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.
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 (Jonkershoek and Simonsberg), making it a charming base for wine tours, day trips and outdoor adventure. The town centre is characterised by both a “holiday feeling” - sublime art galleries, award-winning restaurants and alluring boutiques fringe leafy cobbled streets - and a sense of aliveness as students bustle between faculties. 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 dreamy botanical gardens (with gorgeous tea rooms under the trees) add to the unique character of this special town.
Sandwiched between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains and the glistening Indian Ocean, this lush 200-kilometre stretch of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and Storms River Mouth provides one of the world’s most spectacular drives. Visitors typically base themselves at the heart of the Garden Route - either in Knysna, complete with its scenic lagoon; or neighbouring Plettenberg Bay, famous for its excellent beaches - and then spend a few days exploring countless surrounding attractions. Whether you are seeking pristine, uncrowded white-sand beaches, world-class golf courses, ancient forests, top-notch surf spots, extraordinary nature reserves, excellent hiking opportunities or exhilarating outdoor adventures such as bungee jumping or ziplining, the Garden Route has it all.
Just an hour west of Gqebertha on the gorgeous sunshine coast, St Francis Bay is a picturesque holiday village known for its amazing surfing opportunities and pristine white-sand beach. An extensive network of human-made canals built between black and white houses allows for sunset picnic cruises straight from your doorstep. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities along the canals and in the ocean such as swimming, waterskiing, tubing, boating, and fishing. Take a day trip to the nearby village of Cape St Francis to see the photogenic Seal Point Lighthouse and visit the wonderful penguin rehabilitation facility. Nature lovers can explore trails at Boskloof Nature Reserve, known for its prolific birdlife; Irma Booysen Nature Reserve, filled with endemic fynbos species; and Romazini Valley, home to Cape Clawless Otter and Spotted Eagle Owl.
At Shamwari Private Game Reserve, every moment tells a story of Africa’s wild beauty and deep commitment to conservation. Spread across 25,000 hectares of malaria-free Big 5 territory, Shamwari invites you to immerse yourself in an unforgettable wildlife adventure. From the lush ecosystems brimming with diverse flora and fauna to heartfelt encounters at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the inspiring tales of rescued big cats at Born Free Foundation’s sanctuaries, every experience is designed to connect you with nature.
Choose your sanctuary among six luxurious lodges, each offering its own unique style and five-star hospitality. For the adventurous spirit, the Explorer Camp delivers an intimate escape in the heart of the bush. At Shamwari, you’ll find more than a safari – you’ll leave as a lifelong friend, carrying the essence of Africa with you.
