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South Africa - Highlights
South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world with exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture. BAOBAB Travel offers fully tailor-made Responsible Travel itineraries throughout South Africa, combining well known destinations with unique and off the beaten track experiences.
The Cape and Garden Route is one of the most stunning and most visited places on the African continent. Table Mountain rise dramatically above the city of Cape Town and the region is also famous for its winelands, restaurants, township tours, whale watching, shark cage diving, canopy tours and stunning coastline. South Africa's premier attraction is its many national parks and private game reserves offering unsurpassed wildlife safaris. Visit the world renowned Kruger National Park, or choose a more exclusive and malaria free safari at one of the Private Game Reserves like Amakhala in the Eastern Cape.
South Africa is surrounded by ocean on three sides and has a long coastline of about 3000 km, swept by the warm Agulhas current on the east coast and the cold Benguella current on the west coast. Combine shark cage diving and whale watching on the Cape's south coast with scuba diving in the warmer waters of KwaZulu Natal's east coast.
A visit to Cape Town and one of the many safari destinations can be combined with more off-the-beaten-track experiences like meeting the Venda people in Limpopo or exploring the Kalahari Desert and visiting Augrabies Falls. The country is crossed by many good quality national routes which makes South Africa the perfect self drive holiday destination. However if you prefer the reassurance and experience of a trained guide then guided tours and safaris can also be arranged.
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 | ) A great fully guided small group itinerary that offers something for everyone - culture, good food, beach, sightseeing and plenty of different activities like whale watching, wildlife safari, hiking and cycling. The accommodation is carefully selected, independently owned small establishments - so no stuffy hotels or large group oriented properties. The itinerary includes the Whale Trail and September is an excellent time for land- and boat-based whale watching along the coast of the Western Cape. It also includes a number of popular attractions in Cape Town and along the Garden Route.
Get off the bus - this fully guided small group trip offers a variety of activities that will give you opportunities to interact with local people, get close to nature and get active. It is ideal for the first time visitor to the Western Cape & South Africa and includes all the major Cape Town and Garden Route highlights. The tour and accommodation will suit couples as well as single travellers. A fully accredited & qualified tour guide will accompany the group throughout and will not only provide valuable information on areas visited, but will also take care of all logistics & arrangements, ensuring you a trouble free and relaxing holiday experience. |  |
 | ) Discover the Marine Big 5 (whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins), as well as the classic safari Big 5 (buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard) on this magical whale watching tour. The best time to travel is during South Africa's winter season from July to November, but don't be put of by this. Winter in South Africa nothing like the European and North American winters and it is also a lovely quiet time of year. At least 37 species of whales and dolphins can be found in the waters off South Africa, including Southern Right and Humpback whales. During the winter period Southern Right whales migrate into the coastal waters of the Western Cape to calve and nurse their young and therefore can often been seen up close along the coast.
This itinerary is suitable for both couples and families and offers a wide range of different activities to keep everybody interested and entertained. The accommodation used for both couple and families has been specifically chosen to suit their different requirements (couples=first named accommodation and families=second named accommodation). |
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 | ) Experience Cape Town's vibrant urban culture during this 5-day City tour that includes guided walks through the city centre and historical Bo-Kaap, a lesson in Cape Malay cooking and a visit one of Cape Town's urban townships. Choose from a variety of additional day tours, such as the beautiful Cape Point Nature Reserve, learn to make African beaded jewellery or participate in a music tour.
During your stay, you will be based at one of Cape Town's most exciting urban boutique hotels, within close proximity of the city's best restaurants, art galleries and theatres. The itinerary is flexible, and provides you with enough time to explore the sights and sounds of the Mother City. On arrival you will be provided with a calendar and information about cultural events and shows available during your stay, as well as a list of the best nearby restaurants.
This itinerary is ideal for those people interested in a vibrant inner city experience with a passion for culture, history, architecture and art. The ideal traveller will be independent and likes to explore art galleries and restaurants at their own pace, but enjoys the occasional guided excursions led by local guides to get a feel for the life and culture of the destination. This itinerary is not suitable for families with young children. |
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 | ) This trip is designed to showcase the success of biodiversity initiatives in the Western Cape and is an excellent example of an eco-tourism experience in South Africa. All participants in our Biodiversity & Wine Route are committed to conservation, sustainability and social upliftment. Discover the beautiful city of Cape Town and surrounds with visits to Kirstenbosch Gardens and Cape Point National Park. Explore an off-the-beaten track eco-wine route and visit boutique wine estates, who are all members of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative. A guided tour of the natural vegetation communicates the wine producers' stories and the role of biodiversity conservation in sustainable wine production. The Cape Floral Kingdom is the smallest yet richest plant kingdom on earth, and has earned international recognition as a global biodiversity hotspot. Visit a luxurious nature retreat located on the Fynbos Route in the unspoilt Overberg region.
This itinerary is ideal for second time visitors to South Africa and those who want to avoid main tourist centres. The tour is designed for nature lovers with an interest in learning more about the diverse Cape Floral Kingdom and other biomes in the Western Cape. Wine lovers with an interest in sustainable wine production will have the opportunity to get to know a community of wine growers and grape producers with a common interest in conservation, sustainability and social upliftment. |
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 | ) Enjoy the unexpected pleasures of the Breede River Valley and Klein Karoo along Route 62, a scenic inland route which links the harbour cities of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Route 62 is a shorter, more interesting and uncrowded alternative to the N2 highway, and greatly affects the economy of smaller towns and communities which have been beautifully preserved. You will soon discover that the area offers the visitor an adventure, both in the physical sense, and visually, with a kaleidoscope of scenic experiences. The Robertson Wine Valley is one of the Western Cape's best kept secrets and the region produces some of South Africa's finest wines.
This itinerary is ideal for second time visitors, who have already experienced the Garden Route and Cape Winelands and are looking for a different experience. The ideal traveller prefers the freedom to explore sights and attractions at their own pace, have a sense of adventure, and appreciate the charm and quirkiness of small town culture. Accommodation offered is a mix of mid-range farm-style country houses, a luxury safari lodge and an intimate coastal guesthouse, and the itinerary can be tailored to accommodate families with children.
The safari location is selected for the beautiful setting, diverse ecosystems and variety of game, although not a Big Five experience. What makes the game experience at Samara also interesting is their Cheetah Conservation project. |
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 | ) Embark on an adventurous wildlife safari in a 12,000 hectare unspoiled wilderness concession area in the Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in South Africa. Follow animal tracks on foot through this environmentally sensitive area that offers the traditional Big Five as well as a remarkable diversity of animal and plant life. Explore the vibrant culture and get to know the Swazi lifestyle during an interactive visit to some craft projects and homesteads in the area. Explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park by boat or canoe, enjoy guided coastal forest walks in Northern Maputoland and go snorkelling in crystal clear rock pools along a deserted stretch of coastline.
This itinerary is ideal for well-travelled families with teenage children (pref. 12 yrs and older) and first time visitors to Africa. The nature of the activities ensures that you will get close to wildlife, accompanied by highly qualified guides who will share their wealth of bush knowledge. The itinerary is designed to include lots of activities and minimum driving time to keep teenagers stimulated and entertained. Children under 12 yrs old are unfortunately not allowed at Plains Camp and on guided walks, but alternative accommodation options can be used to accommodate younger children. |
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 |  Gansbaai, Overberg - Farm 215 (FTTSA accredited) is a 4 star country house, situated in a 800 ha reserve, on the 'fynbos' road between Stanford and Cape Agulhas. The retreat aims to be one of the pioneers in sustainable hospitality in South Africa. The Fynbos Road meanders through a landscape with the highest density of localised and endemic plant-species in the world. Around the old homestead, standing lonely and somewhat imposing on top of its hill, the new guesthouse infrastructure has been designed to be compatible with the surrounding nature and to serve the primary purpose of Farm 215 - the conservation
of a unique piece of the Cape Floral Kingdom on the basis of a small-scale guesthouse.
Accommodation is provided in spacious and comfortable rooms within the Homestead, and in the large, freestanding Fynbos suites. All rooms are fully en-suite with bath & shower, have lounge areas with wood stoves for the chilly winter nights and private outdoor seating areas. Although all rooms afford beautiful views, the Fynbos Suites have totally uninterrupted & fabulous views as a result of the side-by-side design of the rooms and a glass wall on one side of the suites.
The reception cum lounge, is heated by an open fire places and chilled by thick walls and fans. An extensive library offers a variety of literature on the area's natural heritage and history. Terraces and pool area overlook the Kraaiboschdam lake and surrounding vineyards, the ocean beyond the Agulhas Plains and the Overberg-Mountains. |
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 |  Hornlee, Knysna - South Africa's homestays are based around the presence of strong, skilled women, who are able to drive developments within their communities and at the same time empower themselves. Be welcomed into colorful, vibrant and friendly communities and experience true Knysna hospitality. A Homestay offers you a truly holistic experience, revealing a different aspect to the usual scenery - the local culture and the people - whilst directly supporting the poorer communities and contributing to their livelihoods.
Magda Kock, owner of Bethany's Homestay, offers a very comfortable homestay with a beautiful garden. She will welcome you into her home with her warm hospitality and a sense of humour. Bethany's has three immaculate rooms with comfortable and warm beds. One room has an en-suite bathroom with shower cabin. The other two rooms share a bathroom with bath & overhead shower and a separate toilet. All comes with clean linen, towels, warm water, flush loos and electricity.
Magda offers innovative breakfasts, including fruit kebabs and wonderful options for vegetarians, and delicious home cooked dinners (by prior arrangement). She also offers a very special experience called 'Cookup with Kammamma', where you have the opportunity to cook with your hostess and learn more about the culinary traditions of the Garden Route area. |
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 |  Addo Area - HillsNek Safaris is a 4 star exclusive-use, luxury tented camp with a focus on privacy and personalised attention. It is positioned on the banks of the Bushmans River, tucked away in a secluded corner of the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve. This Big Five reserve offers an abundance and diversity of wildlife, including white & black rhino, elephant, giraffe, cheetah, lion, buffalo, zebra and a myriad of plains game.
HillsNek Safaris focusses its attention on luxury, detail and comfort, combined with the unsurpassed exclusivity of a dedicated host, ranger and chef, it allows you the ultimate privilege of being able to customize and personalise your safari, especially great for families with younger children.
HillsNek Safaris consists of three luxury canvas safari tents set on expansive wrap around wooden decks with panoramic views. The tents are all en-suite with outside showers and linked to the communal area by raised wooden walkways. The main open plan lounge, kitchen and dining room area overlooks the solar heated swimming pool and the Bushman's River. |
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 |  St Francis Bay - This exclusive family-managed 4 star and FTTSA accredited retreat is located in the small coastal town of St Francis Bay. The Dunes is set on a 600 hectare conservancy surrounded by beautiful indigenous gardens, and only minutes away from beaches and restaurants. The guest house is reminiscent of an old Cape farmhouse with spacious verandas, reed ceilings and old Oregon doors and windows. Accommodation is offered in comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each room has a private veranda overlooking the gardens. The main area consists of an elegant lounge with a cosy fireplace.
The Dunes offers light lunches and a 3-course set dinner on request. All meals are prepared with a distinctive Eastern Cape flair with only the freshest ingredients used. A light room service menu is also available in the evenings. All meals are served in either in the dining room or outside on the veranda overlooking the gardens. |
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 |  Timbavati Private Game Reserve - Umlani Bushcamp (FTTSA accredited) is a classic African safari camp offering a true wilderness experience in an intimate setting. The Big Five Timbavati Game Reserve (on western boundary of Kruger National Park) offers more than 10,000 ha of unspoilt wilderness for traversing & walking. Umlani is renowned for their outstanding Shangaan rangers and trackers, who will not only find you the game, but will also introduce you to the rich flora, fauna, birdlife and cultural heritage of the region.
The tradinational African reed & thatched rondavels are rustic, but comfortable and fitted with mosquito nets, crisp white linen & towels, bottled water and insect repellent. All rondavels have en-suite bathrooms with an open-air bush shower fuelled by wood fires.
Umlani Bushcamp has no electricity, so you can enjoy the warm & romantic atmosphere of candlelight and oil lamps. In the evening you will be treated to pre-dinner drinks in the traditional boma around the fire, followed by one of their award winning meals in the dining room or out in the open riverbed surrounded by flares and cauldron fires. |
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