5 reasons not to miss Southern Africa’s desert regions

While tropical beaches, grassy plains and cool lush forests all have their appeal, deserts hold a special allure. Vast blue skies stretch in all directions, uninterrupted by highrises or smog or canopies of vegetation that block the sun. These regions also harbour unique plants, animals and a variety of landscapes from tall sandy dunes to scrub-covered hills or dramatic rock formations.

Here are just a few of the reasons to visit Southern Africa’s magnificent desert regions:

1. Sunshine and hospitality
Big blue skies that stretch for as far as the eye can see are one of the many drawcards of desert and semi-desert regions. You can escape overcast weather, rain and extreme humidity and revel in the dry air, dipping into lodge swimming pools or experiencing the warm breeze wafting over your face on an open-air game drive. There’s freedom from the crush of people and you can get off the grid if you choose.

Some experiences worth trying include a hot air balloon trip over the dramatic red dunes of Sossusvlei, in Namibia (which we highly recommend), or you could even learn to paraglide in the semi-desert region of De Aar, in South Africa’s Northern Cape. “Here, heat rising from the desert creates massive currents of warm air that keep human fliers aloft, and indeed paragliders have established many of the world’s long-distance records here,” according to National Geographic.

While there are cities in deserts, such as Las Vegas and Dubai, Southern Africa’s desert regions are sparsely populated. The towns and small settlements often have quaint eateries and hospitable people, happy to host or lend a hand to a visitor. South Africa’s Karoo region is also famous for its delicious lamb which feeds on the area’s unique fynbos scrub and can be found on menus along with other typically South African cuisine.

2. Stargazing
The desert and semi-desert regions of Southern Africa offer some of the clearest and darkest night skies, making them ideal for stargazing. Roam Private Game Reserve, which lies between the small town of Prince Albert and Beaufort West in South Africa’s Karoo region, is an ideal location to experience breathtaking night views of the Milky Way. About 300 kilometres away, also in the heart of the Karoo, you’ll find Sutherland, one of the world’s primary stargazing destinations. The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) is situated here and the observatory is home to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). This is among the 10 largest telescopes in the world. Here you can enjoy both informative tours during the day and stargazing tours at night. 

Namibiaʼs NamibRand Nature Reserve is situated in one of the darkest (yet accessible) places on Earth and has been named an International Dark Sky Reserve. However, star gazing opportunities abound in Namibia, which has a low population and little light pollution.  Besides the NamibRand, Damarland and the Gamsberg Nature Reserve provide excellent stargazing.

3. Carpets of wildflowers
Namaqualand, in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, is famous for its annual wildflower blooms during spring. The landscape erupts into a carpet of vibrant colours with the star of the show being the endemic Namaqualand daisies, which have adapted to thrive in the harsh climatic conditions. 

This natural phenomenon takes place during August and September and draws everyone from professional photographers, young Instagram influencers, aspiring botanists, regular tourists, as well as senior citizens. Arguably, the best place to experience the wildflower blooms is in the Namaqua National Park, which has the highest concentration of bulb flora of any arid region on Earth with more than 1,000 types of endemic species and a total of 3,500 plant species. Nieuwoudtville’s Papkuilsfontein Flower Route, Nieuwoudtville Flower Reserve and Goegap Nature Reserve are also excellent places to see masses of flowers. Beautiful blooms can also be found further south, along the Western Cape’s coastline, for instance in the West Coast National Park and the Cederberg region.

4. Unique and interesting wildlife
Despite the arid conditions, deserts are home to a surprising array of wildlife. And while we wouldn’t recommend a desert for a first-time safari goer (who would more likely appreciate experiencing an area like Kruger National Park or Ngorongoro Crater where you will see more animals and have a higher chance of seeing the Big 5), experiencing wildlife in a desert region is special.

There are a variety of species such as the straight-horned gemsbok (oryx) springbuck, giraffe, zebra, ostriches, meerkats, and even the elusive desert-adapted elephants and rhinos in Namibia’s Damaraland. Cheetah, leopard, hyena and desert-adapted lions also roam Namibia’s deserts. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (which straddles South Africa, Namibia and Botswana) is also home to these animals, as well as raptors. 

5. Geological marvels and rock art
The stark, semi-desert regions unveil geological wonderlands. You can discover unique rock formations, ancient fossil sites and impressive canyons, such as Namibia’s Fish River Canyon – the world’s second-largest canyon after the Grand Canyon. There are also lesser-known gorges like Oorlogskloof in the Northern Cape, which is a popular hiking destination. 

South Africa’s dry Northern Cape, the Cederberg mountains in the Western Cape and Namibia’s Damaraland are also renowned for their ancient rock art sites. Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Reserve (part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection), in the Cederberg, was proclaimed a South African National Heritage Site, protecting more than 130 unique rock art sites. In Namibia, you can book a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Twyvelfontein, famous for its rock paintings and rock engravings (petroglyphs). Rockart can also be found scattered throughout South Africa’s Northern and Western Cape (as well as other parts of the country) and these sites provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions of the indigenous people who once inhabited the area.

Happy travelling,
The Leopard Team

P.S. For more info on visiting the Namaqualand flowers, read our previous newsletter here. Or read one of our most popular newsletters about the ancient Welwitschia mirabilis, found only in the Namib desert.  

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The best things to do on a Cape Town Peninsula Tour

There is so much to do in Cape Town that  a comprehensive list of all that Cape Town offers could fill a book. We recommend spending at least three- to five-nights in and around the city to allow you to enjoy the highlights of what Travel + Leisure readers voted as ‘the best city to travel to in Africa’.  Below is a taste of what a day trip around the gorgeous Cape Peninsula could look like, either as a guided or self-guided tour. As always, the Leopard planning team will customise your itinerary to suit your needs.

Atlantic Seaboard and Chapman’s Peak
An early start is recommended, depending on how much you would like to see. Start with a drive along the beautiful Atlantic Seaboard in the direction of Hout Bay. You might like to stop at the strikingly beautiful Llandudno beach before arriving at your destination. Once in Hout Bay, stop for coffee or an ice-cream, or take one of the popular boat trips to seal island. 

Next up is Chapman’s Peak Drive. The views from this coastal drive are sensational, so take your time to enjoy the dramatic coastline with a pass that cuts its way between the mountain and the sea. You might like to stop in Noordhoek for some horseriding on the beach, but you’ll need  to book this in advance. Continue on through the coastal villages of Kommetjie and Scarborough before arriving at Cape Point. 

False  Bay and Constantia 
Cape Point, also known as Cape of Good Hope, is known for its stunning natural beauty, gorgeous beaches (Platboom and Diaz beach to name a couple) and hiking trails along the coast, through the endemic fynbos. After visiting Cape Point, continue with your tour of the peninsula, which would not be complete without a stop at Boulder’s Beach to see the colony of nesting African penguins. These cute little guys are very entertaining with their drunk-looking waddles and they love posing for pictures! It’s important not to touch or disturb the penguins. The African penguin is the only penguin species found along the African coast, from Hollams Bird Island, near the central Namibian coast, to Algoa Bay along South Africa’s Eastern Cape coastline. Don’t leave without learning more about these penguins and why they are at risk of extinction. 

Take a slow meander back to Cape Town through the quaint seaside villages of Kalk Bay, St James and Muizenberg. For something more active, kayak out to see the penguins from Simon’s Town harbour. It’s also worth stopping at Kalk Bay and wandering along the main street to shop or visit the quirky Cape to Cuba restaurant and beach bar. Dig your toes into the sand with a cocktail in hand or enjoy Cuban cuisine in the restaurant with its eclectic decor. The tidal pool and colourful beach huts at St James are not to be missed, or, learn to surf in Muizenberg. 

A visit to the oldest wine farm in South Africa, Groot Constantia and the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens are a highlight for most people visiting Cape Town. You won’t be able to do everything mentioned here in one day (even on a whistlestop tour)! We suggest that you select your favourites, or spread out activities over two or three days.

Reply to this email and we’ll help you tailor your dream holiday to Cape Town.

Happy travelling,
Diana

P.S. Let us know your favourite things to do in Cape Town, we love hearing from our readers and augmenting our extensive list of attractions to visit in Cape Town!

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Adventure in Africa: Gorilla trekking and snorkelling the Sardine Run

Incredible wildlife encounters are not limited to traditional safaris. Here are two bucket-list African experiences for the more adventurous soul.

Experience the underwater spectacle of the Sardine Run
Each year, around June and July, an upswelling of cold water creates a corridor and drives masses of sardines north along South Africa’s east coast towards Mozambique and the warmer Indian Ocean. The fish, in turn, draw a host of oceanic predators like sharks, thousands of dolphins and gamefish. Seabirds like Cape gannets also join in the fray and can be seen tucking in their wings and dive bombing from 30m above the water’s surface and submerging themselves up to 10m deep to scoop up sardines in their beaks. This combined with the annual migration of humpback whales causes the sea to come alive.

One of the best places to experience this phenomenon is by boat from Port St Johns, a small coastal village in Pondoland on South Africa’s Wild Coast. While fairly remote it’s also not difficult to reach, with flights between Johannesburg and Mthatha and shuttles from Mthatha to Port St John’s, 90km away. Port St Johns also has its own airstrip on top of Mount Theisger for small aircraft.

While you need to be a confident swimmer and comfortable in the open ocean swimming with dolphins, whales and possibly sharks, you don’t need a scuba qualification to enjoy this underwater extravaganza. In most cases, bait balls of sardines don’t remain intact for long enough to warrant kitting up with scuba gear. The quickest way to be part of the action is to don your mask and fins and slide overboard into a magical world of swirling sardines and dolphin clicks and calls.

Trek to see Congo’s lowland gorillas
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is arguably the best place to view western lowland gorillas. Besides being known for its successful conservation of these apes, Odzala is home to over 440 bird species, forest elephants, the beautiful bongo antelope and offers a sanctuary for spotted hyena  (which are rare in these parts).

Odzala-Kokoua National Park is situated in the small nation of the Republic of Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville (not to be confused with the Democratic Republic of Congo). Here, you’ll trek through thick vegetation under a closed rainforest canopy behind your guide as you search for these large primates. You could get muddy and even wet as you make your way through the jungle but it’ll all be worth it when you happen upon a family of gorillas and watch playful interactions between these gentle yet powerful apes in their forest home. 

While you can trek here all year round, the drier seasons are June to September and December to February.

Photos of the Congo are courtesy of Congo Conservation Company and Classic Portfolio. 

Happy travelling,
The Leopard Team

P.S. Please feel free to ask us any questions you have around gorilla trekking in Congo or South Africa’s Sardine Run.

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A success story for rhino and Leopard

Leopard launched with one employee and tailor-made holidays to one country, South Africa, in 2019. Today the team has expanded to six and we offer travel to fifteen countries in Africa. This is something to celebrate! Especially given the pause Covid gave to travel for two years. 

In April, the Leopard team travelled from all four corners of the country for a workshop and strategy session. Then we (minus one valued member) headed to one of South Africa’s most beautiful areas – the Waterberg. We stayed at a newly opened lodge, owned by a local businesswoman. As much as we love planning holidays for our clients, it was great to unwind together on safari instead. 

We enjoyed outstanding hospitality from the staff at Bontle Lodge, spotted birds like the brightly coloured malachite kingfisher, the brilliantly blue glossy starling, the helmeted shrike and red-billed hoopoe, as well as zebra, giraffe, cheetah and buffalo. On our first evening game drive, before we had even stopped for sundowners we had seen very healthy numbers of rhino, which in addition to Leopard’s growth as a company was another really good reason to celebrate! This was particularly exciting for me because I didn’t see a single rhino on a trip to Kruger National Park last year with my parents and children, and had been feeling rather depressed about the survival of the species. As the sun was slipping over the horizon that evening, we stopped about 150m from a rhino and her calf that continued to graze unperturbed. This was a very special experience, sipping sundowners and watching these magnificent creatures. 

Eagle-eyed Helen (in charge of operations at Leopard) spotted an elephant from the lodge pool, one afternoon. We all rushed to the edge of the property and caught a glimpse of a trunk spraying river water and then the enormous beast disappeared into the forest. I love sightings like these, where you are tantalised by the knowledge that an animal is near, but you don’t succeed in seeing it fully. It may be frustrating, but it is part of the safari experience. Success in seeing animals is never guaranteed much like success in life is never guaranteed, but there’s always hope and the adventure of discovery. 

Here’s to seeing many rhinos and enjoying many holidays in your life!

Happy travelling,
Diana

P.S. If you’d like to witness rhinos in their natural habitat in the African bush, we’d love to craft a tailored itinerary to suit your needs.

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How Texan-bred dogs in Africa are saving rhinos

If you’ve ever wondered how South Africa’s precious wildlife is kept safe from poachers it may put a smile on your face to know that besides brave, well-trained rangers, man’s best friend is doing an excellent job too.

We chatted with Johan van Straaten, Dog Master and head trainer at the Southern African Wildlife College’s K9 Unit which deploys dogs to sniff out and track the bad guys. The dog unit was established in 2015 and since then the team has arrested around 200 poachers and confiscated 100 rifles. In most cases, the arrests were made before the poachers managed to injure or kill any animals. Johan explained that although on-leash tracker dogs, like Belgian Malinois, are commonly used by counter-poaching teams the SAWC’s K9 team specialises in training free-running pack dogs. Dogs like blue ticks, beagles and bloodhounds are used and in 2018 crosses of black and tan and redbone breeds were brought in from Texas.

Johan and the team use positive reinforcement to train the dogs, who love their work.“When we’re operating in Kruger, we use the SanParks Squirrel chopper which can fit six dogs. All the dogs get really excited when they hear it approaching. After a while, the puppies and hounds that haven’t been operational yet (haven’t been in the chopper) calm down, but the dogs that have been out in the field remain excited. When it’s time to go, they drag us to the chopper.”

Each dog has its own personality and even likes to choose its own place in the chopper. Two of the dogs like to lie down on the floor, one likes to lick the handlers. “Benji, an older boy, likes to sit on the seat near the door.” The flights can take up to 30 minutes to reach the area where rangers on foot have detected poachers and the hounds often fall asleep in the air. But as soon as the rotors start to slow down, the hounds are up, alert and ready for action.

The canines are fitted with GPS collars so that they can be tracked from the air using Garmin devices, as they run through the bush following the scent trail. “Although each dog could do the job on his or her own, like humans, each one has its own strengths and they work together like a rugby team,” says Johan.

In combining well-trained field rangers, aerial assistance and the use of free-running dogs, success rates have increased from 3 – 5 % without hounds, to between 60 – 70% with the use of both on-leash and free-tracking dogs. Dogs on leashes scour the ground to pick up a scent (with armed, tactical rangers) and then they are supported by a free-tracking pack that is put onto the scent. These dogs can track over rough terrain far quicker than humans. Once they have tracked down the poachers, they keep them at bay until ranger support is deployed to arrest them.

There are still challenges in the justice system when it comes to prosecuting poachers, however, the dogs are doing a great job at protecting vulnerable species, such as South Africa’s rhinos.

If you’d like to see rhinos in Africa (or the rest of the Big Five) on an unforgettable safari adventure, chat to us at [email protected]. We’d love to help you tailor a bespoke trip to the bush where you can unwind and connect with nature.

Happy travelling,
The Leopard Team

P.S. If you’d like to support the conservation work of the SAWC’s K9 Unit, which is currently fundraising for a Healthcare Fund towards the K9 unit’s medical cost for 2023, visit https://wildlifecollege.org.za/k9-unit

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Leopard in San Francisco

I left San Francisco recently feeling inspired by how much Americans want to travel to my beloved continent. For most, a journey to Africa is an escape and an experience beyond that which is familiar. Africa is a place of incredible beauty, warm and friendly people, fascinating traditions, world-class food and wine and of course, vast wilderness areas filled with iconic African animals.

I’d travelled to San Francisco in March, where I hosted two events; one in the city and one in the East Bay area. It was a pleasure to meet with Leopard clients in their beautiful homes, speak with potential clients at our events and revel in this amazing city.

It was impossible to cover everything that Africa has to offer in a short 15-minute presentation, as it’s three times the size of the USA. I decided to highlight nine destinations grouped into three themes. The first theme was safari. I shared  the three top destinations to experience a safari: Kruger National Park, the Okavango Delta and the Serengeti/Masai Mara. The second theme was the ocean, where I spoke about the paradise islands of Seychelles, Zanzibar and the Bazaruto Archipelago. Lastly, I presented three hidden gems in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Rwanda. 

After a presentation on safaris in Africa a potential client said, “I feel so inspired to take this bucket list trip with my family, it’s one of my goals in the next two years!”

While some people were very enthusiastic, others hadn’t worked with a travel agent before and wanted to know how it would benefit them to use Leopard. 

People were surprised to know that it doesn’t cost extra to use a travel agent – we receive commission from the hotels we work with and so it will cost the same as booking yourself, but with the added benefit of access to our expertise and support. 

There is so much choice available when planning a trip to Africa, that it’s advantageous to have someone with intimate knowledge of the lodges, hotels and guides to help you select the best fit for you. We plan and curate each holiday meticulously and we’re there to remedy any issues you may encounter, even though this is rare.

I was able to share how Leopard’s personal and highly tailor-made service (which is very different from what you’ll experience dealing with a big travel company) is what really sets us apart.

Besides the wonderful people, two of my favourite experiences in San Francisco were driving over Golden Gate Bridge and having an ice-cream at Salt & Straw. 

Happy travelling,

Diana

P.S. Contact us on [email protected] to experience unique moments in Africa and feel free to share your favourite travel moments with us. We love hearing from you.

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Unveiling the Wonders of Victoria Falls

Getting close to the Victoria Falls

Feel gentle clouds of water wafting over you as you approach Victoria Falls while the thunderous sound of rushing water fills your ears.  It’s an experience that any visitor to Africa, or local residents, should have at least once in a lifetime. 

Besides being within spitting distance of this wall of water, getting an aerial perspective from a helicopter is also highly recommended. This birds-eye view will allow you to witness the colossal Zambezi, the fourth longest river in Africa, as it spills over the lip of a chasm into the gorge below.

Appreciating the falls from a distance

Once you’ve had a chance to get close, the falls can also be appreciated from further afield. From various viewpoints, including some lodges and hotels, you’ll be able to watch plumes of spray billow in the distance, producing rainbows that rise above the surrounding forest and create a halo above the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Where is Victoria Falls located?

Victoria Falls is situated about midway along the course of the Zambezi River which forms the border between Zambia in the north and Zimbabwe in the south. The falls were named by explorer David Livingstone, after England’s queen at the time, however, a more apt moniker might be that given by local people, Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders).

Has Victoria Falls ever run dry?

In 2019 a drought subdued the flow of the Zambezi River more than usual over the dry season, however, it didn’t stop flowing and neither did the Victoria Falls. The curtain of water was not as wide as usual and was not easily visible from the Zambian side, during this time, which is the case during most dry seasons. 

What’s the best time of year to visit Victoria Falls?

There is no single best time to visit Victoria Falls, as it depends on what you want to experience. This massive body of water waxes and wanes in rhythm with the rainy and dry seasons, with the falls flowing at full volume between March and May. This period follows the rainy season between December and February. With the greater volume of water, more spray is generated, so you’re likely to get wet (if you don’t wear a raincoat) and the spray can limit visibility at certain viewpoints.

While the falls are not as voluminous during the dry season between August and December, you can see them more clearly without the mist and you have the option to visit Devil’s Pool (accessed from the Zambian side), which is not possible when the falls are flowing too strongly. This natural rock pool is situated on the edge of the falls where a rocky lip prevents brave visitors from being washed over.

What else is there to do at Victoria Falls?

It’s not surprising that Victoria Falls is one of the World’s Natural Wonders and a cornerstone destination on a Southern African visit.  However, it’s not just this major drawcard that makes it worth the visit, there are many worthwhile experiences to be had in the area.

There are several adventurous activities in Victoria Falls including white water rafting, a gorge swing in the Batoka Gorge (or a zipline across it) and traditional dinners held at The Boma, followed by interactive African drumming and dance. 

If you prefer a less frenetic pace, you could enjoy soaking in a tub overlooking the Zambezi River or discover elephants helping themselves to a drink from the private pool on your deck. There are also guided walks and safari drives in the Zambezi National Park or boat-based safaris on the river. All these offer a relaxing way to take in the surroundings and see some of the remarkable wildlife.

It’s also well worth enjoying a magical sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi, where you’ll have a good chance of spotting crocodile, hippos and elephant while sipping a G&T.  

A popular extension to a visit to Vic Falls, is to cross the nearby border into Botswana and to explore the Chobe National Park, which is known for its large elephant population. You could also choose to arrive (or leave) Victoria Falls in the vintage wood-panelled coaches of Rovos Rail’s luxury train carriages. From Victoria Falls it carries passengers through Hwange National Park (rich in wildlife) and Matobo National Park, with its dramatic granite hills on the three-night journey en route to Pretoria, South Africa.

Happy travelling,

The Leopard Team

P.S. We’d love to help you design a bespoke experience to Victoria Falls so that you can enjoy a seamless experience visiting one of the marvels of Africa. Reply to this email or contact us at [email protected] to ask us any questions about travelling to the falls, or elsewhere on the continent.

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What makes an Okavango Delta safari unrivalled?

The Okavango Delta is an awe-inspiring destination for a first-time safari or for the safari veteran. The delta is an expensive destination to visit due to its remote location and voluminous nature. 

However, despite its size, the number of camps is limited by regulations, allowing fewer guests to enter this pristine wilderness area, for lower environmental impact. These restrictions make any visit to the delta an exclusive experience, where you can enjoy the sensational wilderness landscapes undisturbed.  

What makes the Okavango Delta experience different, and special to me, is the variety of activities on offer. 

The best way to explore the delta is by boat. You could take a speed boat deep into the watery heart of the wetland to witness the abundance of bird and animal life, supported by the floodwaters. Or, opt for a more leisurely cruise boat. From a lodge I was staying at, we headed out in one of these and enjoyed breakfast on board, surrounded by yawning hippos.

You could also choose a peaceful mokoro journey through the shallow waters. This traditional dugout canoe is expertly navigated by a guide, who stands at the back and propels it with a long pole. 

A spectacular way to experience the delta is from the air, in an open helicopter. Options range from 30 minutes to one hour and give you a unique perspective on the landscape and wildlife. I consider a helicopter safari an essential addition to any Okavango holiday!

Land-based activities include safari game drives to seek out the Big 5 and walking safaris. The wildlife in the delta is exceptional, but sadly, rhino are almost impossible to see, due to heavy poaching. This means that if you would like to see all of the Big 5, a Kruger safari is more appropriate for you. I had a truly excellent walking safari at one of the lodges I visited and highly recommend it to all my clients. 

The memories that I made here will last a lifetime and I sincerely hope that many of you reading this will have the opportunity to experience this wonder for yourselves.

Happy travelling,

Diana and the Leopard Team

P.S. If you’d like help in planning a seamless escape to the Okavango Delta, send us an email and we’ll be happy to help.

P.P.S Watch this short video for a glimpse of what you can experience in the delta.

The benefits of travelling to Africa during the shoulder season

Travelling in the shoulder season (the period between the high and the low season) can be blissful – with benefits such as lower rates, fewer crowds and more moderate weather. However, these advantages aren’t only experienced by you, the travelller, they have a ripple effect on local communities where the seasonal nature of travel affects the regional economy.

Avoid overcrowding
Recently a video showing a mass of safari vehicles converging on a cheetah kill in the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya went viral for all the wrong reasons. Judy Kepher-Gona, the director of the Kenya-based Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda was quoted in the New York Times. “Sadly, what is seen in this video is the rule and not the exception in Masai Mara reserve.”

While this migration is a spectacle of nature and it’s understandable that travellers want to witness it in person, it’s worth considering the impact of over-tourism. Travelling outside of peak season, or supporting initiatives to limit visitor numbers in popular regions helps support sustainable travel, which has the benefit of protecting the treasures that we travel so far to see. 

Where to go during shoulder season
The most popular time to visit South Africa’s Kruger National Park (and other game parks in the country) is during the dry winter season. However, the shoulder season months of April and October are lovely in Kruger and not as cold at night. 

October can be excellent for game viewing, as animals gather at watering holes waiting for spring rains to bring new life. Birds also begin courtship rituals and although there is no fixed calving season in Kruger (it varies from species to species and many mammals give birth throughout the year), impala are among those that calve from the end of October to December. 

During the shoulder season, the summer humidity in sub-tropical KwaZulu-Natal eases and it can be an excellent time to explore the parks and coastline here. If you’d like to hike in the Drakensberg with its dramatically beautiful peaks, autumn (April and May) or spring (September and October) are best. You’ll avoid the daily thunderstorms and the summer heat.

The northern parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal have a warmer tropical climate and just like neighbouring Mozambique can be very humid in summer. The climate around the Bazaruto Archipelago is more moderate in October and it’s an ideal time to scuba dive here.

Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with a hot, dry summer, which makes the shoulder season of March and April favourable to those wanting to avoid the heat. The city’s summer southeaster wind will have died down and the restaurants, surrounding beaches and other popular attractions are less crowded than over the busy summer. The Cape Winelands can get particularly hot from December to February. Autumn offers a respite, with cooler mornings and evenings, and vine leaves that morph from green to variegated shades of brown, orange and red.

The shoulder season months of September and October are the best in which to see southern right whales and other cetaceans. Hermanus, De Hoop Nature Reserve and the Overberg coastline offers among the world’s best land-based whale watching spots.

Save on costs
A final benefit of travelling during shoulder season is that you can get better value for your money. Some hotels and lodges offer shoulder season rates and even if they are not advertised, you’ll have greater opportunity to negotiate discounts outside of peak season. Flights also cost more during the holiday seasons, which means that you can save by travelling outside of these periods. 

With fewer crowds and perks like access to popular destinations, there’s a lot to love about the shoulder season.

Happy Travelling,

The Leopard Team

P.S. Join Diana on 17 March in San Francisco for a fun evening of cheese, wine and talk about travel! If you don’t live in San Francisco but know someone who does, and is interested in traveling to Africa, please pass the invitation on to them.

To join this exclusive event (space is limited), please RSVP at: https://pp.events/leopardtravelafrica

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Summer in Cape Town – a family guide

Cape Town is a glorious destination for a holiday, especially during the summer and early autumn. With so many beautiful places to explore, you’ll have a hard time scratching the surface on any single visit. Once you’ve whet your appetite however, you’ll be sure to return time and again. Here are a few of our favourite spaces to spend time as a family on a holiday in the Mother City.

Kirstenbosch Gardens
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, which lies along the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, is the perfect setting to enjoy an afternoon of tranquillity, with restaurants, lawns and lots of space for children to explore. Make sure to look for Colonel Bird’s bath (often mistakenly referred to as Lady Anne Barnard’s bath) and the Boomslang canopy walkway, or enjoy a picnic under the boughs. Live summer concerts are held on Sunday evenings and the Galileo Open Air Theatre also stages movie nights under the stars. 

Beaches
While a visit to the southern cape to see penguins on Boulders Beach is well worth it, Cape Town has a lengthy coastline with lots of sandy seaside to choose from. Popular spots near the city include Camps Bay and Clifton, while Gordon’s Bay, Big Bay, Fish Hoek and Llandudno are among the many others worth visiting. (It’s always best to stay and swim within the demarcated areas manned by lifeguards).

Boat trips
From floating through the canals, harbour tours, pirate-themed jaunts on the Jolly Roger, eco-focused marine safaris, ferries to the historical Robben Island, as well as catamaran, yacht and speed boat trips, there are ample types of boat trips in and around the V&A Waterfront. You can also take a glass-bottomed, or other boat trip, to Duiker Island’s seal colony from Hout Bay harbour.

Wine Estates
The wine estates surrounding Cape Town provide serene spaces to enjoy fine wine and food and many of them are child friendly. Besides restaurants, picnics and interesting sculpture gardens, Spier offers offroad segway tours (children can participate from the age of 10) and the estate is also home to Eagle Encounters. Here you can learn about African raptors, see them up close and watch them soar overhead before returning to their handlers. 

Boschendal has a large tree house climbing gym and also offers guided nature experiences like scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, foraging and nature walks (these need to be booked 24 hours in advance). While Hazendal boasts a state-of-the-art edutainment centre known as Wonderdal, which is access-controlled and fully supervised, so parents can enjoy wine tasting, a meal at the Babushka Deli or a Russian tea ceremony.

Other things to try
Try something interactive like a cooking lesson in the Bo-Kaap, where you can learn to conjour up an authentic Cape Malay dish or join a chocolate-making workshop at the Lindt Chocolate Studio.

There are also numerous walks and hikes in and around Table Mountain National Park, or enjoy scooter ride on the Sea Point promenade. And no trip to Cape Town is complete without catching the cable car to the top of Table Mountain.

Happy travelling,
The Leopard Team

P.S. Join Diana on 17 March in San Francisco for a fun evening of cheese, wine and talk about travel! If you don’t live in San Francisco but know someone who does, and is interested in traveling to Africa, please pass the invitation on to them.

To join this exclusive event (space is limited), please RSVP at: https://pp.events/leopardtravelafrica

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