Johannesburg is one of Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities. It is an economic powerhouse in Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. This bustling city offers a wide range of activities, attractions and plenty to do in and around the city including nearby Pretoria. Downtown is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. Soweto, a township steeped in history and a significant part of the Greater Johannesburg metropolitan area, is a popular tourist destination.
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Pak, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviours to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.
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.
Situated in the beautiful southern reaches of Africa, the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park is a joint venture between South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park has united a number of game parks and reserves in these three countries to create a vast cross-boundary wildlife sanctuary. It is the first phase in a long-term plan to create a transfrontier conservation area measuring 100 000 square kilometres. It is home to vast stretches of pristine African bushveld dotted with an array of wildlife.
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.
