The Kruger National Park is renowned not only for its diversity of wildlife, but also for its conservation record. You can see the famed Big Five, but you'll also be dazzled by hundreds of birds, ancient trees, mighty rivers and much, much more. more

Seals are among the few mammals whose numbers are increasing. In fact, Cape fur seals number millions. South Africa and Namibia host enormous colonies of them – some of the greatest concentrations of wildlife outside of the Serengeti and Masai Mara reserves in East Africa. more

South African ground squirrels are knee-high rodents with fluffy tails and a pale racing stripe down their cinnamon-coloured flanks. At a glance, they’re easily mistaken for meerkats, since they also occur in the Karoo and Kalahari. But unlike meerkats, these little burrowers (which often live alongside meerkats) are mostly vegetarians. more

The Dwesa Nature Reserve is a little green gem along the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast. A provincial reserve, it offers coastal forest, grasslands with wild animals, and best of all, a chance to laze on a gloriously empty beach. During the mild winter, look out for humpback whales and the incredible Sardine Run, when sardines migrate in their millions up the east coast of South Africa, followed by predators such as sharks and birds. more

If you see a riverine rabbit, you will belong to a very tiny and exclusive group of people. It is thought to only number in the low hundreds and is found along dry riverbeds in the arid central Karoo. This critically endangered mammal is a flagship species for this semi-desert’s delicate ecology. more

Leopards are usually the most coveted of the Big 5 sightings, in part because their nocturnal stealthy habits make them among the most difficult big cats to see. But what a find, if you do see it. They are the quintessence of feline beauty – stealthy, strong and secretive. more

Vervet monkeys are easy to see in South Africa. Widespread through most of the eastern half, especially around acacia trees, they are fascinating to watch. They have highly developed social lives and language skills. Like all monkeys, they are critical for the health of trees and forests. more

Wildlife conservation safaris offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into the life and work of wildlife veterinarians and park ecologists. Your safari helps to fund vital conservation work for individual species, and you’ll get an experience you’ll never forget. more

Visitors to South African game reserves are usually thrilled to see Africa’s big cats. But what of Africa’s smallest cat, the black-footed cat? This tiny carnivore is rarely seen, other than at Benfontein Nature Reserve near Kimberley in the Northern Cape, where it has been studied for 19 years. more

The Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve is renowned as a haven for the Big Five and for luxury game lodges of international standing. The reserve’s lush vegetation adjoins the Kruger National Park, and fences have been dropped. The wild animals cross back and forth, following ancient migration paths parallel to the Sabie River. more

Mashovhela Lodge's new Hammock Camp is for lovers of adventure and the great outdoors. Mashovhela is set on a large game reserve in Limpopo's Soutpansberg mountains. And their Hammock Camp is where you get to sleep out under the stars at night and enjoy African bush adventures by day. more

There are 3 Segway gliding tours through the scenic surrounds of Sun City. See the Gary Player Country Club golf course, experience local wildlife or enjoy the magnificent Pilanesberg mountains from a unique vantage point. Had a secret desire to ride 1 of these futuristic machines? Well now's your chance! more

The Boulders Beach penguins are about as famous as birds can be. They're also ever-more endangered. The birds, who draw crowds of visitors who can't resist their waddling ways, are under threat from loss of habitat, dwindling fish resources, and their human neighbours. more

Think eagles, falcons, kestrels and buzzards, threatened vulture species and endemic grassland species – that's the avian menu when you go birding in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Red sandstone formations, lots of game, rolling grasslands and exhilarating mountain air all add to the memorable experience. more