Hout bay view from Chapmans Peak Drive,Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa

Reborn as the ‘Rainbow Nation’, this enthralling country offers culture, wildlife, landscapes and history – all as varied as the country itself.

Few places offer as much diversity as South Africa. Vibrant Cape Town and the magnificent Kruger attract the most attention, but South Africa is dotted with private reserves, boutique properties and activities for all ages. History and culture sit side-by-side with dramatic landscapes and prolific wildlife, making for a destination that requires more than one visit for many.

Explore South Africa

  • Cape Town
  • Cape Winelands
  • West & Northern Cape
  • Garden Route
  • Eastern Cape Game Reserves
  • KwaZulu-Natal
  • Madikwe & The Waterberg
  • Kruger National Park

Experiences

Make the most of every moment in South Africa. Create an itinerary brimming with these truly unforgettable moments.

Aparthied Museum, Johannesburg, South Africa
South Africa

A Walk with Nelson Mandela’s Prison Guard

Spend a morning in the company of former prison warden and close friend of Nelson Mandela, Christo Brand. Gain privileged access to Pollsmoor Maximum Security Prison where Mandela was held after 18 years on Robben Island, and learn more about the fascinating alliance that grew and endured between prisoner and warden.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Night sky at Marataba Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserves, South Africa
South Africa

Night Sky Safari

Join a night sky safari to learn more about the vast African skies – your guides will point out the seasonally shifting constellations and those that are unique to the southern hemisphere.

Exterior of Great Fish River Lodge, Kwandwe Private Reserve, Eastern Cape, South Africa
South Africa

Fishing in South Africa

Try your hand at catch and release fishing, either in still reservoir waters or the currents of the Great Fish River in the Eastern Cape Game Reserves.

Suggested Hotel

Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa

Chapmans Peak

Take a scenic drive south of Cape Town to Chapmans Peak, navigating its 114 bends for stunning 180º views of the western side of the Cape Peninsula.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Thonga Beach Lodge, KwaZulu Natal
South Africa

Diving & Snorkelling

Whether a beginner or a master, there are some fabulous reefs to explore off the eastern shores of South Africa.

Suggested Hotel

Rock art at Bushmans Kloof, Cederberg, South Africa
South Africa

Cederberg Rock Art

Explore some of the wonderful examples of rock art scattered among South Africa’s Cedarberg mountains.

Suggested Reading: Blog

Cheetah, Kalahari Desert, South Africa
South Africa

Cheetah Tracking

Get involved in cheetah conservation efforts, tracking these agile felines on foot in the Eastern Cape reserve of Samara.  Learn to track using traditional methods, searching for pug and scratch markings as well as monitoring the movements of collared individuals.

Suggested Lodge

Ant's Hill, The Waterberg, South Africa
South Africa

Horseback Safari

The Waterberg region of South Africa offers some of the best horse riding in the country and the chance to move among the wildlife, almost as one.

Suggested Hotel

Lilac Breasted Roller, Kruger National Park, South Africa
South Africa

Birding

The Madikwe region of South Africa is home to more than 350 species of bird making it a great spot for keen ornithologists.

Suggested Hotel

Hands on Rhino Conservation, clients with rangers and Rhino in July 2017, South Africa
South Africa

Madikwe Conservation Safaris

Join a team of professionals for a hands-on conservation experience notching and micro-chipping rhinos, collaring elephants, sample collecting and counting game – all invaluable conservation activities.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

More Quarters Neighbourhood Hotel £££££

  • South Africa
  • City

More Quarters collection of converted heritage townhouses come together to create the Neighbourhood Hotel. Each of their entrances opens to a cobbled lane adjoining the main boutique hotel, Cape Cadogan, creating the feel of a secluded quarter in the suburb.

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Ant’s Hill Safari Lodge – The Ant Collection £££££

  • Africa
  • Safari Lodge

Built on the edge of a cliff, Ant’s Hill Safari Lodge is a fantastic base for a range of different travellers and is part of The Ant Collection. With an open and friendly atmosphere, guests are sure to experience a home from home feeling.

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Lepogo Noka Camp £££££

  • South Africa
  • Safari Lodge

Nestled in the heart of Lapalala Game Reserve, atop a spectacular 100 foot rock face, lies Noka Camp. Overlooking the Palala River below, Noka Camp encourages complete tranquillity with unparalleled comfort, whilst being a fantastic base from which to explore the African wilderness.

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Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa £££££

  • South Africa
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Nestled within Welgevonden Game Reserve, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa is a five-star, private safari lodge and villa in the Waterberg district.

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Jaci’s Safari Lodge £££££

  • South Africa
  • Safari Lodge

Jaci’s Safari Lodge is situated in the Madikwe Game Reserve and offers guests a refreshing, authentic safari experience.

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Sungulwane Private Game Lodge £££££

  • South Africa
  • Safari Lodge

Inspired by the Zulu word for “the view of the eye”, Sungulwane Private Game Lodge overlooks the unspoiled wilderness of Zuka Private Game Reserve, providing an exclusive Big Five safari experience.

View Property

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Rachael Tallents

Adventure, discovery and my curiosity for people and the natural world is what drives my love of travelling.  I am grateful for my parents’ desire to explore, and from an early age my eyes were open to diverse landscapes, cultures, and underwater worlds.

For the last 16 years, I have worked for a leading luxury tour operator designing incredible journeys for discerning clients and travelled to some magical places. I am excited to have joined Steppes Travel, and to be working for a company with such strong ethical and sustainable values.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980
Uthando south africa
South Africa

Uthando

All Steppes Travel holidays to South Africa include a donation to Uthando, a non-profit organisation that works with independent, innovative and inspiring community development projects. Based in Cape Town they support causes ranging from female empowerment to youth education and we highly recommend including a tour of one of these projects for a fun, insightful experience and the chance to meet the people benefiting from their work.
One contribution from Steppes Travel was used to champion the Masizakhe Youth Art Project (MYAP) in the township of Gugulethu in Cape Town by providing educational support and youth development through dance, drama, poetry and singing. Masizakhe is run on a daily basis by a group of six facilitators to more than 30 children.

 

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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