The world-famous Pilanesberg Game Reserve is situated in South Africa’s North West Province, north of Rustenburg. Set inside an alkaline volcanic crater (one of three in the world), characterised by vast ridges, the park’s fascinating rock and history attracts geologists and photographers from all over the world. Pilanesberg is also known for its mammoth achievement of re-introducing numerous long-vanished species and is home to roughly 360 bird species. It is a beautiful place in which to catch sight of the ‘Big Five’ as well as cheetah, giraffe, hippo, zebra, crocodile, and many other animals. Around 360 bird species also inhabit the park. An array of activities are on offer, including guided walks, game drives, and hot-air balloon rides. It is also possible to watch traditional tribal dance performances, participate in music workshops, and enjoy luxury spa experiences.
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.
Set along the idyllic Garden Route on South Africa’s spectacularly scenic coastline, the port town of Mossel Bay has grown impressively from its days as a little fishing village. Today, the thriving holiday resort town has plenty of recreational attractions – one of which is the Mossel Bay golf course, which boasts a spectacular sea view from every tee affording visitors the chance to whale watch as they line up their next shot. Visitors can also enjoy an array of other wonderful activities including visiting the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, sampling local cuisine, as well as enjoying 4x4 excursions, swimming, hiking, and kayaking. The large bay, edged by long, gorgeous sandy beaches lapped by warm Indian Ocean waves, is still the primary drawcard for many visitors.
Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.
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.
