Its always a good time to go on a safari in South Africa. Often referred to as 'sunny South Africa', the country has some of the best weather in the world, making it the perfect summer getaway for the holiday season. Set in the Southern hemisphere, South Africa sees the onset of winters just as the summer season sets off in India, making it an ideal escape from the heat.
Of course, you can have an adventure of a lifetime in the rich and stunning South African wilderness, but you also have a safari of every kind in South Africa. Food, culture, beaches, adventure or stunning natural beauty - you can set off on any expedition discovering the diverse hues of the Rainbow Nation. In South Africa where everything is a safari. Read on to know more.
Experience an untouched world of perfect hushed silences and raw wildlife moments here in the South African wilderness, as you begin your journey into the soul of Africa. Its one that engages all your senses, sparked to life when you catch your first glimpse of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and African elephant) or first hear the distant roar of a lion, the laugh of a hyena in the night, or the song of thousands of cicada beetles at midday. Then, experience the heightening of these senses when you first spot a rare leopard hidden in a tree, or feel the ground vibrate as a herd of giant elephants cross right in front of you.
Enjoy an uber-luxurious safari experience at Sabi Sabi in Kruger National Park, one of South Africa's largest game reserves.
If you want to get the real feel of the bushveld, take a walking safari at Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, a wildlife rich region in the heart of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Stay in the quaint town of Oudtshoorn and set out on an early morning hike to watch the Meerkats greet a new day.
See the rare Madagascar Ring-tailed Lemurs in the exotic setting of Lemur Island in Cango Wildlife Ranch at Oudtshoorn.
In South Africa, wildlife diversity can be found not just on land but also by the sea you can see sharks, seals, penguins, whales, dolphins, sardines and turtles up close in South Africas oceans. Children and families can experience marine treasures at world renowned coastal aquariums in Cape Town and Durban. Every kind of beach can be found from remote and deserted, to popular and fun-filled, from the cool waters of the Atlantic lapping at Cape Town's fashionable beaches along the Western Coast and the relaxed warm waters at Durban's beaches.
Catch sight of the majestic Southern White whales at Hermanus, overlooking Walker Bay that is considered to be the best land-based whale-watching spot in the world.
Kids are sure to have a day full of fun and learning as they watch the splendid marine life at uShaka Marine World in Durban or the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.
Spot dolphins at Plettenberg Bay, along the Garden Route. Take a ferry to Seal Island in False Bay which is home to well over 60,000 Cape fur seals.
Let the African Penguins amuse you with their adorable antics. Take your pick from the many mesmerising coastal locations from Boulders Beach to Dyer Island, Bettys Bay or Port Elizabeth.
South Africa is the ideal place on the continent to overcome your fears. The rainbow nation has a number of adrenaline -pumping activities that are perfect whether you are travelling with family or friends or flying solo. In fact, South Africa has often been named one of the worlds top adventure destinations. One activity that stands out is the high on adrenaline bungee. Bungee off the Soweto Cooling towers, a 100m drop, right in the middle of the bustle of Johannesburg. Or, you could take it slow with a leisurely kayak ride down one of South Africa's winding rivers. With such scenic beauty around every corner in South Africa, it would be remiss of you to pass up on a hike to one of the country's beautiful mountain peaks.
One, two, bungee! From Bloukrans Bridge which is not only the world's highest commercial bridge bungee at 216 metres above the Bloukrans River, but it also offers incredibly stunning views.
Take to the skies for the ride of your life at various drop zones like Mother City SkyDiving, Pretoria Skydiving Club, SkyDive Rustenburg and Durban Skydiving Club.
Dive with great white sharks at False Bay, Mossel Bay or Gansbaai.
Sand boarding is South Africa's answer to snowboarding, and some of the best sand boarding locations are the dunes in Atlantis, the Silver Sands in Bettys Bay, Dragon Dune in Vleesbaai, Lagoon Dunes at Langebaan, Nautilus Bay Dunes, as well as the Fish Hoek sand dunes.
Soak in the beautiful sights of the wilderness and glide above treetops with the Canopy Tours. Float high above the ground while Hot Air Ballooning to take in the landscapes of this beautiful country.
A big part of what makes South Africa special is its diverse, unique cultures and traditions. The country is alive with cultural depth and it really is the foundation of this nations beauty. Share in the truly South African urban and rural settings that celebrate the country's incredible diversity and way of life, like buzzing urban markets, famous townships, cosmopolitan bars filled with contemporary beats and good times, theatres, jazz clubs and traditional restaurants to mention a few.
At Maropeng Visitor Centre you will journey back in time from the start of our universe, some 14-billion years ago, to the present and beyond. Maropeng is the official visitors centre for the Cradle of Humankind, which was declared as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1999 and houses the Fossil Hominid Sites of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai and Environs.
Walk through Robben Island and travel back in time to experience the turning point of South African history. Standing in the jail cell that housed Nelson Mandela for so many years brings to heart the emotional story of the South African struggle for democracy and equality.
Play audience to people's history and culture, while being offered traditional food and brew at Lesedi Cultural Village.
If you're into culture, art and crafts, the Maloti-Drakensberg Heritage Route is the place for you. Along the way, you'll come across more than 22 000 ancient rock art paintings. These etchings of history recorded the daily lives and spiritual adventures of the First People the original South Africans.
If you're in Johannesburg, a trip to the Maboneng Precinct is an absolute must that is home to studios, art galleries, boutique shops, restaurants and coffee bars.
Every South African city has its own unique story to tell, and the best people to tell those stories are the locals themselves. So, let them be your guide to all the hot spots, dance spots, taste experiences and best-kept secrets around the cities they call home.
Watch world food traditions come together on African plates as you explore the culinary scenes of South Africa. From sampling the country's favourite beverage - Rooibo's Tea, devouring some Bunny Chow at Danny's House of Curries, or a spin at the Revolving Restaurant on the Victoria Embankment - each will leave you with a story to tell.
South Africa's most famous landmark, Table Mountain is also a hikers paradise with numerous trails, amazing views and plenty of interesting facts to learn.
Shop till you drop at the well-designed malls such as the Victoria Wharf at the VA Waterfront in Cape Town, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, The Pavillion Shopping Centre in Durban, and Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg.
The Gold Reef City theme park, located in central Johannesburg, is built around an authentic 19th century gold mine, and brings together fascinating historical attractions with some of the most thrilling rides in the southern hemisphere. Nothing can beat the experience for a day of frenetic family fun.
You can fly from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Chennai to Johannesburg or Cape Town in around 9-10 hours nonstop. Airlines like Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, and Emirates offer direct flights. Alternatively, you can fly with a layover in cities like Dubai, Addis Ababa, or Doha, which might take longer but could be cheaper. Check for deals and book in advance for the best prices.
Indian citizens travelling to South Africa need a VISA. You'll need to apply for the appropriate visa at the South African High Commission or Embassy in India or through their online visa application system. The process usually involves filling out an application form, providing necessary documentation like passport copies, photographs, proof of sufficient funds, and a travel itinerary.
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for travellers from India to South Africa if they are arriving from or have transited through a yellow fever-endemic area. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into South Africa in such cases.
It's recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and influenza.
However, vaccination requirements and recommendations can change, so it's essential to check the latest updates from reliable sources like the South African Department of Health.
