One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit her! With a bustling harbour, world-class beaches, vineyards and restaurants as its main attractions, the city has something for everyone. Add to this the mountainous landscape brimming with diverse flora and fauna, vibrant townships, a modern art scene and all manner of city tours and you have a world class destination.
The city has a rich cultural history encompassing early man, European sailors and slaves from the East to mention a few. It is nestled in a bowl on the footslopes of the iconic Table Mountain and tapers off into the cold Atlantic waters of Table Bay. There is vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, superb outdoor spaces and some extraordinary architecture within Museums, private homes and many hotels.
For naturalists the attractions are numerous from the mega-diverse fynbos plant kingdom to Great White Sharks, the handose Bontebok antelope and hoardes of seabirds.
Star attractions: Peregrine Falcon, Cape Siskin, Klipspringer, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Black Girdled Lizard, Cape Rockjumper & Victorin's Warbler (these two not on the peninsula), Bontebok and the ever-elusive Cape Leopard
Idyllically situated in the Cape Winelands, this peaceful country retreat is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. The once sleepy little village was named Franschhoek, meaning 'French Corner' as it was founded by French Huguenots. The fertile valley of Franschhoek boasts a rich heritage showcased at the fascinating Huguenot Memorial Museum and the Cape Dutch architecture in much of the village, which remains remarkably well preserved. The town’s proximity to Cape Town allows for pleasant day trips during which visitors can explore the area’s many world-class wine estates and impressive range of excellent restaurants or simply browse the quaint, upmarket boutiques strewn along the town’s lovely tree-lined avenues.
For outdoor activities, there is biking and hiking in the wild mountains surrounding the valley.
Boasting an unfenced boundary with the renowned Kruger National Park, Ngala Private Game Reserve is an exquisite wildlife sanctuary that offers an intimate game-viewing experience. Visitors can encounter magnificent creatures such as elephants, leopards, spotted hyenas, giraffes, large buffalo herds, and white rhinos. Expert ranger and tracker teams lead thrilling game drives, employing sensitive off-roading practices that ensure up-close encounters with the mesmerizing wildlife. For a more immersive experience, walking safaris and bush walks are also offered, allowing guests to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem. To complete the adventure, Ngala provides luxurious lodges that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, providing a tranquil and comfortable retreat after thrilling days spent in the heart of the African wilderness.
The Sabi Sands is South Africa's premier private game viewing destination and it was here that the southern African safari began. Established in 1934, today this famous 160,000 acre reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park offers exceptional big game viewing and equally exceptional accommodations. Two perennial rivers, the Sabi and the Sand flow through the reserve, sustaining the diverse fauna and flora of the area even during times of drought. The success of the 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. Birding, particularly in summer is very good with a diverse mix of raptors, endemic African woodland species as well as migrants from Europe.
Off-road driving is allowed in most places, but rain and other factors may affect the feasibility of doing so. We encourage our guests to support cautious and careful off-roading only.
Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500 kilometres of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving. Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants. Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However, you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again.
The second-biggest island in the idyllic Bazaruto archipelago, Benguerra is a tropical paradise of long, palm-lined white beaches, verdant rainforest and temperate turquoise seas permeated with coral reefs. Benguerra was designated a national park in 1971 and wildlife thrives in this unspoilt environment, including freshwater crocodiles, turtles, monkeys, buck and over 150 avian species. The surrounding ocean is permeated with exquisite coral reefs, home to a kaleidoscopic variety of vividly coloured tropical fish and offering some of the most spectacular snorkelling and diving on the planet. These pristine waters are even frequented by the rare dugong, an ancient sea creature that currently exists in only a few locations in the world.
