Central Africa
Yacht charter guests looking to sail as far as possible from the beaten track will be awe-struck by the lush lowlands and colonial coastal towns that etch out...
Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to South Africa
Adventurous, beautiful and a fabulous spot for your first foot in Africa, South Africa works her charm when it comes to being a wonderful yacht charter destination. Those looking to blend a historical visit with fine wines and the chance to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat will find this sophisticated spot full of possibility. Get a local perspective with a visit to the township of Soweto, brush up on your Nelson Mandela history, and commit to climbing the iconic Table Mountain. Grape lovers will be wooed by the delights of the Cape Winelands, and daring Durban invites you to swim with sharks and sup with cosmopolitan cool.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht in South Africa
Safari Splendour
The roar of a lion, the wonder of an elephant bathing her baby, and the first sight of a long-necked giraffe reaching up to chomp the leaves – South Africa has all the ingredients you need for a first-class safari. A yacht charter to South Africa gifts you the rare opportunity to see the mighty big five in their natural habitat. From the Kruger National Park to the shores of Port Elizabeth, animal lovers will be in their element.
Wonderful Winelands
The Cape Winelands are among the most famous vineyards in the New World. Yacht charter guests who adore branch to bottle adventures should be sure to discover Stellenbosch and the surrounding areas where open cellar doors, award winning wineries, and vine draped hills etch out a casual connoisseur scene. When paired with food fresh from the Garden Route and succulent seafood from the two oceans – South Africa is a fable of feasts.
Bucket List Adventures
Surfing and swimming with sharks in Durban, climbing the tantalising shoulder of Table Mountain, seeing a lioness make her kill in the wild, and bungee jumping from Bloukrans Bridge - the excitement doesn’t stop with a yacht charter in South Africa. Thanks to the unrivalled change of dramatic landscapes, South Africa boasts a whole catalogue of experiences to suit your mood. If adrenaline isn’t your deal, you can piece together itineraries that celebrate history, food, art and scenic hikes instead.
Heart Wrenching History
The home of Nelson Mandela, the heart-break of Apartheid, the trail of tears – South Africa’s history books may be hard to swallow, but they are vital reading for anyone visiting the complex country. Those yacht charter guests who venture to Johannesburg can visit the township of Soweto or head to Langa in Cape Town. Getting up close and personal with the locals gifts you a chance to truly understand the past, present and future of this fascinating place.
Where to Visit in South Africa
Cape Town
From Table Mountain to the botanical gardens, the allure of the Lions Head, and the thriving neighbourhoods – Cape Town is a collision of urban sophistication, natural wonders, and cultural cool. Active yacht charter guests can learn to surf, go biking and hiking in the hills, and even paraglide and abseil off the top of the mountain. Those who prefer a softer approach to a city break – can choose to explore the chic restaurant scene or head up to the heady winelands and epic sprawling estates scattered across the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Port Elizabeth
Sunshine and surf is certainly on the menu at the mesmerising Port Elizabeth. A firm favourite with the South African yacht charter crowd, Port Elizabeth is summer encapsulated. Go snorkelling off the coast in the marine life rich waters around St Croix Island Reserve, plunge into the warm arms of the Indian ocean at the Blue Flag Kings Beach, ride horses along the sands of Sardinia Bay, and watch bottle nosed dolphins spin and play from the deck of your yacht charter. Those seeking safari delights will find Port Elizabeth has the answer- the Eastern Cape has some sublime nature reserves like Lalibela where you can see zebras, lions, buffalo, giraffe, cheetahs, and more.
Knysna
Cool flora clad Knysna is one of the jewels in the flower crown of the Garden Route. If you only get to pick one stop inside the green belt of South Africa, then yacht charter guests should be sure to opt for Knysna. Expect dark deep forests, soft lagoons, and wonderful woodwork boutiques that make the most of the natural abundance of bark to be found in the area. Along with stocking up on artisanal pieces, you can also indulge in farm fresh goodies, and spend sultry summer eves in good company with locally brewed craft beers.
Durban
The third largest city in South Africa, as a yacht charter destination Durban has plenty to offer. Surfers across the world will talk of the beautiful rollers that bless the south coast of Addington Beach. Those looking to get up close and personal with Jaws can opt for the popular shark tours that leave from the bay, and history lovers can head out to cover some of the Freedom Trail as they tackle the Inanda Heritage Trail.
When to Charter a Yacht in South Africa
A year-round yacht charter destination, South Africa is all sun, sea and safari. Of course, those looking for the finest weather on the Cape will find that the months of November and February are best for beach lounging. May to September will also strike a chord in safari goers looking to have a higher chance of witnessing the wide plains and the big game.
