South Africa trip | Luxury safari and train trip with Victoria Falls

Pretoria is the political capital of South Africa and is also known as the 'Capital of Apartheid'. Pretoria has an eventful history in which the Boers played an important role. It was from here that harsh government policies were determined and a legal racial classification system was established that stated where certain skin colours were allowed to live and work. For a long time, whites dominated the country, but in 1994 Mandela took his oath as president here. Since then, blacks have had more influence.
Pretoria is one of the country's main academic centres. It is a quiet, stylish city with few high-rise buildings and many parks, lakes, historic buildings and neighbourhoods. Every spring, the approximately 70,000 jacarandas are in full bloom and the city is shrouded in a lilac colour. The city owes its wealth in part to the nearby Diamond Mines.

Zimbabwe is a country in Africa and borders Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa and Botswana. Its area is 390,580 square kilometres, making it 9.4 times the size of the Netherlands. The country is known for its pristine nature and wildlife parks. The landscape is hilly and has some mountainous areas. Major attractions are therefore Lake Kariba, the Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city. It is also the economic heart of South Africa, home to all the major financial and industrial companies. Johannesburg was founded following the discovery of gold in the Witwatersrand in 1886. At that time, the Witwatersrand lay within the borders of the South African Republic, of which Paul Kruger was president. The Republic had been established in consultation with the British government, which was administering the Cape Province at the time. Following the discovery of gold, control of the region became a matter of dispute.
Johannesburg’s city centre is colourful, lively and exotic, with its diverse cultural offerings. Of particular interest is the ‘Carlton Centre’ on Commissaris Street. This skyscraper was built in the 1970s, stands 220 metres tall and remains the tallest building in Africa. On the top floor is a viewing platform called ‘The Best of Africa’. From a height of 202 metres, you can enjoy an impressive view over Johannesburg.
Outside the city centre, in the Fourways district, you’ll find the new theme park “Monte Casino”, whilst “Gold Reef City” is situated in the south of the city. Here, you can learn about the history of gold mining in an entertaining way. The new Apartheid Museum is also well worth a visit. And if you’re looking for the best shops in the country, head to Mandela Square in Sandton.

Gauteng is South Africa’s smallest province, but it is the commercial and administrative heart of the country and indeed of the whole of southern Africa.
The name Gauteng is the Sotho name for ‘Place of Gold’. In fact, a huge gold vein was discovered in this province in 1886, and gold quickly became the foundation of the national economy. During mining operations, further riches were unearthed, such as diamonds and coal.
But Gauteng is more than just cities, money and politics. For example, the Sterkfontein Caves were designated a World Heritage Site after bones dating back no less than 3.5 million years were found there. This site is also known as the Cradle of Humankind.

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, affectionately known to locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', has 11 official languages, and its people are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover Cape Town's gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the community of Soweto, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or taste some of the world's best wines at the numerous wine estates scattered across the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all, the untamed wilderness is amazing: wildlife roams freely across huge unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

One of the biggest attractions in Africa and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world are the Victoria Falls on Zambezi River. The Victoria Falls is the only waterfall with a length of almost a kilometre and a height of about 100 metres. The waterfall lies as a piece of natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is called Mosi oa tunya, the smoke that thunders. From here, the adventurous among you can also conquer the Zambezi in a splashing white water rafting excursion with water rapids like "the devils washing machine". There is also the opportunity to take a chilling plunge down a bungee jump from the bridge at the falls. But a "Flight of the Angels" by helicopter, ultralight or small plane will also be a lasting memory. This sightseeing flight is called The flight of the Angels because, according to the discoverer of the falls, Dr Livingstone, even angels flew around here to witness this beautiful natural phenomenon.

Stretching out from the banks of the spectacular Zambezi River, the Zambezi National Park is best-known for its natural beauty, abundant game and world-renowned river. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including the famous Big Five as well as herds of sable antelope, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu and over 400 bird species. A large floodplain characterises the landscape which is snaked by numerous rivers and dotted with acacia and miombo woodlands. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities such as: excellent wildlife viewing, game drives, bird watching, kayaking safaris, and guided bush walks.

Isimangaliso means wonder, or one of the best things you will ever see. You will not be disappointed by this extraordinary ecosystem. Isimangaliso surrounds Lake St. Lucia and has been a World Heritage Site since 1999. The park is home to the lake, beaches, grasslands, dunes and a marine reserve. It is home to a great biodiversity, including 521 species of birds. Attractions include high forested sand dunes, large numbers of nesting turtles, whales, dolphins, whale sharks and large numbers of water birds, including large colonies of pelicans. In recent years, buffalo and elephants have been reintroduced on the eastern shore of the lake.

A perfect combination of rural and sophisticated, KwaZulu-Natal is a coastal province in South Africa. Here, striking modern malls rest adjacent to lush green suburbs, mountainscapes contrast with flat, arid savannahs, and the inviting, warm waters of the beach are an escape from the hustle and bustle of the towns' central streets. Visitors can look forward to discovering a wealth of historical and cultural experiences, exploring the Indian-influenced city of Durban, and spotting abundant wildlife while on safari in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park - a famed Big Five game reserve. Outdoor and adventure activities include surfing, hiking, fishing, and much, much more.

Ballito is located on the beautiful north coast of South Africa, just 40 kilometres from the bustling city of Durban. It is a quiet seaside town, known for its spectacular beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The town has an attractive beach, which offers safe swimming conditions, as well as lifeguards and protected shark nets. The area is also known for its large schools of dolphins, which can be spotted during a leisurely boat trip or while relaxing on the shore. Whales are also often seen during their annual migration to Mozambique for the summer. Other popular activities on offer include: golf, tennis, squash, diving a variety of other water sports.

The 'Dolphin Coast', or the KwaZulu Natal North Coast, is known for its abundant population of dolphins swimming in the waters of the Indian Ocean. One of the most beautiful places in the province, the Dolphin Coast offers a rich cultural heritage, excellent fishing opportunities and spectacular golden beaches surrounded by sugarcane fields and punctuated by pretty coastal towns. This exceptionally beautiful coastline stretches north of the Durban metropolis, past well-developed beach resorts and golf courses to more remote areas with long stretches of pristine beaches, wetlands and lakes. You can enjoy the sun-drenched days with a fantastic range of activities. For instance, some activities include swimming in tide pools, surfing beautiful waves or unwinding on beaches.

The KwaZulu Natal coast is not called South Africa's beach paradise for nothing. Here you will find kilometres of partly deserted beaches. The beautiful sand dunes and warm Indian Ocean also offer a wonderful setting for a carefree holiday
The Dolphin Coast gets its name from the dolphins commonly seen off the coast, attracted by the warm water. The stretch of coast is a mix of cultures. You'll find ancient settlers, traditional Zulu, French settlers from Mauritius (sugar cane farmers, which is why a lot of sugar cane is grown in the area) and Indians. Today, the stretch of coast is a place where people from Durban seek peace at the beach.
More than 2,000 different plant species find their home here, many are very rare and endangered. From lush forest tidal flats to swamps, there are numerous habitats here for a wide range of mammals and birds. The area is criss-crossed by rivers, lakes and lagoons. The Elephant Coast offers excellent "Big Five" opportunities, as well as the opportunity to spot whales (in season).

Spread across the rolling plains of KwaZulu-Natal, a stunning array of game reserves can be explored. These beautiful parks are known for their stunning hilly landscapes, diversity of flora and fauna, high standards of conservation and their invaluable contribution to the protection of endangered species, including the white rhino, which is threatened with extinction. It is possible to see the famous animals of the 'Big Five', as well as a variety of other animals. The area is a birdwatchers' paradise, with the Mkhuze Game Reserve alone home to 420 different species of birds, and species such as the Pels Fish Owl and Parelastrild are special appearances. You can enjoy a range of activities, including day and night safaris, diving, deep-sea fishing, hiking and guided walks. Many of the parks have beautiful beaches with turquoise, warm Indian Ocean waters and soft white sand.

& Beyond Phinda offers an impressive 28 555 hectares (70 560 acres) of wilderness including the Big5 in KwaZulu-Natal. This reserve consists of seven different habitats - from dry sandy forest to wetlands and mountain ranges. Catch a glimpse of the shy suni antelope, track rhinos in the bushveld, observe elephant herds in fever tree forests, hold your breath as a cheetah learns to hunt her cubs, drive past hippos in the Mzinene River and admire the graceful Nyala . Phinda offers the most impressive safari experience!
The story of Phinda
Phinda Private Game Reserve was established in 1991, on a model widely regarded as one of the most ambitious and successful blueprints for international ecotourism.
Farmland was bought and rehabilitated for the reintroduction of all the large mammals that originally inhabited the region. Neighbouring Zulu communities were - and continue to be - consulted in all aspects of development to ensure that their expectations and ambitions can be met in a sustainable manner. The land selected for & BEYOND's first wildlife sanctuary was identified as the main conservation area. At the time, it consisted of cattle, pineapple, sisal and game farms. More importantly, it is an important area because it formed a link between the Mkuze Game Reserve and, what was then known, as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park. It was also home to a small part of the critically endangered sand forest, as well as a number of endangered species. Today, the reserve borders the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of South Africa's first World Heritage Sites, and the vision of dropping fences to maintain links between nature reserves remains alive. Phinda was the first Big Five private wildlife sanctuary to be established in KwaZulu-Natal province, successfully demonstrating that allocating land to wildlife could provide a better return than cattle ranching in this low-rainfall area. The name of Phinda, meaning 'the return', has been significant in more ways than one - not only was wildlife returned to the land, but a significant portion of the land has since been returned to its ancestors in an agreement between &Beyond and the communities of Makhasa and Mnqobokazi, making a marked difference to the lives of local communities. This collaboration has been so successful that as additional pieces of land have been returned to the communities, they have requested that this land be included in &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, believing that their best financial return would be achieved by using the land for conservation.

Extending along the spectacularly scenic northern coast of KwaZulu Natal to the border of beautiful Mozambique, Zululand is known for its wild landscapes, traditional cultural heritage and an array of protected game and nature reserves. This breathtaking area features magnificent beaches, mangrove swamps, unspoilt estuaries, rivers, lakes and rolling grasslands scattered with indigenous forest and scrublands. Enjoy a visit to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, world-renowned for its rhino conservation; explore Ithala Game Reserve, inhabited by abundant wildlife and rare bird species; and spend a day at Shakaland, a film location that has been transformed into Zululand's tourist epicentre featuring the best of the Zulu culture.

In the Msunduzi Valley in KwaZulu-Natal province, the Manyoni Private Game Reserve is a 23,000-hectare private game reserve. The reserve was established when 17 private landowners had formed a strategic partnership with the World Wildlife Fund and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to create a vast wilderness specialising in endangered species. Today, the reserve serves as a safe haven for more than 70 mammals, including impressive populations of giraffe, kudu, nyala, wildebeest, zebra and, of course, the big five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino).

Located in western Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park (formerly Wankie Game Reserve) is the largest natural reserve in the country and is famous for its rich diversity of wildlife. The northern and western areas of the park are different - the northern area is encompassed by the Zambezi watershed, while the western part consists of grasslands, marshes, and scattered woodlands. The natural seeps such as Nehimba and Shakwanki, where animals dig for water, are particularly notable. The park is home to one of the biggest elephant populations in the world, as well as around 100 mammal species, and several protected animals including the endangered wild dog, critically endangered black rhino, and rare roan and sable. Around 500 bird species also inhabit the area. Visitors can look forward to bush hikes, game drives, and horse riding safaris.