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South Africa is fast becoming a must-visit destination. 2024 saw a 5.1% rise in international tourist arrivals, with a total of 8.92 million people that popped over for a visit! Outside of our African neighbours, the U.S took the lead with just under 372,400 visitors. Visitors from Brazil increased by 94.2%, with nearly 50,000 visitors to our beautiful country. The millions of people that chose to visit South Africa are surely on to something.
If you come from a colder part of the world, you’ll love the fact that you can be perfectly comfortable in a T-shirt and shorts for most of the year - especially in the coastal regions. South Africa has a mild climate and even its winters, for many visitors, are relatively warm.
From the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands to the rugged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa’s landscapes are as diverse as they are breathtaking. South Africa is of course known for its incredible wildlife, ranging from iconic species like Elephants, Lions, and Rhinos to unique flora found nowhere else.
The diverse ecosystems, from savannas and deserts to lush forests and coastlines, support an abundant diversity of animals and plants and are home to critically endangered species.
South Africa’s currency is the South African Rand (ZAR), symbolised by the letter R, and being a relatively weak currency, your dollars, pounds, or euros are likely to go very far here! One of the highlights for most tourists is the fact that they can enjoy top-notch food, incredible experiences and luxury accommodation, even on a budget.
South Africa’s population currently sits at just over 60 million people and is made up of a vibrant mix of ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. This diversity is at the heart of what makes South Africa so unique, and the country is a melting pot of traditions, music, art, and cuisine.
South Africa really is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit really depends on the experience you’d like to have. It also depends on which parts of the country you want to visit, and if there’s a particular event you’re planning your trip around.
Seasonally, many tourists like to visit in summer for obvious reasons - the beach and general atmosphere of summer is a big drawcard. The east coast experiences hot, humid summers, while the interior and west coast have dry summers and winter rainfall. Cape Town's beaches are spectacular but the Atlantic Ocean is cold, while the east coast features the warm water of the Indian Ocean.
The cooler months, however, offer their own benefits, for example, wildlife viewing is often better in winter as the foliage is sparser, making it easier to spot animals. It’ll still be relatively warm depending on where you visit, though keep in mind that mornings and evenings can be chilly.
South Africa is a land of breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled wildlife experiences. At Wildlife ACT, we’re dedicated to protecting endangered species and preserving the country’s biodiversity, and we invite travellers to be part of this important mission.
Whether you dream of encountering Africa’s iconic wildlife up close, hiking through dramatic mountain ranges, or witnessing one of nature’s greatest floral displays, South Africa offers unforgettable opportunities to connect with the wild.
Unlike a traditional safari, our Endangered Wildlife Safari gives you the chance to actively participate in conservation work while also enjoying the comforts and luxuries of a private game reserve. Track endangered species like Cheetahs, African Wild Dogs, and Black Rhinos while learning from expert conservationists. This hands-on experience allows you to contribute directly to wildlife protection while enjoying thrilling game-viewing in South Africa’s most beautiful reserves in Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Book your safari here.
Passionate conservationists can join Wildlife ACT’s volunteer program in Zululand, one of the most biodiverse regions in Africa. Volunteers assist with crucial wildlife monitoring, help set up camera traps, and possibly take part in animal rescues and relocations. This immersive experience provides an intimate look at conservation in action and leaves a lasting impact on both wildlife and participants.
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Many of our volunteers describe it as a deeper and more meaningful experience than a traditional safari. With the assistance of professional monitors, you’ll learn skills such as wildlife tracking through spoor and telemetry and creating ID kits for animals. You’ll glean insight into what it takes to protect vulnerable and endangered species such as Lions, Rhinos, Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, and more. Apply now or contact us with any questions you may have.
Each spring (August–September), the arid landscape of Namaqualand transforms into a sea of vibrant wildflowers, creating one of the most spectacular natural displays on Earth. While not directly related to wildlife conservation, this incredible event showcases the delicate beauty of South Africa’s ecosystems.
Protecting these habitats is just as important as safeguarding its wildlife, making this a must-see for nature lovers. You could arrange to volunteer in Zululand in spring before taking a short flight (or scenic drive) to the Western Cape to view this natural spectacle.
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For adventurous travellers, the Drakensberg Mountains offer world-class hiking, stunning waterfalls, and ancient San rock art. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this range is home to rare bird species and breathtaking scenery. Conservation in the Drakensberg is key to preserving these fragile ecosystems, making it a fitting destination for travelers who appreciate both nature and responsible tourism.
Plus, those interested in volunteering with wildlife can join our Southern Drakensberg Conservation Project, where you can help protect endangered Vulture species in a spectacular setting.
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South Africa’s conservation efforts extend beyond land to its incredible coastlines. The annual sardine run, often called the “Greatest Shoal on Earth,” attracts sharks, dolphins, and whales in an unforgettable marine feeding frenzy. As winter approaches, mega-shoals, made up of tens to hundreds of millions of sardines, amass off the coast of South Africa on their annual migration from Cape Agulhas to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
The shoals attract thousands of predators - this video shows the sheer magnitude of this event. People flock to the beaches of KZN to watch, tour operators take people out to sea for a better look, and some even go underwater to get up close to the action.
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If you choose to visit the western coast of South Africa, you can go on an ocean safari where you might spot humpback whales or Heaviside's dolphins as well as a variety of an exciting range of bird species. Guided by passionate wildlife experts, you can snorkel in a Kelp forest around Duiker island, exploring the wonders of this unique underwater ecosystem, perhaps glimpsing shy sharks, Cape fur seals, or even penguins.
Avid divers and snorkellers are drawn to South African oceans for its incredible richness of underwater life, including species found only in South African waters. Table Mountain National Park, a revered Marine Protected Area (MPA) on the Cape Peninsula, and the Aliwal Shoal in KZN are vital sanctuaries that preserve the habitats of vulnerable species including sharks and rays, highlighted in a beautiful short film from local conservation organisation, WILDTRUST:
These experiences highlight the need for marine conservation and responsible tourism practices.
Planning any overseas trip can be overwhelming, so it's important to decide what experiences you want to have and then think about which locations you want to visit. It’s also important to consider your budget. If you need to save up for your trip, start planning well ahead of time.
If sustainable tourism is important to you, do your research on companies and organisations to ensure that their values align with yours. When volunteering with wildlife, it is especially important to ensure that you contribute to real conservation work that is being carried out by reputable organisations.
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By combining conservation-focused experiences with South Africa’s stunning natural wonders, travellers can enjoy an adventure that is both meaningful and awe-inspiring.
Whether you’re joining Wildlife ACT on a conservation safari, volunteering in Zululand or the Drakensberg, or just exploring the country’s breathtaking landscapes, every experience has the potential to deepen your connection to nature and contribute to the protection of South Africa’s wild heritage.
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