The pound has never been stronger in South Africa, is now the time to tick it off your travel bucket list?

The pound has never been stronger in South Africa, now is the time for travellers to tick it off their bucket-list

• Discover Africa reveals the best safaris to embark on whilst the pound is at its strongest in South Africa

• Travel through the world-renowned Cape Winelands or seek out the Big Five in the Kruger National Park

• Drive South Africa recommends the best 4x4 self-drive safaris for an even more affordable option

 The pound is the strongest it's ever been in South Africa, making this winter the ideal time to discover all that Africa has to offer. Award-winning and industry leading tour operator, Discover Africa, and 4x4 and car rental service Drive South Africa makes finding a perfectly suited, bespoke and tailor-made travel itinerary in South Africa easy. 

Here, Discover Africa and Drive South Africa have compiled their top travel itineraries for discovering South Africa at the beginning of 2023. Whether travellers are looking to seek out the Big Five on safari in the Kruger National Park or go on a self-drive safari through the Knysna Forest, there's a trip to suit all.

Discover Africa Trip Itineraries

1. Thornybush Game Reserve Safari

The trip begins in Johannesburg, where guests will enjoy luxury accommodation for the night before being transferred to Hoedspruit. Here, the next two nights will be spent at the Thornybush Game Reserve, situated within the 14,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in the Kruger National Park. Visitors will get to enjoy both sunrise and sunset game drives to try and spot one of the members of the Big Five, as well as lots of other wildlife. 

Prices start from £1,292 per person based on a three-night itinerary. Rate includes transfers and internal flights, all food and beverages, and lodge game activities. 

For more information, visit www.discoverafrica.com/tours/safaris/thornybush-game-reserve-safari

2. South African Bush & Beach Journey

Guests will spend the start of their visit in the scenic city of Cape Town, where they can view the iconic slopes of Table Mountain as well as visiting the bustling harbours. Then explore the famous Stellenbosch Wineland route where visitors will be able to sample wines from the region. As well as exploring the local beaches, there will be the opportunity to go on a Big Five safari at the Kapama Southern Camp in Kruger National Park.

Prices start from £2,760 per person based on a nine-night itinerary. Rate includes transfers, internal flights and vehicle rental, certain food and beverages, Cape Town city tour and lodge game activities. 

For more information, visit https://www.discoverafrica.com/tours/safaris/south-african-bush-and-beach-safari/ 

3. Cape Town, the Winelands & Kruger Luxury Journey

This journey will take travellers from the seaside city of Cape Town and the lush Cape Winelands to the African bushveld of the Kruger National Park. Guests will get to see the African penguin colony on Boulders Beach, as well as trying the wines of Stellenbosch. The last few days of the trip will be spent at Jock Safari Lodge for game drives to spot the wildlife. 

Prices start from £2,907 per person based on an eight-night itinerary. Rate includes transfers and internal flights, all food and beverages whilst on safari, Cape Town city tour, Cape point tour and game drives. 

For more information, visit https://www.discoverafrica.com/tours/safaris/cape-town-winelands-kruger-park-journey/ 

Drive South Africa Self-Drive Safari Routes

1. Sani Pass, Drakensberg

If you're looking to experience South Africa at your own pace, why not hire a 4x4 and venture on a self-drive safari route? Sani Pass, the gateway from Kwazulu Natal into the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho is a scenic ascent into the mountains. Only 4x4s are allowed on the road by law, and with the roads often closed during the South African winter, early 2023 is the perfect time to take this picturesque drive.

2. Knysna Forest

Located within the Garden Route National Park in the Western and Eastern Cape, the Knysna Forest 4x4 trail takes you deep into indigenous forests. Filled with towering Yellowwood trees, streams, this route also provides travellers with plenty of birdwatching opportunities.

3. Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

The Karoo desert region has so much desolate beauty that it has kept people coming back for years. Off-road driving is paramount in this area and that's exactly what Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve 4x4 trails are all about. There's so much to explore in this desert.

Book your South Africa 4x4 car hire here: https://www.drivesouthafrica.com/za/rentals/4x4-hire/south-africa/