South Africa's best places for wellbeing
If this sounds like a dream holiday, treat yourself to a relaxing and therapeutic stay in South Africa and don’t miss out on everything our favourite places have to offer. Just click on the image for detailed descriptions and don't hesitate to give us a call to get more information
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
US$4,140 - US$4,250 per person
Vineyard Hotel
The Angsana Spa is part of the international Banyan Tree group (probably the best spa group in the world) and their Thai therapists have all been trained in the Far East and offer a wellbeing experience in South Africa not to be missed.
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
US$16,280 - US$19,680 per person
Victoria Falls Hotel
Victoria Falls may be the adrenalin capital of Zimbabwe, but you can take things a little slower at the Victoria Falls Hotel. Keep yourself fit with a large swimming pool, tennis courts and a gym, or try out the small spa, perfect for a little overindulgence.
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Best camps & lodges for Wellbeing in South Africa
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Vineyard Hotel
The Angsana Spa is part of the international Banyan Tree group (probably the best spa group in the world) and their Thai therapists have all been trained in the Far East and offer a wellbeing experience in South Africa not to be missed.
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Twelve Apostles
The extensive Spa at the Twelve Apostles near Cape Town offers a full spectrum of treatments, pools and therapies. It’s a wonderful place to pamper your body and mind.
Wellbeing elsewhere in Africa
Our top ideas and inspiration for Wellbeing in other countries.
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Botswana
There are only a handful of lodges in Botswana offering spa facilities and these are generally ...
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Kenya
There is a limited selection of camps and lodges in Kenya offering a wellbeing holiday. But the ...
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Mozambique
Mozambique's stunning beaches are the perfect setting for some pampering and a number of the lodges ...
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Namibia
Namibia hasn't quite yet caught up with the spa trend, but a handful of lodges offer spas and massage ...
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Seychelles
The Seychelles offers the ultimate in relaxation and wellbeing. Get pampered at one of the many ...
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Tanzania
After an exciting day on a Tanzania safari, you might want to return to the lodge and pamper yourself ...
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Zambia
There are only a few places in Zambia which offer a high-level of relaxation and wellbeing. But ...
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Zanzibar
Zanzibar is the perfect place to unwind on the beach or by the pool. There are plenty of shady ...
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Zimbabwe
While it isn't usually the primary focus of a Zimbabwean holiday there are a handful of lodges ...
Where to see wildlife species in South Africa
Maximise the chances of seeing your favourite animals based on traveller sightings reports from the field.
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Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
One of the ‘Big Five’, buffalo earned a fearsome reputation in hunters’ tales. By contrast, big herds of these sociable bovids are placid, but mount formidable defences against predators.
83% SUCCESS
3,038 sightings from 3,648 observations
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Cheetah
Acinonyx jubatus
The cheetah is the fastest land animal and the only cat that hunts by pure speed. Found largely in open grasslands, its slim, elegant form is today an increasingly rare sight.
33% SUCCESS
1,248 sightings from 3,748 observations
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Elephant
Loxodonta africana
By far the biggest of the so-called Big Five – indeed, the largest land animal on the planet – the elephant shapes the very landscape it inhabits and is a defining presence on any safari.
91% SUCCESS
4,330 sightings from 4,752 observations
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Oryx
Oryx sp.
Oryx are impressive antelopes, with a powerful physique and elegant markings set off by rapier-like horns. They cut a distinctive dash in some of Africa’s harshest landscapes.
70% SUCCESS
1,586 sightings from 2,273 observations
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Giraffe
Giraffa camelopardalis
The world’s tallest land mammal, giraffes are herbivores which have evolved many unique adaptations. Their iconic outlines tower above the bush in many of Africa’s wildlife areas.
86% SUCCESS
4,184 sightings from 4,869 observations
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Hippo
Hippopotamus amphibius
The territorial calls of the hippo create a signature soundtrack to Africa’s rivers & wetlands. Despite an endearing smile, this aquatic herbivore has a notoriously aggressive disposition.
89% SUCCESS
3,152 sightings from 3,533 observations
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Spotted Hyena
Crocuta crocuta
The spotted hyena may be thought of as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating and warrants attention on any safari.
55% SUCCESS
2,575 sightings from 4,686 observations
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Brown Hyena
Parahyaena brunnea
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
16% SUCCESS
288 sightings from 1,826 observations
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Leopard
Panthera pardus
The most numerous of Africa’s big cats, leopard occur across many habitats, from wild tracts to populated areas. Their grace and their elusive nature make them a unique safari drawcard.
47% SUCCESS
2,321 sightings from 4,923 observations
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Lion
Panthera leo
Lions are at the top of the food chain and also most safari wish-lists, but with their numbers falling fast, any encounter with these majestic apex predators always feels like a privilege.
81% SUCCESS
3,588 sightings from 4,428 observations
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Black Rhino
Diceros bicornis
The black rhino is the smaller and rarer of Africa’s two rhino species but has the more fearsome reputation. Shy and heavily persecuted, it tends to stick to cover.
31% SUCCESS
743 sightings from 2,430 observations
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White Rhino
Ceratotherium simum
The white rhino is the largest and most numerous of the world’s five rhinoceros species. They are larger, easier to see and generally more approachable than the black rhino.
44% SUCCESS
599 sightings from 1,377 observations
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Wild dog
Lycaon pictus
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
32% SUCCESS
1,025 sightings from 3,239 observations
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Wildebeest
Connochaetes sp.
Superficially bovine in appearance, wildebeests are known for their spectacular migrations sometimes in huge numbers. These resilient animals are some of Africa’s most successful herbivores.
67% SUCCESS
2,925 sightings from 4,337 observations
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Pangolin
Smutsia sp.
Pangolins appear to be more pine cone than animal in their unique armoury of scales. These nocturnal, ant-eating oddities are not only highly elusive but also increasingly rare.
2% SUCCESS
67 sightings from 3,932 observations
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Aardvark
Orycteropus afer
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush whilst sightings remain elusive.
2% SUCCESS
81 sightings from 3,893 observations
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Eland
Taurotragus oryx
Africa’s largest antelope, eland are culturally important from prehistoric rock art to modern game farms. Though widespread, they are also shy so sightings are uncommon and often fleeting.
50% SUCCESS
1,733 sightings from 3,498 observations
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Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
These highly sociable little mammals have an endearing appearance and comical antics. Found in the drier areas of Southern Africa, close encounters are a sought-after experience.
20% SUCCESS
100 sightings from 488 observations
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Zebra
Equus sp.
The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.
84% SUCCESS
4,547 sightings from 5,405 observations
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Roan antelope
Hippotragus equinus
Africa’s second largest antelope and one of its most handsome, with a powerful build and distinctive markings, roan are wary of people, but renowned for their bravery against predators.
25% SUCCESS
589 sightings from 2,382 observations
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Sable antelope
Hippotragus niger
Perhaps Africa’s most beautiful antelope, sable are renowned for their combative nature, even holding off lions. Shy and restricted in range, sightings of sable are always special.
24% SUCCESS
568 sightings from 2,401 observations
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Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire meOther styles of holiday in South Africa
Discover all that South Africa has to offer
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Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.
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Birdwatching
Diverse habitats, discreet hides and superb guiding.
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Family holidays
Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.
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Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.
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Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.
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Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.
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Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family
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Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.
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Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.
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Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations
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Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.