Swain Destinations uses cookies to enhance your Browsing experience. By using this site, you agree to our updated Privacy Policy and our Cookie Policy. Close
Swain Destinations
Start Planning Today
1-800-22-SWAIN
or Call Your Travel Advisor
South Africa

South Africa

South Africa is a young nation, transformed from a country of racial segregation to a diverse nation of unity and hope, boasting many traditions and rich cultures, joined together to become a “rainbow nation”. There is something for everyone here, from big cities with luxurious hotels and resorts, to the more historical, scenic towns and villages with amazing cultural museums and monuments with quaint luxury lodges in their setting. It is home for the Magnificent Seven; the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) plus wild dog and cheetah, as well as a vast array of other fascinating animals and birds. Experience the magic of open vehicle safari, traversing protected reserves to see wildlife in their own natural habitat.

With many bustling cities, South Africa is truly a magical and diverse destination. Perfect for the visitor looking to explore wildlife safaris and get to know the local culture, this is a country with many faces. Experience Cape Town, the country’s mother city or jet off to Johannesburg, an entrepreneurial, modern and prosperous city with rich history. With a wide array of vineyards with world-class wines to sample and options for exploring the extensive wildlife of the region, South Africa is a dazzling combination of city scenery, breathtaking scenic landscapes and wildlife rich game reserves.
South Africa

Locations

Cape Town, Winelands and Hermanus

Cape Town, Winelands and Hermanus

South Africa’s “Mother City” is indescribably beautiful, steeped in fascinating history and pulsating to a heady African rhythm. Indeed, few urban centers anywhere can match its setting along the mountainous Cape Peninsula spine, which slides into the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you take a day trip or stretch your time to a few days beyond Cape Town’s boundaries, you’ll be spoiled for choice. A ride in a cable car to the top of Table Mountain or a ferry journey to Robben Island. Head inland to experience rich historical and cultural heritage of the winelands. Hug the coastline and explore breathtaking scenery, stopping at Hermanus to see the whales in season.
Johannesburg and Pretoria

Johannesburg and Pretoria

Johannesburg is the economic heart of South Africa, the central focus of Egoli ('Place of Gold'), as the Sotho name for Gauteng suggests. The largest and richest city in South Africa, Johannesburg's lifestyle is a fast-paced and hectic one. Despite its sociological problems, which intimidate many people away from exploring Johannesburg, the city is not to be written off as tourist destination. For those interested in South Africa's history and culture, Johannesburg offers fascinating museums. A thriving café culture and a thrumming nightlife exist in many of Johannesburg's suburbs. The townships are also interesting to tour. South Africa’s administrative capital to the north, Pretoria is famed for its grand architectural masterpieces, countless museums and thousands of magnificent Jacaranda trees.
Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger Area

Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger Area

With 7,523 square-miles of unrivaled diversity of life forms fuses with historical and archaeological sites - this is real Africa, the iconic Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa.  South Africa’s world-renowned Greater Kruger Area is home to the notorious Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino). Located on the western boundary adjacent to the central section of Kruger National Park, the unfenced private reserves of the Greater Kruger covers an area of 180 000 hectares which is dedicated to conservation and comprises over twenty game parks, such as Kapama, Timbavati, Thornybush and Sabi Sands. This is safari country with outstanding viewing opportunities and spectacular scenery!
Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve

A hidden gem and prime safari destination, Madikwe Game reserve is the fifth-largest game reserve in South Africa. The 75,000-hectare reserve located in the Northwest Province and borders Botswana, close to the Kalahari. The diverse topography of the reserve ranges from wooded-hills opening to flat savannah plains, offering excellent game viewing of the Magnificent Seven (Big Five plus wild dog and cheetah) as well as many other mammal species and birdlife. Being malaria free, the reserve is a great option for families.
Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve

Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve

Tswalu offers a true wilderness experience on the southernmost edge of the Kalahari in the Northern Cape with access to the largest privately own protected area in South Africa. From the landmark Korannaberg mountains to the southern Kalahari’s typical arid savannah and iconic ochre dunes rippling away to the horizon. Tswalu’s sustainable conservation journey to restore the Kalahari is supported by a high-value, low-impact ecotourism model of nature-based tourism with community and culture at its core. A diverse range of wildlife is protected in South Africa’s largest private game reserve, including many rare and critically endangered species and five of the most elusive species in Africa. Tswalu is also one of the only places in South Africa to experience habituated meerkats up close.

Sample Itineraries

Contact Us for the Latest Sample Itineraries and Special Offers to South Africa

Tours and Activities

Lodging

Cape Town

Eastern Cape

Franschhoek

Gansbaai

Hermanus

Johannesburg

Kapama Private Game Reserve

Kruger National Park

Madikwe Game Reserve

Manyeleti Game Reserve

Phinda Game Reserve

Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Stellenbosch

Thornybush Nature Reserve

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve

Umhlanga

Western Cape

Price Guide

$ = Up to $299
$$ = $300 to $599
$$$ = $600 to $999
$$$$ = $1000 to $2499
$$$$$ = $2500+
Starting price per room, per night, in USD and based on double occupancy.