Tours of South Africa

Our Discovery collection draws together the best of our holidays that focus on the culture of a destination, as well as on visiting iconic sights and embracing local traditions. Some of these Discovery holidays will also have an element of activity, combining sightseeing with short walks, for example. Others might have a multi-activity holiday format, including biking and/or rafting, for instance, and these holidays are specifically designed for the adrenaline seeker! Also within our discovery collection are those of our holidays with a wildlife emphasis, photographic workshops, and polar cruise holidays. Never too physically demanding, these are predominantly touring holidays and their grade (usually towards the lower end of our 1 to 12 scale) reflects, in part, the remoteness of the area visited and the conditions likely to be encountered. Our Discovery holidays allow the discerning traveller to get right to the heart of many of the world's most stimulating destinations.

Kruger, Zulus and the Drakensberg

Accessed through the city of Johannesburg, the spectacular and historically fascinating north-eastern corner of South Africa is also home to some of the world's finest game reserves. With a specialist guide and comfortable private transport, this holidays includes game drives in the world-famous Kruger National Park, but also spends time in less well-known, but equally impressive reserves, such as Hlane and Umfolozi. In Hlane we have a unique experience walking and camping in the reserve. In the coastal lakes areas of Kosi Bay and St Lucia we spend time walking, snorkelling and enjoying this special marine environment. Journeying back towards Johannesburg, our final stop-off is in the Drakensberg Mountains, a haven of peace and tranquillity in sight of the mighty Drakensberg escarpment backdrop for the film, 'Zulu'. Easy hiking in the wonderful countryside around this camp provides a fitting end to this excellent discovery adventure holiday.

Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences. Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character. Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience. All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

The trips we've build our reputation on. Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.

Mozambique, Kruger & Swazi Discoverer

Tour Map of Mozambique, Kruger & Swazi Discoverer

Want to tell a better travel story at your next dinner party? Tell ‘em about the time you went to southeast Africa. Nature is front-and-centre on this 13-day trip across three countries – South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique – with plenty of time devoted to the region’s amazing national parks and spotless beaches. Wander around the Portuguese-influenced cities of Mozambique, take a traditional dhow safari boat around Bazaruto National Park, track the Big Five in Kruger National Park, and drive the legendary Panorama Route to Johannesburg. Your stories are improving already.

South Africa Lodge Safari

Tour Map of South Africa Lodge Safari

Discover the best nature reserves and national parks in Southern Africa as we stay in intimate lodges and go in search of wild game. We explore mountainous Ithala on foot, look for turtles in Kosi Bay and head to Tembe Elephant Park, home of the big tuskers. We cross into the Kingdom of Swaziland and find abundant rhino at Mkhaya whilst staying in stone lodges deep in the reserve. Our final destination is the world famous Kruger National Park, to spot the 'Big Five' and eat a traditional brai. Due to limited availability at some of the small lodges that we stay in on this trip some departures will have slightly amended itineraries; we will still visit all the highlights and all the game reserves, just in a slightly different order.

KwaZulu-Natal - Drakensbergs and Wildlife Safari

Tour Map of KwaZulu-Natal - Drakensbergs and Wildlife Safari

Get close to nature as we walk through the diverse landscapes of northern KwaZulu-Natal; including the mountainous Drakensbergs, the dry bushland of Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Reserve, and iSimangaliso Wetlands. Hike to a mountain cave, experience a walking game safari in a 'Big Five' reserve and follow coastal trails. En route we also take game drives, spot estuary hippos and crocodiles, and learn some of the region's complex history.

From wildlife safaris in Africa to tiger tracking in India and visits to the chattering penguins of Antarctica, Explore offers a diverse range of wildlife adventures for everyone, whatever your passion. Join us in Spitsbergen in search of Polar bears or in Madagascar to see reclusive lemurs; experience face-to-face encounters with endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda or track elusive jaguars in Guyana. Search for the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo and elephant – in Africa’s world-famous game parks; or for the ultimate African wildlife experience join a walking safari, where the thrill of being on foot among the wildlife is second to none. Closer to home you could observe the rare European brown bear in Finland, the whales and dolphins of the Azores or the prolific birdlife of the Scottish islands. By exploring in small, inconspicuous groups you can not only get into the heart of the animal kingdom for exciting wildlife encounters, but also enjoy longer periods of relaxed observation with excellent opportunities for photography and video.

Zululand & Kruger Wildlife

Tour Map of Zululand & Kruger Wildlife

On this trip we visit the great game reserves of South Africa and Swaziland. We search for the Big Five in the renowned Kruger National Park and track both white and black rhinos in the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve. We also visit the Zulu battlefields, discover the wetlands of Greater St Lucia and take a walking safari through Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Swaziland.