Johannesburg, known by the locals as Jozi, 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 and taxi ranks. The city has a western appearance with modern skyscrapers and big shopping centres. Johannesburg has a very pleasant climate, the summers are hot with most of the rainfall in the summer months between October and April and the winters mild and dry becoming cold towards the evening. 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.
Situated in South Africa’s beautiful Mpumalanga Province, the quaint village of Dullstroom is known for its excellent fishing opportunities and fresh country air. Aptly named, Dullstroom (‘stroom’ meaning stream) enjoys an abundance of water, marking the beginning of the Crocodile River and home to other major tributaries. It serves as a convenient stopover for visitors on the way to the Lowveld and Kruger Park. It has a sub-alpine climate, and is well known for its cool, often misty atmosphere. The local building style of pointed-stone and wooden log homes, along with the many pubs, restaurants, lodges and quaint village shops have made this one of the most appealing tourist destinations in Mpumalanga. With its moderate climate, crisp mountain air, and scenic beauty, Dullstroom lends itself perfectly to trout fishing. Trout was first introduced to the area in the early 1900’s, and today most dams in the area are stocked with rainbow and/or brown trout, where natural breeding occurs in many of the areas rivers.
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Pak, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviours to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.
As previously described
Set in what is arguably Swaziland’s most spectacularly beautiful region – the aptly named ‘Valley of Heaven’ – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural wonderland of grassy plains, granitic mountains, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The southern section can be explored on foot, mountain bike, horseback or in vehicles, while access to the more remote northern half is restricted to guided hiking groups. Located relatively close to the reserve are the towns of Malkerns and Ezulwini, famous for their many craft shops and other attractions. Visitors can also look forward to staying in traditional beehive-shaped huts and enjoying a breakfast overlooking hippo and crocodiles wading in the water and resting on the banks.
Encircled by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, St Lucia is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia lies on the magnificent St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres. It features abundant wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and offers a wide range of wonderful activities. This haven of tranquillity offers excellent mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to thrilling night drive safaris, hippo and crocodile cruises, and many comfortable accommodation options.
Located on the eastern coast of South Africa, just outside of the port city of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks, also referred to as Umhlanga, is a popular seaside resort town. The tropical weather and lush vegetation make this an enticing holiday destination attracting visitors from all over the world. Umhlanga and its surrounds feature golden-sand beaches stretching over 200 kilometres, endless sugarcane fields and the rolling verdant landscape of the Valley of 1000 Hills. It is the perfect location for ocean enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, with great opportunities for diving, swimming, scuba diving, whale watching, dolphin viewing, deep sea fishing and kiteboarding. Don’t miss Umhlanga’s excellent golf courses; they are a real treat for the avid golfer.
Please be aware when traveling to Addo from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), take the N2 and then N10 through Paterson. Please avoid the R335 on the Southern side of Addo, for safety reasons. Please do not use Google Maps as it will direct you to the shortest and a very unsafe routing. If unsure of your routing, please contact the accommodation.
Addo is set in the enchanting Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the Addo Elephant National Park is the country’s third largest national park and offers a truly unforgettable safari experience. This finely-tuned ecosystem provides a sanctuary to large numbers of elephant, lion, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, antelope, zebra and over 400 bird species. This unique park is the world’s only park with the ‘Big 7’ - the Big 5 plus the southern right whale and great white shark off the coast of the Algoa Bay. Spend your days marvelling at the free-roaming wildlife, enjoy exhilarating 4x4 safari adventures, exciting horse riding excursions, and wonderful night drives where you are likely to spot some fascinating nocturnal wildlife. Famed for its large herds of elephant, Addo provides an ideal, tranquil retreat for those looking to escape the stresses of big city living.
Cape St Francis is a tranquil seaside town and a popular water sports destination, especially for surfing - now one the top in the country. The photogenic lighthouse at Seal Point overlooks a pristine beach, and hundreds of rock pools teeming with marine life. Spend an afternoon among the glory of the numerous plants and flowers at the gorgeous Irma Booysen Floral Reserve, or enjoy the town’s fantastic selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes, which offer some stunning views. Several vibrant regular and annual events add appeal - among the top choices are the annual Calamari Festival and the monthly St Francis Market.
Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is a large town often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’, surrounded by stunning bays perfect for sailing, boating, and swimming; picturesque beaches and lagoons; and world-renowned forests. This well-catered town is also a perfect base for safari expeditions at nearby parks such as Knysna Elephant Park, and close-up animal experiences at centres such as Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. From here, enjoy ample opportunities for surfing, swimming, yachting, jet-skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing. Visitors can also look forward to an array of wonderful markets, a picturesque waterfront filled with superb restaurants and shops, and several fantastic art galleries. Make sure to take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters. Multiple family beaches can be found in Knysna, like Bollard Bay Beach (Leisure Isle) with shallow waters to enjoy swimming and Buffalo Bay, where you are might able to spot a whale directly from the beach! The most adventurous beach is situated on the Eastern Head: Coney Clean, which is ideal for snorkeling. Please be aware that it’s very dangerous to swim out into the channel between the Heads because of tidal currents.
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. Many of the ostrich farms welcome the visitor who wants to see and admire the birds. The beautiful old houses, known as 'ostrich palaces', were built during the feather boom of the late 19th century and often have a Victorian interior. 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 sparkiling 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.
Cape Town is the capital of the Western Cape Province. It is a city with two faces, European and African, a blend of first and third world. Despite these vast differences Cape Town is a relaxed city. It has a number of very interesting museums including the South African National Museum, with a planetarium, the Bo-Kaap Museum and the National Gallery. In the city centre is the Castle of Good Hope. This fort was built in 1666 by Van Riebeeck and still serves as the headquarters of the Western Cape Military.
Table Mountain is situated on the southern side of Cape Town and is famous for its table shape. The mountain provides stunning views over the entire city and is easily accessible via the rotating cable car. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a working harbour and shopping/entertainment centre where you can shop, eat out, watch a movie or stroll around the interesting shops and craft markets from early morning until late in the evening. Situated near the centre of the Waterfront is the Two Oceans Aquarium, with more than 300 species of marine life.
The biggest attraction of the Waterfront is the Robben Island museum and tours to Robben Island. Ferries depart at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm (weather permitting) from the Waterfront to Robben Island. The tour lasts 3½ hours and includes a bus tour of the island as well as a tour with an ex-political prisoner and a visit to Nelson Mandela’s cell. It is advisable to book your tour in advance. A visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens should also be on your agenda. It is one of the world’s greatest botanical gardens and is also a starting point for a number of walks on Table Mountain. Rhodes Memorial on the way to the gardens is an excellent point for a coffee break and to take in the views of the city and surrounds.
