Rainbow Nation

South Africa

Everything you could wish for

South Africa is one of the world’s top travel destinations offering a unique blend of scenery, culture, wildlife and activities for all ages and interests. The cities are dynamic and cosmopolitan, wild landscapes span mountains, savannahs and deserts, and the combination of sub-tropical waters and colder Atlantic currents provide a rich diversity of marine wildlife, in particular a spectacular migration of sardines followed by predatory sharks, dolphins and whales.

With excellent roads and plenty of pretty towns and points of interest along the way, South Africa is the perfect destination for a self-drive safari and the iconic Garden Route is a must! There is a multitude of national parks, including the famous Kruger, and private reserves that teem with ‘big 5’ wildlife. Here you’ll find a collection of luxe lodges, tented camps and achingly romantic treehouses. Cape Town buzzes with avant-garde hotspots and hip suburbs, whilst grand colonial hotels recline languorously against a backdrop of Table Mountain. With eleven official languages and a diverse range of cultures, it is no wonder that Nelson Mandela named South Africa ‘The Rainbow Nation’.

You Will Love

• Majestic mountains, savannahs, pristine beaches, cosmopolitan cities
• Exceptional big 5 game viewing
• Paddock-to-plate gourmet dining
• Rich, diverse cultural history
• The wine – chenin blanc & pinotage!
• Unbeatable options for every budget

Let us design your perfect itinerary.

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South Africa’s diverse regions
from Cape Town to Kruger

Aerial view of Franschhoek village surrounded by vineyards and mountains, showcasing the picturesque landscape of South Africa's winelands, a key destination for gourmet dining and wine experiences.

Cape Town, Winelands & Surrounds

Cape Town is a place where old and new blend together - it's African yet European, a truly cosmopolitan city. Warmed by the African sun and dominated by flat-topped Table Mountain, Cape Town offers the bright city lights of theatres, hip hangouts, fine dining and a bustling working waterfront. Under an hours’ drive away, the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek winelands offer Cape Dutch heritage, a fabulous range of boutique accommodation, paddock-to-plate dining experiences and some of the finest wines in the world.

Private dinner setup on a riverbed in South Africa, illuminated by lanterns, surrounded by lush greenery and a dramatic sunset sky, reflecting an exclusive safari dining experience.

Greater Kruger Area

The fences that once ran along the border of Kruger National Park have been taken down to allow wildlife to roam freely between the park and the private game reserves to the west. These bordering reserves, such as the world famous Sabi Sands and Timbavati, form part of the Greater Kruger National Park but remain privately owned and offer a wonderfully exclusive safari as a result. The reserves are famed for their leopard populations and are home to high concentrations of an amazing array of wildlife including giraffe, zebra, buffalo, elephant, lion, cheetah and endangered rhino.

Zebra standing in a vibrant field of yellow flowers, showcasing the natural beauty of South Africa's landscapes, relevant to safari experiences and wildlife encounters.

Garden Route & Wilderness Coast

Between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, on the Eastern Cape coast, runs an astoundingly beautiful stretch of coastline, The Garden Route. The name comes from the verdant and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered, and the numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the way. With its quaint fishing towns, secluded little bays, rolling mountain ranges and endless coastline, the Garden Route is well worth exploring. The roads are well maintained and easy to navigate making it perfect for a self-drive holiday.

Cape Town, Winelands & Surrounds

Greater Kruger Area

Garden Route & Wilderness Coast

Sepia-toned illustration of a zebra, symbolizing the diverse wildlife found in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park and surrounding private reserves.

Unforgettable experiences in South Africa

Helicopters flying over Cape Town's rugged coastline, showcasing dramatic cliffs and ocean views, highlighting scenic helicopter tours to Cape Point.

Fly by helicopter to Cape Point

Safari vehicle with tourists observing two leopards in the grasslands of Kruger National Park, showcasing wildlife encounters in South Africa.

Encounter big game on a safari drive

Couple interacting at a luxury train window while a porter carries luggage, capturing the essence of upscale travel experiences in South Africa.

Recapture the romance of luxury train journeys

Oryx standing in a vibrant field of Namaqualand wildflowers, showcasing the region's unique biodiversity and stunning floral displays.

Walk through the wildflowers of Namaqualand

Luxury outdoor bedroom under the African night sky, surrounded by lanterns and a tranquil bush setting, emphasizing a unique stargazing experience.

Sleep under the African night sky on a starbed

Sepia illustration of a hyena, symbolizing the wildlife experiences during a starbed safari under the African night sky.

A selection of our favourite places to stay in South Africa

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel exterior surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees, with Table Mountain in the background, showcasing luxury accommodations in Cape Town.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel – Cape Town

Heritage Hotel

Nestling in a garden estate of tall palms and flowering trees, the Mount Nelson is an oasis of elegance at the vibrant heart of Cape Town, which combines classic charm with modern luxury. Sophisticated and regal, the Mount Nelson is the Grande Dame of Cape Town and the perfect base to explore this lively city and its surrounds. Read More

Luxurious infinity pool and wooden deck overlooking the ocean, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a cozy seating area at Grootbos Garden Lodge.

Grootbos Garden Lodge – Grootbos Reserve

Gardens of Eden

The warm and welcoming Garden Lodge is set amongst an Eden of beautifully landscaped fynbos gardens. Blending perfectly into its surroundings yet retaining a sense of effortless contemporary style, this is the perfect spot for soaking up South Africa’s botanical beauty and dramatic coastline. Read More

Luxurious private villa at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge featuring a rim flow pool, elegant outdoor dining setup, and expansive windows, surrounded by the African bush at dusk.

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge – Sabi Sands Reserve

Sophisticated safari suites

Each of the six luxurious suites is operated as a private villa, which makes for a glorious private escape from reality and their thoughtful design offers ‘back to nature’ style surrounded by the untamed African bush. With prime river frontage, fantastic guiding and excellent game viewing, Ivory Lodge makes for an unparalleled safari experience.
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Close-up of a leopard in the foreground with distinct spots and intense gaze, with another leopard blurred in the background, representing the wildlife experience at Londolozi Founders Camp in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

Londolozi Founders Camp – Sabi Sands Reserve

Heritage Camp with a modern twist

Founders Camp reinforces the commitment to luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine and exceptional service. This, combined with its setting on the Sabi River in a private game reserve, makes for an exclusive safari experience that is unashamedly luxurious. Enchanting, intimate and child-friendly, Founders Camp is perfect for your next safari. Read More

Luxury lodge interior at Singita Boulders, featuring stone walls, elegant seating, artistic decor, and a wooden coffee table, reflecting organic design and comfort in the Sabi Sands Reserve.

Singita Boulders – Sabi Sands Reserve

Luxury organic-style lodge

Singita Boulders is located in an area that offers prime game viewing and is recognised globally for its formidable predator concentrations and frequent leopard sightings. Stunning design, stylish suites, phenomenal cuisine and faultless service all combine for an indisputable 6 star bush luxury experience. Read More

Game drive in the Kalahari Desert with safari vehicle and guides, showcasing the rugged landscape and natural beauty of Tswalu Motse.

Tswalu Motse – Kalahari Reserve

Kalahari conservation meets barefoot luxury

Designed to blend inconspicuously into the mountain range, The Motse consists of eight spacious suites, all styled with a distinct and elegant African character. Tswalu offers an abundance of activities from game drives in open vehicles to bush walks, sleep outs, hot air balloon rides, horseback trails, archery and dune dinners under the stars. Read More

Verandah view of Three Tree Hill Lodge in KwaZulu-Natal, featuring comfortable chairs adorned with floral cushions, a scenic backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains, and a tranquil atmosphere emphasizing eco-friendly luxury and responsible tourism.

Three Tree Hill Lodge – KwaZulu-Natal

Spionkop Battlefields

Against the magnificent backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa, and overlooking the secluded valley of the Spioenkop Game Reserve, lies Three Tree Hill Lodge. This eco‐friendly lodge places great emphasis on Responsible Tourism and offers spectacular scenery, locally grown farm‐style country food and superb hospitality.
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Leeu House – Franschhoek

Cape Dutch Classic

Sitting in the heart of Franschhoek village, Leeu House offers the relaxed comfort of an elegant country home, combined with the vibrant atmosphere of this charming, historic village. Dining at Leeu House is an experience within itself as the culinary team produce exquisite dishes paired beautifully with the Leeu Estate's excellent wines. Read More

More places to stay

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel – Cape Town

Grootbos Garden Lodge – Grootbos Reserve

Lion Sands Ivory Lodge – Sabi Sands Reserve

Londolozi Founders Camp – Sabi Sands Reserve

Singita Boulders – Sabi Sands Reserve

Tswalu Motse – Kalahari Reserve

Three Tree Hill Lodge – KwaZulu-Natal

Leeu House – Franschhoek

Sepia-toned illustration of a kingfisher perched on a branch, symbolizing the elegant dining experience at Leeu House in Franschhoek.

A collection of safaris & journeys in South Africa

Luxurious bedroom suite at Singita Boulders Lodge featuring natural stone walls, cozy bed with plush pillows, elegant chair, and warm lighting, emphasizing upscale safari accommodation in Sabi Sands Game Reserve.

See Itinerary

South African Bush Luxury

Inspiration Itinerary | Kruger, Kalahari & Cape in Style

This luxury safari of South Africa combines the world-renowned Sabi Sands in the Greater Kruger, famed for the Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo & rhino, and a rare beauty; the Kalahari. The diversity of animals in the Kalahari is extraordinary, with many species not seen in most other safari destinations, including wild dog, meerkats, aardwolf, African wild cat and brown hyena. Tswalu in the Kalahari contrasts perfectly with a safari experience in the Kruger. Then, to top off the perfect safari combination, visit Cape Town to celebrate all that you have seen and experienced, enjoying world-class cuisine in one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Couple walking through vibrant lavender fields with mountains in the background, showcasing the natural beauty of Babylonstoren in the Cape Winelands.

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South Africa’s Cape Classic

Inspiration Itinerary | Cape Town & Winelands in style

From tabletop mountains to beaches with penguins, all the way through to divine mouth-watering cuisine and valleys full of vineyards, Cape Town is an exceptionally varied and vibrant city where the possibilities for enjoyment are almost endless. Exploring this cosmopolitan city and its surrounds can easily be done at your leisure by hire car, or though escorted or private tours where you will learn about the history and culture of the region. Stay in some of our favourite luxury properties, chosen because of their location and exquisite design, and enjoy the allure of a destination where there is truly something for everyone.

Couple smiling near Rovos Rail train "Pride of Africa" at sunset, showcasing luxury travel experience in South Africa.

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Rovos Rail – Pretoria to Cape Town

Rail Journey | Pretoria to Cape Town

Established in 1989, Rovos Rail has a world-class reputation. Train journeys varying from 2 to 15 days combine some of Africa's greatest destinations with a variety of daily off-train excursions. On board, sit back in the vintage wood-panelled coaches as the extraordinary scenery unfolds in front of you. With discreet and friendly service, top cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s finest wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a more elegant era encompassing the romance of African exploration.

Group of people enjoying a beach outing near a vintage green safari vehicle, with waves and coastal scenery in the background, highlighting outdoor adventure experiences near Coot Club in South Africa.

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Whales, wine & wilderness

Inspiration Itinerary | Coastal calm to wild savannah

This 10-night inspiration itinerary captures South Africa’s soulful beauty in three distinct chapters. Begin in a wildlife-rich nature reserve, where you can float on a serene lagoon surrounded by birdlife and marine mammals. Next, raise a glass to the good life in beautiful Franschhoek, nestled in the Cape Winelands. Finally, round out your adventure on a private, conservation-focused 'big-5' safari in the company of both black and white rhino. South Africa’s diverse biomes collide in this fabulous journey.

More safaris

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

The Classic Safari Company put together a truly exceptional holiday in South Africa. Their knowledge and professionalism is first rate.

Waterland Tribe

Our trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe was so well organised and went off without a hitch. Everything was taken care of all we had to do was turn up and have a great time!

Nick & Yvonne Rice

The recommendation of guides and services in South Africa were absolutely wonderful. Will definitely use your services again!

Sharon & David Herbert

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