Stretching along South Africa’s southern coast between Mossel Bay and Storms River, the Garden Route is a region of forested hills, lagoons, dramatic cliffs and long, windswept beaches. Its atmosphere is relaxed and outdoors-focused, with small coastal towns, scenic drives and a strong connection to nature. Visitors can walk beneath towering indigenous trees in Tsitsikamma, watch whales and dolphins offshore during the right season, or paddle across still estuaries edged with reeds and birdlife. The scent of sea air and fynbos drifts through the landscape, while crashing surf and rustling forests create a constant natural soundtrack. Although parts of the route can become busy during peak holiday periods, its wide-open scenery and varied landscapes continue to make it one of South Africa’s most rewarding journeys.
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.
The Paarl Wine Route is situated roughly 60 kilometres inland from Cape Town and stretches north of Stellenbosch, and is one of the most famous wine regions in the country. The area is particularly notable for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay. However, extremely hot, dry summers and cold winters allow for a wide variety - visitors will also find superb roses, sparkling wines, and dessert wines - as well as plenty of other reds and whites. Culinary enthusiasts flock here as much for the impressive restaurants as for the wines - with most of these overlooking jaw-dropping pastoral scenes. Must-see estates include Fairview, Glen Carlou, Black Pearl, and the Vilafonte project, a highly acclaimed Napa Valley/Paarl collaboration. Travellers can also look forward to stately heritage architecture, an array of excellent museums, and some lovely boutiques.
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, Kruger National Park, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area for spotting crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife gathering along the banks. This region, known as the ‘Southern Circle’, is renowned for its excellent game viewing and high concentrations of rhinos and lions, with different prides displaying fascinating hunting techniques and behaviours. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can also discover ancient San rock paintings that offer insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage. The Southern Kruger features magnificent landscapes of African bushveld and open savannah, dotted with acacia trees and seasonal waterholes attracting diverse wildlife. Popular activities include guided game drives, birdwatching and photography, making this one of the park’s most rewarding safari regions.
