Archaeological Trips
Some of the world’s richest early hominid sites are found in Southern and east Africa. These include the Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg in Sou...
South Africa is often described as a ‘World in One Country’! It is a large land of spectacular beauty which has something for everyone from gourmets to wildlife enthusiasts, beach-lovers to adventure seekers, and anyone looking for authentic African cultural experiences.
It is one of the most geographically and biologically diverse countries on the African continent and comprises several major regions: the Coastal Belt running from Cape Town along the Garden Route up to Kwazulu-Natal in the northeast, the stunning Drakensberg Mountains that stretch unbroken for over 600 miles and the vast sparsely populated arid central region. The Central Plateau, covered by rolling grasslands known as the ‘Highveld’ starts east of Johannesburg and drops away to the big game country in the east.
It is a land of many experiences – from a traditional safari watching the ’big five’ in one of the continent’s biggest national parks to relaxing on blissful blue flag beaches or surfing some of the world’s best super tubes. You can discover the unmatched tastes and ambience of exquisite wine routes or experience the architectural delights and hustle and bustle of vibrant cities.
You can watch whales doing acrobatics at the world’s whale watching capital, get “teeth-counting close” with great white sharks or take part in any of the endless adventure sports on offer. Hartley’s with their vast African experience will guide you through this magical maze to ensure a holiday of a lifetime.
SOUTH AFRICA HIGHLIGHTS
Kruger National Park
Experience world-class safaris and spot the Big Five in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife reserves.
Table Mountain
Hike or take a cable car to the top of this iconic landmark, enjoying panoramic views of Cape Town and the surrounding coastline.
Robben Island
Discover the history of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid with a tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, including Nelson Mandela’s former prison cell.
Garden Route
Drive along this scenic coastal route, exploring charming towns, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems.
Winelands
Sample award-winning wines and enjoy gourmet cuisine in the picturesque vineyards of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl.
SOUTH AFRICA EXPERIENCES
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Astronomy
Keen stargazers can overnight at isolated farms houses and even if only equipped with a pair of binoculars will be treated to spectacular views of the...
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Birding Safaris
Southern and East Africa offer an enormous variety of specialist birding opportunities. Birding safaris are offered to almost every part of the region...
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Children on Safari
Africa is the ultimate holiday destination for a family vacation and children are becoming more welcomed at hotels and lodges throughout Africa than i...
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Cultural and Historical Guides
Whether it be rambling though the old Arabic and Swahili buildings in Zanzibar’s Stone Town, climbing down the sides of Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge, the ...
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Cycling Safaris
There are also cycling tours through the bustling streets of Soweto near Johannesburg. Riders stop off at some famous historical sites including Nelso...
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Diving and Swimming with Sharks
There are also cycling tours through the bustling streets of Soweto near Johannesburg. Riders stop off at some famous historical sites including Nelso...
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Fishing
Be it fly fishing for tiger fish on the Zambezi or a deep water quest for marlin in the Indian Ocean, Southern and East Africa offers world class angl...
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Flowers
One of South Africa’s most colourful natural displays happens when winter rains stimulate the blooming of millions of bright red, yellow, purple and o...
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Frog Safaris
The sub-tropical rivers and pans (large ponds) of Zululand and the high altitude lakes of the Chrissiesmeer area of Mpumalanga host a rich and varied ...
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Game Drive Safaris
Game drives are great way to experience the sights and scents of the African bush. Most safari lodges offer early-morning and late-afternoon game driv...
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Golf
In South Arica there a number of tough links courses which are made more challenging when the wind blows. There are courses designed by golfing legend...
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Honeymoons
Imagine an island experience off the coast of Zanzibar combined with a luxury safari in the Serengeti or dining in the shadow of Table Mountain and sa...
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Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Floating high over the millions of animals migrating across the Serengeti or drifting in the soft morning light across the silent red and pink dappled...
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Houseboats
Houseboats offer great opportunities for game viewing, fishing or simply relaxing with a good book and having a cool drink and a barbecue. Although ho...
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Luxury Trains
The Rovos Rail Company runs luxury train tours within South Africa and to various destinations throughout the region. The trains offer five star cuisi...
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Mountain Ranges
Seeing snow capped peaks might surprise some visitors to Africa but in South Africa and east Africa it does indeed snow on the high peaks. In Tanzani...
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Panoramic Routes
Driving though southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania with Kilimanjaro soaring in the distance is an exhilarating experience, with the mountain forming ...
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Rock Art
The paintings, many of them made with vegetable dyes, animal blood or carbon from fires, provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the hunter-ga...
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Sardine Run
The “sardine run” is a mass “migration” of vast shoals of these small fish that annually move along South Africa’s east coast, usually between Port St...
