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.
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, Kruger National Park, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area for spotting crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife gathering along the banks. This region, known as the ‘Southern Circle’, is renowned for its excellent game viewing and high concentrations of rhinos and lions, with different prides displaying fascinating hunting techniques and behaviours. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can also discover ancient San rock paintings that offer insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage. The Southern Kruger features magnificent landscapes of African bushveld and open savannah, dotted with acacia trees and seasonal waterholes attracting diverse wildlife. Popular activities include guided game drives, birdwatching and photography, making this one of the park’s most rewarding safari regions.
Set at the heart of South Africa’s largest and most famous game reserve, Central Kruger is home to large numbers of lions, hyenas, cheetah, leopards, buffalo, wildebeest, elephants, zebra, and birds of prey. The Olifants River flows through the region, a popular bathing and drinking site for hippos, elephants, and other mammals. Visitors can explore the area by way of guided game drives, bush walks, bird walks, and night drives. The area is also conveniently close to the Masorini archaeological site, an excavated ruin that dates back to the late Iron Age known to be a trading post for iron products by the Ba-Phalaborwa people. Other popular attractions easily accessible from the region include the spectacular Mac Mac Falls and the quaint historic town, Pilgrim’s Rest.
Located north of Xai Xai, Chidenguele is a small village that shares its name with a long stretch of neighbouring pristine beaches along Mozambique’s scenic coast. The surrounding area is dotted with glittering lakes, one of which is Lake Nhambavale - a popular freshwater body stretching over 20 kilometres in length. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities in this area. Enjoy a wide selection of thrilling watersports on Lake Nhambavale, explore the Boa Paz Lighthouse, and stroll along unspoilt deserted beaches. Other popular activities include snorkelling, diving, fishing, bird watching, and hiking.
Set on the scenic Ponta da Barra peninsula in southeastern Mozambique, Tofo is a small fishing village and an exceptionally popular tourist destination. The curved Tofo Beach is perfect for swimming and is lined with a number of lively beach bars, restaurants, and a small local market. The smaller Tofinho Beach is quieter and provides a great spot for surfing and fly fishing. Just beyond the shores lie some pristine coral reefs inhabited by an impressive array of marine life - this is one of the world's premier dive destinations, and visitors often spot dolphins, manta rays, and whale sharks. Try your hand at deep-sea fishing, go horse riding through the dunes, explore the surrounding villages, or take a trip to the nearby historic town of Inhambane for incredible local food and an idyllic dhow ride around the harbour.
Set along the breathtakingly beautiful coast of Mozambique, Zavora is a popular beach destination providing visitors with the ultimate diving holiday. Zavora is said to offer some of the best diving and deep sea fishing in Africa. This popular diving mecca boasts long stretches of white-sand beaches, a thriving underwater world and comfortable accommodation and facilities. Visitors can look forward to a wide variety of wonderful activities including: snorkelling and diving with manta rays, spotting humpback whales in the warm coastal waters, and exploring the secret undiscovered coral reef.
Mozambique's capital, Maputo, is known for its well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture. With its beautiful art deco architecture and its exceptional setting on a hill overlooking the glittering Maputo Bay, the city of Maputo once sparkled as the 'Riviera' of Southern Africa. Previously called Lourenco Marques, Maputo is Mozambique's largest city and home to the country's most famous harbour. It is well-equipped with a wide selection of hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, a vibrant cultural scene and open-air sidewalk cafes lining the streets. Visitors can stroll down the jacaranda-lined streets of the Baixa neighbourhood in the Old Town, explore the Praca da Independencia square, discover the Neoclassical City Hall and view the unique bronze-domed Maputo Railway Station. Other popular activities include visiting Catembe and Ponta d'Oura's beautiful beaches as well as snorkelling and scuba diving in the warm Mozambican waters.
Situated along Mozambique's spectacular southern coast, Ponta Mamoli is a popular beach resort resting in a sheltered bay. Africa’s eastern coastline is brimming with gorgeous beaches both on the mainland and on the Indian Ocean islands. It is the perfect destination to unwind and dust off after a safari, soak up the African sun or simply relax. Ponta Mamoli in Mozambique is also a great spot for swimming with dolphins and is a top location for diving and snorkelling. Nature-lovers should make sure to visit the enthralling Maputo Special Reserve to the west.
Officially known as the ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’ and still referred to as Swaziland, this tiny landlocked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and is Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems featuring towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerizingly beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife watching, rafting, mountain biking, and hiking along a network of scenic trails which traverse spectacular mountainous landscapes.
