Best of South Africa & Victoria Falls

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.

Set just over an hour from Cape Town, within the inspiring landscapes of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is a heritage town and a world-renowned food and wine destination. Travellers could choose to focus their visit on any one aspect alone - nature, cuisine or culture - and find plenty to keep them busy. The estates here attract wine experts from around the globe with their Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cap Classique sparkling wine (among others). Five-star restaurants alongside the cellars are surrounded by the same jaw-dropping valley scenes that have brought artists and writers to the area for centuries. A superb literary festival takes place around May every year, and, combined with the town’s Cape Dutch manor houses, fascinating museums, and charming boutiques, makes Franschhoek a wonderful place to visit in winter. Summer provides endless hiking, cycling and other outdoor opportunities among the lush farmlands and mountains.

Situated in the northeastern reaches of South Africa in the province of Mpumalanga, MalaMala Game Reserve shares a boundary with the Kruger National Park. MalaMala is one of the largest Big Five game reserves in Southern Africa. Stretching over 13 300 hectares, this spectacular reserve features bushveld, vast savannah, riverine woodlands, and straddles the Sand River. MalaMala is one of the more established private reserves as well as one of the oldest private reserves in the greater Kruger Park region. Commonly spotted animals include lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino.

Situated just north of Mbombela in Mpumalanga, South Africa, White River is a quiet, peaceful town made up of a large farming community. Culinary types will delight in the town’s renowned delicious tropical fruits, tasty vegetables and wineries, while history lovers should stroll around town and check out White River’s early Lowveld architecture, or explore the fascinating White River History and Motor Museum. Three dams, thick forests, a picturesque botanical garden, and distinctive rock formations enhance the splendour of the area, making it an ideal base for hiking and nature photography. Several incredible reserves can also be reached easily from here, including the world-famous Kruger National Park. Other highlights include a reptile park, a wonderful art studio, and numerous craft and antique shops. The Born Biking Indoor Skate Park appeals to active travellers.

Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. It is set on the magnificent Zambezi River which creates the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These spectacular falls can be easily visited and viewed from the Zimbabwean side. Considered to be the world’s widest waterfalls, Victoria Falls measures an impressive 1708 metres in width. The small town of Victoria Falls, which lies adjacent to the waterfalls, serves as a great base from which to explore the many attractions this area of Zimbabwe has to offer. The surrounding area provides a wide range of adrenalin-filled activities for adventure lovers. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful activities including: scenic flights, micro lighting, white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions into the incredible Chobe National Park.