Gauteng - the place of gold - is home to one of Africa's most vibrant cities and sub-Saharan Africa's economic capital Johannesburg, South Africa's capital Pretoria, the Magaliesberg Mountains and the Cradle of Humankind.
Situated in a valley on the escarpment of the Drakensberg, overlooking the Sabie River, Sabie is a quaint, country town surrounded by stunning natural scenery, such as cascading waterfalls and tranquil mountain streams. It is the centre of the local timber industry and home to the statues of the famous dog, Jock of the Bushveld.
Timbavati Private Game Reserve shares a common, unfenced border with Kruger Park and encompasses many exclusive private lodges. The region is best known for the ‘white lions of Timbavati’, two unusually pale lion cubs discovered here in the 1970s, their colour due to a rare recessive gene. The Timbavati is a “Big Five” Game Reserve: Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo roam freely as do many more species of predators and antelopes. Over 40 mammal species and 350 bird species have been identified within the area. This, together with the abundant variety of flora, the tranquillity and the natural beauty of the land, ensures an adventure to be remembered. It said to have the densest giraffe population in the world.
At more than 2 million hectares the Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Because of its exceptional size you can experience amazing diversity – from the scenery and ecosystems to the correspondingly amazing array of animals, trees and birds. A trip to the Kruger National Park is an unforgettable and potentially life changing experience.
Described as Swaziland’s ‘refuge for endangered animals’, Mkhaya Game Reserve was established to preserve the dwindling breed of local Nguni cattle. It has had much success in this regard and the scope has since been expanded to include other wildlife at risk, including black and white rhino, elephant and sable antelope. It also shelters more ubiquitous species, such as buffalo, and a colourful profusion of birds.
St Lucia lies on the St Lucia estuary, and is a haven of tranquillity that only unspoilt nature can provide. Entirely surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, the residents of little village are protective of their beautiful environment. Mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing present opportunities to enjoy the surroundings. From the town, you can catch the Santa Lucia ferry and take a trip around the lower reaches of the lake where you can view water birds, crocodiles and hippos wallowing in the shallows.
The Midlands Meander Route takes you through the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, where life is lived at a gentler pace and we take time to chat to strangers in the trading store and shell our own peas. We invite you to explore the forest, farmlands and small villages inhabited by interesting characters. Gather inspiration and original art from world-class crafters, enjoy gracious hospitality, savour new flavours and celebrate memorable moments.
An imposing wall of rock that rises to 3000m, creating untold inspiring views and hikes. Known to the Zulus as the Barrier of Spears and to the first European settlers as the Dragon's Mountains. The Ukhahlamba Drakensberg is 1 of 8 South African UNESCO World Heritage sites, uniquely being on for both its significance as a natural resource and for the heritage of the San Paintings. For 1000s of years they hosted the San people and they in turn left their record on the walls on numerous sandstone caves. Today most of the Drakensberg is protected as a National Park and it is a major attraction for the lover of the outdoors.
The Eastern Free State is situated in the eastern quadrant of the South African province of the Free State. Featuring sprawling grass plains fringed by majestic mountains, this area possesses an alluring beauty. The spectacularly scenic landscape provides visitors with a plethora of historical, cultural, and natural destinations to choose from. Visit Clarens, an artist’s village resting at the slopes of the Maloti Mountain Range; immerse yourself in Sotho culture in Phuthaditjhaba at the Basotho Cultural Village; pop into historic Harrismith, home to a 250 million-year-old petrified tree; and observe over 60 big cats at the extraordinary wildlife rehabilitation centre of Bethlehem’s Lions Rock. Other popular attractions include the majestic sandstone cliffs at The Golden Gate Highlands National Park, which boasts a wide selection of wildlife and the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve, a popular fishing and bird watching destination.
