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South Africa


South Africa, often described as “a world in one country” certainly lives up to its description. Being in the Southern Hemisphere means South Africa has opposite seasons to ourselves, December to February being the warmest months whilst June to August are the coolest. Cape Town has a typically Mediterranean climate whilst KwaZulu Natal coast and Kruger National Park areas would have a sub-tropical climate. The high plateaux area of the interior which includes Johannesburg can get quite cool at night. We have chosen a selection of the finest hotels and lodges from Cape Town, through the Garden Route, into the wilds of the Game Reserves and beyond to enable you to discover the magic of this amazing country.

A few hours drive East of Cape Town will bring you to Mossel Bay, the start of the Garden Route. The route continues Eastwards to Tsitsikamma forest and you can then continue onwards to Port Elizabeth with many stops along route certainly recommended. These include Oudthoorn, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma and George. At the end of your journey why not continue on past Port Elizabeth, about 40 minutes, and take in a 2 or 3 day safari at one of the Malaria-free Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape or why not continue North East to wilds of the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands or to the Madikwe Game Reserve (Which is also Malarial free).

South Africa has something for everyone, so enjoy the experience of a world in one country!

 

 

  • SOUTH AFRICAN HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Table Mountain – 360 degree breathtaking views of Cape Town
  • Visit a Township – Pop in for a beer with the locals in a Shebeen
  • Colony Jackass Penguins
  • Cape of Good Hope – Where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean
  • Bustling V&A Waterfront – Great nightlife and fantastic shopping
  • Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 19yrs
  • Amazing beaches, Cliffton, Camps Bay, Plettenberg etc.
  • Discover the Vineyards and sample some of the world’s best wines
  • Whale Watching – one of the best countries for viewing
  • Ride an Ostrich in Oudtshoorn
  • Spectacular Safaris – See the ‘Big 5’ (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo & Elephant)
  • Cango Caves, an amazing series of caverns and chambers
  • World Class Golf courses
  • Some of the worlds best Surfing and excellent adventure sports
  • Hike in the dramatic Drakensberg Mountains
  • World class casinos & restaurants
  • The rolling Battlefields of Kwazulu-Natal

 

 

 

TRAVEL TIMES BY AIR

Johannesburg – Cape Town: 2 hrs

Cape Town – George: 50 min

Cape Town – Port Elizabeth: 1 hr 15 mins

Johannesburg – Port Elizabeth: 1 hr 45 mins

Johannesburg – Hoedspruit: 1 hr 10 mins

Johannesburg – Kruger Mpumalanga: 55 mins

Johannesburg – Livingstone Zambia: 1 hr 35 mins

Johannesburg – Maun: 1 hr 40 mins

Johannesburg – Limpopo Valley: 1 hr 30 mins

Johannesburg – Mauritius: 4 hrs

Cape Town – Mauritius: 5 hrs 15 mins

Johannesburg – Vilanculos Mozambique: 2 hrs 15 mins

 

GARDEN ROUTE TRAVEL GUIDE (Kilometres)

Cape Town – Mossel Bay390 kms

Mossel Bay – George 55 kms

George – Oudtshoorn 65 kms

George – Wilderness 15 kms

Wilderness – Sedgefield 23 kms

Segefield – Knysna 25 kms

Knysna – Plettenberg Bay 37 kms

Plettenberg Bay – Port Elizabeth 235 kms

Cape Town – Port Elizabeth 770 kms

 

  Currency:

South African Rand

 

Time Difference:

GMT + 2

 

Visa:

None required.

 

Vaccinations:

Recommended. Please contact your local G.P.

 

BOTSWANA

Currency:

Pula

 

Time Difference:

GMT + 2

 

Visa:

None required for Irish Passport holders.

 

Vaccinations:

Recommended. Please contact your local G.P.

 

ZAMBIA

Currency:

Kwacha

 

Time Difference:

GMT + 2

 

Visa:

None required for Irish Passport holders.

 

Vaccinations:

Recommended. Please contact your local G.P.

 

MOZAMBIQUE

Currency:

Meticais

 

Time Difference:

GMT + 2

 

Visa:

Required. Can be issued on arrival cost US$25

 

Vaccinations:

Recommended. Please contact your local G.P.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average Max Tem of 78 77 75 72 66 62 68 64 73 77 77 78
Average rainfall (ins) 4 4 3 1 1 0 0 3 1 2 4 5
~ South Africa ~

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