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.
Bordered by the Swartberg and the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa, the long valley of the Klein Karoo is famous for its scenic natural beauty and wide range of attractions. Towering mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to the area, and their rivers give the valleys lush greenery which contrasts with the surrounding semi-desert landscape. Some of the highlights of the Klein Karoo include the awe-inspiring passes and gorges of the majestic Swartberg mountains, the mystical Cango Caves and fun ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, and the abundant fruit orchards of the Langkloof Valley. Visitors can look forward to learning about South Africa’s rich heritage in the many historic towns; seeing animals such as the bat-eared fox, meerkats and barking geckos; and enjoying music, drama, art and excellent local cuisine at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.
The seaside town of Plettenberg Bay is a popular holiday destination situated just 2.5 hours’ drive west of Gqebertha, on the spectacular coastal Garden Route, The Portuguese explorers called it the 'Beautiful Bay', and it’s easy to see why – Plettenberg Bay is a picturesque, charming town with endless pristine beaches, tranquil lagoons, clean rivers, indigenous forests, and a dramatic rocky peninsula. Playground to the wealthy, beach mansions overlook the Indian Ocean, often dotted with luxury yachts, while leisure time is given over to polo and golf, among other things. However, all kinds of visitors will feel at peace here as simply swimming in the warm water on a safe beach is a great way to experience the beauty of Plettenberg Bay. Adrenaline seekers can visit Bloukrans Bridge, a 30-minute drive away, to do the highest bungee jump on earth.
Located in the heart of the remote and mysterious Great Karoo, Graaff-Reinet is surrounded by the rolling plains and rising mountains of Camdeboo National Park. This is a wonderful place to escape from reality and revel in the solitude, silence and clear, star-studded nights that this secluded town provides. Graaff-Reinet, as the fourth oldest town in the country, has a very rich history and features ancient fossils, wonderful examples of Cape Dutch architecture, and over 220 local heritage sites. Visitors can look forward to an array of lovely activities including: soaking up the breathtaking views of the 'Valley of Desolation' in the Camdeboo National Park, enjoying a night under the African stars at a local guest farm, and sample the area’s renowned Karoo lamb.
Resting on the foothills of the majestic Maloti Mountains, Malealea is a remote village tucked in the Makhaleng Valley on the rustic highland terrain of southern Lesotho. Surrounded by a sweeping landscape of rolling hillsides and rugged mountains, this rural village is the ideal starting point for scenic hikes, pony treks, skiing, and mountain biking. Popular attractions include the Botsoela Waterfall, ancient San rock paintings, caves, overhanging rock sites, Pitseng Gorge and the Gates of Paradise Pass route, which offers peerless views of the magnificent countryside.
Set on the slopes of the Maluti Mountains, between Bethlehem and Lesotho, the arty, peaceful and scenic village of Clarens lies on the slopes of the Maluti Mountains is known as the ‘Jewel of the Free State’. Its abundant trees, including those bearing fruit, add vivid hues to the natural environment – colours which change slowly as one season blends into the next. With its numerous art galleries and curios, the town is a picturesque haven for artists and craftspeople. Horseriding, trout fishing, hiking, quad biking, hot air ballooning and river rafting are popular activities, and at the neighbouring Golden Gate Highlands National Parl nature and animal lovers have plenty more to explore (and may even spot zebra, eland, and other animals). Historic highlights include the Dinosaur Trail, several significant Boer-War and Great Trek sites, and some wonderful heritage architecture.
The Royal Natal National Park is home to one of KwaZulu-Natal's most spectacular attractions - the Amphitheatre- a dramatic cliff face that measures more than five kilometres. The Tugela Falls plunge over the edge of the escarpment, plummeting down approximately 1000 metres to the Royal Natal National Park below. A fantastic network of hiking trails meander through every part of the park, and range in difficulty from the leisurely Fairy Glen walk to the challenging hike up the Crack and down the Mudslide. Horse riding is another popular activity, as well as trout fishing in the dam, as well as in the Mahai and Thukela rivers. There are many picturesque spots perfect for picnicking and swimming. Don't miss the opportunity to go on a guided climb against the dramatic rock faces and soak up the incredible views of the Royal Natal National Park.
Encircled by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, St Lucia is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia lies on the magnificent St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres. It features abundant wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and offers a wide range of wonderful activities. This haven of tranquillity offers excellent mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to thrilling night drive safaris, hippo and crocodile cruises, and many comfortable accommodation options.
Situated in northeastern South Africa, the Northern Drakensberg rises up to 3000 metres in height creating spectacularly scenic views from every direction. Featuring cascading waterfalls, sandstone caves and countless San rock art paintings, the Northern Drakensberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which also boasts a network of scenic hiking trails. Falling within the Royal Natal National Park, the ‘Amphitheatre’, comprised of over 5 kilometres of sheer cliff, is regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth with the Tugela Falls, the world's second tallest falls, plunging almost a kilometre from its clifftops. Nature lovers will delight in this unspoilt landscape and enjoy a wide variety of outdoor adventures.
