As South Africa's autumn season arrives with sunny skies and pleasant temperatures, a range of exciting new hotels, additional flights, safari experiences and special events are on offer to make any visit to this spectacular and fascinating country, even more special.

Hot News

Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018: Be the Legacy

2018 is a momentous year for South Africa with the Nelson Mandela Centenary marking what would have been 100 years since his birth. In commemoration of this landmark year, the nation will play host to a programme of special initiatives, projects and events to celebrate Madiba's life. In London, Gresham College will be hosting a lecture, Nelson Mandela in the 21st Century, at the Museum of London on 6th June. For more information, visit www.nelsonmandela.org.

For those wishing to celebrate the global icon's life and achievements in South Africa, a free app, Madiba's Journey, outlines more than 27 places of major historical significance across the country that help to tell Mandela's incredible story. From the infamous Robben Island in Cape Town through to the site where Mandela was captured in KwaZulu-Natal, there are numerous locations that are synonymous with Madiba. To mark the centenary year, an additional 73 points of interest will be added to the website, taking the total to 100. For more information, visit http://mandela.southafrica.net/map/overview.

New Flights / airline updates

Virgin Atlantic doubles daily service from London to Johannesburg

Virgin Atlantic has announced plans for an additional daily service between Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport and London Heathrow, making it a double-daily service from 28th October 2018. This will make Johannesburg the first city outside of the UK and US to benefit from double-daily Virgin Atlantic flights. The second daily flight will be operated by a 258-seat Boeing 787-9 with 31 seats in business class, 35 in premium economy, 36 in economy delight and 156 in economy. Tickets are available now. For more information, visit www.virginatlantic.com.

SAA introduces new A330-300 on LHR-JNB route

South African Airways is now operating the new Airbus A330-300 on its daily London Heathrow to Johannesburg route, offering customers a significantly improved on-board Business and Economy product, with state-of-the-art technology, increased comfort and capacity. In total, the aircraft can seat 249 passengers, with 46 in Business Class and 203 in Economy Class. They are quieter than previous generation aircraft, equipped with advanced avionics and navigation systems, and have ultra-fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent engines, resulting in lower fuel burn and therefore lower carbon emissions. For more information, visit www.flysaa.com. 

New Packages / Experiences

Premier Holidays introduces Mandela-themed excursions and packages

Premier Holidays has launched a new eight-night holiday, 'Celebrating Mandela', with a range of excursions so visitors can learn more about the amazing legacy of Madiba's life during this special centenary year. The holiday includes visits to see the iconic sights in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban with a half day private tour of Soweto, a private Nelson Mandela Capture Monument tour, and a Cape Town City tour which includes a Robben Island ferry ticket. Priced from £1,699pp, the holiday includes three nights at Premier Hotel Pretoria, three nights at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani in Durban and four nights at Camps Bay Stone Cottages in Cape Town, return flights, transfers and the anniversary themed excursions. Travel is valid from 1st May to 30th June 2018, other dates are available at a supplement. For more information, visit www.premierholidays.co.uk.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve launches fly-in safari packages for 2018

Visitors to the luxurious and exclusive safari lodges of the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve can take advantage of a shorter travelling time thanks to the introduction of new fly-in safari packages. Offering incredible value and more time to spend at this exceptional safari destination, the three and four-night packages are fully inclusive. Prices for a three-night stay start from £1,920pp and include flights with Airlink, transfers, luxury full board accommodation, selected drinks and local taxes. Visitors can look forward to exhilarating morning and evening open vehicle safaris, an environmental awareness walking safari, and Sabi Sabi's legendary African warmth and hospitality. The prices are based on a twin share and are valid until 19th December 2018. Situated in the world renowned Sabi Sand Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger Park, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is home to four of the most luxurious and exclusive safari lodges in South Africa; newly revamped Selati Camp, family friendly Bush Lodge, intimate Little Bush Camp and forward-thinking Earth Lodge. For more information, visit www.sabisabi.com.

Gondwana Game Reserve brings mountain biking safaris to the Garden Route

Luxury 'Big Five' game reserve, Gondwana, just four hours' drive from Cape Town, is offering visitors a thrilling range of new mountain bike trails combined with the chance of viewing endangered species from the saddle. Four new trails around the reserve's 1,000 hectare protected area are designed for all levels of fitness. With a varied terrain, the new trails are suitable for mountain biking novices to experts, including dirt roads and jeep tracks to long valley descents and steep climbs. The new routes are graded with length, difficulty and suitability for individuals to enjoy the best mountain biking experience.  Bikes and helmets for adults and children are available free of charge for guests to use.  The mountain bike routes can also be used for trail running. For more information, visit www.gondwanagr.co.za.

Exsus Travel introduces luxury South Africa tour

Specialist tour operator, Exsus Travel has launched an amazing tour of South Africa to enjoy its iconic landmarks, vibrant cities, amazing wildlife and famous wine growing regions, whilst staying in the best hotels. The 13-night 'Flagship South Africa' holiday includes visits to Cape Town, the Garden Route, Little Karoo, the Greater Kruger National Park, the Panorama region and Highveld. The package is priced from £9,850pp. For more information, visit www.exsus.com.

2by2 Holidays launches accessible safari in KwaZulu Natal

Experts in accessible worldwide holidays, 2by2 Holidays has launched a fascinating new safari that explores the wildlife, landscapes and culture of South Africa's KwaZulu Natal region. The new safari has been designed to be completely wheelchair accessible opening up this beautiful area to all visitors. The ten-night holiday includes visits to the Hluhuwe Game Reserve famous for saving the rhino from extinction, a Wild Cat sanctuary, a Zulu Village, iSimangaliso Wetlands, Zululand and Shaka Marine before relaxing on Durban's warm north coast. Priced from £2,992pp (land arrangements only) with all transfers and hotels wheel-chair accessible. For more information, visit www.2by2holidays.co.uk. 

Safari Yoga Retreat Club at Garonga 2nd to 6th May 2018

The Retreat Club at Garonga is offering guests a wonderfully relaxing break combining a big five safari experience with daily yoga sessions against the backdrop of the spectacular African bush. The four-night break at the luxury lodge includes four nights full board accommodation including dinner under the stars, daily game drives, twice daily yoga sessions, meditation and bushwalks, and an aromatherapy massage. Garonga's knowledgeable guides and trackers offer the opportunity of seeing a variety of animals in the nature reserve. For more information, visit www.garonga.com.

Virgin Limited Edition creates new safari and wine tasting holiday

Virgin Limited Edition has created the ultimate South African experience, combining an unforgettable safari at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand, with blissful wining and dining in Franschhoek at Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard. Visitors booking a three-night stay at Ulusaba combined with a two-night stay at Mont Rochelle can take advantage of some great value inclusions. A complimentary 30-minute massage treatment at Ulusaba's stunning Aroma Boma Spa and a complimentary upgrade to half board at Mont Rochelle is included. Prices start from £2,562pp for a five-night stay based on a twin share in an Elephant or Rock Cliff Room at Ulusaba and a Shiraz Room at Mont Rochelle. For more information, visit www.virginlimitededition.com. 

New Openings / Refurbishments

Newly refurbished Safari Suite and Safari room at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

Virgin Limited Edition has just announced that a newly refurbished Safari Suite and Safari room will be available at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve from June 2018. The stunning and spacious new suite features a private plunge pool and garden, separate lounge and large outdoor deck offering views of the Mabrak riverbed, bush and beyond. Bookings are available from R18,250pp (£1,100) per night. A newly furbished Safari Room can be interconnected on an exclusive basis for four people with rates from R68,800 (£4,150) per night and include a private game vehicle. All rates include accommodation, twice-daily game drives, all meals and drinks, high quality wines and champagne, as well as a team of fabulous staff. For bookings call 0800 716 919 or email enquiries@virginlimitededition.com. For more information, visit www.virginlimitededition.com. 

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa to open state-of-the art spa

This year, Johannesburg's luxurious Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa will introduce a new spa experience in the city. Set in acres of lush parkland, the award-winning spa hotel is an urban sanctuary conveniently situated on the outskirts of Sandton Central. The new spa will include an undercover heated hydro pool, rim flow Jacuzzi, Sentō bath (Japanese style herbal bath), relaxation lounges and salas, a private dining sala for 12 guests, and many other exciting additions. To view an architectural animation of the enhanced spa offering, click here. For more information, visit www.fairlawnshotel.co.za.

Le Quartier Français Hotel undergoes £4 million refurbishment and expansion

Boutique hotel Le Quartier Français, part of the Leeu Collection, is currently undergoing an extensive £4 million refurbishment and expansion making it even more luxurious. Set to fully re-open on 1st June 2018, the hotel's existing rooms and suites are being upgraded, with the addition of two luxurious and spacious new villas taking the total number of accommodation to 36 rooms. With much of the renovation already completed by Beverley Boswell Designs, the famous Franschhoek hotel is now on a par with nearby sister properties Leeu Estates and Leeu House. For more information, visit www.leeucollection.com.

MalaMala Launches Newly Refurbished Sable Camp

MalaMala in the stunning Kruger National Park has refreshed its unique African-styled Sable Camp with a new interior design using natural fabrics and colours blending old and new, classic and contemporary – whilst preserving the soul and heritage of the camp. For images of the new beautiful newly designed Sable Camp click here or visit www.malamala.com.

Events

April

To mark the South African Freedom month of April which celebrates the arrival of democracy in the nation, visit Tankwa Karoo for 2018's AfrikaBurn from 23rd - 29th April for the Southern hemisphere's only commerce-free festival. The event turns the barren landscape into a temporary pop-up city of art, theme camps, costume, music and performance. AfrikaBurn brings together a community of participants who create intricate and awe-inspiring art most notably in the form of burning structures, some of which are enormous in scale and set against the desert landscape backdrop of Tankwa. For more information, visit www.afrikaburn.com.

May

The 2018 edition of Africa's Travel Indaba, the continent's largest and longest-running travel showcase, is expected to see about 7,000 exhibitors, travel buyers, journalists and tourism industry professionals converging on the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal from 8th – 10th May. Exhibitors, buyers and members of the media are invited to register now and be part of Africa's tourism success story by visiting www.indaba-southafrica.co.za.

The ambient village of Franschhoek with its centuries-old vineyards, quaint restaurants and Dutch Architecture provides a perfect setting for the Franschhoek Literary Festival from 18th - 20th May 2018. The festival brings together a wide variety of South African and distinguished international writers to raise funds for local communities and school libraries. Visit www.flf.co.za for more information.

The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival will arrive in Knysna from 24th - 27th May and will be a highlight of the LGBTQ calendar. The festival is a four-day extravagant show which is full of non-stop entertainment, drag shows and pageants commencing in a carnival on the final day with floats and flamboyant costumes sailing down the streets of one of South Africa's most gay friendly towns. Visit www.pinkloeriefoundation.com for more information.

June

The National Arts Festival held from the end of June to beginning of July in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape is the biggest annual celebration of the arts on the African continent. The event features opportunities for artistic experimentation across the arts spectrum, bringing together drama, dance, physical theatre, comedy, opera, music, jazz, visual art exhibitions, film, student theatre, street theatre, lectures, craft fair, workshops, and a children's arts festival. For more information, visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.

The Comrades Marathon on 10th June is one of the world's largest and oldest ultramarathon races. The distance of 89km (approx. 56 miles) is run in the KwaZulu-Natal Province from Durban to Pietermaritzburg and is attended by more than 13,000 runners each year. Visit www.comrades.com for more information.  

-Ends-

Note to editors

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist and business events destination.  It is headed up by Chief Executive Officer, Sisa Ntshona.

Issued by Brighter Group on behalf of South African Tourism. For further information and high-res images please contact:

Name: Laura Jackson

Email: laura.jackson@brightergroup.com 

Telephone number: 0203 217 7060

Website: www.southafrica.net 

Online image library: http://digitalassets.southafrica.net/