Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest. We never tire of soaking up the beauty & buzzy atmosphere of this relaxed city with its cosmopolitan dining options.
No Cape Town visit is complete without taking the cable car up Table Mountain. You can even abseil off the top for the ultimate adrenalin rush. In the city, you can visit the colourful Bokaap quarter, an ecletic array of museums from District Six to the Museum of Gold or browse through the vibey street markets such as Greenmarket Square. Alternatively meander through the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, head out to Robben Island by boat or simply relax on the golden beaches of Camps Bay or Llandudno.
When you want to range further, the Cape Peninsula offers one of the finest coastal drives in Africa – Chapmans Peak Drive - to the Cape of Good Hope. Here you might see whales breeching just off the bay or quirky penguins on Boulders Beach.
Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa – and certainly one of the prettiest! This historic university town began in 1685 and still has a number of charming Cape Dutch streets lined with water furrows and shaded by oak trees. The architecture of Stellenbosch is simple in style and character with white limestone walls, thatched roofs and wide avenues. Amble up the picturesque Dorp Street, or head into the Stellenbosch Village Museum, a collection of four preserved houses that give insight into the lives of the early settlers.
Foodies can indulge in mouth-watering cuisine and fine wines at one of its chic restaurants or buzzing bistros. Stellenbosch is also the ideal base from which to explore the renowned local wine route, with a high proportion of the country’s leading wine estates in the vicinity.
The cosmopolitan fishing village and resort of Hermanus lies only 1½ hours drive from Cape Town. It offers year-round charm with stunning sandy beaches, coastal walking trails, some of the finest wine estates in South Africa, beautiful fynbos vegetation and spring flowers.
But it is primarily known as the whale watching capital of the world. Whale watching can be conducted on land from the scenic coastal path, by boat or even from the air.
Secluded sandy beaches are backed by velvety mountains covered with exceptional fynbos vegetation. The wild flowers are particularly enchanting and walking trails follow the coastline - ideal for whale-watching - or take you into the mountains of Fernkloof Reserve.
The more adventurous can enjoy whale-watching boat cruises and shark cage diving at nearby Gansbaai. More relaxing pursuits would be browsing through numerous arts and craft shops or enjoying the panoramic views of Walker Bay whilst dining alfresco at one of the many restaurants and cafes overlooking the bay.
The Garden Route thoroughly deserves its reputation for enchanting beauty. The 'Garden' refers not to cultivated gardens, but to its captivating, Garden of Eden-like scenery. This region, between Mossel Bay and the Storms River, offers a spectacular coastline of dramatic headlands which give way to white sandy beaches. Behind the sand dunes lie beautiful lakes, with a hinterland of soaring mountains, covered by indigenous rainforest, magnificent twisting passes, waterfalls and wooded ravines.
The Garden Route is perfect for those wanting to relax in beautiful surroundings and for those wishing to be more active. There are plenty of walking trails: around the lakes, along the coast and in the mountains. Adrenalin-junkies are spoilt for choice with canopy tours by zipline, bungee jumping, bridge swinging and tubing. Horse-riding, canoeing, mountain biking and excellent golfing are readily arranged.
Backed by the Tsitsikamma Mountains’ mighty Storms River Peak and surrounded by swathes of indigenous forest, Stormsriver Village, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, is a scenic adventure sports enthusiast's paradise. At the Tsitsikamma National Park and other parks nearby - characterised by wildlife-filled jungles, rivers, and sea - adrenaline-junkies can enjoy canopying, ziplining, tubing, kayaking, snorkelling, segway riding, cycling, and hiking. An especially popular attraction nearby is the Bloukrans River Bridge, the highest in Africa, where spine-tingling bungee jumping can be enjoyed. The famous Otter Trail begins here, and the surf mecca Jeffrey’s Bay lies just 80 kilometres away. Other highlights include luxury spas; charming craft stalls and boutiques; and a collection of interesting restaurants, such as Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, a retro eatery decorated with a jukebox, 1961 Dodge Lancer, and various other vintage cars.
Just north of Ballito on the north coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Salt Rock offers a laid-back holiday atmosphere for beach lovers. Once the home of King Shaka Zulu, the riches of this destination now lie in its irresistible golden beaches, turquoise tidal pools, and warm Indian Ocean waves, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Besides swimming and sunbathing, visitors can also look forward to microlight flights, skydiving, fishing, diving, snorkelling, and excellent hikes along the coast, as well as leisurely walks along the wooden boardwalks next to the ocean for gorgeous views. The wonderful Litchi Orchard Market is a great place to sample delicious local fare and browse through superb arts and crafts.
The Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve is located in the Drakensberg Mountains in east-central South Africa, near its border with the northeastern region of Lesotho. This magnificent area is most easily accessed from the town of Winterton and boasts some of the country’s most scenic hiking and rock climbing opportunities. The nature reserve offers a range of trails of varying length and difficulty, including exploring the cave paintings of Ndedema Gorge and a route to the summit of Cathedral Peak itself. This challenging climb rewards hikers with views of some of the Drakensberg’s most prominent peaks, such as Giant’s Castle, the Bell and Cleft Peak. There is a four-star hotel located within the reserve, while day can soak up the incredible scenery along a network of magnificent trails.
Named after the jagged teeth of the mythical beast, the 'berg', as it is affectionally known, offers everything. Its ideal for nature lovers. Walking options range from serious hiking to gentle rambles beside crystal streams and through wooded glades. Other delights are its ancient San rock paintings at Giants Castle and Kamberg, the 4x4 ascent to the top of Sani Pass in the rugged Kingdom of Lesotho (which can be accessed only from the Southern Drakensberg), the world-class Drakensberg Boys Choir and the arts and craft studios along the Champagne Valley.
Much of the Drakensberg is protected as a National Park, the northern part offers an imposing wall of rock that rises 3000 metres. It is known to the Zulus as the Barrier of Spears and to the first European settlers as the Dragon's Mountains, the Drakensberg is a UNESCO World Heritage sites, for the heritage of the San Paintings and its natural beauty.
Nearby the gentle beauty of the Natal Midlands in the foothills also offers unusual craft studios, art galleries, herb farms and charming country pubs, as well as the Mandela Capture site which is now home to a small museum.
