In this article, you'll find a basic guide to Cape Town, one of the world's most beautiful cities, and the kinds of things there are to see and discover there.

Cape Town, a wonderful city surrounded by ocean

In this article you will find all the reasons why you should go and have a unique experience in Hermanus.

Hermanus, whales from the beach

The Cape of Good Hope is a myth across the world. In this article you will find advice to help you make the most of your journey there.

Cape of Good Hope: an edge of the world

The Kruger National Park in one of the best known game reserves in the world, where you'll see a host of wild animals. Among them, you'll be able to spot the Big 5.

The Kruger, in search of the Big 5

Located at about&nbsp;six hours from Johannesburg by road (it's also possible to get there by plane), Kruger is THE national park to visit in South Africa.

Africa

Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, South Africa is a mosaic of hilly landscapes and stunning countryside. The mix of the different cultures of the Cape and Johannesburg makes these cities choice destinations for gourmets eager to taste Afrikaner cuisine. South Africa is the country of diversity. You will visit Robben Island, the island upon which Nelson Mandela was shut away for 18 years during Apartheid, and at the same time you will discover a country deeply marked by its history. You will stroll over the dunes of Arniston, will be amazed by the ostrich farms on the mountainous tracks of little Karoo and will end your excursion in the crystal clear waters of the rapids of the Tsitsikamma national park. The country also has a reputation for the quality of its wine. A walk in the bucolic region of Boland will enable you to sample the country's best wines directly at the producers. Finally, what would a trip to South Africa be without a safari to the heart of the most beautiful of wild animal reserves? You are bound to be charmed by the elephants, rhinos and tigers that populate the Kruger region.

South Africa

Kruger National Park

Located around 200 km from Nelspruit, Balule is a private nature reserve that has the advantage of being directly adjoined to Kruger National Park.

Balule

Ohrightad

This little village is situated at the entrance to theBlyde River Canyon in the Great Escarpment, in the northeast of the country. 

Graskop

Thornybush is one of the private reserves which adjoins Kruger Park, one of the most expensive in the world and one of the oldest in South Africa, reserved for those staying in the luxury lodges (external vehicles aren't permitted).

Thornybush

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The Thornybush private reserve stretches over 11,000 km2, but there's no barrier at the part where it joins Kruger Park. The views from the Dakensberg mountains are breathtaking. It's well known for its above-average population of leopards, and for its luxurious lodges. 
The safaris there are exceptional, with very qualified rangers, some of whom are French speakers, and trackers on the bonnet, so as not to miss any animal tracks. The accommodation is best in class: there are nothing but 5 star lodges here. 
A two-day stay at Thornybush will practically guarantee you'll spot the Big Five, the animals the most difficult to find: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and buffalo (although you'll still need a bit of luck!). If you aren't striking lucky all by yourself, the on-board radio, linked to a fleet of 4x4s, will put you on the scent of those hidden animals! 
In my experience, the level of the rangers' knowledge and the quality of the accommodation was absolutely first class. The only problem is the price! But there are some good offers available online, particularly outside of peak season.

Thornybush is one of the private reserves which adjoins <a href="/south-africa/">Kruger Park</a>, one of the most expensive in the world and one of the oldest in South Africa, reserved for those staying in the luxury lodges (external vehicles aren't permitted).

Thornybush Game Reserve covers an area of 11,000 km². It is famous for its large population of leopards and the luxuriousness of its lodges. The safaris here are quite exceptional, with highly qualified rangers and trackers who sit on the bonnet to ensure no opportunity to spot any of the animals is missed. 
The facilities and infrastructure are also of a very high standard, and the views of the Drakensberg mountains from the reserve are quite wonderful. A three-day safari here will almost guaranteed you (though you will still need a bit of luck on your side!) the opportunity see each of the Big Five, i.e. the animals considered the most difficult to hunt: the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhinoceros and the buffalo. If lady luck alone should prove insufficient, the 4x4s are equipped with onboard radios to keep them in contact with the rest of the fleet, so you'll quickly be hot on the trail of the hidden animals!

This is one of several private game reserves that lie adjacent to each other in the <a href="/south-africa/">Kruger National Park</a>. It is also both one of the most expensive in the world and one of the oldest in South Africa, and access to it is exclusively reserved for those staying in the luxury lodges (no external vehicles are permitted).

Thornybush Vacations

Thornybush: How to get there?

Thornybush: See when to go ?

Thornybush: For how long?

Thornybush: What to see nearby?

South Africa: our articles for your vacations