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South Africa

+-Overview

South Africa occupies the southern tip of Africa, bordered in the North by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. South Africa’s landmass exceeds that of France, Germany and Spain combined and offers a diversity of cultures, history, heritage, natural beauty and wildlife to match its size.

In the cities of Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, you will find first world infrastructure, culture and cuisine. Outside of these centres, the infrastructure remains excellent, but you will start to experience the more traditional African way of life. This, mixed with 5 World Heritage sites, some of the most famous Game Reserves in the world, unspoilt beaches makes for a holiday second to South Africa none. South Africa also acts as the hub for travel into much of Southern and East Africa.

A visitor to South Africa has a wide choice of ways to see the country. The more adventurous or repeat visitor may wish to tailor-make his holiday, hire a car or jeep and choosing accommodation along the chosen route. Others may wish to “stay put” in Cape Town, Durban or any of the other holiday centres, while others may wish to go on a fully escorted (guided) tour, which is guaranteed to give the best introduction to the country and its people. If you are a big game enthusiast, a “Safari” conjures up some of the most wonderful images of the Big Five & other fauna and flora found anywhere. Escapades has selected the best game parks and lodges and the best safaris itineraries under our Game Lodge packages. Try these and Africa will have you hooked.

South Africa is also fortunate to have a number of justly famous luxury rail journeys with trains in the caliber of “Blue Train” and “Rovos Rail” setting the standards. Escapades offer trips of a lifetime on these and others such as the “DesertExpress” in Namibia and Shongololo Express. For the young at heart, our overland camping adventures give you the flexibility to get off the well-worn paths and to feel and experience the ‘real’ Africa. We invite you to browse the following pages for a wide array of travel options in South Africa.

+-Travel Information

Country facts

Official name

Republic of South Africa (formerly Union of South Africa)

Capital city

The only nation in the world with three capital cities : Cape Town, Pretoria & Bloemfontein

Population

43,997,838

Time Zone

GMT +2 hours.

Phone Code

+27

Electrical

220/230 Voltage, 50 Frequency, M Plug

Language

There are 11 official languages; Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Sepedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu.

Religion

Zion Christian 11.1%, Pentecostal/Charismatic 8.2%, Catholic 7.1%, Methodist 6.8%, Dutch Reformed 6.7%, Anglican 3.8%, Muslim 1.5%, other Christian 36%, other 2.3% unspecified 1.4%, none 15.1%

Weather

Mostly semiarid; subtropical along the east coast, sunny days, cool nights

Geography

Located in Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent, South Africa is bordering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Namibia (967km), Botswana (1840km), Zimbabwe (225km), Mozambique (419km), Swaziland (430km) and Lesotho (909lm).
Total 1,219,912 square km
Land 1,219,912 square km
Water 0 square km.
(Slightly less than twice the size of Texas)
Coastline - 2,798 km

Visa information

The following information on entry requirements has been confirmed with the South African authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the High Commission of the Republic of South Africa and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit South Africa. The passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months beyond the date of your expected departure from South Africa and must have at least two blank pages in the passport.  Canadian Citizens do not require a Visa to enter South Africa.

Health information

Health requirements can change at any time The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travelers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date. 

As of 1 October 2011, all travellers arriving from yellow fever risk countries are required to show proof of yellow fever vaccination (unless in possession of a valid waiver certificate).

+-Our Tours in South Africa

We offer 29 tours in South Africa. Contact us at 1.888.887.9710 or email info@myescapades.com to customize your own.

Tour Listing

  • Africa › South Africa

    Shongololo – The Good Hope

    17 days, 16 nights

    To understand a country well, you need to be exposed not only to its important tourist sights but to delve into its history, its culture and to travel through as much of it as you can.  This wonderful, 17-day rail journey shows you South Africa from the inside out.  With wonderful daily excursions including everything from game viewing to visiting…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    South African Arts & Culture

    13 days, 12 nights

    Explore the South African arts and cultural scene. Visit museums, art galleries, community based initiatives, and cultural villages meeting the locals. This tour also includes special stops that give you greater insight into the “Rainbow Nation”, a few days of thrilling game viewing in the Kruger National Park and some unique vineyards in the Cape. Plus enjoy some great dining…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    Sun City

    3 days, 2 nights

    North of Johannesburg is glamorous Sun City with its luxury hotels, golf courses, big-name entertainment events, casinos and lots of sun-drenched activities. Enjoy game drives in nearby Pilanesberg National Park, or take a hot-air balloon ride or an elephant safari.

  • Africa › South Africa

    Kruger National Park

    3 days, 2 nights

    Established in 1898, the Kruger National Park is one of the Africa’s oldest and greatest wildlife reserves. Twice the size of Yellowstone in the US, the Park is a paradise for the wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers and birdwatchers.

  • Africa › South Africa

    Garden Route

    4 days, 3 nights

    The Cape’s Garden Route - nothing is more beautiful! Its mountain and ocean panoramas, Oudtshoorn’s famous ostrich farms, fascinating Cango Caves and vibrant and artistic Knysna; it’s an unparalleled taste of South Africa!

  • Africa › Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia

    Desert Tracker

    25 days, 24 nights

    Starting in Cape Town and finishing in Johannesburg, this camping journey through Namibia, Botswana and Zambia is an exceptional adventure packed with activities. In Namibia, visit the Fish River Canyon (2nd largest after the USA’s Grand Canyon), trek the world’s highest sand dunes, enjoy the coastal delights of Swakopmund and the spectacular game viewing in Etosha, a 20,000 sq. km…More

  • Africa › Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia

    Kalahari Epic Safari

    21 days, 20 nights

    A three-week journey that takes you from the sophistication of Cape Town into the wilds of Namaqualand, across the Kalahari, over the world’s greatest dunes in Namibia, through the game-rich Etosha Park of Namibia and Chobe Game Reserve of Botswana is a mighty adventure. Plus you will see scenic marvels like Augrabies Falls, the Fish River Canyon and that 8th…More

  • Africa › Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe

    Southern Africa Highlights

    14 days, 13 nights

    Explore the very heart of Southern Africa! Travel through four different countries - Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Take in the breathtaking Okavango Delta and Namibia’s remote Caprivi Strip. Enter Botswana to discover the magic of elephant-filled Chobe Park and then Zimbabwe for a few days to enjoy Victoria Falls and a houseboat cruise on Lake Kariba. Finally some…More

  • Africa › Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia

    Cape to Kenya Safari

    41 days, 40 nights

    The poet T.S. Eliot once wrote: “The journey not the arrival matters.”  This is an appropriate definition of this Cape to Kenya overland adventure that will be profoundly exciting and rewarding as you travel through seven of Africa’s most captivating countries: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya.  It’s only when you have the opportunity to travel through…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    Johannesburg

    3 days, 2 nights

    Founded by gold prospectors in the 1880’s, fast paced and a fun, cosmopolitan metropolis packed with vitality and verve Johannesburg is the vibrant economic hub of South Africa and offers all the attractions of a glittering, modern city.  The cultural diversity of Johannesburg and its surroundings is easily explored in the multitude of traditional restaurants, markets and cultural villages.

  • Africa › South Africa

    Cape Winelands

    3 days, 2 nights

    If you love wines, treat yourself to this wine-tasting extravaganza during a tour of some of the best vineyards South Africa has to offer. Choose either historic Stellenbosch or scenic Franschhoek as your base while sampling some of the finest wines from the Cape Winelands region.

  • Africa › South Africa

    Cape Town

    4 days, 3 nights

    Perched between the ocean and the mountain and with a South African National Park as its heart, this cosmopolitan center is steeped in history, cultural, diversity and is fast becoming one of the worlds’ most sought after destination.  Cape Town has so much to offer, beautiful beaches, Spectacular Scenery, history tours, seaside resorts, panoramic drives, abundant wildlife, fascinating wine farms,…More

  • Africa › South Africa, Zimbabwe

    Rovos Rail – Pretoria to Victoria Falls

    3 days, 2 nights

    Your adventure begins with the departure from Rovos Rail’s gracious station in Capital Park Pretoria. Depart in the morning and slowly meander westwards through Mafikeng into Botswana and then north towards Mahalapye, crossing the Tropic of Capricorn just after Gaborone. Arrive at Plumtree in the late afternoon for border formalities with Zimbabwe and continue in a north-westerly direction passing Bulawayo…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    Rovos Rail – Cape Town to Pretoria

    3 days, 2 nights

    Nothing is more leisurely than boarding Rovos Rail’s luxurious ‘Pride of Africa’ and travelling through scenic countryside as you travel across South Africa. This 1600-kilometre journey is a perfect illustration of South Africa as a world in one country. Cape Town offers a blend of cosmopolitan city life, magnificent mountains and superlative wine lands, while the twin cities of Pretoria…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    Rovos Rail – Pretoria to Durban

    3 days, 2 nights

    Join this three-day rail safari and experience the splendour of KwaZulu Natal. Take in the ‘Big 5’ as you explore the diversity of the Nambiti Conservancy, a private bush retreat set in malaria-free bushveld. Situated on an expansive game farm, Spionkop Lodge, is the perfect base for exploring the berg, bush, birds and battlefields of the region. Enjoy a battlefields…More

  • Africa › Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

    Rovos Rail – Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam

    14 days, 13 nights

    We offer you one of the most famous train journeys in the world.  This epic journey now operates thrice annually during January, July and September and is offered as the Ultimate African Safari, designed for travelers who wish to re-live true adventure and romance in complete luxury, comfort and security.

  • Africa › South Africa

    Private Game Lodges Mpumalanga

    4 days, 3 nights

    A visit to South Africa is never complete without staying at one of the private game reserves. The thrill of going on game drives or walking safaris or tracking the wildlife in their natural habitat accompanies by expert game rangers is an unforgettable experience.

  • Africa › Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe

    Botswana Adventure Safari

    14 days, 13 nights

    One of the best ways to experience the ‘real’ Africa is to sleep under canvas in wilderness areas where the stars of the Southern Constellations blaze in the night sky, and this 14-day Botswana safari is tailor made to make just such an experience a reality. Botswana offers many unique highlights and this camping adventure has them all. Start with…More

  • Africa › Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia

    Great Trek Adventure

    19 days, 18 nights

    Trek and camp as the early Europeans did when they explored this part of Southern Africa, and travel from the Cape in South Africa through Namibia, into Zambia and Botswana.  Start with a tour of the Cape Peninsula while in Cape Town, South Africa’s ‘mother city’, before heading north through the Western Cape and into the wilds of the deserts…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    South African Essentials

    15 days, 14 nights

    Travel from one end of the “Rainbow Nation” to the other on this 14 day “exceptional value”, albeit utilizing moderately budget properties, journey through South Africa. Starting in Johannesburg, enjoy the panoramic scenery of the Lowveld before game viewing in the world famous Kruger National Park. Visit exotic Swaziland then cruise the croc and hippo-filled St. Lucia Estuary. Discover the…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    Private Game Lodges Hoedspruit

    4 days, 3 nights

    A visit to South Africa is never complete without staying at one of the private game reserves. The thrill of going on game drives or walking safaris or tracking the wildlife in their natural habitat accompanies by expert game rangers is an unforgettable experience.

  • Africa › South Africa

    Wildlife Discovery

    5 days, 4 nights

    Come and experience 5-day’s worth of amazing scenery and exciting game viewing as you travel through the eastern part of South Africa, the Kingdom of Swaziland and Kwazulu-Natal.  This tour is packed with wonderful events, starting with a drive through lovely country-side en route to the world famous Kruger National Park.  Unrivalled for its diversity of flora, fauna and bird…More

  • Africa › Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe

    Shongololo – The Southern Cross

    17 days, 16 nights

    The Southern Cross Adventure takes you on an excursion-packed journey through Southern Africa: from South Africa through Swaziland, into Moçambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and finally Botswana.  Tour the present and the past from historic cities to ancient ruins.  Meet some of Africa’s tribal people and experience their many diverse cultures.  Bask on the beaches of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy many game…More

  • Africa › Namibia, South Africa

    Shongololo – The Dune Express

    13 days, 12 nights

    Namibia is a land of startling contrasts where the roaring Atlantic Ocean meets the greatest sand dunes in Africa, where desert lions and elephants live in the dry terrain of Etosha National Park and where stark, lunar landscapes and unimaginable sunrises and sunsets will create incredible photographic memories.  Starting in Johannesburg, travel through the semi-desert countryside of the western Transvaal…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    South Africa Discovery

    12 days, 11 nights

    Explore the best of South Africa on this tour that takes you right across the country from the scenic beauties of the Cape in the West to the wildlife delights of the Kruger National Park in the East.  In between, see the wine country and travel the famous Garden Route along the Indian Ocean coastline.  Each day has its highlights…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    Golf in South Africa

    13 days, 12 nights

    Emerging as a premier golf holiday destination, South Africa offers world-class golf courses, each uniquely set in amazing landscapes. Combine golf with some of the most incredible wildlife, scenic excursions, luxury accommodations and fine cuisine.

  • Africa › South Africa

    Blue Train – Cape Town to Pretoria

    2 days, 1 night

    Quiet elegance, gracious service, fine dining and luxurious accommodations – these are the words that best describe the Blue Train experience.  The Blue Train thinks of itself as “a window to the soul of South Africa”; a most apt description as you picture yourself watching the country’s scenic beauty unfold from the comfort of your suite or from one of…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    Grand Tour of South Africa

    14 days, 13 nights

    From the panoramic scenery of mountains and oceans to the thrill of game viewing, not only at the world-renowned Kruger National Park but also in the reserves of KwaZulu, this is a trip that brings you the best of South Africa. Enjoy glorious vistas, take a trip into the tiny Royal Kingdom of Swaziland and finish up in Cape Town…More

  • Africa › South Africa

    Blue Train – Pretoria to Cape Town

    2 days, 1 night

    Quiet elegance, gracious service, fine dining and luxurious accommodations – these are the words that best describe the Blue Train experience.  The Blue Train thinks of itself as “a window to the soul of South Africa”; a most apt description as you picture yourself watching the country’s scenic beauty unfold from the comfort of your suite or from one of…More

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