders or Ebony Lodge. Both offer world-class comfort, style, food and rare vintage wines in surrounds that speak of the art, culture and tradition of Africa.