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.
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve offers a spectacular South African safari experience with luxury accommodation in the African bush. The expansive 65 000 hectare game reserve shares a border with the Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Sabi Sands Game Reserve's exclusive lodges offer a unique, diverse experience and a comfortable place to rest after a tiring day at the game reserve. The game reserve is renowned for its magnificent leopard sightings and the reserve boasts the magnificent Big 5, which can be spotted on game drives and game walks. The rangers are experienced and knowledgeable, ensuring that guests can learn all that they can about the area and its fauna, flora and other wildlife.
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.
Situated in the beautiful province of the Western Cape in South Africa, Montagu is a popular stop along the famous Route 62, a scenic alternative to the N2 highway. This quaint town serves as the gateway to the Little Karoo and is well-known for its natural hot springs, heritage and idyllic setting. The rugged terrain features majestic mountains, spectacular passes, vineyards, orchards and rivers. It is a popular destination for rock climbers who flock here to scramble up the many rugged rocky outcrops and cliff faces encircling this charming town. Visitors can explore the wide picturesque streets lined with over twenty Cape Victorian national monuments, discover a wide range of wining and dining options, and soak up the scenic tranquillity on one of the many hiking trails in and around Montagu.
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.
Nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and surrounded by lush forests is the quaint town of Knysna. The beautiful lagoon and more than eight beaches provide opportunities to swim, surf, canoe, yacht, boat, fish, or simply relax on the warm sand. Various markets offer organic goods, delicious food, indigenous plants and a social atmosphere. Mountains, valleys, lakes, forests and streams are ready and waiting to be explored. A birding route is available for avid bird watchers, and world-class golf courses is at your doorstep. The area is famous for the Knysna Heads, which affords unbelievable views over the town, as well as for their annual Oyster Festival.
The coastal city of Port Elizabeth is a laid-back and relaxing destination, incorporating aspects of big city life with the atmosphere of a small seaside town. Known as "The Friendly City" or "The Windy City" because of the notorious wind, Port Elizabeth has glorious blue flag beaches, including the renowned King's Beach, Pollock Beach and Seaview. Port Elizabeth is a very convenient city, with everything being 15 minutes away from each other, and encompasses brilliant world class facilities as well as lush greenery and scenic views.
PE has moderate weather, and is mostly warm and sunny with that famous breeze picking up after noon. The hotels and guesthouses around the beachfront area are stylish and contemporary and the swanky Sun International Boardwalk Casino and entertainment complex is the perfect place to spend an evening. Port Elizabeth is also home to the biggest mall in the Eastern Cape, Baywest, which has an array of high end stores and restaurants.
With the beautiful beach, warm African sun and a little bit of a social buzz, PE can be seen as a mini, more laid-back Cape Town that is a perfect and quiet holiday destination.
