Cosmopolitan Johannesburg is the jumping-off point for most South African safaris. The city of four million is a vibrant mélange of colors and cultures. Food and music are central to life in ‘Joburg,’ and its clubs and pubs are an integral part of the social fabric. Tour Soweto or visit the Apartheid Museum to gain a deeper understanding of Johannesburg’s history, travails and rich multicultural heritage.

World-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa is a flagship destination for safari-goers, thanks to its dense wildlife populations. Checking off the big cats, major mammals and a host of bird species is a given in this diverse ecosystem. A number of private game reserves dot the greater park area providing exclusive access to the treasures here and allowing a variety of modes to experience them, from wildlife drives in open vehicles to intimate safari walks.

Located at the Southern tip of the African continent where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, Cape Town and the Western Cape are strikingly beautiful. At the foot of Table Mountain, the city of 3 million is a charismatic blend of cultures, renowned for its scenic setting, creative cuisine and world-class local wines. Outside the city, enjoy spectacular beaches, sheer sea cliffs along the Cape of Good Hope, and wildlife encounters from penguins to sharks.

Wrapping around the southeastern coast of South Africa, the Eastern Cape is a wonderland of diversity. From the arid west with its broad vistas, mountains and fantastic cheetah habitat to the lush forests and grasslands of the east, this malaria-free region abounds with 500 miles of coastline, seven different biomes, more than 3,500 endemic plant species, and South Africa’s “Big Seven” (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, whale and great white shark).

Your safari adventure ends today in Johannesburg, South Africa.