This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of African, Asian and European cultures. Spend your days discovering the gourmet restaurants, impressive art and nightlife scenes and fine beaches of Cape Town; enjoying a typical braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines in the picturesque Cape Winelands.
Due to its rich and turbulent history there are plenty of historical attractions to explore including the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, South Africa’s attraction lies in its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across unfenced game reserves. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.
Cape Town is a coastal city in the Western Cape of South Africa, home to the world-renowned Table Mountain and Robben Island. The cosmopolitan city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa owing to its wonderful climate, beautiful setting, rich history and thrilling attractions. The city is a year-round destination that promises comfort, entertainment and beauty from winter through to summer. A vibrant and urban city, Cape Town is the perfect place for any traveller, whether you’re interested in nature and scenery, a bustling nightlife and food-and-drink scene, sensational sights and activities, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Franschhoek – meaning ‘French Corner’ in Dutch – is a small, idyllic countryside village situated roughly an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The quaint town is world-renowned for its incredible vineyards where some of the finest local wines are made, and has been nicknamed the ‘Food and Wine Capital of South Africa’. Along these artisan routes, travellers will get to sample luxury cheeses, bread, wine, olives and chocolate for a truly regal experience. Take a stroll down the tree-lined avenues and browse the upmarket boutiques, charming art and wine galleries, and award-winning restaurants.
Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.
Plettenberg Bay is a beautiful seaside town along the Garden Route with gorgeous beaches and some of the most amazing scenic views South Africa has to offer. Situated at the foot of the Tsitsikama Mountains, Plettenberg Bay is the perfect destination to go to for both water and nature lovers. Plett is surrounded by lush forest and indigenous plant life, and popular attractions include Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary.
If you want a change of scenery from the beaches, Plett also has many brilliant hiking trails that are the perfect way to get in touch with the natural surrounds. Adventures in the water are plentiful. Get up close and personal with sea creatures whilst snorkelling or scuba diving, go kayaking on the ocean or up the Keurbooms River, arrange a chartered sailing expedition or even an ocean safari for sightings of whales and dolphins.
Plett ensures a wonderful and exciting holiday that has the best of both water and land activities.
Backed by the Tsitsikamma Mountains’ mighty Storms River Peak and surrounded by swathes of indigenous forest, Stormsriver Village, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, is a scenic adventure sports enthusiast's paradise. At the Tsitsikamma National Park and other parks nearby - characterised by wildlife-filled jungles, rivers, and sea - adrenaline-junkies can enjoy canopying, ziplining, tubing, kayaking, snorkelling, segway riding, cycling, and hiking. An especially popular attraction nearby is the Bloukrans River Bridge, the highest in Africa, where spine-tingling bungee jumping can be enjoyed. The famous Otter Trail begins here, and the surf mecca Jeffrey’s Bay lies just 80 kilometres away. Other highlights include luxury spas; charming craft stalls and boutiques; and a collection of interesting restaurants, such as Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, a retro eatery decorated with a jukebox, 1961 Dodge Lancer, and various other vintage cars.
The Greater Addo Route stretches across the Sundays River to the Zuurberg Mountains in the Karoo and includes many activities along the way, with the Addo Elephant Park right at the heart of it. The route consists of the villages of Addo, Colchester, Canonville, Kirkwood and Paterson which each offer various adventure activities such as game drives, horse-back rides, hiking, canoeing and much more.
The Addo Elephant National Park is definitely the gem of the route and makes an incredible safari adventure. Consisting of over 600 elephants as well as the rest of the Big 5 (lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard) as well as the extended Big 7 (southern right whale and great white shark), it is well worth the visit. The valley of citrus tree in the Sundays River Valley which starts to bloom in October is also an excellent sight to see. Kirkwood is also known for its expansive 4x4 trail perfect for those craving some adventure.
The greater Addo Route makes a perfect road trip route that can be taken with family, friends, or anyone who wants to explore part of the Garden Route.
The Eastern Cape is one of the nine South African provinces, home to a diversity of landscapes from dry desert lands and rugged mountain ranges to pristine coastlines and mild rainforests. The province lies along the south-eastern coast and is famed for its spectacular natural beauty. The Eastern Cape is also renowned as being one of the best regions for a classic South African safari. Teeming with some of the best wildlife the country has to offer, the province is home to a variety of luxury Big-5 game reserves. The province also offers the more adventurous travellers the ultimate adrenaline-filled escape with plenty of lifestyle, nature and outdoor activities to experience.
