Quiver Tree In The Northern Cape

A Quiver Tree in the Northern Cape

Northern Cape Vacations

See our Northern Cape Lodges, or our South Africa Holidays

Malaria-free safaris with black-maned lions

Enjoy a truly off the beaten track wilderness safari on a tailor made Northern Cape holiday

The Northern Cape is the largest, yet least populated and little visited part of South Africa. Which makes it a great place for an off the beaten track wilderness safari holiday. Bordering Namibia and Botswana to the north, it also adjoins the North-West Province, Free State, Western and Eastern Cape as well as the Atlantic Ocean.

The Northern Cape is a real gem, with some extraordinary landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities, just waiting to reveal themselves to those who venture this far. The malaria-free Tswalu Kalahari Reserve is the largest private game area in South Africa, with 110,000 hectares of grasslands and mountain peaks. Known as the country’s last great wilderness, a luxury Northern Cape safari in Tswalu is all about incredible lodges and the chance to enjoy big game viewing on the fringes of the Kalahari Desert. Black maned lions, wild dogs and cheetah are often spotted here, and guests have the opportunity to track the endangered desert black rhino.

The Augrabies Falls, named by the San Bushmen as ‘The Place of Great Noise’, are found in the eponymous National Park and are a spectacular spot to visit as you make your way across the top of the province. The capital, Kimberley, was home to the “New Rush” in the 1870s when would-be diamond miners flocked here from all over the world to try and make their fortunes in the diamond feels. The reserves are long-since exhausted, and the mine is now quite literally a Big Hole which is a spectacular site, and the museum tells the history of diamond mining. Although it isn’t really on the way to anywhere, both Rovos Rail and The Blue Train stop here for an off-train excursion.

The Kgalagadi Transfontier Park crosses from South Africa into Botswana and is a haven for desert wildlife. It’s perhaps not a destination for first-time safari goers, but for those looking to enjoy a very different experience, it is a beautiful park and well worth the visit. The beauty of the Northern Cape lies in its isolation, relative lack of popularity amongst visitors, stunning landscapes and variety of things to do. It feels a little like Namibia, but with far fewer visitors.

Trips in Northern Cape

Northern Cape Trip Inspiration

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

Sep 17, 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

Jul 31, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

Jul 3, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

Jun 28, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

Jun 5, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

Jun 5, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

Jun 5, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

Jun 5, 2024

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