The Addo Elephant National Park is renowned for its impressive herds of elephant as well as the large variety of plants, birds and animals that have adapted to the climate of the Eastern Cape. There are numerous game drives within the Park, as well as a bird hide overlooking an active water hole. The main waterhole, which can be seen from the chalets, is flood-lit at night, giving you the opportunity to watch the game and enjoy a glass of good red wine at the same time.
The Orange River cascades into the deep and spectacular gorge at the Augrabies Falls National Park. The semi-arid vegetation of the area is home to many mammal and bird species.
Over the centuries, visitors have marvelled not only at Cape Town’s natural splendour, but also at the cultural diversity of the Mother City – the blending of African, Western and Eastern ways of life which are evident in architecture, food and local customs. Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, the Cape Peninsula and Rondevlei Bird Sanctuary are a few of the many attractions not to be missed.
The Cederberg Mountains, with their dramatic red sandstone formations, were once the hunting grounds of the San people, and many of their exploits are recorded in the form of remarkable rock paintings.
The Little Karoo is situated between the Great Karoo and the Garden Route and is overlooked by the spectacular Witberg, Langeberg and Swartberg Mountains. Oudtshoorn is the Ostrich capital of the world and the Cango Caves with their interesting limestone formations are worthy of a visit. The fascinating vegetation of the Little Karoo is well-adapted to drought and the diversity of bird species is surprisingly high.
The Royal Natal National Park is situated below the sheer face of the Drakensberg ecarpment. There are many hiking trails of varying length and gradient that wil take you to the Amphitheatre, the most awe-inspiring of all the Drakensberg scenery. The deep valleys, mountain grasslands and rugged peaks support stands of protea and a host of birds and mammals.
The Addo Elephant National Park is renowned for its impressive herds of elephant as well as the large variety of plants, birds and animals that have adapted to the climate of the Eastern Cape. There are numerous game drives within the Park, as well as a bird hide overlooking an active water hole. The main waterhole, which can be seen from the chalets, is flood-lit at night, giving you the opportunity to watch the game and enjoy a glass of good red wine at the same time.
During our spring months the Southern Right Whales come to the southern cape coastline to calve in safety. There are also a number of Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserves in the Hermanus area which play host to the endemic flora of the Western Cape.
The Kalahari National Park, recently re-named the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, is a chance to see one of the last true wilderness reserves in the world. The park is spread across three countries,(South Africa, Botswana and Namibia) with no border or boundary fences. Kalahari Lion, Cheetah, Gemsbok and many other species can be seen in the park. It is characterised by its red sand dunes and the dry riverbeds of the Nossub and Auob rivers where camel thorn, raisin bush and black thorn attract over 215 bird species to their welcoming cool shade.
The Kruger Park is one of the most famous National Parks in the world and the oldest one in Africa. It is 350km long and covers an area of almost 2 million hectares. It is home to an unparalled diversity of flora and fauna : 507 species of bird, 147 species of mammals (including the Big Five), 300 types of trees, 49 fish species, 114 reptile species and 33 types of amphibians.
The Karoo National Park has 64 species of mammals, over 200 bird species (including birds of prey such as the magnificent Verreaux’s Eagle) and 59 species of reptile. It is renowned for its impressive landscapes, and the wide variety of plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh climate of the Karoo.
The beautifully tranquil Langebaan Lagoon is a must for any keen birder, with over 250 bird species recorded here to date. During the spring months of August and September you will be able to visit the vibrant fields of flowers in the West Coast Flower Reserve.
Springbok is a large town in the heart of Namaqualand. In early August and September the dry landscape is transformed by fields of Spring flowers. The kaleidoscope of colours and diversity of species provide excellent photographic opportunities.
With its dramatic backdrop of the Hottentots Holland Mountains and many fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture, the university town of Stellenbosch is a rewarding place to visit. Surrounded by many wine estates, it also provides the opportunity for wine-tasting and gourmet meals.
Swaziland, the Enchanted Kingdom, has a number of excellent Nature Reserves and National Parks. The Malolotja Nature Reserve is highly recommended. Primarily a walking reserve, it gives you the opportunity to spot some of the 280 bird species that have been recorded there.
Upington is a large town on the banks of the Orange River with an airport and all modern amenities. It is a useful stepping stone to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Wakkerstroom is an excellent area for birdwatching and is steeped in history from the Anglo-Boer and Zulu Wars. The wetlands and rolling montane grasslands surrounding this small town have been managed as a bird reserve for over a decade.
