One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest. We never tire of soaking up the beauty & buzzy atmosphere of this relaxed city with its cosmopolitan dining options.
No Cape Town visit is complete without taking the cable car up Table Mountain. You can even abseil off the top for the ultimate adrenalin rush. In the city, you can visit the colourful Bokaap quarter, an ecletic array of museums from District Six to the Museum of Gold or browse through the vibey street markets such as Greenmarket Square. Alternatively meander through the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, head out to Robben Island by boat or simply relax on the golden beaches of Camps Bay or Llandudno.
When you want to range further, the Cape Peninsula offers one of the finest coastal drives in Africa – Chapmans Peak Drive - to the Cape of Good Hope. Here you might see whales breeching just off the bay or quirky penguins on Boulders Beach.
The Cape Whale Coast is a bountiful area of gentle rolling green pastures, picturesque vineyards and unspoilt coastline between the Winelands and the Garden Route to the east.
The Whale Coast offers plenty of attractions including some of the finest land-based whale watching in the world with plenty of sightings of Southern Right whales cruising and wallowing. The season is from July to December (peaking in August and September), when the whales come right into the bays to give birth. At that time, enthralling sightings - both from land and by boat - are a daily occurrence with spectacular breaches and other acrobatics.
Some visitors hurtle straight through from Cape Town to the Garden Route but we recommend taking the scenic coastal road to Hermanus, Gansbaai or Arniston for at least two nights. This rugged stretch of South African coastline snakes along the Atlantic Ocean, with magnificent mountains rising up on the other side.
The Garden Route thoroughly deserves its reputation for enchanting beauty. The 'Garden' refers not to cultivated gardens, but to its captivating, Garden of Eden-like scenery. This region, between Mossel Bay and the Storms River, offers a spectacular coastline of dramatic headlands which give way to white sandy beaches. Behind the sand dunes lie beautiful lakes, with a hinterland of soaring mountains, covered by indigenous rainforest, magnificent twisting passes, waterfalls and wooded ravines.
The Garden Route is perfect for those wanting to relax in beautiful surroundings and for those wishing to be more active. There are plenty of walking trails: around the lakes, along the coast and in the mountains. Adrenalin-junkies are spoilt for choice with canopy tours by zipline, bungee jumping, bridge swinging and tubing. Horse-riding, canoeing, mountain biking and excellent golfing are readily arranged.
The Little Karoo is an arid, rugged region reached via the spectacular mountain passes over the Outeniqua Mountains. Rolling countryside, majestic mountain passes and much drier (and hotter) conditions makes for a distinct contrast with the nearby Garden Route.
You can sample the excellent wines of the area over lunch at a working ostrich farm or visit the Cango Caves, a labyrinthine complex of some of the largest limestone caverns in the world. The intrepid will be captivated by the wild beauty of the Swartberg Pass to the charming arty town of Prince Albert and the mysterious hidden valley of Die Hel. Whilst children and the young at heart will adore seeing the big cats at the Cango Wildlife Ranch, learning about ostriches, and cringing at the crocodile and snake farm.
Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town.
Situated in the heart of the Karoo in the province of the Western Cape in South Africa, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is said to be the area’s premier wildlife destination offering one of the best safari experiences in the country. Stretching over 54 000 hectares, this tranquil reserve is one of South Africa’s largest private reserves boasting pristine natural beauty with its endless plains and awe-inspiring landscapes inhabited by an array of wildlife including the endangered riverine rabbit. To add to this, it is also home to the only free-roaming and self-sufficient white lions in the world. Visitors can also look forward to excellent birdwatching, viewing ancient rock art, enjoying wonderful game viewing, as well as a comfortable stay at the luxury lodges.
The Cape Winelands is an area of exquisite beauty only 45 minutes from Cape Town. Here rocky mountains overlook green vineyards and oak avenues leading to elegant Cape Dutch wine estates. It offers some of the most charming towns and villages in South Africa: Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl and Tulbagh.
The main pleasure of this region is the enjoyment of the good life: appreciating the wine and the superb Cape Dutch architecture or enjoying long, lazy meals in one of the many excellent restaurants. Browse in the many boutiques and galleries or take a scenic drive or walks in the mountains. This corner of South Africa is not an area to be hurried as there’s a lot on offer. You can visit the Winelands for the day but those in the know set aside at least two or three nights to enjoy the area.
