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.
The Cape Whale Coast is a bountiful area of gentle rolling green pastures, picturesque vineyards and unspoilt coastline between the Winelands and the Garden Route to the east.
The Whale Coast offers plenty of attractions including some of the finest land-based whale watching in the world with plenty of sightings of Southern Right whales cruising and wallowing. The season is from July to December (peaking in August and September), when the whales come right into the bays to give birth. At that time, enthralling sightings - both from land and by boat - are a daily occurrence with spectacular breaches and other acrobatics.
Some visitors hurtle straight through from Cape Town to the Garden Route but we recommend taking the scenic coastal road to Hermanus, Gansbaai or Arniston for at least two nights. This rugged stretch of South African coastline snakes along the Atlantic Ocean, with magnificent mountains rising up on the other side.
Surrounded by subtropical fruit orchards, Hazyview is a small farming town and a gateway to the southern part of the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Escarpment. The town and its spectacularly scenic surroundings, serve as a popular adventure capital with a remarkable array of exhilarating outdoor activities on offer to suit all ages, tastes and fitness levels. These include, among others: mountain biking, quad biking, ziplining, tubing, abseiling, and river rafting. Whether you are eager to hike the Panorama Route with its breathtaking views and impressive waterfalls, visit the Shangana Cultural Village, or horse ride along the banks of the magnificent Sabie River, Hazyview has something for just about everyone.
The vast Timbavati Private Game Reserve borders the Kruger National Park to the north. It is unfenced so the wildlife can travel freely between the Kruger and the Timbavati. Words cannot describe the thrill of tracking a leopard on the hunt or observing a breeding herd of elephants at a waterhole.
The Timbavati is one of the best areas for game-viewing in South Africa. You are likely to see large elephant herds and you'll have a good chance of spotting many of the so-called 'Big 5' - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino as well a variety of smaller mammals.
The Timbavati is known for its White Lion which are occasionally seen. This unique sub-species colouring is due to a rare recessive gene. Leopard sightings are also very good. Cheetah, wild dog and buffalo are also frequently seen moving through the reserve. It said to have the densest giraffe population in the world.
The Timbavati comprises a number of private game lodges which cooperate in conserving their valuable heritage. Drives are in the early morning and late afternoon when game is most likely to be active. You enjoy game drives in open-vehicle game drives with an experienced ranger and a local Shangaan tracker who work together to give you a deeper understanding of the wildlife and the natural cycles of the bush. Drives are in the early morning and late afternoon when game is most likely to be active. After enjoying the bush sunset, the evening holds a sense of anticipation as the rare and elusive nocturnal species begin to hunt.
