Around June each year, word gets out along the KwaZulu-Natal coast that the sardines have arrived. They’ve swum for more than 30 days from their spawning ground in the Cape to reach South Africa's east coast. Scores of fishermen join the sharks, game fish, marine mammals and birds that gorge themselves on the shimmering band of silver fish. more

Close to Oudtshoorn you’ll find a farmstay that boasts rustic accommodation as well as luxury, that is ethically run and where you'll see plenty of birdlife. The most compelling attraction, though, is the famous habituated meerkats. Go and watch them wake up one morning. more

A movement near your feet on the Augrabies Falls boardwalk. Suddenly a small, feisty and impossibly colourful lizard pops into focus. This is Broadley’s flat lizard, which lives in little groups where rivalries and territory are all linked to their techni-colour markings. At night they forget their feuds and cuddle up together. more

The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board has protected the province’s bathing beaches from shark attacks for more than 40 years. The Sharks Board is also involved in vital shark research and educates the public about sharks and their behaviour. more

BirdLife South Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving and protecting South Africa’s birds. Become a member online, read BirdLife’s own magazine, get the information and discover how you can help to protect the birds that are a crucial part of our world’s biodiversity. more

An outing to Phezulu Safari Park presents a handful of options for the first-time visitor to South Africa. From a game drive to a traditional Zulu village experience – and seeing some of the country's most fearsome reptiles – this is a great introduction to Africa. more

Kestrelling has become a popular activity among birders, simply because kestrels and falcons are such intriguing little raptors. There are five kestrel species in South Africa, but the long-distance travellers among them are quite awe-inspiring. Lesser kestrels, Amur falcons and red-footed falcons travel thousands of kilometres to summer in South Africa. more

Maybe you’ve already stayed at one of the Kruger National Park’s many camps, but have you considered sleeping out in one of their overnight hides? The two hides – Sabie, near Phalaborwa Gate, and Shipandani, near Mopani Camp – are very basic but you’ll have a thrilling African bush experience. more

The water birds of Mpumalanga and their habitats are well known to birders throughout the world. It’s in Mpumalanga that you will find the rare Pel’s fishing owl, the highly endangered Saddle-billed stork, the rarely glimpsed White-winged flufftail and many of their more common – but often as fascinating – cousins. more

Predator World in the Pilanesberg offers an opportunity to see many of Africa's predatory species at close quarters. Qualified, knowledgeable guides share interesting information on each animal, while child-friendly tours include treasure hunts, refreshments and fun activities. more

andBeyond’s new 10-day ‘Leopards, Winelands and Rock Paintings’ adventure - selected as one of National Geographic Traveler magazine’s 2012 ‘50 Tours of a Lifetime’ - includes 3 nights at andBeyond Kirkman’s Kamp, 3 nights at Cape Town’s Mount Nelson Hotel and 3 nights at Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve in the Cederberg. more

Bontebok and blesbok are two similar but distinct antelope species that came close to extinction. These colourful beasts – especially the bontebok – owe their continued existence to a few stubborn landowners, some fences and one of the first examples of a South African conservation ethic. more

The grey rhebok, also known as the vaal rhebok, ribbok or rhebuck, is endemic, and found only in South Africa. It is fairly common, but its colouring and is shyness make it a challenge to see. Seek it in the high grasslands, especially the flanks of the Drakensberg mountains. more

The /Ai /Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park's spectacular scenery spans two countries - South Africa and Namibia - and is home to extraordinary biodiversity, ranging from small succulents to giant aloes, from African wild cats to antelope and many rare bird species endemic to the region. more