Conservation

Read about Conservation

South Africa’s red list species

The red list sounds prestigious, but is an indicator of a species (or an ecosystem) in distress. In South Africa, these animals are protected.

Parks in South Africa

Whether you are visiting the dry region, the wet or coastal land, there is a park near you where you can appreciate the country’s rich wildlife.

Pintotage wine bath for 2 in the vineyard

Grape escapes in the winelands

If you’ve done the cellar tour (many times), tasted the wines (lots of them) and got the t-shirt, try these grape escapes for a new take on fun in the winelands.

Green Mountain Eco Route

A treasure for botanists, wine enthusiasts and nature lovers, the Green Mountain Eco Route strives to protect biodiversity by promoting harmony between man and nature.

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The Boschendal wine farm in Franschhoek.

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Animal Encounters

The Big 7, Addo Elephant Park, Eastern Cape

First prize on your checklist is ticking off the big 7, which includes lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard as well as the Southern Right Whale and the Great White Shark.
Ostrich Farms, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Don’t miss our famous ostrich farms in Oudtshoorn – where you can ride an ostrich, stand on an ostrich egg (they can withstand 250kg!) and learn the history of the feather palaces. And, yes, it’s okay to have an ostrich steak or omelette in town afterwards.
Meerkat Tours, Oudtshoorn, Western Cape

Rise at dawn and wait for these wildlife celebrities (think Meerkat Manor) to come on set. Be entertained by a real-life suricate soap-opera – complete with tangled alliances, family dramas, food squabbles and hasty escapes. Strictly conservation orientated - tours are on an ‘observe and conserve’ basis only, with very limited numbers.
White Rhino in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, KwaZulu-Natal

Look out for the white rhino at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi – rescued from the brink of extinction.
Cango Wildlife Ranch, Oudsthoorn, Western Cape

Hug a pigmy hippo, tickle a white Bengal tiger and go cage-diving with Nile crocodiles. Sure it’s Afro-Disney, but there's a serious commitment to conservation here, and it’s loads of fun!
Turtle Tours, Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal

Between November and January, experience the privilege of watching leatherback turtles emerge from the ocean and lay their eggs, or between February and March, hold your breath as the hatchlings run the gauntlet of crabs, seabirds and other predators to reach the sea.
Whale Watching, Hermanus, Western Cape

Humbling, awe-inspiring and rewarding, no wonder it’s such a popular wildlife encounter. Watching the whales in Hermanus during Whale Season is a fantastic opportunity for those who love marine life.
Shark Encounters, Western Cape

Watch Great White Sharks hunting off Duiker and Seal Island, in False Bay. If your timing’s right, you’ll see one breach fully out of the water to snatch a baby seal meal in mid-air. Alternatively, meet a Great White on its own turf on a cage-diving adventure.
Penguins at Boulders Beach, Simonstown, Western Cape

Don’t forget to take the camera along for this charming encounter. Check out the over 1000 penguins at Boulders Beach at the world’s only urban penguin colony.
Wild Dogs, Madikwe, North West

Admire these wild canines with their eye-catching Jackson Pollock-splashed pelts and playful antics – highly endangered, they are seldom seen.