One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.
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.
Relatively near to Arniston is the De Hoop Nature Reserve (34 000 ha). This is a favourite destination for hikers, cyclists, bird watchers and, in season, whale watchers. Aside from fynbos De Hoop also conserves 86 mammal species including bontebok and Cape mountain zebra, eland and baboon. The southern right whales visits this stretch of the Southern Cape. Visitors looking to extend their visit are catered for at De Hoop Collection which offers a comprehensive range of accommodation options. On-site activities allow day visitors and guests alike the option of exploring the Marine and Nature Reserve with an experienced guide. The Fig Tree Restaurant is open daily for meals, teas and coffees.
The Little Karoo is an arid, rugged region reached via the spectacular mountain passes over the Outeniqua Mountains. Rolling countryside, majestic mountain passes and much drier (and hotter) conditions makes for a distinct contrast with the nearby Garden Route.
You can sample the excellent wines of the area over lunch at a working ostrich farm or visit the Cango Caves, a labyrinthine complex of some of the largest limestone caverns in the world. The intrepid will be captivated by the wild beauty of the Swartberg Pass to the charming arty town of Prince Albert and the mysterious hidden valley of Die Hel. Whilst children and the young at heart will adore seeing the big cats at the Cango Wildlife Ranch, learning about ostriches, and cringing at the crocodile and snake farm.
Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town.
Knysna is an attractive bustling resort town in the heart of the Garden Route surrounded by the glorious Knysna lagoon and backed by an expansive indigenous forest of yellowwoods. The central location of Knysna makes it a good base to visit all parts of the Garden Route (though we also recommend two bases if you have time).
It is a charming town full of restaurants, interesting boutiques and arts & craft galleries. The beautiful Knysna lagoon and nearby beaches of Brenton and Noetzie allow you to swim, surf, canoe, sail and walk.
Drive up to The Heads, the sandstone buttressed cliffs at the mouth of Knysna lagoon for stunning ocean views. Take a boat cruise to Featherbed Nature Reserve or a catamaran cruise through the famous Knysna Heads. You may be able to see whales and dolphins in season. Explore the indigenous Knysna forest with its walking trails & old goldrush village ruins.
Both Knysna Quays waterfront & Thesen Island are attractive places to relax with restaurants, boutiques & lovely lagoon views. More leisurely options might be a picnic on the beach beneath the delightful castles of Noetzie or a gentle forest ramble in the indigenous rainforest. From Knysna, it’s easy to also visit Plettenberg Bay, the Tsitsikamma or Wilderness for the day.
Situated in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, Lalibela Game Reserve is a world-renowned safari destination. Lalibela is known for its exceptional game-viewing, comfortable accommodation options and its delicious cuisine. It offers a memorable Big 5 African safari experience in a spectacularly scenic, malaria-free setting. Stretching over 10 500 hectares, it is home to a fantastic diversity of flora and fauna including the famous Big 5 as well as cheetah, jackal, hyena, lynx, giraffe, warthog, zebra, wildebeest, impala, blesbuck and many other antelope species, all of which roam freely in the reserve.
