16-Day Best of South Africa

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 against a majestic mountain backdrop and the vivid blue of the sea, the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a five-star eco-paradise showcasing the incredible flora and marine life of the southern tip of Africa. Home to the "Marine Big 5" - whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins - and boasting unparalleled floral diversity, Grootbos offers a luxurious African experience. With over 750 plant species, including rare fynbos and the world's largest Milkwood Forests, it provides a luxuriant backdrop where families can explore caves, go horseback riding, hike scenic trails, indulge in shark cage diving, and enjoy whale watching. Expert guides lead flower safaris, hikes through forests, 4x4 trails, birding, and more.

Resting at the feet of the Boland Mountains in South Africa’s Western Cape Province, the Cape Winelands area is renowned for producing some of the world’s finest wines. The enthralling mountainous landscape boasts an impressive list of luxury wine farms, stretching across lush fertile valleys. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities suited to all types of travellers. Explore a collection of historic little hamlets and towns dotting the countryside, sample a wide selection of world-class wine at historic Cape Dutch farmsteads and other wine estates; and make your way through a sublime network of hiking and biking trails. The culinary scene here is world-class and constantly improving; visitors who don’t drink alcohol will also enjoy discovering this destination as part of a ‘food tour’ - numerous superb restaurants are on offer.

Located in South Africa’s beautiful Eastern Cape Province, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a renowned conservation and community success story. The reserve comprises 22 000 hectares of African wilderness inhabited by a diverse array of wildlife including hippo, springbok, giraffe, cheetah as well as the famed Big Five. The reserve provides the perfect habitat for protected species such as the black rhino, martial eagle, and blue crane. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of incredible activities including: scenic picnics, guided nature walks with experienced wildlife trackers, sundowners while floating on one of the reserve dams, as well as big game walking safaris and even rhino darting.

Johannesburg is one of Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. This bustling city offers a wide range of activities, attractions and plenty to do in and around the city including nearby Pretoria. Downtown is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. 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.

Adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is a private premier viewing destination. It was the first-ever private nature reserve established in South Africa. The landscape features 65 000 hectares of savannah-covered land interspersed with watering holes, dry river beds, Lowveld woodlands, and the perennial Sabi and Sand rivers. This spectacular reserve offers exceptional game viewing opportunities with frequent sightings of the renowned Big Five as well as cheetah, zebra, giraffe, and a variety of antelope. Visitors can enjoy excellent wildlife viewing, dining under the stars, guided bush walks and enjoying a stay in some of South Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges.