Welcome to Grosvenor Tours - South Africa Tours, Luxury South African Tours and Trips

How do we get to Southern Africa?
Johannesburg and Cape Town (to a lesser extent) are the major gateways to the region and are serviced by daily flights from Europe and North America. There are also direct flights from South American cities such as Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires. For more information please visit www.flysaa.com. Once in South Africa, South African Airways and a number of other local airlines service all the major centres locally.

When is the best time to visit?
Anytime of year – South Africa has more than 250 days of sunshine a year, whereas places like Namibia have even more. The best time for safari is typically between May-October, as the bush is dry and the foliage not so thick so it is easier to spot the animals. The dry conditions encourage the animals to frequent watering holes and rivers which also makes them easier to find. For safari in the Okavango Delta, the months July-October are prime as this is when the Delta is in flood.

In a number of areas, particularly in the Greater Kruger National Park – Nov to April is a great time of year for safari as the bush is alive with activity. There are a lot of youngsters about, particularly the plains game (eg impala and zebra) as they are typically born in the spring.

Cape Town is beautiful throughout the year but July and August are the wettest months. This area has a temperate Mediterranean climate – hot dry summers and cool wet winters.

How safe is it to travel to the region?
While on safari be careful to lock your doors and windows as the baboons can create chaos if given the opportunity! If you listen to your guide’s instructions and don’t walk around on your own at night, the wildlife shouldn’t be a problem. While in major cities, take precautions as you would in any other international city – don’t walk around alone at night; don’t wear lots of flashy jewellery or camera equipment etc. Please note that a number of the major safari areas are located in malaria areas so we do recommend you taking the necessary precautions. There are also malaria-free safari options available.

How much can I pack?
You are typically limited to 44lbs/20kgs per person for checked luggage on domestic flights. Some of the light aircraft flights to more remote regions or safari areas can be as little as 22lbs/10kgs. We recommend that you pack only what you need as laundry facilities are available throughout your trip. Should the need arise, there are luggage storage facilities at Johannesburg Airport.

What are the medical facilities like?
South Africa has some of the best medical facilities in the world. However, we would highly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance before your trip – particularly when visiting very remote areas which would require emergency evacuation for a medical emergency.