If your idea of a dream holiday includes vibrant cities, rural wine lands, wild animal encounters, and learning about new flora and fauna, the magnificent country of South Africa should be at the top of your bucket list.

A country drenched in history, traditions and culture, South Africa is a wonderfully diverse destination for those looking for something a little different, and while the Western Cape may still be in the midst of a very mild winter,  spring is just weeks away.

The Cape Floral Region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that comprises of over 8500 plant species (and counting!).  During the months of September and October, beautiful blossoms light up the lush green countryside, and the dry semi-arid regions wake up from their winter hibernation and carpet the Cape in a rainbow of colours.

The infamous Garden Route is wonderful at this time of year, and as it is less crowded than in the summer months, there are some great holiday deals to be had by those looking to get off the beaten track and into nature.

September and October are two of the best months of the year for taking a South African Safari, and if you are lucky, you may just catch the beginning of the ‘baby boom’ season when all the wild animals start to birth their adorable young.

The birds from the northern hemisphere start to arrive, the Whale’s start to make their way up to the Garden Route coastline, and those looking for adventure can get up close and very personal with a Great White Shark with a spot of Shark Cave Diving!

Most people heading to South Africa combine a Safari with a city break or a wine tasting tour, and as the Mother City of Cape Town celebrates the arrival of spring with a whole manner of different festivals, September is the perfect month for those looking for an action packed holiday.

There are many reasons you should visit South Africa, so why not head on down below the equator this year, and gather a whole list of reasons of your own!