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      Kruger National Park

      Kruger National Park

      Without question one of the most famous National Parks in the world, the Kruger National Park is the pride of South Africa and her people. Established …/

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      Arrive into Arusha in Tanzania and overnight and recover from your international flight at Arusha Coffee Lodge. Spend 2 nights at the Ngorongoro Crater before flying …/

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      Ardmore Ceramics – Collectibles From a Remote Mountain Valley In Africa

      Ardmore Ceramics – Collectibles From a Remote Mountain Valley In Africa

      Ardmore ceramics are distinctive, unique and colourful – rather like their creators and the country they come from. They embody colour, joy and Africa and celebrate …/ …/

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Author: Vanessa Ratcliffe

Author: Vanessa Ratcliffe

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Vanessa Ratcliffe

Vanessa was one of the first Cape Town tour guides, way back (before email, before Google, before Blogs) around about when the V&A Waterfront was developed and safaris weren’t so luxurious. She has travelled up and down the South African coastline and overland to Zimbabwe and through Namibia and done a stint in Malawi. She has sampled an enviable collection of fabulous safari lodges and boutique hotels and dreams of going hot air ballooning over the Masai Mara. She loves doodling, hosting dinner parties and reading.

Posts

Africa travel COVID Questions Answered

Africa travel COVID Questions Answered

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, March 5, 2021
Posted in: News

As you can imagine, our inboxes are filled with questions about COVID-safe travel to the region, access and logistics. As travel advisors our passion and sense of duty is to provide you with the best information and advice so that….../

Africa travel COVID Questions Answered
Gorilla Trekking  – Covid Updates

Gorilla Trekking – Covid Updates

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, March 4, 2021
Posted in: News, Rwanda

As exciting as it is that Rwanda and Uganda have re-opened for tourism and Gorilla trekking is possible again, it is important to note that set Covid-19 guidelines that must be observed as gorillas share 98 percent of our DNA,….../

Gorilla Trekking  – Covid Updates
Why East Africa Is Our Top Destination Right Now

Why East Africa Is Our Top Destination Right Now

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, January 11, 2021
Posted in: News

East Africa is considered one of the best destinations to travel to right now  -  Kenya and Tanzania have proven to be safe for international safari travellers and our partners and ground handlers have implemented the necessary health protocols for….../

Why East Africa Is Our Top Destination Right Now
South Africa’s Top Places for 2021

South Africa’s Top Places for 2021

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, December 18, 2020
Posted in: News, South Africa

We know that you are seeking open spaces and fresh air. With South Africa’s borders open for international travel we thought we'd showcase our selection of the top 10 luxury safari lodges in South Africa. Now, more than ever before,….../

South Africa’s Top Places for 2021
Botswana Offers Amazing Rates for South Africans

Botswana Offers Amazing Rates for South Africans

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, November 12, 2020
Posted in: Botswana

We have SA resident rates for Botswana! From the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the predator rich Savute. From the banks of the Chobe River to the plains of the Kalahari and the salt pans of the Makgadigadi. With….../

Botswana Offers Amazing Rates for South Africans
Eyes on Zimbabwe: Best Guides, Wildest Animals & Amazing Value

Eyes on Zimbabwe: Best Guides, Wildest Animals & Amazing Value

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, July 23, 2020
Posted in: News, Zimbabwe

Truly exceptional guides and rangers If you've traveled to Zimbabwe or heard stories from those who have, you'll have an idea of just how memorable it is. With so much wide-open wilderness and vast tracts of wildlife regions, many Zimbabweans….../

Eyes on Zimbabwe: Best Guides, Wildest Animals & Amazing Value
What makes us tick as a travel team

What makes us tick as a travel team

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, July 21, 2020
Posted in: News

During this global pause, as a tightly-knit team, we've had time to remember why we live, love and breathe travel.  Travel is people-rich... The true richness of travel is, undoubtedly, found - not in remote locations or exotic experiences -….../

What makes us tick as a travel team
Financial Protection For Your Trip

Financial Protection For Your Trip

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, July 11, 2020
Posted in: News

Financially, SOUTHERN DESTINATIONS has been operating in a strong and healthy capacity since the company was founded in 1997. To give our clients further peace of mind during these uncertain times we have set up a Protected Payment Solution so that….../

Financial Protection For Your Trip
Why the Best Time to Book a Safari for 2021 is Now

Why the Best Time to Book a Safari for 2021 is Now

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, June 22, 2020
Posted in: News

Science proves that the anticipation we experience in looking forward to a trip is just as good for our souls as actually being there! Now, more than ever before in travel history, your African safari will positively impact your body,….../

Why the Best Time to Book a Safari for 2021 is Now
Slowly, our world will reconnect

Slowly, our world will reconnect

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, May 12, 2020
Posted in: News

While we wait for the world to reopen, we've been forced to pause to consider many aspects of our lifestyles, relationships, values and wishes for a post Covid world. As travel planners who are passionate about making dream trips to….../

Slowly, our world will reconnect
Help us feed starving families in Cape Town

Help us feed starving families in Cape Town

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, April 25, 2020
Posted in: News

Last week the team in our office (although we are not actually IN our office) created a socially-distanced way to supply soup and sandwiches in Vrygrond (a desperately poor community on the Cape Flats) and came back with stories of….../

Help us feed starving families in Cape Town
Scenes From Lekkerwater At De Hoop This Summer

Scenes From Lekkerwater At De Hoop This Summer

By Vanessa Ratcliffe, April 13, 2020
Posted in: News

When I returned from an agent visit to Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop in December, my biggest desire was to plan a return trip with either a group of my best mates, my bookclub gals or my family. As….../

Scenes From Lekkerwater At De Hoop This Summer
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90% of our business is through client referral and repeat business. Our offices in New York and Cape Town offer clients a convenient point of contact on both ends of your trip.

We are Passionate

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Booking with us won’t cost you more. On the contrary, our first-hand expertise will add tremendous value to your trip and the partnerships we’ve developed over many years provide you with the best price guarantees.

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TrustScore 5 | 337 reviews

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