Bus tours are offered by many European, as well as domestic operators. Anything from a simple city tour to a 30-day trip of Southern Africa can be reserved. Organised group tours as well as tailor-made itineraries can be arranged for smaller groups Tours for different age groups between 18 and 80 and for different budgets are offered.
Day tours from Johannesburg
City tour : ( about two and a half hours)
Pretoria with visit to diamond mine: (about eight hours)
Soweto (about three and a half hours)
Day tours from Cape Town
City tour including Table Mountain: ( about four hours)
Cape of Good Hope tour including lunch (about eight hours)
Wine route tour including lunch (about eight hours)
Coastal tour to Hermanus including lunch (nine hours)
Cape Town and Ostrichs farm icluding lunch (eight hours)
Day tours from Durban
City tour (about three hours)
Valley of a Thousand Hills (duration three hours)
Shakaland with lunch (eight hours)
Day tours from Port Elizabeth
City tour (four hours)
Addo Elephant Park (seven hours)
Grahamstown, "the 1820 settlers tour" (ten hours)
Day tours from Hazyview
Kruger Park game view tour (seven hours)
Drakensberg tour - panorama route (nine hours)
Day tours from George
Tsitsikama National Park (nine hours)
Oudtshoorn/Mossel Bay (nine hours)
Bus tours from Johannesburg
JHB - Kruger National Park - Mpumalanga- JHB (five days)
JHB - Kruger National Park - JHB (three days)
JHB - Maseru - Mount Aux Sources - Sani Pass - Durban (six days)
Bus tours from Cape Town
Cape Town - Stellenbosch - Cape Town (four days)
Cape Town - Montagu - Oudtshoorn - Mossel Bay - Arniston - Cape Town ( five days)
Cape Town - George - Ousdtshoorn - Garten Route - Port Elizabeth - Durban ( six days)
Cape Town - Garden Route - Port Elizabeth ( three days)
Bus tours from Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth - Garden Route - Oudtshoorn - Cape Town (three days)
Bus tours from Durban
Durban - Drakensberg - Durban (two days)
Durban - Lake St. Lucia - Dumazulu - Mkuzi - Durban - (three days)
Durban - Port Alfred - Garden Route - Oudtshoorn - Wilderness - Cape Town ( six days)
With over 750 caravan parks scattered throughout the country South Africa compares well with the USA, Canada or Australia and lends itself perfectly to exploration by mobile home. A detailed camping guide can be purchased in any book store. Most camping sites are fairly affordable, purpose-built and suitable for self-catering. Often, swimming pools, shops, sporting facilities, play-grounds and restaurants are available. Besides camping sites for tents and mobile homes many parks offer chalets or rooms.
Mobile home and rental agencies are represented in nearly all the larger cities within South Africa.
Further information SATOUR Camping fact sheet
Canoe trips and river rafting, called "Koofing"in Afrikaans, are gaining popularity. Various operators offer these tours which do not have to be all that dangerous. Experience is not necessary and children can participate as well. You can enjoy the wild beauty of your surroundings while canoeing. This can involve camping overnight in the open, under Africa’s magnificant starry sky.
Through Cultural Tours you can experience the cultural highlights of the country. These tours place less emphasis on South Africa’s beautiful landscapes and tourist attractions.
SATOUR’s folder: The Culture Tour offers further information.
The cycling challenges of the Cape vary with the landscapes, with flat stretches of road turing into steep inclines as the route passes through mountains and gorges.
A cycling trip along the coastal roads to Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope) or tours to the wine region of Stellenbosch and Paarl are highly recommended, while experienced cyclists may prefer the Franschhoek-Mountain Pass or the Serpentines around Wellington. Those in the know suggest the coastal road, starting near Kleinmond and running on to Gordon’s Bay.
Mpumalanga with its cool, dry climate during June-August offers a well-tarred road network and good accommodation. Routes taking in he Blyde River Canyon and the stimulating landscape of the eastern Drakensberg with its fruit plantations are very popular with cyclists.
Please note: mountain-bike parts are not freely available in South Africa. They are imported by air adding to the costs.
South Africa boasts a wealth of colourful, underwater fauna and flora with a phenomenal variety of 2,000 different species of fish. Close encounters with whales and dolphins are possible. The southernmost coral reef in the world is on the KwaZulu-Natal coastal belt. Places of special interest are the various ship-wrecks which lie off Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope).
Further information in the SATOUR-folder: DIVING
Adventure trips exploring southern Africa are available, aimed particularly at the 18 to 35 group, but often accepting those in older age groups. Travel is by 4 X 4 expedition trucks, while accommodation consists of two-person tents set up in camping sites as well as in the bush. Participation in camp duties is expected. These tours are within the means of young travellers on a limited budget and will show them everything South Africa has to offer.
For anglers South Africa is an absolute dream. The mixing of two ocean currents, the cold Benguela from the Antarctic and the warm Aghulas from the equatorial zone, account for the rich marine life, especially where the two currents meet. Even experienced international anglers are impressed. Other regions along 3,000 km South African coast have a lot to offer as well. In summer the Cape area is noted for its catches of tuna fish and yellow tail; in autumn and winter, snoek is caught. The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is famous for its Sardine Run in June/July. Another fishing paradise in KwaZulu-Natal is Sodwana Bay.
Most fishing in South Africa is permitted all year round, although trout fishing is prohibited during the months of June, July and August. Licences for freshwater fishing can be obtained for a small fee. There is no charge for deep-sea fishing and coastal fishing.
Further information: the SATOUR fact sheet on Fishing
Hang gliding, parachuting, hot air ballooning, gliding or simply a helicopter trip, or a chartered air safari? All are possible in South Africa. An extraordinary way to fly over South Africa, is in a vintage aircraft operated by South African Historic Flights. These ‘old timer’ DC 3’s and DC 4’s leave Johannesburg or Cape Town for short and longer tours to some of the nicest and most interesting parts in Southern Africa.
A hot air balloon trip is a "windy" affair. Take off is shortly after sunrise almost touching the trees, crossing farms and the natural picturesque countryside. Magaliesberg, the Pilanesberg National Park and various private Game Parks can be traversed. Once air-borne you can drink a glass of sparkling wine. The bubbly is also brought out on landing to accompany a hearty breakfast to round off this trip.
Helicopter round trips are offered in Cape Town. How about lunch at a wine farm in scenic Franschhoek, or a round trip to Cape Point to enjoy the beautiful sunshine? No problem in Cape Town! Hang gliding and parachuting are best done in the Western and Eastern Cape, particularly in the Drakensberg Mountains. It is however, compulsory to be member of a flying club to ensure insurance liability. A limited membership is possible. Hang glidering equipment cannot officially be hired, although clubs do help out here. You must arrange your own return transport. For security reasons you should never glide alone without sufficient water and a radio communication set.
Parachuting is possible all year round, with the months of December and January being the most suitable.
Bloemfontein is the South African centre for gliding. As no operator offers "gliding" as a package,the South African gliding clubs need to be contacted for information and organisational aid. They can offer trips and also hire two seaters.
An Air Safari is best suited for travellers who wish to see as much as possible in a short period of time. From Johannesburg or Cape Town, via operator or self-chartered plane, you can explore the finest regions in Southern Africa.Further information about hang gliding, parachuting, hot air balloons, gliding, aviation schools and aviation law is offered by SATOUR.
South African chefs have achieved many awards in the recent Culinary Olympics. While there is little really typical authentic South African cuisine, British, French, Italian, even German, Indian, and Malayan cuisine is prevalent.
The typical hotel breakfast cannot hide its British origins, which consists of egg, sausage, bacon and toast. In the Cape region, the Malayan cuisine predominates. Specialities such as "Bobotie" - a typical curried mutton mince casserole, "Sosaties" – pieces of mutton or beef and onion kebab as well as many "bredies" (stew). Most renowned is the "Waterblommetjie bredie, a waterlilly stew; this is an edible species of the Indigenous waterlilly, with a spinach-like taste.
Indian cuisine is predominant in Durban. Beef, lamb, chicken or fish are prepared for hot curries or chutney dishes. "Samoosas", little triangular pastry pies, are very spicy.
A favourite for South Africans is the "Braaivleis" an open air barbecue, as well as various types of meat you will we served "Boerewors" a spicy beef and mutton sausage as well as "pap" – a maize porridge.
A typical South African snack is "Biltong" - a well-seasoned strip of wind-dried of beef, game or even ostric.
Seafood enthusiasts are well catered for not only in Cape Town but also in the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Specialities are freshly cooked "Crayfish" (Langoustine), "Kingklip" (a type of cod), "Snoek" (mackerel) and "Perlemoen" (mussles from the Atlantic).
For dessert there is the extremely sweet "Koeksisters", deep-fried pastry, dipped in syrup and then plaited.
An ideal climate and rich fertile soil ensure an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Strict hygiene controls mean fruit, salads and vegetables can be safely bought from street stalls.
South Africa produces a lot of alcoholic drinks, such as the Amarula liqueur, produced from the fruit of the Amarula tree, and Van der Hum, a mandarin orange flavoured liqueur.
You can also drink refreshing alcohol-free beverages such as fruit juices, tea or coffee. The excellent wines of the Cape, however, are still the number one choice. The control system, introduced in 1973, guarantees the "Wines of Origin". Over 3,000 different wines are produced here, of which over 90 per cent are white.
Training as a game ranger, can fulful the dreams of many office workers or others caught up in humdrum existances. These courses are offered to smaller groups of up to seven persons. Experienced trainers, rangers and trackers will answer detailed questions. They will tell you about identification of different mammals, birds and reptiles, and their behaviour as well as imparting their knowledge of trees, edible and medicinal/useful plants, tracking, orientation and bush survival. Other subjects that may be touched on include ecology, first aid and the treatment of snake bites, astronomy. You will also be given instructions on how to drive a 4X4 vehicle. After completion of the course a certificate is issued.
South Africa, with almost 500 - some very spectacular - courses, South Africa must be a golfers’ paradise. Golf courses are situated all over South Africa so that the tourist can book a round trip "Golfing Tour". The "Hybiscus Coast" south of Durban, is just one of many areas with a wide choice of golf courses. On public days and weekends these courses are very popular with local members, which makes it essential to book in advance. Equipment can be hired.
Further information SATOUR folder Golf
A round-trip or beach holiday can quite easily be combined with an active health or fitness break, whilst on holiday in South Africa. Health farms offer various anti-stress and fitness programmes. Travellers suffering from psoriasis can also be treated here.
Every Province has meandering hiking trails which run along striking coastlines, or by lakes, rivers and mountains, or through indigenous forests, Nature and Game Reserves. Renowned is the Otter Trail (running parallel to the coastline) and the Fanie Botha Trail on the Garden Route as well as the two Blyderivierspoort trails in the Drakensberg.
The trails are marked, accommodation chalets are available and in South Africa good maps and excellent hiking literature can be obtained. Nearly all regional tourist offices can give advice to hikers.
Increasing in popularity is bushhiking - on foot with a game ranger - and rhino stalking. Various European and South African operators have "Outback" tours, excursions off the beaten track.
Hunting in South Africa does not mean slaughtering animals just for the sake of it. In game reserves, with their limited water and vegetation, hunting has become an integral part of the balance of nature. In addition, hunting fees are ploughed into environmental projects, which in turn contribute to nature conservation.
The different categories, big game and small game, are liable to strict laws. The "Big Five" fall under the first category, (Elephant, Rhinoceros, Lion, Leopard, and Buffalo) as well as the Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Zebra, Baboon, Kudu, Antelope, Oryx, Waterbuck, Wildebeest, Lechwe and Nyala. Hunting big game is expensive; for instance, to hunt a white rhino costs at least £15,000 - hunting small game is less expensive.
The advantages of South Africa as an incentive venue are obvious - the seasons are reversed and there is no jet-lag after the overnight flight. Examples of incentives in South Africa:
A champagne breakfast on top of Table Mountain. Or a sundowner on board a boat to Robben Island, experiencing a unique sunset amongst the seals.
Outdoor activities are particularly popular incentives - South Africa is a country with unlimited opportunities.
Game Lodges, adventure, cuisine and wine as well as the warm-hearted, friendly hospitality makes every trip to South Africa an experience.
Rugged mountains, steep canyons, gentle hills, lush meadows, savannahs, deserts, tarred and gravel roads - explore South Africa extensively by motorbiking. Various motorcycles such as the Harley or Enduro, can be rented directly in South Africa.
It is advisable to travel in small groups in case of a breakdown as it could take hours for help to arrive due to the immense distances and light traffic on the country roads.
Travellers who would like to explore South Africa over a longer period can take their own motorcycles with them. For enquiries on transport costs, contact the airlines. This can work out cheaper than hiring a machine in South Africa.
Nearly all hotel resorts in the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal offer daily riding trips. The camps in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park offer guided riding trips, for one or more days. Various other Game Reserves offer game watching from the saddle.
Early morning, evening rides and moonlit night rides are offered. Most horses are familiar the African bush, so rare species such as sable antelope or roan antelope my be approached closely.
The riders can explore the bush and be introduced to the flora and fauna by an experienced game ranger. Inexperienced riders can participate in a three-day, learn-to-ride courses.
By the way, about 30 years back some Lippizaner, with their special show training, were exported to South Africa for the enjoyment of horse-lovers in Johannesburg. Their decendents can be seen today, at the Wiener Hofridingschool for instance.
South AfricaOperators: Jacana Trails, Equus Tours
Unique nature reserves, some as big as Wales, with a fantastic ecological heritage invite visitors to discover South Africa’s wildlife on a safari. The animals and their environment are strictly preserved. The number of visitors to many National Parks is limited, and a part of the Kruger National Park is completely closed to visitors to protect the natural environment and wildlife. In order to see the "Big Five", Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo, early bookings should be made.
Sailing in South Africa is generally for the experienced as is not always possible to find a nearby harbour in case of emergency, while the weather, strong currents and rough seas can be very demanding. Boats will not be hired out to novice sailors.
Professional yachtsmen enjoy taking visitors and enthusiatic sailors on a cruise. In Cape Town and Duban sea-going yachts are available.
Weekly cruises start from Cape Town, for instance. Twelve hours later, after sailing around Cape Point, participants can relax in the bay of Simonstown the naval base. After a short trip around False Bay you set sail into the Atlantic, dropping anchor north of Cape Town, in Langebaan.
From A as in Archeology to Z as in Zoology the choice of study tours to South Africa is vast. The tour operators certainly have something available for each special interest.
As South Africa has some of the best and the least crowded surfing beaches in the world, allowing experienced and inexperienced surfers alike to find "their" beach. For beginners, Algoa Bay and Silvic Bay near Port Elizabeth have relatively light waves while breakers of up to three metres are pound the beaches of the west coast near Cape Town. However, the water temperature of the Atlantic does not exceed 18° C.! The Indian Ocean in contrast reaches temperatures of 24°C. This is where Durban, the centre of surfing, is situated. From October to April perfect winds prevail.
Surfing is not as popular in South Africa as in Europe, due to a dearth of surfboard-rental-agencies, therefore it is advisable to bring your own along. You must enquire from the airline about transportation costs, and should consider taking a roof rack along as well. Car rental companies are not geared up for the transportation of surfboards.
The SATOUR-folder SURFING offers further information. It includes a description of the best surfing areas as well as a wind and weather chart, addresses of surfshops and surf operators and general transportation rules (air and road).
Why not get married in South Africa and spend your honeymoon there? Want to get married on a game farm or on Cape Town’s Table Mountain? All options are possible. The formalities are simple - birth certificates and travel document are all that’s required. An international marriage certificate needs to be applied for locally. Even simpler is to get the organiser of your honeymoon to deal with the marriage formalities.
The renowned, safari-enhusiasts’ "Big Five" are expanded to the "Big Six"in the Cape, as whales are the big attraction for the public, especially along the south coast of Mossel Bay up to False Bay.
The most famous whale-mecca is Hermanus, an unspoilt holiday haven, about 100 km from Cape Town. In Hermanus a "’Whale Caller" shouts "whale in sight" to altert the tourists. A great viewpoint is the Harbour Museum, from where you can watch the "Southern Right Whale". Listen carefully, and it is even possible to hear a "whale conversation".
All nature fans entranced by this coastal belt, where the rugged cliffs offer a wonderful sighting of the ocean and the whales. Binoculars are an absolute must. Bus tours to Hermanus from Cape Town are an option. The best time for whale watching is from August to the beginning of January.