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.
Stretching along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park, in the North West Province, Sun City is internationally renowned as South Africa's premier holiday resort and offers a multitude of attractions and activities. With its combination of golfing, gaming, and gambling, as well as world-class hotels, this destination is often referred to as a 'mini Las Vegas in the African bush'. Families can enjoy the impressive waterpark and maze, while nature lovers can explore the incredible Pilanesberg National Park, where they can see all of the Big Five. Make sure to take the fascinating Leeto-Kgolo Village Tour to get an idea of the area's ancient culture. Sun City is also known as the only surf-and-safari destination within a two-hour drive of the landlocked city of Johannesburg.
Stretching over more than two million hectares, the famous Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity – from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife. The park is home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species. Visitors can look forward to learning about the area’s prehistoric past, enjoying a host of accommodation options, and viewing abundant wildlife including the famed Big Five. The diversity and sheer density of wildlife make Kruger National Park an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Cape St Francis is a tranquil seaside town and a popular water sports destination, especially for surfing - now one the top in the country. The photogenic lighthouse at Seal Point overlooks a pristine beach, and hundreds of rock pools teeming with marine life. Spend an afternoon among the glory of the numerous plants and flowers at the gorgeous Irma Booysen Floral Reserve, or enjoy the town’s fantastic selection of restaurants, bars, and cafes, which offer some stunning views. Several vibrant regular and annual events add appeal - among the top choices are the annual Calamari Festival and the monthly St Francis Market.
Sandwiched between the towering Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is a large town often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’, surrounded by stunning bays perfect for sailing, boating, and swimming; picturesque beaches and lagoons; and world-renowned forests. This well-catered town is also a perfect base for safari expeditions at nearby parks such as Knysna Elephant Park, and close-up animal experiences at centres such as Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, Birds of Eden, and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. From here, enjoy ample opportunities for surfing, swimming, yachting, jet-skiing, boating, fishing, and golfing. Visitors can also look forward to an array of wonderful markets, a picturesque waterfront filled with superb restaurants and shops, and several fantastic art galleries. Make sure to take a ferry trip to the famed Knysna Heads and sample the local oysters.
The indigenous fynbos of the Cape meets the cold seas at the southernmost tip of Africa along the incredibly scenic Cape South Coast. This region produces top-notch wine encompassing the wild Elgin Valley, beautiful Bot River, Elim, Hermanus and Napier wine regions. The coast is also a world-renowned whale watching mecca offering visitors excellent whale watching opportunities. Running from the quaint coastal hamlet of Rooi Els in the west to Quoin Point in the East, this spectacularly scenic stretch of South African coastline is flanked by majestic mountains and the crashing Atlantic Ocean. Be sure to visit the quaint fishing village of Arniston, the Victorian village of Stanford and Gansbaai has a little something for those looking for a thrilling adventure.
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.
