South Africa is a unique "world in one country". Its scenery is truly breathtaking and for those who love the great outdoors, it is in a class of its own. Jacana Travel Marketing and Reservations has endeavoured, with great success, to make this reality available to the local and international traveller through excellent valued-adderd services. "Discover the Heart of the Country" being the simple philosophy of Jacana.

Tim Hartwright and Yoel Gaziel took over Jacana in March 2007 from its founder, Sarie Mehl who was instrumental in bringing eco-tourism to the forefront of recreational activities in South Africa. In May 2007 Discovery Trails, a business founded by Tiaan and Reta Strydom, became part of Jacana, therebye bringing together a selection of the best trails available in Southern Africa.

At a time when the trend in South Africa is towards rediscovering one’s roots and the soul of the country, this website aims to be the ultimate companion in searching for and finding the heart of the South African countryside.

Use this website to plan trips into the countryside either from inside or outside South Africa. All sorts of useful information and travel tips are provided.

The best of South African hospitality awaits you at any of the properties and services listed in this guide. Savour the splendours of our countryside and enjoy its intriguing history. You will be welcomed and encouraged to share each venues "piece of Africa", their culture, passions and way of life.

The private trails in the Jacana Collection for hiking, mountain biking, 4x4 and 4x2 driving trails, quad bikes, canoe rides and horse riding have benchmarked standards in South Africa for the last 17 years. Many of the hiking trails have been accredited by the South African Hiking Trail Owners Association (SAHTOA).

A wide spectrum of hiking trails to suit all hikers is offered, from the novice and the leisurely day hiker to the experienced or super-fit hiker.

The 4x4 trails we promote are shorter trails within the African game reserve environment to assist sustainable eco tourism. Horse trail operators can be reached via Jacana. Due to popular request we now also offer luxury accommodation for our adventure options as well as the basic hiker’s accommodation.

Luxury guided walking safaris within the Kruger Park are also offered.

Country hotels, inns, resorts, guest houses, game lodges, reserves and sanctuaries provide truly gracious living and opportunities for relaxation, while the simpler farmhouses – on offer in this guide, introduce excellent farmstays and smaller game reserves, offer irresistible charm and comfort - just the place for a peaceful vacation.

The choice is yours. Explore the beautiful unspoilt countryside, from magnificent beaches, indigenous and exotic forests, mountains and koppies, fynbos, grasslands, woodlands, coastal desert or coastal bush and subtropical forests, semi-desert and arid areas, to the Highveld and the Karoo, all with their own natural flora and fauna to be marvelled at. Discover the allure of the South African countryside on foot, by bicycle, in an off-road vehicle or on horseback, or head out on a boat or canoe trip or for a day of fishing.

Feel free to contact us for any assistance you need for visiting the South African countryside so that we can help you enjoy a wonderful time in our magnificent country.

Jacana publishes a monthly e-mail newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy please send your name and e-mail address to tim@jacanacollection.co.za