This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of African, Asian, and European cultures.
Spend your days: discovering the gourmet restaurants, impressive art and nightlife scenes and fine beaches of Cape Town; enjoying a typical local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotted around the picturesque Cape Winelands.
Due to its rich and turbulent history there are plenty of historical attractions to explore including the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town.
Above all else, South Africa’s attraction lies in its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive game reserves such as the world famous Kruger National Park.
With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.
With its beautiful beaches, lively wining and dining scene, and rich cultural heritage, Durban is KwaZulu-Natal’s tourist hub. There is swimming and surfing available and because of the sub-tropical climate the water is warm all year round.(summer 25-28 degrees) Known as the Golden Mile, this stretch of beaches and amusement parks is Durban’s major attraction with the recently developed UShaka Marine World at the southern end providing a world class aquarium and other entertainments.
No trip to Durban is complete without having a Bunny Chow. This locally traditional meal is a hollowed out 1/4 or 1/2 loaf of bread, filled with curry (beef / lamb / chicken / vegetarian) and eaten with your hands. A true sample of local cuisine. (ITT)
Situated in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, the Amakhosi Private Game Reserve is comprised of 6000 hectares of spectacularly scenic wilderness characterised by riverine forest, savannah, rugged mountains and lush wetlands. Bordered by the Mkuze River, this unspoilt African landscape is home to abundant wildlife including the sought after ‘Big Five’ (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard) and over 400 bird species. Visitors to this pristine sanctuary can look forward to bird watching, game viewing safaris, guided bush walks and even seasonal frog safaris. (ITT)
Zululand is the unofficial name of the northern sector of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, and lies north of the Tugela River. The further north towards eSwatini, (formerly known as Swaziland) you travel, the drier it gets and the more you will find bush type vegetation characterized by the majestic, green barked Fever Trees. As you head south towards Durban there are numerous pine and eucalyptus plantations, followed by the sugar cane growing region. Richards Bay is a deep water port, and is the largest city in Zululand.
The well watered valleys have been home to the proud Zulu Nation, their beautiful Nguni cattle and an abundance of wildlife for centuries. Today Zululand is a fascinating mix of tribal lands, game reserves, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Isamangaliso Wetlands Park, with its vegetated dunes, and commercial agriculture.(ITT)
Situated on the east coast of Africa, this tropical paradise is blessed with 2500km of spectacular coastline. With its idyllic beaches fringed with palm trees and lapped by crystal-clear waters brimming with a dazzling array of marine life, this enchanting African nation is an ideal adventure holiday destination, with an abundance of activities on offer such as snorkelling, sunset cruises, horse-riding, dolphin tours and world-renowned scuba diving.
Mozambique’s two major centres, Maputo and Inhambane, offer an exotic kaleidoscope of art, music and delicious local food as well as a lively nightlife scene. Spend your days immersing yourself in the fascinating local culture, marvelling at the impressive colonial architecture and interacting with the fabulously friendly local inhabitants.
Those seeking a more remote getaway can head for the isolated beaches of Bazaruto and Benguerra Island; the historic Portuguese and Muslim architecture of Mozambique Island; the areas furthest north such as the Quirimbas Island Archipelago; or the outstanding wildlife of Gorongosa National Park. However you choose to spend your time in this exceptionally scenic destination you are likely to leave with a heavy heart and a burning desire to return time and time again. (ITT)
Friendly people, beautiful beaches, a balmy tropical climate, fabulous seafood, crumbling yet still elegant colonial buildings, these elements and more combine to make Southern Mozambique an utterly beguiling travel destination. In the capital, Maputo you can sample the lively local nightlife, peruse the bustling Municipal Market or feast on fresh king prawns along the seaside promenades.
Just a couple of hours out of the city, the port town of Inhambane has some intriguing old Portuguese architecture, as well as a wide lagoon where visitors can take a dhow over to the neighbouring village of Maxixe. The seaside destinations of Tofo, Barra and Pandane each have their own charms - visit Tofo for surfing and whale shark diving, Barra for its sublime beach and adventure activities, and remote Pandane for snorkelling. (ITT)
