South Africa
About Authentic Travel Africa
- Their team of travel experts has in depth knowledge of the region and are personally involved throughout the process from quoting to meeting the guests on arrival. Built on three pillars, Authentic Experiences, Trust and Security, ATA is the logical partner for your next African adventure.
- A company with a strong social conscience, they sponsor ” The Black Mambas”, an all women anti-poaching unit protecting the endangered rhino and other wildlife. Additionally, they enjoy a 15 year partnership with Ezweni School alongside The Kruger National Park where their fundraising efforts have contributed to additional classrooms, a computer centre and hygienic toilets. They also ensure that the students have access to fresh water.
- Financially Security is important to them and all client deposits are held in an audited “Trust Account” and only utilised towards the clients specific booking. Authentic Travel Africa does not recognise any revenue until travel is complete and all suppliers have been paid. They are financially “Bonded” under SATSA The Southern African Tourism Services Association, ensuring client deposits are safe and insured.
- Authentic Travel Africa enjoys EU Travel Law compliant Public Liability Insurance in 20 African countries and comprehensive emergency medical and evacuation cover in most destinations they operate in. The Company is World Travel and Tourism Council “Safe Travels” accredited and complies with South Africa’s Travel Safe-Eat Safe protocols.
Heidi Kenwood
Product & Services
- FIT, Groups and Leisure Services
- Special Interest tours, Wine, Cycling, Academic, MBA etc
- Ground handling
- Private Air Charter, Domestic and regional flights
- Car rental (Sedan, SUV, 4X4 )
- VIP airport transfers and meet & greet
- Security services for VIPs and celebrities
- Chauffeur driven transfers and excursions
- Fly in safari packages
- Self drives, guided and fully escorted tours
Contact Info
- Building 35, Waterford Office Park, Waterford Drive, Fourways
- Sandton
- South Africa
- +27 82 883 1041
Top Activities
- Take the cable car up Table Mountain, or for the adventurous hike up Lions Head, and enjoy the best views of Cape Town, the mountain, ocean and Robben Island
- Spend a day in the wine lands bicycling between estates. Taste South Africa’s unique “Pinotage wine” and sample a picnic lunch under shady trees.
- Stroll to the lighthouse at Cape Point, the Tip of Africa and imagine you can see a line in the ocean where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.
- Cage Dive with Great White Sharks at Gansbaai, just around the corner from Hermanus South Africa’s Whale Watching capital.
- Sample Oysters and much more in beautiful Knysna a coastal town on the Garden Route. Stop on the way to jump or just watch the worlds highest commercial bungy from the 216m high Bloukrans bridge.
- After a sunset drinks stop on Safari, follow a pride of lions as they hunt for their next meal. If you are extremely lucky you might see a pack of wild dogs, but have your camera ready as they seldom hang around for more than a few minutes.
- Join a “Bush Walk” and learn from your knowledgeable ranger about tracking, herbal medicines and animal behaviour. Perhaps you will smell “popcorn” where the elusive leopard marked its territory.
- Swap stories around a camp fire in the “Boma” after dinner sitting under the bright stars of the southern hemisphere sky while listening to the hyena’s call.
- Book a bicycle tour of Soweto and stop in Vilikazi Street, where two Nobel Peace Price winners Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s houses are literally 100 meters apart.
- Meet Mrs Ples – The Cradle of Humankind and Sterkfontein Caves showcases the ancestor of Humankind. Learn about past discoveries and the latest finds that have helped document the evolution of our species over more than three million years.
- Pop into Rosebank and Neighbourhoods markets in Johannesburg for hand made crafts and souvenirs before your heading home.
Top Selected Tours
Do you need a quotation or more details?
Did you know this fact?
About South Africa
South Africa attracts millions of travellers to its shores with its unique blend of old and modern Africa. It has an abundance of wildlife and scenery – from the sandy beaches, forest-covered cliffs, and amazing marine life of its coastline to arid deserts, peak-filled mountain ranges and open bushveld savannah. Historical landmarks and interaction with local cultures and communities provide an insight into the “Rainbow Nation”. Train journeys, award-winning wine estates and a large variety of shopping opportunities are just some of the other facets to be experienced.
The weather in South Africa is generally pleasant throughout the year – warm to hot days, and cool to warm nights. During the winter months however (May to September), it can be cold at night and in the early morning, particularly when on safari. There is no place like South Africa that is known for various safaris. “A life changing experience” is how guests often refer to their first safari. Whether in one of the many National Parks or Private Reserves, in a tent or luxury safari villa – there is somewhere for you to enjoy Africa’s wildlife.
Slaves from Indonesia and Malaysia had a major impact on food especially around Cape Town where they settled. Durban has a large Indian population which has also influenced local cuisine. Although there are 11 official languages, English is the most widely spoken. Most South Africans are Christian, although African interpretation of Christianity sometimes means that services are held under trees. In Cape Town and Durban you will notice several Mosques built by the descendants of slaves and Indian labourers.
Cape Town
The “Mother City” regularly features in the most beautiful or best place to visit rankings. Scenery, food and wine, and unique experiences such as cage diving with great white sharks ensure that there is something for everyone. Located at the foot of Table Mountain with the adjoining mountains Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, Cape Town is simply called “the Cape” by South Africans, in recognition of its uniqueness and its status as a mother city.
The Garden Route
Following the coast between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth awaits an Eden for those with a little more time to explore. Knysna with its annual Oyster Festival is one of many jewels waiting to be discovered. Detours to Cape Aghulas, the Southern Tip of Africa and beach holiday town of Plettenberg Bay are worthwhile diversions on this most picturesque journey.
Johannesburg
“Egoli” or Place of Gold in Zulu is the major gateway into Southern Africa. A popular overnight stop before or after Safari “Joburg” also connects visitors to Cape Town, The Victoria Falls, Botswana, East Africa and more. The Sandton precinct with its modern shopping mall, hotels and restaurants is a popular base from which to explore SOWETO, The Cradle of Humankind and South Africa’s Capital City Pretoria lies just 30km away.
The Kruger National Park
At two million hectares (the size of Israel) The Kruger National Park is home to 30% of the worlds endangered Rhino’s as well as large herds of Elephant, Buffalo, 2500 Lions and the elusive Leopard. Accessible to self drive day visitors, as well overnight accommodation in National Parks Board lodges and luxury accommodation in private concessions. Approximately 5 hours drive from Johannesburg or a short one hour flight Kruger is a definite to include in an itinerary.
Wine: The Pinotage story
One of the worlds top 10 producers, the wine regions surrounding Cape Town offer excellent quality and value. The Dutch started but French Huguenot immigrants helped to perfect the Cape wine industry. “Pinotage” is unique to South Africa and its history is just one of the many things you’ll experience on a wine tour.
The Northwest
Boasting Pilanesberg National Park and Madikwe Game Reserve as well as the Sun City Resort the Northwest Province of South Africa is easily accessible for safari lovers. Located in the bowl of an extinct volcano, Pilanesberg is located only two hours drive from Johannesburg. One can easily book a day safari and it is also one of the few reserves where one can view animals from a hot air balloon.
Whale capital Hermanus
Famous worldwide as the best place to view whales from the shore, Hermanus lies just 90 minutes drive from Cape Town. This picturesque seaside town is not only famous for whale watching, but its proximity to the “Hemel en Aarde Valley” offering some of the Cape’s best wines. Boasting “Blue Flag” beaches, picturesque hotels and excellent restaurants Hermanus is a must do for a day trip or longer stay whilst in Cape Town.
Durban and the Zulu Kingdom
On the warm Indian Ocean east coast of South Africa lies the harbour city of Durban, with its endless beaches and warm water a surfers paradise. Formerly the capital of the British colony (Kwa Zulu) Natal, the area also has an interesting cultural history. Home to South Africa’s Zulu people the area is full of battlefields and interesting historical sites. Natal and especially Durban’s large Indian population ensures spicy food and interesting culture. Mahatma Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa before returning to India, and much of that time as a lawyer in Durban.
Maputaland and the North East coast
The Isimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South Africa’s best kept secrets. Much of the coastline is a marine protected area including 50km of coral reef and over 200km of unspoilt white beaches on which turtles nest. The area also includes the excellent safari reserves Mkuze, Ndumo and Tembe as well as many private lodges. Sodwana Bay is renowned as a Scuba diving paradise with the discovery of a colony of “living Fossil” Coelacanth fish in 2000.
The Drakensberg Mountains
Rising up to almost 3500m The Drakensberg Mountains form a barrier between the province of Kwa Zulu Natal, the mountain kingdom of Lesotho and the interior. Hikers can overnight in caves many of which feature San/Bushman paintings. The area is also popular for Mountain biking, trout fishing and canoeing on the many rivers and lakes. In only a few places can one cross the Drakensberg. The most famous is Sani Pass an impressive Four Wheel drive only route linking Lesotho with Kwa Zulu Natal. Worthwhile stops on the drive from Johannesburg to this region include Golden Gate National Park and the towns of Clarens and Ficksberg.