Dyer Island Cruises, based in Gansbaai, is a highly respected and ethical company that offers whale watching in season and shark watching all year round. The company, certified by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa, offers an extraordinary, informative experience that will enrich your understanding of the sea and its biodiversity. more

Whether you visit South Africa’s whale-watching capital Hermanus or choose a scenic spot along the Garden Route or Wild Coast, seeing these marine giants in their natural environment wither from land or a boat is an experience that you won’t want to miss. more

Polokwane Game Reserve is one of the most notable municipal reserves in the country. Unusually large, it protects a comparatively rare vegetation type and is home to some fairly finicky eaters like sable antelope. It’s a lovely wildlife experience, not far from Johannesburg, and you can explore it on horseback. more

If you go birding in Memel, you stand an excellent chance of seeing almost mythical grassland birds like Rudd’s lark and Botha’s lark. The enormous Seekoeivlei wetland nearby, named for the hippos that once lived here (and now do again) attracts dozens of aquatic bird species. more

Seal Island in False Bay is home to well over 60 000 bawling, squalling, squabbling Cape fur seals. They’re top of the menu for the great white sharks that patrol this area, and there’s always a chance to see a spectacular (and bruising) encounter between the 2 species. more

Mountain biking in the Kruger National Park is a fun and thrilling way to experience one of the world’s great game reserves. If you're reasonably fit, are confident on a bike and have a sense of adventure, then cycling through this great wilderness area is an awesome experience. more

Safaris in South Africa are amongst the most popular holiday choices for locals and travellers alike, with options to suit all tastes and needs. Specialist walking safaris are a great choice for those wanting to absorb the sights, sounds and smells of the bush up close and personal. more

Ostriches in the Western Cape are big business. The birds are farmed for their feathers, skin and lean meat, which is exported all over the world, while their eggs are used for decorative purposes. Ostrich farms also attract tourists to the area, anchoring an industry and providing employment. more

South Africa is a heavenly destination for kids on safari. Since most visitors are here to appreciate the outdoors, even the most hardened PlayStation addicts should find something to pique their interest in this wildlife-rich land. more

Known for its dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife and rich cultural heritage, the area currently being developed as the Greater Mapungubwe transfrontier conservation area, brings together 3 countries – South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe - and offers a wide range of attractions. more

If you thought shark cage-diving was an intense and extreme way of getting closer to predators in their natural environment, then you are in for a great surprise. Try crocodile cage-diving in Oudtshoorn for the ultimate up close and personal encounter with an ancient predator. more

Don’t take anyone else’s word for it, get up close and personal to the bush and its wildlife with a real-life walking safari or bush walk experience in a game reserve with experienced guides and trackers who will show you the best kept secrets of the wilderness. more

The Augrabies Falls National Park capitalises on the desolate semi-arid landscape of the northern reaches of the Northern Cape. Punctuated by solitary quiver trees, rocky outcrops and the mighty Orange River, it has an other-worldly feel to it, which makes exploring the park all the more exciting. more

The Lion Park in Lanseria, just outside Johannesburg, is a must-see experiences. Celebrities from all over the world can’t be wrong. Here you’re guaranteed sightings of magnificent lions, but they’re not the only attraction. There’s also the giraffe feeding station, and a chance to play with cubs. more