Located on South Africa’s Highveld plateau, Johannesburg is a fast-paced, creative city shaped by gold-rush history, cultural diversity and constant reinvention. Its atmosphere is energetic and urban, with contemporary galleries, rooftop bars and leafy suburbs existing alongside powerful reminders of the country’s past. Visitors can explore the Apartheid Museum, tour Soweto’s historic streets or browse vibrant markets and design spaces in neighbourhoods such as Maboneng. The city’s soundtrack shifts from lively jazz and amapiano beats to the hum of busy streets, while the scent of grilled street food drifts through open-air cafés and market stalls. Johannesburg rewards travellers who engage with its complexity and culture, though its size, traffic and contrasts mean it is best experienced with some planning and local insight.
Situated between Mozambique and the Mpumalanga escarpment of the Drakensberg, the Lowveld is renowned for its subtropical climate, rich biodiversity and fascinating history. This lush region forms part of South Africa’s premier safari landscape and includes some of the country’s most iconic protected areas, most notably the world-famous Kruger National Park. Rolling farmlands, river valleys and wilderness areas stretch across the landscape, making it an ideal base for exploring the Kruger and surrounding reserves. Visitors can also travel the scenic Panorama Route, discover the historic gold rush town of Barberton, or enjoy the urban amenities of Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit). A wide range of comfortable lodges, guesthouses and safari camps provide excellent accommodation, offering travellers both convenience and immersion in one of Southern Africa’s most diverse and wildlife-rich regions.
Thornybush Game Reserve lies just five hours’ drive from Johannesburg, near the border with Mozambique, in the beautiful Limpopo Province. Boasting over 12 000 hectares of pristine wilderness, this stunning protected area is characterised by open savannah, woodlands, and shrublands. The park is home to an array of African wildlife, including all of the mighty Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo) - as well as giraffe, mongoose, zebra, and the rare and endangered Pangolin. Thornybush is also inhabited by over 500 bird species and offers several bird-focused walks and drives. Visitors can enjoy guided safaris (day or night), luxurious spa treatments, and delicious local cuisine in a breathtaking setting.
