See South Africa’s highlights

Native Escapes, specialist operator to Southern Africa, has announced a new 16 day small group trip to South Africa, taking in the Kruger National Park, Cape Town and the stunning Garden Route.

The fully guided trip – with a maximum of 12 passengers per departure - includes a safari, with an opportunity to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) as well as a host of other animals in the huge wilderness that is Kruger National Park. The trip travels through rural, pretty Swaziland, well known for its excellent markets where craft and curio sellers from all over Africa bring their goods for sale.

Along the Garden Route, the spectacular scenery is renowned: from June to November, Southern Right Whales can be seen from the shore, and a boat trip allows a closer look at these fantastic mammals, with a chance of also spotting dolphins and seals.

A stop in the stunning winelands, with it’s pretty Dutch-architectural homesteads and a reputation for fast becoming a top gastronomic destination is also included. Some sampling at the local vineyards is a must – especially when someone else is doing the driving.

The trip ends with 3 days in Cape Town, perhaps one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, some of the world’s best wines produced in the region, a reputation for excellent cuisine, and a year round temperate climate. Included are trips to Table Mountain, and a scenic drive down to Cape Point.

The trip includes a boat cruise on one of Zululand’s most scenic lakes, with an opportunity to spot hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles, a trip to a monkey sanctuary for a first-hand glimpse of how rehabilitation and conservation of these primates works, and a cruise to a seal colony on the Cape Peninsula.

Accommodation along the way is in 4 star lodges, and guides are locals with a special knowledge of and enthusiasm for the unique flora and fauna and cultural and historical aspects of their country. Departures are weekly: prices start from £2,745 including flights, accommodation, transport and two meals per day.

For more information on this trip and other trips offered by Native Escapes, visit nativeescapes.com.