Johannesburg is one of Africa’s biggest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. Although not as famous as other South African destinations, there is plenty to do in Johannesburg and nearby Pretoria. The old city is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.
Resting at the base of the awe-inspiring Drakensberg mountains, Blue-Canyon Private Game Reserve unveils a pristine expanse of African wilderness. Here, a symphony of life unfolds as majestic rhinos, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and elusive leopards freely traverse the landscape, creating an unparalleled safari haven. With a captivating array of almost 400 bird species gracing the skies, the reserve is a true avian paradise. Moreover, its role as a sanctuary for highly endangered species like the ground hornbill, African wild dog, and brown hyena highlights its vital conservation efforts.
Resting on the southern banks of the Zambezi River at the western end of the eponymous falls, this popular tourist town is compact enough to walk around and makes an ideal base for travellers exploring the seventh wonder of the world, the unfathomably vast Victoria Falls. About two thirds of the falls can be viewed from the Zimbabwean side and, while the falls are undoubtedly the star attraction, the area provides both adventure seekers and sightseers with plenty of opportunities to warrant a longer stay. Popular activities include scenic flights over the falls in helicopters or micro lights, bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge, white-water rafting (seasonal), and day trips to Chobe National Park. The town itself offers some excellent accommodation and restaurant options as well as an eclectic variety of African curios and authentic art sold by friendly Zimbabwean locals who are wonderfully welcoming and eager to help you enjoy your stay.
Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breath-taking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.
Set on Algoa Bay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, Port Elizabeth also referred to as PE, is known as the Friendly City as well as the Windy City. Port Elizabeth was established to home British settlers who were brought out on a government-sponsored programme to provide a buffer between the Cape Dutch and the Xhosa conflict. The little port grew from there and today it is the gateway to the beautiful Garden Route and serves as an excellent base to explore the Eastern Cape’s magnificent game reserves and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore the Addo Elephant National Park, inhabited by hundreds of elephants and other wildlife; climb the area’s largest dune at Maitland’s Beach, and jump on a boat tour to spot rare seabirds and whales.
Situated east of Madagascar and lapped by the temperate waters of the Indian Ocean, the small island of Reunion is known for its exceptional natural beauty, still-active volcano and three dormant cirques, where past eruptions have created gaping holes in the earth. The coast is peppered with idyllic white-sand beaches, while the interior is characterised by lush rainforests, rugged mountains and the dramatic, plunging natural amphitheatres of the UNESCO-World-Heritage-listed cirques. Enjoy world-class snorkelling and diving through vast underwater wonderlands and discover over 150 species of coral, a variety of fish species as well s dolphins, turtles and whales.
Sandwiched between the glistening Indian Ocean and a natural amphitheatre of unusually shaped mountains, Port Louis is the capital and the main port of the exquisite island nation of Mauritius. This bustling, character-filled town is known for its attractive French colonial architecture dating back to the 18th Century. Must-see attractions include the colourful central market, the beautifully manicured Jardins de la Compagnie, and the impressive Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, known for its giant waterlilies and giant tortoises. There are also two cathedrals, a mosque, a Chinese casino, some 18th century barracks, and an interesting natural history museum. Don’t miss the Caudan Waterfront complex offering a shopping centre, a children's play area, and a large food court serving a variety of local and international culinary options.
Located just 30 minutes southwest of Perth, where the Swan River meets the Indian Ocean, Fremantle is a vibrant port city known for its bohemian atmosphere and impressive colonial architecture. While the West End of town is deemed one of the best examples of a Victorian port streetscape globally, the leafy suburbs boast countless magnificently restored 19th-century homes. Locals are proud of their well-deserved reputation for friendliness, eccentricity and creativity, which is expressed through their tireless support of busking, street art, festivals, concerts, and markets. With its thriving arts scene, lively nightlife, rich cultural heritage and seemingly endless opportunities for sumptuous al fresco dining, there is never a dull moment in this cosmopolitan city by the sea.
Affectionately known by locals as simply ‘Margs’, this lovely laid back coastal town in the South West of Western Australia, rests in the peaceful valley of the eponymous Margaret River. The town is set apart by its diverse natural surrounding landscapes including: spectacular beaches with world-class surf breaks, magnificent timber forests, and fascinating ancient caves. The town is also renowned as a food and wine hotspot due to its numerous award-winning restaurants and countless wineries. With its year round pleasant climate, Margaret River is a delight to visit any time of the year. Spend your days: hopping from one winery to the next; eating fabulously fresh local seafood; snorkelling, diving or swimming off the exquisite coast; or exploring ancient forests and caves. The perfect place to relax, you can do as much or as little as you like in Margaret River.
Once known as the ‘City of Churches’, today Adelaide is better recognised for its sophistication, charm and cosmopolitan feel. South Australia’s capital is a hub of festivals and art galleries; it enjoys a vibrant nightlife and live-music scene; plus there is plenty of shopping, including gorgeous opals, to be done; and gastronomic delights to be enjoyed. Pop into the Art Gallery of South Australia to view indigenous art, or the South Australian Museum devoted to natural history; take an amble in the Adelaide Botanic Garden; or if you’re up for a hike, find out about the trails on the Mount Lofty Ranges.
