South Africa Kartiega Settlers Drift Eastern Cape South Africa 2 layer

Come face-to-face with the wildest inhabitants of the Kariega private game reserve.

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South Africa Mdondoro Waterberg South Africa 3

Be wrapped around by epic landscapes in the Mhondoro game reserve.

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South Africa Mdondoro Waterberg South Africa 4

Just because you are on safari, it doesn't mean you need to scrimp on luxury...take that deep bubble bath under the starry skies at Mhondoro

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South Africa Mdondoro Waterberg South Africa 1

If your watering hole is looking a bit dry and dusty... come for a dip in Mhondoro's pool!

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South Africa Phinda Andbeyond Hluhluwe Kwazulu Natal South Africa 9

Learn about the fascinating traditions of communities that surround Phinda, and find out how to support them through the Africa Foundation.

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South Africa Three Trees At Spioenkop Kwazulu Natal South Africa 2

When the aloe vera plant flowers, birds and insects come down from the Drackenberg Mountains to drink its sweet nectar.

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South Africa Grootbos Hermanus South Africa 18

Discover the incredible fauna and flora at Grootbos, a stunning nature reserve that's nestled between the land and the sea.

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South Africa Grootbos Hermanus South Africa 17
South Africa Birkenhead House Hermanus South Africa 3

Charter a boat from Hermanus Bay to watch dolphins play in the sea.

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South Africa Grootbos Hermanus South Africa 19

Hermanus Bay is one of the best places on the planet to whale-watch. See the huge mammals breach in the water, just metres from the beach.

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South Africa Cape Grace Cape Town South Africa 3

Overlooked by Table Mountain and surrounded by super yachts, Cape Grace has a supreme Waterfront location.

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South Africa Cape View Clifton Cape Town South Africa 13

Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean from luxurious guesthouse Cape View Clifton.

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South Africa One And Only Cape Town South Africa 2

View the awe-inspiring sight of a mist-swirled Table Mountain from the comfort of the One and Only Cape Town.

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South Africa Kartiega Settlers Drift Eastern Cape South Africa 7

Keep your camera ready to capture unforgettable moments from your safari at Kartiega.

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South Africa Kwandwe Easterm Cape South Africa 12
South Africa Kwandwe Easterm Cape South Africa 17

Admire the beautiful symmetry of nature at the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve on the Eastern Cape.

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South Africa Babylonstoren Winelands South Africa 2

The gardeners ensure that the mountains of fresh produce from Babylonstoren's garden make it to the kitchen in time for dinner! 

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South Africa Babylonstoren Winelands South Africa 1

Enjoy the good life at Babylonstoren - a historic Cape Dutch Farm that celebrates wellbeing.

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South Africa Three Trees At Spioenkop Kwazulu Natal South Africa 3

Horse ride around the Boer War battlefields around Spioenkop.

 

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South Africa Tanda Tula Kruger South Africa 3

Enjoy extraordinary sights from the comfort of Tanda Tula Safari Camp as you merge into your natural surroundings.

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South Africa Thonga Beach Lodge Kwazulu Natal South Africa 4

Discover one of South Africa's most unspoilt beach wilderness retreats at Thonga Beach Lodge.

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South Africa Grootbos Hermanus South Africa 8

Incredibly diverse vistas of bird and marine life are commonplace in this area where the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean collide.

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South Africa Grootbos Hermanus South Africa 15

Take a hike through the pristine Milkwood forests and the fynbos-clad landscapes of the Grootbos

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South Africa Grootbos Hermanus South Africa 1

Marvel at the jaw-dropping panoramic views from Grootbos nature reserve.

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South Africa Kartiega Settlers Drift Eastern Cape South Africa 51

The rugged and remote landscape of the Eastern Cape will become your home during your luxurious tented safari at Settler’s Drift.

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South Africa James Jayasunderas Farm Simonsberg

The view from the farm owned by Ampersand's MD, James Jayasundera, in the ravishing South African Winelands.

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South Africa Kartiega Settlers Drift Eastern Cape South Africa 49

Experience the tranquillity of a safari by boat through the dramatic river valleys of the Kariega.

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South Africa Kwandwe Easterm Cape South Africa 16

Be ready for anything to happen on safari - watch these rhinos charge out of the bush at Kwandwe game reserve.

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South Africa Tswalu Kalahari South Africa 29

Night skies in the Kalahari Desert are not easily forgotten. Kick back around the campfire at Tswalu Kalaha and watch as a thousand stars appear.

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South Africa Tswalu Kalahari South Africa 28

At Tswalu, lantern-lit romantic dinners come replete with a telescope for stargazing.

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South Africa Tswalu Kalahari South Africa 26

Here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to sleep under a canopy of stars at Tswalu in the isolated and starkly-beautiful Kalahari Desert.

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South Africa Tswalu Kalahari South Africa 19

With skilled guides and trackers, you could get up close to these magnificent beasts on a big game safari in 110,000-hectare game reserve, Tswalu.

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South Africa Tswalu Kalahari South Africa 18

Take a slower pace on a horseback safari and admire the rolling savannah against the Korannaberg Mountains in the Kalahari Desert.

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South Africa Tswalu Kalahari South Africa 16

Fingers crossed you catch sight of the captivating Caracal in the Kalahari Desert.

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South Africa Tswalu Kalahari South Africa 7

The deep reds of the Kalahari Desert will stay with you long after you've left.

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South Africa Birkenhead House Hermanus South Africa 2

This is the ultimate beach pad - Birkenhead House is slick and sophisticated with stunning views over Hermanus Bay.

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South Africa Birkenhead House Hermanus South Africa 6

Slip off your shoes and be revitalised by fresh air, white sand and a gorgeous seascape at Hermanus Bay.

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South Africa Grootbos Hermanus South Africa 16

Enjoy the solitude of 2500 hectares of nature reserve by horseback in the wilderness of the Grootbos.

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South Africa Grootbos Hermanus South Africa 13

Discover more about fynbos and other unique vegetation whilst enjoying the sweep of Walker Bay.

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South Africa Grootbos Hermanus South Africa 10

Take to the sea on a marine safari to admire colonies of endangered African penguins on Dyer Island.

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South Africa Mdondoro Waterberg South Africa 5

Enjoy a chilled glass of Chenin Blanc and watch as stars pinprick the sky at luxurious Mhondoro game reserve.

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South Africa Dulini River Lodge Kruger South Africa 1 (1)

The suites at five-star Dulini River Lodge are the height of secluded luxury and romance. 

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South Africa Dulini Leadwood Lodge Kruger South Africa 3 (1)

At Dulini Leadwood Lodge, expect high-quality modern African cuisine, beautifully presented.

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South Africa Mdondoro Waterberg South Africa 6

One of Mhondoro's highlights is the underground viewing platform at the watering hole, accessed by tunnel from the lodge.

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South Africa Singita Boulders Lodge Kruger South Africa 6

If you're lucky, you might see the solitary leopard, the second largest of African's cats, on safari in the mighty Kruger National Park.

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South Africa Singita Boulders Lodge Kruger South Africa

Exclusive Singita Boulders Camp offers a refined stay in the heart of the private Sabi Sands game reserve.

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South Africa Singita Boulders Lodge Kruger South Africa 2

The interiors at Singita Boulders Lodge are made from local wood and stone, which merge seamlessly into the raw natural beauty outside, offering a truly immersive experience.

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South Africa Boschedal Winelands South Africa 7

Soak up the tranquil views of the Drakenstein Valley at Boschendal, the oldest wine estate in South Africa.

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South Africa Marataba Safari Lodge Marataba Marakele Waterberg South Africa 20

Backed by the red mountains of the Waterberg , Marataba Marakele Safari Lodge blends smoothly into the stunning African landscape.

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South Africa Marataba Safari Lodge Marataba Marakele Waterberg South Africa 17

As the setting sun gives the Waterberg Mountains a deep glow, look out for animals, like this rhino, coming for a drink at the watering hole.

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South Africa Marataba Safari Lodge Marataba Marakele Waterberg South Africa 9

The elegant, long-necked giraffe is always a beautiful sight on safari in the Waterberg Bisophere  - an area of savannah over 14,500 kms.

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South Africa Marataba Safari Lodge Marataba Marakele Waterberg South Africa 7

A brooding elephant waits at the watering hole for the storm to break, providing a fantastic photo opportunity for visitors at the Waterberg Biosphere.

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South Africa Marataba Safari Lodge Marataba Marakele Waterberg South Africa 11

Wild beasts do not come more handsome than this tree-lounging leopard.

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South Africa Marataba Safari Lodge Marataba Marakele Waterberg South Africa 6

The luxurious eco-suite tents at Marataba offer a window of solitude to contemplate the majestic Waterberg Mountains.  

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South Africa Marataba Safari Lodge Marataba Marakele Waterberg South Africa 2

Sip a Gin and Tonic aboard a unhurried cruise along the Python Dam whilst keeping an eye out for hippos and rhinos at the water's edge.

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South Africa Dulini River Lodge Collection Kruger South Africa 5

Morning! A hippo pops up to say hello at the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

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South Africa Dulini River Lodge Collection Kruger South Africa 3

Thrillingly close encounters with elephants and other wildlife make a stay at Dulini River Lodge extra special.

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South Africa Singita Lebombo Lodge Kruger 2

Cutting edge eco-design juxtaposes with the raw beauty of the African wilderness at Singita Lebombo Lodge.

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South Africa Singita Castleton Lodge Kruger South Africa

Stay in the exclusive-use Singita Castleton Lodge for a rustic farmhouse ambiance with the addition of a pool, gym, spa and wine cellar.

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South Africa Singita Sweni Lodge Kruger 2

You never forget the first time you hear a lion roar. Enjoy this incredible moment at height-of-luxury Singita Sweni Lodge.

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South Africa: When to go

South Africa is a year-round destination and the weather is largely defined by the locations you visit. South Africa's seasons run in reverse to the Northern Hemisphere, therefore the summer months are from mid-September to early May, peaking from mid-November to late January when the temperatures reach their hottest. This is peak season and local schools, universities and some businesses often shut for the summer holidays. The summer rains also bring wonderful thunderstorms in the in the mid to northern regions of the country.

February is often touted as the most popular month to travel as temperatures are still warm and rain has not arrived in the Cape. The winter months from mid-May to early September are not as cold as Europe, however this time of year is the rainy season in the Cape.

The weather in the country plays a vital role when deciding on your holiday.  The vastness of South Africa means that thought has to go into your planning to maximise the experience, for example, the best time to see game is from May to August as the parched earth makes it easier to see animals. The whale watching season times with their migration from around July to October.

South Africa is an overnight flight directly from London to Johannesburg, Durban or Cape Town. The duration of the flight is 11 - 11.5 hours.

These international airports are hubs for domestic flights as well as flights to neighbouring countries. British Airways and Virgin operate direct flights into all these airports.

South Africa does not require visas for UK passport holders.

Please note: The immigration rules for minors are still in effect. South Africa has strict rules and documentation requirements for minors travelling into the country. Please check the following website for more details and updates on the visa requirements:

Please contact your GP or travel health specialist to check what vaccinations you require. A yellow fever certificate is required if arriving (or in transit for more than 12 hours) from an endemic area.

Approximately 11 hours 30 minutes’ direct flight from London.


Client Testimonials

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

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