Set at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling city of Cape Town presents an alluring combination of drawcards. Incredible powdery white beaches, highly acclaimed wine routes, and astonishingly beautiful mountain trails surround a cosmopolitan hub. This diverse metropolis is filled with superb shops and restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a spectacular, chic waterfront harbour. Highlights include the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art; Table Mountain's jaw-dropping views; Boulders Beach, where penguins might swim right up to you in the warm Indian ocean waters; the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you can walk along a treetop canopy among incredible native flora or watch an open-air concert at the base of the mountain; Robben Island, where visitors can see the cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years; and many more.
Falling within the Cape Florist Region, the Elandsberg Nature Reserve stretches along the foot of the Elands berg Mountains on the western coast of South Africa. This natural heritage site is home to an array of unique flora and fauna, including beautiful indigenous fynbos and blossoming wildflowers. Spanning over 30 000 acres, this game reserve aims to safeguard the genetic diversity of its game population by being able to home a large, yet sustainable, number of game. Commonly spotted wildlife includes eland, wildebeest, springbok, bontebok, zebra, baboon and antelope species. Free-roaming predators such as cheetah, brown hyena, caracal and the lesser-spotted cheetah may also be seen during a visit. Birding enthusiasts will be thrilled as the reserve houses the world's largest bird, the ostrich. Look out for the fish eagles, black eagles and kingfishers that soar above and for the world's rarest reptile, the endangered geometric tortoise, who trails along the ground slowly.
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.
The seaside town of Plettenberg Bay is a popular holiday destination situated just 2.5 hours’ drive west of Gqebertha, on the spectacular coastal Garden Route, The Portuguese explorers called it the 'Beautiful Bay', and it’s easy to see why – Plettenberg Bay is a picturesque, charming town with endless pristine beaches, tranquil lagoons, clean rivers, indigenous forests, and a dramatic rocky peninsula. Playground to the wealthy, beach mansions overlook the Indian Ocean, often dotted with luxury yachts, while leisure time is given over to polo and golf, among other things. However, all kinds of visitors will feel at peace here as simply swimming in the warm water on a safe beach is a great way to experience the beauty of Plettenberg Bay. Adrenaline seekers can visit Bloukrans Bridge, a 30-minute drive away, to do the highest bungee jump on earth.
Perfectly situated at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, the quaint heritage town of Swellendam is South Africa’s third-oldest town. It is Idyllically positioned in the scenic Overberg area and serves as an excellent base to explore the magnificent surrounding landscape, including the Little Karoo in the hinterland. The streets are lined with beautifully restored Cape Dutch buildings dating back to 1745. Visitors can explore the Dutch Reformed Church and Drostdy Museum complex, visit the surrounding nature reserves and enjoy the local farm stalls selling an array of locally produced jams, liqueurs and baked goods. Other popular activities include: hiking, kayaking, camping, game viewing, horse riding, and stargazing.
As previously described
