South Africa is famed for its wildlife reserves, with everything from leopards and lions to giraffes and hippopotami found in the bushveld. Here you can visit 4-star reserves with not only an incredible collection of animals but also majestic mountains, rivers and valleys. It’s not uncommon to find black wildebeest, Burchell's zebra and black-backed jackals among the usual sightings. There are over 170 species of birds in the area so don’t forget your binoculars and long lenses to make the most of the opportunities too.
South Africa cruises also offer visitors the opportunity to meet some of the native aquatic wildlife. Durban’s Ushaka Marine World is the southern hemisphere’s biggest aquarium, and there’s a fantastic theme park and shopping mall here too.
The city of East London, on the south east coast, offers a zoo, a museum, river mouths, beaches, waterfalls and forests, as well as the usual shopping and eating delights of a city. The Wild Coast here has been compared to depictions of the Garden of Eden, thanks to the incredible subtropical scenery.
South Africa's coastline varies from the hot and dry northeast, characterised by the arid landscapes surrounding Durban, to the more tropical conditions in the south and west. On the southern coast are the capes, which enjoy a year-round Mediterranean climate and are lush with tropical vegetation and vibrant wildflowers.