While wildlife safaris are reason enough to visit this exquisite country, South Africa offers even more to see and do. For one, the city of Cape Town is a jewel that is well worth visiting. Set against the iconic Table Mountain, Cape Town offers lots to explore, including the V&A Waterfront, Chapman’s Peak, Boulders Penguin Colony and several beautiful beaches — just to give you an idea. Not to mention the delicious food and fabulous shopping, which can all be enjoyed at a favorable exchange rate. Some of the biggest attractions in the Western Cape are the towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschoek. Boasting some of the best wine tours in the world, they offer picturesque vineyards, fantastic art galleries and gourmet food. Furthermore, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous people you’ll ever encounter. You will be exposed to different cultures, languages and traditions that will certainly enhance your experience.
With so much diversity, South Africa has something for everyone to enjoy!
Located just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is an enticing Western Cape destination with an exciting culinary scene, photogenic historic buildings, and a youthful atmosphere. The beautiful university town is surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and nature reserves such as Jonkershoek and Simonsberg, making it a charming base for wine tours, day trips and outdoor adventure. This quaint town centre exudes a relaxed holiday atmosphere, with sublime art galleries, award-winning restaurants and colourful boutiques lining leafy cobbled streets, while students bustling between faculties add to its lively and energetic character. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings, while music lovers can look forward to world-class classical music concerts at the grand Music Conservatory. Two enchanting botanical gardens, complete with charming tea rooms beneath the trees, add to the unique character of this special town. Blending natural beauty, culture, fine wine and a vibrant social scene, Stellenbosch remains one of the Western Cape’s most beloved and rewarding destinations.
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, Kruger National Park, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area for spotting crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife gathering along the banks. This region, known as the ‘Southern Circle’, is renowned for its excellent game viewing and high concentrations of rhinos and lions, with different prides displaying fascinating hunting techniques and behaviours. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can also discover ancient San rock paintings that offer insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage. The Southern Kruger features magnificent landscapes of African bushveld and open savannah, dotted with acacia trees and seasonal waterholes attracting diverse wildlife. Popular activities include guided game drives, birdwatching and photography, making this one of the park’s most rewarding safari regions.
