As South Africa's summer season arrives with sunny skies and warm temperatures, a range of exciting new hotels, packages and special events are on offer to make any visit to this beautiful country even more special.  

Hot News

BA's direct flight from Heathrow to Durban takes off on 29th October

British Airways will launch its direct flight from London Heathrow to Durban on 29th October, allowing British holidaymakers to swap the long, dark, winter nights of the Northern Hemisphere for Durban's sun-kissed beaches and thriving food, drink and art scene, as well as the province's many nature reserves, parks and historic sites. Priced from £599, the thrice-weekly service will be the only non-stop link between Europe and Durban, offering a morning arrival into Durban and an evening arrival into Heathrow. For more information, please visit www.britishairways.com.

Joburg Tourism opens Visitor Information Centre alongside new website and app

Joburg Tourism recently unveiled a new Visitor Information Centre (VIC) on Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, as well an updated website and mobile-app. Expected to become a one-stop-shop for visitors to Joburg, the centre is easily accessible via the Gautrain station for those keen to see the Nelson Mandela statue or for the area's premier shopping offering. The tourism body has also unveiled an upgraded, interactive Joburg Tourism website, www.visit.joburg, offering a wealth of useful general information about the city, as well as an app with information on attractions, transport, accommodation and events in the local area. For more information, please visit www.joburgtourism.com. 

Blaauwberg Nature Reserve's coastline first in South Africa to go green

South Africa's first Green Coast Status was awarded to the City of Cape Town's Blaauwberg Nature Reserve on 14th September 2018 in recognition of its commitment to preserving the unique flora and fauna along the coastline, whilst providing opportunities for sustainable tourism. Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is in an area that includes 2,000 hectares of pristine coastal landscape and boasts seven kilometres of coastline. The reserve is home to endangered vegetation and the Blaauwberg Hill, which is one of the few viewpoints in the world where from which two World Heritage Sites can be seen – Table Mountain and Robben Island. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) developed the Green Coast award to recognise rural coastal sites that are managed according to standardised criteria. For more information, please visit www.westcoastway.co.za.

New Packages / Tours

Contiki expands into East and Southern Africa with Cape, Safari and Falls Package

Worldwide leader in group travel for 18-35s, Contiki, has just launched a range of new packages in East and Southern Africa. This includes the newly launched Southern Africa trip itinerary: Cape, Safari & Falls, which starts in Cape Town with a Table Mountain cable car ride, city tour, wine tour and a visit to Boulders Beach. The trip then departs for Kruger National Park via Johannesburg and the breath-taking scenery along South Africa's Panorama Route. Two full day game drives in Kruger National Park are included to maximise wildlife spotting, before the trip heads to Victoria Falls. For more information, please visit www.contiki.com.

Caravan and Motorhome Club to start motorhome tours of South Africa in 2019

The Caravan and Motorhome Club is launching motorhome tours of South Africa. Available to book from 22nd October for travel in 2019, the Club is offering a variety of escorted, independent and tailor-made itineraries for seasoned motorhomers and new roadtrippers alike. The Club's 'Roads of the Rainbow Nation' escorted tour will offer an in-depth journey around South Africa, taking in Kruger National Park, KwaZulu-Natal & Cape Town, while its two independent itineraries will cover Cape Town and the Garden Route or the Big 5 in Kruger National Park and the dramatic landscapes of the Drakensberg mountains. To find out more about the Caravan and Motorhome Club and its brand new tours, visit www.camc.com/worldwide.

The Only One launches Robben Island Yacht trips featuring Christo Brand

The Only One, a luxury yacht charter based in Cape Town, has introduced three-hour 'Around Robben Island' trips accommodating up to 12 passengers. The tours will be accompanied by Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela's former prison guard, well as Sandi Sijkae, a former prisoner on Robben Island, who will tell stories of their time spent in the facility. There are no set departures for The Only One's new Robben Island Trip, therefore bookings are made upon request. For more information, please visit www.luxuryyachtcharter-onlyone.com.

2by2 Holidays introduces tailormade birding holidays to South Africa

2by2 Holidays has introduced four new tailormade birding holidays to South Africa, covering a variety of birding hotspots; from the famous wetlands of KwaZulu-Natal to the grasslands of Wakkerstroom, and from Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town to the Hottentots Mountains and coastal birds of Hermanus and the West Coast. One of the four holidays combines two of the country's top birding destinations: KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town. Starting in Durban, the trip visits Mkuze Bird Reserve; the St Lucia iSimangaliso Wetlands and Hluhluwe National Park before heading to beautiful Cape Town for birding at Kirstenbosch, Hermanus and the West Coast - tailored to guests' requirements. Starting from £3,995pp, price is based on two people sharing and includes flights from London, 16-nights' accommodation, park fees, local birding guides at each birding destination, transfers and game drives. For more information, please visit www.2by2holidays.co.uk.  

South Africa focus for Premier Holidays with new trade campaign

Premier Holidays has launched its 2019 Africa brochure with plenty of new South Africa product, including a seven-night Boutique Garden Route Self-Drive from £489pp, four new lodges in the Kruger region, and the 4* Oliver's Lodge in the White River region of Mpumalanga, priced from £88 per night. To coincide with the launch of the brochure, Premier has partnered with South African Tourism and South African Airways on a trade campaign designed to promote off the beaten track routes and encourage agents to book tactical deals, valid until 31st October, which offer discounts of up to £700 per couple. Offers include a 12-night Boutique Cape Town and Garden Route Self-Drive from £1,449pp and a Cape, Wine, Whales and Game package from £1,449pp for 10 nights with free wine tasting, half board and two game drives. The packages are for travel in May and June 2019, based on two adults sharing, and travel agents can earn up to £150 in shopping vouchers for every booking. For more information, please visit www.trade.premierholidays.co.uk.

Explore KwaZulu-Natal with Travelsphere's new 12-day tour

Travelsphere's new 12-day tour through KwaZulu-Natal, 'A South African Adventure', will showcase the province's incredible landscapes, thrilling wildlife and sweeping golden beaches. Highlights include game drives in the Ubizane Wildlife Reserve and Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, a hippo and crocodile spotting cruise on the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and a scenic excursion to the breathtaking Oribi Gorge. The tour includes three nights in the Ubizane Safari Lodge in the heart of Ubizane Wildlife Reserve followed by six nights at the Blue Marlin Hotel, Scottburgh Beach. Prices start from £2,699 per person. For more information please visit www.travelsphere.co.uk.

Morukuru launches 'Safari with a Purpose' programme at Madikwe Game Reserve

Morukuru lodge has launched its very first 'Safari with a Purpose' programme in Madikwe Game Reserve. Through the Morukuru Goodwill Foundation, a new three-day programme has been designed exclusively for Morukuru guests working closely with the Parks Board and local community to offer families and groups a life-changing experience. The programme's primary focus is on supporting rhino protection, as well as assisting with various other conservation efforts such as elephant, lion and cheetah collaring, lion contraception and rhino notching/chipping. The three-day 'Safari with a Purpose' is available for families and groups staying in Morukuru properties in Madikwe Game Reserve. For more information, please visit www.morukuru.com.

Holiday Architects announces new itinerary in KwaZulu-Natal on BA's Durban route

Holiday Architects has introduced a new seven-night package from £2,250 per person flying direct from London Heathrow to Durban on BA's new route. The price includes three nights at Ghost Mountain Inn where guests can immerse themselves in Zulu culture, enjoy scenic views of the legendary mountain and spot wildlife on foot in uMkhuze Game Reserve, as well as three fully inclusive nights at Makakatana Bay Lodge, St Lucia. This intimate safari lodge is perfect for exploring the nearby unspoiled beaches, vast wetlands as well as enjoying game drives around the ISimangaliso reserve. For more information, please visit www.holidayarchitects.co.uk.

Celebrate the Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival with new packages from Leeu

To celebrate the Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival taking place on 1st and 2nd December, guests booking one of the two special packages detailed at any of the Leeu Collection properties in Franschhoek will enjoy a complimentary bottle of BAS Brut NV. The first package, Gastronomic Delight, allows guests to enjoy an overnight stay with complimentary three-course dinner and a bottle of BAS wine at any of the Leeu Collection restaurants (excluding La Petite Colombe). The second package, Spa Spoil, entitles guests booking a two-night stay to a complimentary 60-minute African Fusion Body Massage per person at Leeu Spa, as well as a three-course lunch at The Dining Room (both located at Leeu Estates). Rates start from R8070 (~£430). For more information and to book, please email reservations@leeucollection.com, call +27 21 492 2222, or visit www.leeucollection.com.

Enjoy family discounts this half-term at Samara Private Game Reserve

Samara Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape is launching a special half-term package, valid from 12th October to 5th November, which offers 10% and 15% off four- and five-night stays respectively. Ideal for families, the malaria-free reserve offers a bespoke programme of activities including game drives, guided walks, land rehab projects, rock painting, tree planting and tracking lessons, sure to keep the whole family entertained. A 2.5-hour drive from Port Elizabeth, Samara is situated at the end of the Garden Route and just 40 minutes from the historical town of Graaff-Reinet, rich in culture and heritage. For more information and to book, please visit www.samara.co.za.

New Openings / Refurbishments

Beyond Tengile River Lodge to open in Sabi Sand Game Reserve on 1st December

Beyond Tengile River Lodge is opening in December this year at the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa. Raised above ground level, the spacious suites will feature cosy sunken lounges, elegant bedrooms and bathrooms opening out onto the forest. A tranquil spa and fully equipped gym area offer a heaven of tranquillity when guests can spend the entire day relaxing in between action-packed game drives. Sustainability lies at the heart of this new lodge's form and function, from environmentally friendly materials that are designed to last longer to automation that reduces the use of electricity and the combination of solar power. Prices start from £1,095 per person per night based on two adults sharing. For more information, please visit www.andbeyond.com.

Mantis Collection launches uMfolozi Big Five Reserve

Mantis Collection is proud to announce their association with the creation of uMfolozi Big Five Reserve, a 600-hectare tract of tribal land, currently being incorporated into the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal. The uMfolozi Big Reserve epitomises what Mantis stands for, “Man and Nature Together is Sustainable”, and represents a future of forward-thinking sustainability. In its new format, more land will be protected for animals to roam free while communities will benefit economically. As part of the Mantis collection, two five-star lodges are being built, the Mthembu Lodge and Biyela Lodge, both complete with panoramic views of the water and thickets. For more information, please visit www.mantiscollection.com.

Le Quarter Français in Franschhoek opens new suites following renovations

Le Quarter Français, the romantic boutique hotel in the heart of Franschhoek village, completes its renovation in the last quarter of 2018, with the opening of new Auberge Rooms and Petite Garden Suites. The Garden Room and The Bar at Le Quartier Français will also re-open as an exciting new restaurant called Protégé. The casual-style eatery will offer young talented chefs the opportunity to put themselves on the map. Chef Stephen Raaff will head up the kitchen and will work with local suppliers to keep the menu as fresh and seasonal as possible. The restaurant has been designed around a central show kitchen, with al fresco dining planned at both ends of the restaurant. For more details, please visit www.leeucollection.com.

Joburg's iconic Saxon Hotel unveils new Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite

The prestigious Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa in Johannesburg's Sandhurst neighbourhood has unveiled the new 400sqm Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite, during the centenary year of the late president. The stylish new suite is a fitting tribute to the statesman who was closely connected with Saxon owners, as well as being a regular hotel guest. Mandela also completed his bestselling autobiography Long Walk to Freedom at the Saxon following his release from prison. Taking inspiration from Madiba's Xhosa heritage, the new suite features bespoke pieces of art and furniture, with an authentically African look and feel. The launch of the new-look Nelson Mandela Platinum Suite is part of an ongoing renovation programme throughout the Saxon, and renovations will continue through to next year. For more information, please visit www.saxon.co.za.

Sabi Sabi Selati Camp Unveils its Romantic New Look

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve has unveiled beautiful new outdoor lounges, decks and living space for its classic Selati Camp. The superb suites, and now the addition and renovation of two wonderful viewing decks, a new reception and boutique area, seamlessly meld into the historical spirit of Selati Camp – which remains a classic vintage experience and an unforgettable destination for the romantic at heart. Prices start at £732 per person per night, based on two adults sharing. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve's Selati Camp can also be coupled with Sabi Sabi's other luxury lodges, Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp and Earth Lodge. For more information visit www.sabisabi.com.

-Ends-

Note to editors

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist and business events destination.  It is headed up by Chief Executive Officer, Sisa Ntshona.

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