South Africa, safari-style

The Republic of South Africa is one of 17 “megadiverse” countries laying claim to the world’s highest level of biodiversity. Discovery of its national parks and game reserves is one of its main tourist attractions.

A place offering total escapism, South Africa, at the southernmost tip of the African continent has the most awesome game reserves on the continent, including the Kruger National Park, created in 1898, covering an area of over 20,000 square kilometres, and playing host to a quarter of the world’s protected species. Luxurious lodges provide excellent comfort with private areas enabling their guests to benefit from tailormade safaris, as if they were alone in the world. Not solely limited to the Kruger Park, the Mpumalanga region is crossed by the impressive Drakensberg mountains with their breathtaking scenery. Here one can admire the canyon hollowed out by the River Blyde. Accessible year-round, this region offers the very best of its vegetation and climate during the austral winter, from April to October. It is in this period that wildlife is easiest to find, especially impalas, giraffes, gnus, zebras and antilopes. As for the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards and rhinoceroses), they remain the noble essentials of any safari.

How to organize a safari ?

Marco Vasco

On a private concession of over 56,800 acres in the Markele National Park, Marataba proposes 15 luxury tents in the foothills of the Waterberg mountains. A 4-hour drive north of Johannesburg, this lodge surrounded by superb vegetation is ideal for families. www.marataba.co.za

On a private concession of over 56,800 acres in the Markele National Park, Marataba proposes 15 luxury tents in the foothills of the Waterberg mountains. A 4-hour drive north of Johannesburg, this lodge surrounded by superb vegetation is ideal for families. www.marataba.co.za

In the midst of a private reserve accessible by air or overland track, Madikwe offers the epitome of authentic luxury. After a photo safari in an open Land Rover, it’s time to relax in your private jacuzzi offering a breathtaking view of the savannah. www.madikwe.net

In the midst of a private reserve accessible by air or overland track, Madikwe offers the epitome of authentic luxury. After a photo safari in an open Land Rover, it’s time to relax in your private jacuzzi offering a breathtaking view of the savannah. www.madikwe.net

This luxury lodge in Sabi Sand offers a unique experience. At the heart of the wilds, in the midst of rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, tigers, giraffes and elephants, adventure takes on a capital “A” under the guidance of experienced rangers. The decoration of each space recalls the timeless codes of the chic colonial style. Fireside meals are known to be exceptional. sabisandsgamereserves.com

This luxury lodge in Sabi Sand offers a unique experience. At the heart of the wilds, in the midst of rhinoceroses, hippopotamuses, tigers, giraffes and elephants, adventure takes on a capital “A” under the guidance of experienced rangers. The decoration of each space recalls the timeless codes of the chic colonial style. Fireside meals are known to be exceptional. sabisandsgamereserves.com

Flying out from Paris, Marco Vasco proposes fantastic getaways to Africa to explore the great outdoors. On the programme,

vast wild stretches of Swaziland, panoramic views of the Blyde River Canyon, and the must game reserves of Hluhluwe and Kruger.

afriquedusud.marcovasco.fr

Terres d’Aventures

Terres d’Aventure lays on a discovery circuit in the country’s largest game reserve, the Kruger Park, enabling participants to climb the Drakensberg mountains and admire their awesome scenic views. www.terredav.com

Voyageurs du Monde

As a couple, with friends or

the family... Voyageurs du Monde is the specialist for made-to- measure adventure. Trips combine discoveries of towns with safaris

at the very heart of nature. www.voyageursdumonde.fr