1. World of Birds: This bird park, located in Hout Bay, is Africa’s largest and most diverse. With over 400 different species of birds and small animals, the entire family can enjoy a unique learning experience through bird and monkey sanctuaries. Some of the many birds you’ll see while on this exciting safari tour include cranes, eagles, ostriches, peafowls, and spoonbills—to name a very few.

Photo from Ratanga Junction website

Photo from Ratanga Junction website

2. Ratanga Junction:

For an exciting and fun-filled day, the Ratanga Junction amusement park is the place to head. With rides and attractions for all ages, everyone in the family is sure to find excitement. Some kids’ rides include Crocodile Swamps, Rats and Cats Bumper Cars, and the Safari Bus. For the older kids looking for an extreme adrenaline rush, The Cobra, The Slingshot, and the Crocodile Gorge will satisfy their craving for adventure. 

3. Middelvlei Wine Farm and Fairview Winery: Located in Stellenbosch, South Africa, adults can enjoy the delectable wines of Middelvlei Wine Farm while the children play with the farm’s animals. Fairview Winery, located in Paarl, is also home to a fantastic selection of fine wines and children attractions, such as the goat tower. 

 

Adult and young gabar goshawk

Adult and young gabar goshawk

4. Spier Estate:

This is a hot-spot for the kids. The little ones can get their faces painted and have lunch as they watch African music performances. Before lunch, the family can enjoy the Eagle Encounters show, which features a variety of eagles and birds of prey, and provides an interactive experience for the kids. 

5. Joostenberg Bistro: This country-style restaurant is located in the rural planes of Stellenbosch and features delectable wines, hearty breakfasts, and sumptuous lunches. The bistro’s surrounding grounds welcome the kids to run and play as the adults wind down from a delicious meal.

6. Eaglevlei Winery: Enjoy exceptional wine tasting and fine dining at the Eaglevlei Winery in Stellenbosch as the kids play in the estate’s exciting jungle gym.

7. Boulders Beach: With calm, warm waters, Boulder Beach is the perfect place for the little ones to swim and enjoy an exciting day in the sun. When you’re in need of a lunch break, Penguin Point restaurant is perfect as it’s just around the corner and features a kids menu.

8. Imhoff farm village: Great for the entire family, the Imhoff farm village features horseback riding and camel riding. There’s also a snake park, petting zoo, charming shops, and delicious restaurants.

9. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront Harbour Cruises: Ideal for last minute decisions, Harbour Cruises do not need to be booked in advance as tickets can be bought on the spot. These cruises are a great way to soak in the surrounding area and learn about its historical heritage.

10. Kalkies: With a fantastic selection of fresh seafood and fish and chips, Kalkies restaurant has something to satisfy every palette. After a delicious meal, kids can enjoy walking through the working harbor to see seals, boats, and watch fisherman at work.

yellowbilled1The Yellow Billed Hornbill is always a delight on an African safari tour. They are comical, endearing, and fascinating. 

Favoring dry savanna and mopane, they spend much of their time foraging on the ground. Their large, powerful bill allows them to feed on a wide range of food where they forage for seeds, small insects, spiders, and scorpions. 

Breeding occurs between September and March. The hornbill family’s approach to nesting is novel and a masterly defense to predators such as snakes, mammals, and other birds. A breeding pair locates a natural hole in a tree, which is then lined with dry grass and leaves. The female enters the nest, sheds her feathers and seals herself inside with mixtures of mud, snails, old feathers, and seeds, leaving a vertical slit from which the male feeds her for the next 6 weeks. After this she breaks out and the nest is resealed by the now 3 week-old chicks, where they live for the next 3 weeks before they too break out.

 DSC_0297[1]DSC_0298[1]Below are photos of the yellow billed hornbill from our recent trip to Africa.

Imagine bringing your family on the vacation of a lifetime that is not only safe, luxurious, and unique, but worldly, inspirational, rich with culture, and bursting with adventure. A life-altering vacation such as this could only take place in one of the world’s few remaining unspoiled destinations. Africa.

Where the eco-systems are as diverse as the people, Africa has a profound impact on travelers, leaving some with a new outlook on life and a new found appreciation for worldly cultures. Immersing yourself in the varying cultures and terrain across this continent have the indescribable power to enlighten, connect, and inspire. Wouldn’t you love to introduce your family to this rare and unique experience?

Even though you’ll have the opportunity to purchase valuable African keepsakes such as hand-crafted art, pottery, and sculptures, you and your family will return home with more than just tangible souvenirs. You’ll return with a large variety of priceless keepsakes including knowledge, unforgettable memories, and quite possibly, a new outlook on life. Whether your children are in elementary school, middle school, high school, college, or out-of-college, a family vacation to Africa will give the entire family first-hand knowledge of some of the world’s most fascinating geography, nature, culture, history, and anthropology.

Taking the whole family on vacation–especially to an international destination–may seem stressful, but at Kruger National Park, South Africa, all your worries are left behind you. From your first step onto African soil to your last, South Africa has the power to make every family’s vacation one with life-lasting memories of sprawling flood plains, adventurous activities, and sightings of the Big Five, unusual game, and exotic birds.

Kruger National Park is a private reserve and is celebrated for being one of Africa’s best game-viewing destinations. This premier wildlife reserve was the first to be established in southern Africa and boasts some of the best-known and exclusive safari lodges in the world. There are a handful of accommodations in and in the surrounding areas of Kruger National Park that cater to each and every family’s individual preferences and needs, and provide wonderful activities for families. Two of the Park’s most highly-acclaimed lodges for family vacations are the Tintswalo Manor House and Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge:

Designed specifically to accommodate families, Tintswalo Safari Lodge’s Manor House can hold up to 10 guests and requires occupants to have a minimum of six members in their party. During your stay, you will be provided with a private safari vehicle, expert guide, and tracker. In addition to these included features, Tintswalo’s staff is their to accommodate your every individual preferences–down to the very last detail. Their superior service and staff ensures that stress is completely absent from your vacation.

In the Manor House, you will find three twin or double bedrooms downstairs with an optional child room attached to one of them. Upstairs is the main double bedroom with spectacular views of the African bush.

During the day, enjoy relaxing and socializing by the pool or read a book on the patio or boma or take part in one of Tintswalo’s numerous activities. Whether your looking to spend most of your day on a vehicle safari, a walking safari, enjoying a long and leisurely tea time, or relaxing at the Vital Source Spa, Tintswalo caters to your every desire and is completely flexible to ensure your stay is filled with only the things you want to do. In the evening, dinner is served on the patio or in the open air boma and each meal is prepared with the freshest ingredients and with a contemporary flare.

If you are bringing a younger child with you to Africa, Tintswalo Manor House is the place to stay. With an exceptional Children’s Program that takes children on safaris that are specifically catered to their age group, you can enjoy a variety of adult-oriented safari excursions without the worry of ensuring your child’s safety. Tintswalo even has a children’s menu for the young travelers in your group.

Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp:

Situated between the Kruger National Park and the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp is a family-friendly accommodation where you and your family can enjoy some of the best game-viewing Africa has to offer. With accommodations for up to 20 individuals, this luxury safari camp has an intimate atmosphere that makes it possible for staff to provide each guest with extremely personal and superior service. Whatever your need or desire, Honeyguide Khoka Moya Camp is dedicated to fulfilling it to the best of their ability.

With exclusive tented-suites that are not only luxuriously decorated but also extremely comfortable and safe, this Camp prides itself on its ability to bring the African bush into its accommodations. Inside each suite there are twin or double beds, a private veranda, double showers, and a separate bathroom.

Activities offered by the Camp include walking and vehicle safaris that take you through the Manyeleti Game Reserve and Kruger National Park. You will be able to see the Big Five as well as a wide spectrum of other game and animals. When you return from an adventurous day in the African bush, you can enjoy a delectable meal in the dining area, which encircles a log fire, or have cocktails at the bar.

If you’re traveling with younger children, you can rest assured that they’re in good hands at the Camp’s private children’s center, which has a DVD player and a large variety of nature and animal films and documentaries, as well as toys and children books. Kids can also enjoy the children’s pool area under supervision or enjoy walking and vehicle safaris with their parents if they are of appropriate age.

Photo from Lion Sands Game Reserve website

Photo from Lion Sands Game Reserve website

Making a name for itself as one of the most extravagant destinations for a romantic honeymoon, Africa has been impacting the lives of newlyweds for decades. With accommodation options from highly-adventurous and rustic camps to luxurious and lavish hotels and villas, Africa has something for every couple.

For the nature-enthusiasts, adventurists, and romantics, the Chalkley Treehouse on the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is where it’s at. With a panoramic view of South Africa’s magnificent wilderness and an open-air layout, the Chalkley Treehouse allows you to watch the transformation from day to night. As you watch the sunset from your completely private bush bedroom you’ll witness one of the most hypnotizing night skies as the navy blue sky melts into a black, velvety blanket speckled with crisp stars. Just one night in the Chalkley Treehouse and you’ll find yourself in paralyzing awe.

A night in the treehouse unfolds like this  . . .

* At sunset, you will be escorted to the treehouse, which is a secure bush bedroom above the treetops and sprawling plains.

* Private service is provided for you when you arrive to your destination–this includes cocktails,  a bush dinner under the stars, and anything else you desire from the five-star service.

Photo from Lion Sands Game Reserve website

Photo from Lion Sands Game Reserve website

* After your meal you will have complete privacy where you can soak in the soothing sounds, scents, and sights of the African bush with your loved one. The experience of being completely immersed in nature without any exterior sounds and sights from civilization is an extremely rare and highly-rewarding treat.

* Once you’re ready to retreat to a comfortable, goodnight’s sleep, you have the luxury of preparing for bed in a completely private bathroom facility.

* In the early morning, you will be brought by your personal ranger for a morning game drive and afterward, enjoy a delicious breakfast in the bush.

What does the treehouse look like?

Situated securely on a 500 year-old leadwood tree, the Chalkley Treehouse is lit by the subtle glow of 19th-century-style lanterns, and exudes romance and intimacy. Above the white, linen-lined bush bed you will find sheer, white-canopying cloths to keep bugs from entering. The dark wood platform of the treehouse is fenced by thick, unobtrusive branches that take away nothing from the gorgeous view surrounding you. In addition to these features, the treehouse also includes a bedside table, bathroom facilities, and a bush vanity table.

 

soul-safari-home-page3Amy MacLeod shares her experience on Hills of Africa Travel’s exclusive Soul Safari trip:

“‘How can it be so difficult to talk about a trip to South Africa?’ my friends ask me.  Profound experiences flooded every day of my Soul Safari.  Yet I’m challenged to paint a verbal portrait of the impact this trip has had on my life.  There is a soulful depth and breadth to those experiences.  There is a quality to the impact of what I saw, felt, tasted, smelled, heard and intuited.  The Soul Safari adds up to a life altering experience for me.

I signed up for the Soul Safari because Hills of Africa put together and offered a Safari that included not only a variety of safari events, but also sessions with Ainslie MacLeod, author of The Instruction – Living the Life Your Soul Intended.  A Soul Safari!  I was thrilled at the prospect of combining wildlife and soul in an organic, eco-conscious environment in both the bush and in the city.

My life, on one of the Canadian Gulf Islands, is peaceful, simple and organic – to the extent that I still chop my own wood, eat food out of local gardens and find a trip to any city exhausting.  Obviously, a safari was going to be a bit overwhelming for me, I realized, but I saw that Meredith and Sandy had organized the trip with quality precision and professionalism.  Every detail was looked after – I simply had to follow the itinerary.

soul-safari-home-page4Being overwhelmed is an understatement.  It is breathtaking to experience the energy of lions walking beside the jeep and elephants playing in a mud hole in front of us on the road.  My heart nearly burst over the acceptance that these incredible creatures displayed.  Something happened to me when I saw wild animals display more dignified acceptance of us than many humans show each other in our world today.

In Cape Town, something happened to me when I felt the energy of Table Mountain.  And when I was accepted into a Muslim home where I was invited to help prepare the meal that we shared.  And when I saw people living in abject poverty maintain a dignified, welcoming demeanor while sharing who they are so openly.  And to see all that they are doing to help their own, and each others’, growth in a variety of healthy ways.

In summary, this was a spiritual experience.

Being back home, if I can be tenacious enough to pick through the profound influences I have been given, I will find threads of new direction.  Some threads have revealed themselves sufficiently to be suspect now.  These revelatory threads appear slowly, not profoundly.  They simply show up when reality hits the road of routine.  I hear myself thinking or speaking with a ‘difference’.   I don’t want to miss those threads.  I ask my soul for the gift of insight and willingness.

Yes, traveling to Africa has been a life altering experience.   It’s simply not easy to absorb it all and I am still working on that.  I am cocooned in the experiences that bombarded my senses.  I am just starting to receive glimpses of inner changes.  These changes are still very much under construction!”

From the Pride of Soul Safari 2009,
Amy MacLeod

cheetahNestled in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve’s eclectic wilderness lies Lion Sands Private Game Reserve. Here, visitors can experience more than the traditional game drive–observing Africa’s enchanting wildlife in all sorts of new ways. From hippo tours to dinners in the bush, and astronomy lessons to bush walks, Lion Sands Game Reserve takes a holistic approach to Africa’s natural world.

 

The great thing about Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is there are a handful of accommodations to choose from, and each has fantastic activities included in the rates. There are also additional activities guests can choose from with an extra cost. You can’t go wrong at the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve–here’s proof:

 

Included in Rate:

 

Astronomy: During the evening game drive, guests are delightfully surprised when the vehicle stops to allow for peaceful and quiet star gazing. Guests hear about astronomy and its association to African folklore, and learn about the solar system as they see it from Africa by their knowledgeable tour guide.

 

Breakfast in the Bush: No boring restaurant setting here. Guests are taken to a nearby location on the reserve where they can experience a delectable continental breakfast from the comfort of a set table and attentive staff, while watching the resident animals perform their early morning rituals.

 

Safari Lunch: A picnic is set up upon request by guests who want to enjoy Africa’s exceptional nature during their lunch hours.

 

Dinner in the Bush: Illuminated by the soft glow of a crackling fire and paraffin lamps, the bush dinner takes place in the ultimate tranquil and romantic setting. As guests reminisce about the adventurous day behind them, chefs prepare sensational meals with the heat from the fire.

 

Bush Walk: Known throughout South Africa as one of the greatest ways to experience the African bush and its diverse species of wildlife, a bush walk takes visitors through the surrounding eco-systems and opens their eyes to hidden elements of nature. During the tour through the bush, certified and highly-knowledgeable rangers teach participants about the flora and their medicinal purposes in African society, as well as show them how to track animals by their calls and tracks.

 

Lion_Sands-ElephantGame Drives: Guests enjoy both morning and evening game drives and witness a wide spectrum of different creatures throughout various times of the day. During game drives, there are frequent sightings of lion, cheetah, rhino, elephant, and buffalo, as well as smaller animals such as nile crocodile, and various species of eagles, ducks, owls, pythons, tortoises, lizards, and more. No game drive is ever the same, which makes it one of the most exciting and adventurous African safari tours to take part in while on an African safari vacation.


Hippo Tours:
Because the game drives throughout the reserve focus on the interior regions, guests often do not have the chance to witness hippos on game drives. But, on a hippo tour, guests are taken to a nearby river where resident hippos congregate as well as other exotic creatures such as the nile crocodile.

 

See what I mean when I say you can’t go wrong at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve?

 

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Africa? Is it a safari tour or perhaps big-game-viewing? If so, it’s time to discover the endless possibilities that Africa really has to offer. Although game drive, canoe, and walking safari tours are extraordinary and life-altering, Africa provides travelers with much more than the traditional safari tour.

One place in particular has positioned itself as a well-rounded activity hub for travelers looking for more than the traditional safari excursion.This place is Mpumalanga, South Africa, one of Africa’s most diverse and exciting places to enjoy a wealth of activities, rich historical heritage, tribal legends, and an abundance of exotic animals, lush flora and scenery.

Known for its deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers, and thick forests, Mpumalanga is teeming with wildlife and birdlife and is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, bird lovers, and curious travelers alike. On the western side of this glorious region lies the Kruger National Park—one of Africa’s most highly-acclaimed destinations for the seasoned traveler. When you’re looking to go on a game drive or walking safari, Kruger National Park is an absolute must. In addition, Mpumalanga is known for its 1870s legendary gold rush era, which has made it one of the most culturally and historically enriched areas in all of Africa.

With a deep-rooted history, high concentration of wildlife, and a variety of eco-systems, Mpumalanga has positioned itself as a premier destination for those looking for more than the traditional safari tour. Some of the region’s most popular activities include hot air ballooning, bungee jumping, paragliding, golfing, fishing, paintball shooting, river rafting, rock climbing, rock sliding, canoeing, caving, hang gliding, horseback riding, mountain biking, and mountain climbing. With so many to choose from it can be difficult deciding which activity is perfect for you.

Because there is such a wide spectrum of activities to choose from its impossible to spotlight them all, this is whyHills of Africa Travel has put a few highlights of some of Mpumalanga’s most popular activities below:

Sourin’: Home to the Blyde River Canyon, which has cliffs 2,296 ft. high, strong winds, and a high cloud base, Mpumalanga has positioned itself as the region’s leader in hang gliding and paragliding and has even hosted several of the nation’s paragliding championships. The province’s windy weather also makes it a premier spot to enjoy hot air ballooning, micro lighting, parachuting, and other flying activities.

Pedal through paradise: A paradise for biking enthusiasts, Mpumalanga’s mountainous town, Sabie, boasts biking trails for both the basic biker and for the advanced biker. The area is so popular for biking that the local biking association holds the South African National Mountain Biking Championships there every September. For those who tire easily from pedaling, Mpumalanga offers off-road 4X4 excursions through the various and highly diverse terrain of the region.

Uncover ancient relics: Travel back in time and explore Mpumalanga’s ancient cultures, the gold rush era, royal tombs, buried trade routes, and inspirational cave art. Learn about the region’s empires and royalty and the movement of the white settlers into the land. In addition, discover how Mpumalanga was rocked by a world war and observe the changes it’s had on the area as a whole.

Casting in the mountains: Freshwater rivers, and mountainous terrain make Mpumalanga a fisherman’s dream come true. Whether you’re a beginner fisher or an advanced one, Mpumalanga has the equipment, guides, and a variety of tours to accommodate your every need. A variety of fish are indigenous to the area including the tigerfish, bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellowfish carp, catfish, tilapia, and freshwater eel. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. While you enjoy the thrills of the big catch, it’s difficult not to take in the other wildlife that surrounds you, such as hippo, crocodile, and exotic birdlife.

Music in the air: Discover the enlightening dance rituals and pop culture of Mpumalanga’s unique community. With music genres ranging from acapella groups to jazz clubs and rock, it’s no wonder Africa has landed a spot as one of the world’s most renowned havens for inspirational and fascinating forms of music. Cultural village tours are also offered, where you are able to take part in community celebrations and observe dances, theatrical performances, and pop music.

Brace yourself: Canyoning is one of the most exciting and heart-pounding ways to observe the thick forests and exotic wildlife of Mpumalanga. Slide down rapids, paddle through winding streams, and sail down mini waterfalls on this exciting excursion and feel the adrenaline rush of a lifetime.

Cave diving: For the adventurist, cave diving is one of the most exciting ways to view some of the world’s most captivating and undiscovered territory. As you dive through underwater valleys and sink holes into ancient caves, you’ll observe an unforgettable underwater wonderland.

Adult and young gabar goshawk

Adult and young gabar goshawk

Africa has many different types of birds of prey; each species fills a different niche in the diverse habitats. The Gabar Goshawk is a very interesting member of these avian predators. Living in woodlands and thorn scrub the Gabar has a range across much of Africa. Feeding on small mammals, snakes and songbirds, the Gabar is a very aggressive hunter flushing its prey and chasing it aggressively through the scrub and undergrowth.

The birds pair for life and build a nest is typically made from thin twigs and positioned in a vertical fork in the crown of a thorny tree. To supplement the nest, the gabar goshawk is known to collect social spiders on their webs, which are then incorporated into the nest. The function of this unusual practice is unclear but the subsequent webs that spread over the nest probably act as camouflage, whilst the spiders may consume arthropods that otherwise would parasitize the chicks. The female usually lays two eggs, which are incubated for a little over a month before hatching.

Typical of most raptors the male is smaller than the female. This size differences allows the birds to take advantage of a wider range of prey types, the larger female being stronger and heavier and the smaller male being faster and lighter. The female take the role as the larger bird as her size assists her to carry the eggs and defend the nest while the male is out hunting.

Photo from The Saxon website

Photo from The Saxon website

With so many accommodations to choose from in Johannesburg, South Africa, it can be difficult to find the perfect one for you. From less expensive to high-end, Johannesburg offers every type of accommodation across the spectrum. But, if you’re looking for a personalized, highly luxurious experience, and an escape from day-to-day life, than The Saxon in Johannesburg’s Sandhurst suburb is for you.

Situated on six-acres of manicured grounds, The Saxon provides you with a magnificent ambiance inside and out, and for this reason was rewarded several international awards. Arguably South Africa’s most exclusive, boutique hotel, The Saxon has been receiving much attention thanks to its exceptional South African hospitality, eclectic design, superior services, convenient amenities, elegant suites, and stunning landscape.

Elegant Suites:

Each of The Saxon’s diverse-style suites is comprised of inviting earth tones, rich textures, and elegant touches of African artwork and sculptures. Of the 24 suites, you can choose from three types including The Saxon’s classic Egoli Suites, three Presidential Suites, or the prestigious Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite.

With an open layout, fine linens, inviting tones, and elegant details, the classic Egoli Suites are nothing short of exceptional. These suites also have convenient features including an open lounge area, in-room dining area, and large workspace with wireless Internet at your finger tips.

The three Presidential Suites are a bit larger than the Egoli Suites and feature a private balcony overlooking the lush gardens or pool area. Each suite also has its own entrance hall, lounge area, guest bathroom, dining area, and butler’s kitchen.

If you’re looking for a highly-exclusive experience, the Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite has everything you’ll need, including an expansive dining room and lounge area, an open bedroom, Jacuzzi, steam room, and exceptional entertainment system. This distinguished suite is located on the first floor with private passages into each entrance. Guests who have stayed in this one-of-a-kind suite include royalty, heads of state, and world-famous celebrities.  

Spa and Studio:The Saxon’s award-winning spa is one of the world’s most exclusive, as it stays up-to-date with the latest in revolutionary treatments. The spa’s long menu of services includes everything from facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, hydrotherapies and more. Each of the spa’s rejuvenating treatments takes place in private facilities including outdoor gazebos and indoor and outdoor treatment areas. One of the spa’s most famous treatments, The Signature Sound Therapy, incorporates color therapy and sound therapy using gongs, cymbals, and bells for a completely holistic experience.  

In addition to its wide spectrum of deluxe services, Saxon’s Spa is raising the bar across the world for spa services. Featuring outdoor Sensational Showers, a color-enhanced steam room, and a wet treatment room, this state-of-the-art spa facility is unlike any other.  

 

Photo from The Saxon website

Photo from The Saxon website

Restaurant and Bar:

 

The sheer elegance, minimalist design, and inviting tones are enough to pull you inside the restaurant at The Saxon for every meal. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’re guaranteed to have a fine-dining experience throughout your entire day.

Only using the freshest, local ingredients, the restaurants exquisite, five-star chefs pride themselves on their impeccable culinary creations. Dishes at the restaurant change seasonally and are comprised of African game meat and fresh seafood.

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South AfricaEmerging as a key influencer in sustainable tourism efforts, South Africa is taking great strides to promote a sustainable economy and community through eco-tourism companies. When the proceeds from eco-tourism companies are given to employees—who are locals—the money then goes directly back into the local economy. This means that schools can be rebuilt, education programs restored, homes built, families fed, and locals employed. When you participate in eco-tourism companies, you are not only helping to sustain the local economy, you are also bringing joy to a community that has been struck by the devastating effects of poverty, and giving the environment the chance to thrive and live on.

With an array of accommodations and touring companies that pride themselves on sustainable tourism efforts, you can choose to take part in this incredible movement to bring happiness, education, and jobs back into local communities, while experiencing a luxurious and adventurous South African family vacation or honeymoon.

The official certification for eco-tourism companies is the Fair Trade in Tourism (FTTSA) certificate. Several accommodations throughout South Africa that bear this prestigious certificate include:

Cape Town's Table MountainCape Grace in Cape Town, South Africa: Radiating elegance from every intricate detail, Cape Grace is nothing short of exceptional. Its location in Cape Town’s famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront make it a close walk to some of Cape Town’s most celebrated shopping hubs, restaurants, and hot-spots.

Designed with elegant, comfortable, and sophisticated décor, each of Cape Grace’s 121 rooms is individually designed with subtle reflections of Cape Town’s bright spirit and accents of authentic Cape culture.

In addition to its luxurious décor and prime location, Cape Grace prides itself on its personalized and exclusive services and amenities, including its private yacht charters and the Spa at Cape Grace.  

Djuma Vuyatela in Kruger, South Africa: With privacy, intimacy, and eclectic style as the main characteristics of this lodge, you’re sure to find complete relaxation in Djuma Vuyatela. Located on the private Djuma Reserve, the Djuma Vuyatela offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and its magnificent wildlife. Each of the lodge’s eight chalets feature king sized beds, and a private plunge pool and teak deck that overlooks the sprawling Savannah.

Adding to its luxurious appeal and African spirit, Djuma Vuyatela features an exceptional dining and socializing experience as well as a deck equipped with a fireplace to sip a cocktail as you peer over the African bush.

Buffalo Ridge in Madikwe, South Africa: For the ultimate wilderness retreat, Buffalo Ridge is the place to go. Sitting atop the Tweedepoort Ridge, Buffalo Ridge overlooks the vast plains of Madikwe Game Reserve, one of Africa’s most wildlife-abundant reserves. With a variety of safari tours to choose from, Buffalo Ridge’s experienced guides take you deep within Madikwe Game Reserve to observe some of Africa’s most mesmerizing wildlife, including the black and white rhino, leopard, elephant, cheetah, lion, and more.  

Aside from its exceptional safari tours and magnificent views overlooking the Madikwe, Buffalo Ridge features eight thatched suites decorated with earth tones and materials that inspire complete relaxation. Inside each of the lodge’s suites you’ll find your very own outdoor patio, luxurious interior décor, and the finest bed linens.

In addition to South Africa’s many FTTSA certified accommodations, the country is also home to a handful of FTTSA certified touring companies. Sustainable touring companies in Cape Town include AWOL, Uthando, Marine Dynamics, and Anduela. AWOL is primarily famous for its bicycle tours throughout local townships, Marina Dynamics is renowned for its shark diving tours, and Anduela is known for its cooking tours in Cape Malay.   

To learn more about the FTTSA certification, visit their website at www.fairtourism.org.za.