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 Lowveld region of Limpopo, the Makalali Private Game Reserve - also known as the Makalali Conservancy - covers over 22 000 hectares of pristine African bushveld stretching across a series of rolling hills. Makalali, meaning ‘Place of Rest’ in Shangaan aims to create a sanctuary for the diversity of fauna and flora in the area and re-establish the ancient wildlife corridor that connects the Drakensberg Mountains with the Kruger National Park. It is home to the infamous Big Five which includes lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. Visitors can look forward to soaking up magnificent views, spotting an abundance of wildlife and enjoying magical African sunsets. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on a thrilling safari through the African bush. Other commonly spotted species include: cheetah, kudu, giraffe, and zebra.
