Situated just north of Mbombela in Mpumalanga, South Africa, White River is a quiet, peaceful town made up of a large farming community. Culinary types will delight in the town’s renowned delicious tropical fruits, tasty vegetables and wineries, while history lovers should stroll around town and check out White River’s early Lowveld architecture, or explore the fascinating White River History and Motor Museum. Three dams, thick forests, a picturesque botanical garden, and distinctive rock formations enhance the splendour of the area, making it an ideal base for hiking and nature photography. Several incredible reserves can also be reached easily from here, including the world-famous Kruger National Park. Other highlights include a reptile park, a wonderful art studio, and numerous craft and antique shops. The Born Biking Indoor Skate Park appeals to active travellers.
The Sabi Sands is South Africa's premier private game viewing destination. It was here that the southern African safari began and today this famous reserve offers exceptional game viewing and equally exceptional accommodations. Two perennial rivers, the Sabi and the Sand flow through this Game Park, sustaining the diverse fauna and flora of the area. The success of leopard viewing within the Sabi Sands is legendary. Elephants, lion, rhino, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, zebra and a vast variety of antelope and other species can be closely observed in their natural environment.
The landlocked Kingdom of Swaziland is surrounded on the north and south by South Africa, and on the east is bordered by Mozambique.
The Kingdom provides travellers the ideal gateway between KwaZulu-Natal and the Kruger National Park, as well as Johannesburg and Maputo - no better route is available with added advantage of discovering a whole new country filled with bygone African traditions and culture.
Swaziland covers an area of approximately 193 kilometres from north to south, and 145 kilometres from east to west.
Small as it may be, Swaziland is an exciting tourist destination with its art and craft outlets and traditional markets and wildlife reserves. At Mlilwane Game Reserve tame birds and animals are free to come and go and wander through the camp grounds. Mkhaya Game Reserve offers visitors the opportunity of game viewing by open Landrover with guides.
A major attraction for the visit to Swaziland is the casinos located at the Royal Swazi Sun Hotel complex, in the heart of the Ezulwini Valley, between Mbabane and Manzini.
Swaziland offers many scenic drives. North of Mbabane, the road to Luve is known as Pine Valley with a series of waterfalls on the Black Umbeluzi River and the granite heights of "Bald Rock".
The drive to Piggs Peak, in the north is one of the most scenic in the country. The Malolotja Nature Reserve lies to the west of the road and here, after a stiff walk, you can view the Malolotja Falls, the highest in Swaziland.
Swaziland also hosts a large number of internationally renowned hotels and a number of thermal springs where visitors can relax and unwind, like the Spa at the Royal Swazi Sun.
Oshoek 07:00 - 22:00 (from Johannesburg)
Josefsdal 08:00 - 16:00 (from Barberton - scenic but dirt/gravel road)
Jeppes Reef 07:00 - 22:00 (from Malelane Gate in Kruger Park & Nelspruit)
Golela 07:00 - 22:00 (from Durban)
Houtkop - Emahlathini 08:00 - 18:00 (from Drakensburg & KwaZulu
Thanda Private Game Reserve offers an authentically South African wildlife experience, matched with sincere commitment to the Zulu culture and passionate conservation of the environment. Meaning ‘love’ in isiZulu, Thanda is a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and multiple winner of World’s Leading Luxury Lodge. It is known for meaningful safari experiences and exclusive close-up encounters with Africa’s magnificent Big Five. Thanda Private Game Reserve is the proud location of three very different products, each with their own style, atmosphere and appeal. Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda's flagship product, is known for its 9 bush suites, Villa iZulu, ideal for celebrities, families and those with a special taste for privacy, is an exclusive bush residence beyond any traditional understanding of extravagance and service and Thanda Tented Camp, with its 14 grand tents and 1 grande deluxe tent, offers a truly relaxed and authentic safari experience. With 14 000 hectares to explore, guests can see diverse wildlife including cheetah, hyena, warthog and the occasional wild dog, as well as abundant bird and plant life.
Set on South Africa’s northeastern coast, the UNESCO-listed Maputaland Marine Protected Area falls within the awe-inspiring iSimangaliso Wetland Park and comprises three protected areas: Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, and Rocktail Bay. Extending all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south, it encompasses forests, wetlands, lakes, marshes, and coral reefs near glorious, deserted golden-sand beaches. Local wildlife includes large numbers of leatherback turtles, numerous bird species, and many species of freshwater fish - also look out for Nile crocodiles and hippos at Lake Sibaya. A superb dive site (arguably one of the best in the world) can be found at Sodwana Bay, with its magnificent 50 kilometre-long reef complex.
Just outside of Durban is the seaside resort town of Umhlanga Rocks. The tropical weather and lush vegetation make this an enticing holiday destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is the perfect location for ocean enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, with great opportunities for diving, swimming, scuba diving, whale watching, dolphin viewing, deep sea fishing and kite boarding. Umhlanga Rocks also offers some excellent golf courses for the avid golfer.
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.
This rugged stretch of South African coastline snakes along the Atlantic Ocean, with magnificent mountains rising up on the other side. The spectacular scenery is made up of charming seaside villages, farms, rivers, coves and valleys, and during the right season, the region’s namesake – whales – can be seen cruising and wallowing in the coastal waters.
The French corner of the Cape, Franschhoek lies in one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world, just 45 minutes’ from Cape Town and within half an hour of the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington and Somerset West wine routes.
This traditionally French town is the food and wine capital of this area and one would be hard pressed to dispute the claim. Eight of the top 100 restaurants in the country are found in Franschhoek, there are nigh on 30 wine cellars and over 28 restaurants from which to choose for your gastronomic experience.
The Franschhoek valley has launched a Cap Classique route that includes nine cellars, within a distance of 4 km, in a combined marketing initiative. The sparkling wine tour includes teaching visitors about the methods of making Cap Classique in a unique attempt to add value to wine consumption.
Originally known as the Valley of the Huguenots, a community of French Huguenots were granted land in this valley by the Dutch government of the Cape, after fleeing their homeland when Protestantism was outlawed in France in 1685. Today, many of the wine farms still bear their original French names and most of these farms have beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture.
Franschhoek’s village has a wonderful collection of art and antique shops and galleries and the main streets are lined with restaurants and coffee shops. It is easy to spend a day here and it serves as an excellent springboard to other wine routes and the Four Passes Fruit Route, of which Franschhoek is also part; and there are a number of walking trails in the surrounding mountains, for the more energetic.
With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A harmonious blend of architectural styles reflects the tastes of dictates of the past as well as today's more functional requirements. Between the high-rise office blocks, Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found. Narrow, cobble stone streets and the strongly Islamic ambience of the Bo-Kaap enhance the cosmopolitan feeling of the city. Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures
Cape Town shopping options invite you to endlessly browse. Elegant malls such as the Victoria Wharf at the V&A Waterfront, antique shops, craft markets, flea markets and art galleries abound. Specialist boutiques offer an enticing array of unusual items not readily obtainable elsewhere. Gourmets and lovers of fine wines have a treat in store, with the Constantia Winelands producing some of the finest wines worldwide.
Cape Town City Bowl
Fondly known as the ‘mother city’, Cape Town lies in the bowl of Table Mountain, more often than not shrouded in cloud from the prevailing Summer South-Easter (‘Cape Doctor’) wind, and one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. The heart of Cape Town’s city, her centre, is one of the only major Central Business Districts in South Africa, if not the world, that is currently experiencing enormous growth and urban revival.
Highlights:
- Company Gardens
- De Tuynhuis
- District Six Museum
- Bo Kaap
- Greenmarket Square
- Houses of Parliament
- Noon Day Gun
- Signal Hill
- South African Museum & National Gallery
- St George's Cathedral
- St George's Mall and Adderley Street
- Castle of Good Hope
- Cape Town City Hall & Grand Parade
