Against the majestic Table Mountain backdrop, the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town is home to grand hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. It has long been a popular destination for film and modelling shoots. With rich historical and cultural heritage, tours through the township and trips to Robben Island allow guests to learn about the history. Cooking classes and wine and gin tastings are only the start of this captivating city. Narrow, cobblestone streets and the Islamic ambience of the Bo-Kaap enhance the atmosphere. Guided hikes and aquariums show off the wildlife of Cape Town, leaving guests wanting more.
Hermanus is a thriving holiday resort town with all the modern amenities while still retaining its distinctive fisherman's village atmosphere. Nestled between mountains and sea, the town is one of the world's most spectacular vacation destinations, and its opportunities for spotting whales is unmatched. Long stretches of beaches offer invigorating horse rides, thrilling surfing opportunities, and magnificent wildlife viewings. Top-quality wines are made along the Wine Route - with its plethora of restaurants, fresh vegetables, cheese and fish, Hermanus is firmly established as a world-renowned village.
Knysna is a town in the Western Cape province and is one of the top holiday destinations along the Garden Route. Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking lagoon, there is nothing like its natural beauty - with indigenous forests, tranquil lakes, and golden beaches. Golfing, hiking and canopy tours can be enjoyed, and many leisure activities on the beach, mountains, and rivers offer fun for the whole family. Within the town, cosy cafés beckon with small-town charm and hospitality. A trip to Knysna would be incomplete without visiting the Heads, a rock formation of giant, brightly coloured rocks.
Storms River is a small village in the Eastern Cape. It attracts tourists worldwide who wish to experience the adventurous and natural splendour of South Africa. The river makes its way through the magnificent forests that characterise this part of the Garden Route. The banks are flanked by tall indigenous trees that home an array of wildlife. Canopy tours, biking trails and fishing excursions are all enjoyed here, along with the world's highest bungee jump - sitting at 216 metres above the Bloukrans River. Although the area offers plenty of experiences, the main attraction is the region's untouched natural splendour.
The Eastern Cape's Greater Addo Region is primarily dominated by South Africa's third-largest national park, Addo Elephant Park. This malaria-free region offers the famous Big 5, and due to its enormous expansions towards the ocean, now includes a marine section with seasonal whales and sharks. An incredible variety of fauna and flora are found within the area - from the dry karoo basin to the subtropical forests and grasslands. The region of Greater Addo has a vast amount of rich biodiversity and remains largely unexplored, and it's in the mystery that leaves people wanting more.
A short distance from the Garden Route, Amakhala Game Reserve is a must-see wildlife experience. Here, visitors can enjoy safaris, river cruises, and game-viewing excursions. Game drives can be arranged any time of day or night under the leadership of a qualified game ranger. It offers opportunities for viewing the Big 5, along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species. According to East Cape Tourism, the reserve is the best Game Reserve in the province. At the same time, Africa Geographic named the Safari Lodge the best place in the country to see elephants in their natural habitat.
As one of the oldest towns in the Eastern Cape, the fourth oldest in South Africa, and certainly one of its most atmospheric, Graaff-Reinet is an area dotted with mountains so vast they seem to touch the indigo sky. The area's diverse geology is shown in its wealth of bird and animal life, and the surrounding conservancies provide visitors with excellent accommodation options and hikers with breathtaking trails. Graaff-Reinet also offers specialised tours for game viewing, rock art, fossil study, township walks, and Boer War monuments. With the abundant culture and history, there is always somewhere to be explored.
Oudtshoorn, known as ostrich capital of the world, is a small town in the Western Cape province, between the spectacular Swartberg and Outeniqua mountain range. Daily Meerkat Tours, Farm- and Ostrich Tours, Hiking and the famous Cango Caves are activities traveler can enjoy. The village displays its history at CP Nel Museum, known for its comprehensive collection as one of the best country museums in South Africa. Take time to enjoy the wines of the region as well as to taste culinary and traditional “Karoo” delights, all exquisitely prepared at selected restaurants and serene countryside venues.
The Western Cape's town of Stellenbosch is South Africa's second-oldest and most inspiring wine, food and cultural destination. The scenic wine route was the first in the country and one of the most popular destinations for local and international visitors. For the nature lover, several excellent hiking trails are found in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. A full-day hike starts on the slopes of the Stellenbosch Mountains and winds its way through vineyards, forests and olive groves. Stellenbosch is an ideal getaway year-round, and the historic town's centre is a living museum with unique, vibrant street culture.
