Afrika safaris

South-Africa

South Africa offers something for everyone: safari, beach and sea, wine regions, culture and history, mountains, you name it and South Africa has it. Two other advantages: large parts are malaria-free and easy to travel. The country has a wide variety of habitats, from lush tropical forests to arid deserts and mountains to bushveld savannah. Since the first democratic elections in 1994, South Africa has become one of the world’s top travel destinations, and its colourful mix of people, cultures and history has turned it into what South Africans proudly describe as “a world in a country.”

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Safari in South-Africa

Nature reserves in northern South-Africa

Kruger National Park and satellite parks

Kruger National Park is one of the most famous parks in Africa, and has a long history of safari. In particular, the Private Concessions within the park boundaries of Kruger and the Private Game Reserve just outside it are the most interesting in terms of quality. Names like Pafuri in the north and Sabi Sands have proven themselves over the years to be absolute top destinations that are home to rich flora and fauna, including 330 species of plants, 45 species of fish, 30 species of amphibians, 110 species of reptiles, 500 species of birds and 145 species of mammals – including the Big 5 (leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhino). The great advantage of Private Reserve like Sabi Sands is that only visitors from the lodges located there are allowed here; day guests are not allowed, nor is it allowed to go on game drives on your own . Staying at one of the lodges implies that safari activities are included, and this very thing is a crucial component for a productive safari: as a guest, you are taken into the wild by highly trained guides who can really tell you everything about the Reserve and the animals living in it. Another advantage is that the guides have permission to drive off-road (something strictly prohibited in Kruger NP) allowing them to follow the special animals such as the leopard through the bush. The chances of a great encounter with the magnificent African wildlife are thus greatly increased.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve consists of vast grassy plains and more vegetated sections. The Reserve is divided in two by rugged hills and is bordered on the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains. Because of the variety of habitats, Madikwe is home to an enormous variety of flora and fauna. The 66 species of mammals include the famous “Big 5”: elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros. Other spectacular residents include giraffe, hippo, cheetah, wild dog and hyena. For birders, there is also a great deal to see, with over 340 different species counted in the Reserve.

Nature reserves in Kwazula Natal

Phinda and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi

Magnificent safari opportunities are also available in KwaZulu Natal, with highlights being the luxurious Phinda Private Game Reserve and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, the park known for its thriving rhino populations

iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Indian Ocean

In the northeastern part of the province of Kwazulu-Natal find with iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It is a very diverse region, with vegetated dunes, wetlands, sandy beaches, forests and the warm sea. The area lies within the boundaries of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of South Africa’s World Heritage Sites, and includes a multitude of ecological zones. Offshore is the Maputaland Marine Reserve, with exceptional opportunities for diving and snorkeling among lush marine life, spectacular corals and dolphins and whales. Few stretches of the South African coast are so pristine and secluded. The area is known for its beautiful dive sites, as well as for the Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles that lay their eggs on the endless beaches.

The Cape / Garden- & Whaleroute

One of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world can be found in the far south of the African continent. The route leads from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, and is characterized by lush vegetation, many lagoons and lakes, and the beautiful transition from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way, towns such as Jeffrey’s Bay, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg’s Bay and Hermanus are visited, offering something for everyone.

For coastal lovers, towns like Jeffrey’s Bay offer all kinds of beach activities. Jeffrey’s Bay itself is known for the huge waves on which surfers show off their skills, but there are also safe swimming beaches. Of course, wonderful restaurants, stores and entertainment venues can also be found along the route. The lagoons and lakes around Knysna offer relaxation in the form of hiking trails, wellness centers, and golf courses. The coastal route from Hermanus is known for whales, and the area around Cape Town is a real wine region, with grape fields and wine tastings for enthusiasts.

Kaapstad

Cape Town is truly a worldly city, where many cultures and all kinds of historical movements meet. Of course, a visit to Table Mountain is a must, but the lovely beaches of fashionable places like Camp’s Bay are also well worth a visit. The Waterfront is the heart of Cape Town’s harbor, while the Company Gardens and various museums in the city center provide cultural and historical fulfillment. Of course, deepening into South Africa’s Apartheid past is also an extremely impressive component. The District Six museum, the Nelson Mandela Gateway, and of course Robben Island all represent impressive reminders of a troubled past.

Climate South-Africa

In South Africa’s temperate climate, summers are especially hot. Winters, on the other hand, are cool and dry. Between mid-September and November is spring. Then the temperature is between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. In summer, roughly from December to March, the temperature can reach about 30 degrees. Most rain falls in summer, but these showers never last long. In winter, it is fairly chilly in the morning and evening trade.

South Africa can be visited throughout the year. This depends on what you want to do in this beautiful country. We should add that due to the current climate changes, the seasons can vary greatly.

Map South-Africa (east)

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the most famous parks in Africa, and has a long history in the safari field.  Names like Pafuri in the north and Sabi Sands have proven over the years to be absolute top destinations that are home to rich flora and fauna, including 330 species of plants, 45 species of fish, 30 species of amphibians, 110 species of reptiles, 500 species of birds and 145 species of mammals - including the Big 5.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe consists of vast grassy plains and more vegetated sections. The Reserve is divided in two by rugged hills and is bordered on the south side by the Dwarsberg Mountains. Due to the variety of habitats, Madikwe is home to an enormous variety of flora and fauna.

Marakele NP & Welgevonden GR

The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, has become a "haven" for a wide variety of wildlife, mainly due to its location in the transition zone between the arid western and humid eastern regions of South Africa.

Welgevonden Game Reserve is a declared heritage area of 33,000 ha. It borders Marekele National Park, located in the breathtaking Waterberg Biosphere.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a large game park in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana and South Africa, bordering Namibia to the west. It is characterized by red dunes and dry rivers. Wildlife includes migrating herds of wildebeest and springbok, plus predators such as raptors and black-mouthed Kalahari lions.

Tswalu Game Reserve

Tswalu is a private game reserve in the remote southern Kalahari, offering a true wilderness experience and the ultimate off-the-beaten-track safari

Phinda en Hluhluwe-Umfolozi

Wonderful safari opportunities are also available in KwaZulu Natal, with highlights including the luxurious Phinda Private Game Reserve and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, the park known for its thriving rhino populations.

Dolphin Coast

The northern coast of KwaZulu Natal is known as the Dolphin Coast, due to regular sightings of bottlenose dolphins 'riding the waves of the Indian Ocean' in large frolicking schools

iSimangaliso wetland park

In the northeastern part of the province of Kwazulu-Natal you will find iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It is a very diverse region, with vegetated dunes, wetlands, sand beaches, forests and the warm sea. The area includes a multitude of ecological zones. Offshore is the Maputaland Marine Reserve with exceptional opportunities for diving and snorkeling among lush marine life, spectacular corals and dolphins and whales.

Map South-Africa (west)

Klik op de regio van uw keuze op onderstaande kaart.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve bestaat uit uitgestrekte grasvlakten en meer begroeide gedeelten. Door de variatie aan leefgebieden is er in Madikwe een enorme veelzijdigheid aan flora en fauna. Onder de 66 soorten zoogdieren zijn ook de bekende ‘Big five'. Andere spectaculaire bewoners zijn onder andere giraffe, nijlpaard, cheetah, wilde hond en hyena. Ook voor vogelaars is er veel te zien.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Het Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is een groot wildpark in de Kalahari-woestijn van Botswana en Zuid-Afrika, in het westen grenzend aan Namibië. Het wordt gekenmerkt door rode duinen en droge rivieren. Tot de wilde dieren behoren migrerende kuddes gnoes en springbokken, plus roofdieren als roofvogels en zwart-gemaande Kalahari leeuwen.

The Cape / Garden & Whale Route

One of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world can be found in the far south of the African continent. The route runs from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, and is characterized by lush vegetation, many lagoons and lakes, and the beautiful transition from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean.

Cape town

Cape Town is truly a worldly city, where many cultures and all kinds of historical movements meet. Of course, a visit to Table Mountain is a must, but the lovely beaches of places like Camp's Bay are also well worth a visit.

Cederber Wilderness Area

The Cederberg is known for its quality rock climbing routes, especially around the Krakadouw and Table Mountain peaks. The Table Mountain sandstone creates ideal conditions for spectacular routes.

Shamwari & Amakhala Game Reserve

Located in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers an abundance of wildlife, fauna and flora exclusive to the area and unforgettable encounters with nature.

Whale Coast

The pristine Cape Whale Coast is flanked by majestic mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The entire route is known for its generous whale sightings, especially in the Walker Bay area between Hermanus and Gansbaai.

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    Reviews

    After a personal and enthusiastic visit by Oscar at our home, he quickly mapped out a wonderful trip, completely based on our wishes. Just before we left, we received the navigation and a detailed itinerary. Even though we were looking forward to this immensely, we never imagined that the trip through this beautiful country would be so special! During this trip, we did the Garden Route by rental car from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, and then from Johannesburg via the Panorama Route (a private reserve), the Kruger National Park and Swaziland, to the coast. Except for the flights, Oscar arranged everything for us down to the last detail. He allowed us to be able to see and experience the different facets of South Africa in one trip. The views of oceans, mountains and reserves from the accommodations or in the areas were often too beautiful and special to explain in words. The long car rides (which were necessary to cover the enormously long distances in South Africa) were not a problem at all due to the carefully selected itineraries. To sum up: a very nice trip that we owe to Oscar’s dedication, experience, enthusiasm and network.

     

    Worth mentioning: We had only booked a rental car in advance from the third day. But because the weather in Cape Town was quite bad we wanted the car a day earlier. Oscar was able to arrange this for us within a few hours, and without any problem the car was at our accommodation the next day. Then when we couldn’t get the navigation to work, Oscar again helped us arrive at our destination before dark.

     

    Linda & Jeroen, journey to Botswana

    From day one to day fourteen everything was arranged perfectly, every detail and every mile according to the booklets. Fantastic nature and views, campsite’s and lodges very well organized and perfectly matched! The self-drive concept is recommended to everyone, exciting but also very relaxing, because you become one with everything you encounter. Oscar thank you so much for this wonderful trip and we will definitely use your services again soon!

    Paul Nanne, journey to Namibia

    In December we took a trip through South Africa put together by Oscar, which was organized to perfection. From Johannesburg we traveled via the “Drakenberg Route” to the “Greater Kruger”, where an unforgettable safari awaited us. Oscar had booked a beautiful lodge for us, where we were completely pampered. A great experience, where we were amazed every day by the impressive nature. Seeing the Big Five, accompanied by amazing rangers and people at the park, was an experience beyond all our expectations. The Ngala reserve booked by Oscar did everything they could to make the most of our trip, from breakfast in the jungle to searching for leopards at night, amazing!After the safari we flew back to Johannesburg and then on to Port-Elizabeth. Here we started the flower route with Jeffreys Bay as our first destination. A beautiful surf spot, where Africa Safaris had booked a cozy family hotel for us. After several more wonderful nights in Swellendam, and Hermanus we traveled further to the wine region of Stellenbosch / Franschhoek. Again a fantastic place, with wonderful wineries, super food, and a wonderful hotel. Finally, we concluded our trip in Cape Town, where again we were pleasantly surprised with the accommodation booked for us and were able to fully enjoy this living metropolis. With the help of Oscar we were able to have a trip to remember. Through an orientation meeting, Oscar was able to completely tailor the trip to our needs, all hotels, and accommodations were fantastic. Totally organized, in the most beautiful places and completely carefree.Thanks again for this great experience!

    Jan Zomerdijk, journey to South-Africa

    Our trip through Namibia in January 2017.What a beautiful country! Nature is overwhelmingly beautiful with intense colors and breathtaking views. The trip was perfectly put together by Oscar Haartman and extensively documented. Adventurous and unforgettable! We drove about 3000 km with 2 cars incl. tent on the roof. The alternation of campsites and lodges was absolutely fine. The beautifully located campsites also made camping an experience! Kalahari desert, Sossusvlei, few days coast and Etosha game reserve, how much we enjoyed! Thank you Oscar for your great service and guidance, you gave us a great trip!

    Frans & Miriam