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 braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines in 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 unfenced game reserves. With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.
Cape Town is a coastal city in the Western Cape of South Africa, home to the world-renowned Table Mountain and Robben Island. The cosmopolitan city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa owing to its wonderful climate, beautiful setting, rich history and thrilling attractions. The city is a year-round destination that promises comfort, entertainment and beauty from winter through to summer. A vibrant and urban city, Cape Town is the perfect place for any traveller, whether you’re interested in nature and scenery, a bustling nightlife and food-and-drink scene, sensational sights and activities, or simply relaxing on the beach.
Nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean and surrounded by lush forests is the quaint town of Knysna. The beautiful lagoon and more than eight beaches provide opportunities to swim, surf, canoe, yacht, boat, fish, or simply relax on the warm sand. Various markets offer organic goods, delicious food, indigenous plants and a social atmosphere. Mountains, valleys, lakes, forests and streams are ready and waiting to be explored. A birding route is available for avid bird watchers, and world-class golf courses is at your doorstep. The area is famous for the Knysna Heads, which affords unbelievable views over the town, as well as for their annual Oyster Festival.
Backed by the Tsitsikamma Mountains’ mighty Storms River Peak and surrounded by swathes of indigenous forest, Stormsriver Village, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, is a scenic adventure sports enthusiast's paradise. At the Tsitsikamma National Park and other parks nearby - characterised by wildlife-filled jungles, rivers, and sea - adrenaline-junkies can enjoy canopying, ziplining, tubing, kayaking, snorkelling, segway riding, cycling, and hiking. An especially popular attraction nearby is the Bloukrans River Bridge, the highest in Africa, where spine-tingling bungee jumping can be enjoyed. The famous Otter Trail begins here, and the surf mecca Jeffrey’s Bay lies just 80 kilometres away. Other highlights include luxury spas; charming craft stalls and boutiques; and a collection of interesting restaurants, such as Marilyn’s 60’s Diner, a retro eatery decorated with a jukebox, 1961 Dodge Lancer, and various other vintage cars.
The coastal city of Port Elizabeth is a laid-back and relaxing destination, incorporating aspects of big city life with the atmosphere of a small seaside town. Known as "The Friendly City" or "The Windy City" because of the notorious wind, Port Elizabeth has glorious blue flag beaches, including the renowned King's Beach, Pollock Beach and Seaview. Port Elizabeth is a very convenient city, with everything being 15 minutes away from each other, and encompasses brilliant world class facilities as well as lush greenery and scenic views.
PE has moderate weather, and is mostly warm and sunny with that famous breeze picking up after noon. The hotels and guesthouses around the beachfront area are stylish and contemporary and the swanky Sun International Boardwalk Casino and entertainment complex is the perfect place to spend an evening. Port Elizabeth is also home to the biggest mall in the Eastern Cape, Baywest, which has an array of high end stores and restaurants.
With the beautiful beach, warm African sun and a little bit of a social buzz, PE can be seen as a mini, more laid-back Cape Town that is a perfect and quiet holiday destination.
The Greater Addo Route stretches across the Sundays River to the Zuurberg Mountains in the Karoo and includes many activities along the way, with the Addo Elephant Park right at the heart of it. The route consists of the villages of Addo, Colchester, Canonville, Kirkwood and Paterson which each offer various adventure activities such as game drives, horse-back rides, hiking, canoeing and much more.
The Addo Elephant National Park is definitely the gem of the route and makes an incredible safari adventure. Consisting of over 600 elephants as well as the rest of the Big 5 (lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard) as well as the extended Big 7 (southern right whale and great white shark), it is well worth the visit. The valley of citrus tree in the Sundays River Valley which starts to bloom in October is also an excellent sight to see. Kirkwood is also known for its expansive 4x4 trail perfect for those craving some adventure.
The greater Addo Route makes a perfect road trip route that can be taken with family, friends, or anyone who wants to explore part of the Garden Route.
Pumba Private Game Reserve, set against the beautiful Eastern Cape landscape, is the perfect destination for a Big Five African Safari. Experience Africa’s wildlife in their natural habitat, from the rare white lion to hippo, hyena, giraffe, wild dog, and cheetah, as well as 21 antelope species and over 250 bird species. The area provides amazing photographic opportunities of the beautiful Cariega River floodplain, complete with waterholes, as well as of the magnificent Zuurberg Mountains. Activities include fishing, birding safaris, guided bush walks, and stargazing.
Located in the heart of the remote and mysterious Great Karoo, Graaff-Reinet is surrounded by the rolling plains and rising mountains of Camdeboo National Park. This is a wonderful place to escape from reality and revel in the solitude, silence and clear, star-studded nights that this secluded town provides. Graaff-Reinet, as the fourth oldest town in the country, has a very rich history and features ancient fossils, wonderful examples of Cape Dutch architecture, and over 220 local heritage sites. Visitors can look forward to an array of lovely activities including: soaking up the breathtaking views of the 'Valley of Desolation' in the Camdeboo National Park, enjoying a night under the African stars at a local guest farm, and sample the area’s renowned Karoo lamb.
The Eastern Cape is one of the nine South African provinces, home to a diversity of landscapes from dry desert lands and rugged mountain ranges to pristine coastlines and mild rainforests. The province lies along the south-eastern coast and is famed for its spectacular natural beauty. The Eastern Cape is also renowned as being one of the best regions for a classic South African safari. Teeming with some of the best wildlife the country has to offer, the province is home to a variety of luxury Big-5 game reserves. The province also offers the more adventurous travellers the ultimate adrenaline-filled escape with plenty of lifestyle, nature and outdoor activities to experience.
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.
Situated in the beautiful province of the Western Cape in South Africa, Montagu is a popular stop along the famous Route 62, a scenic alternative to the N2 highway. This quaint town serves as the gateway to the Little Karoo and is well-known for its natural hot springs, heritage and idyllic setting. The rugged terrain features majestic mountains, spectacular passes, vineyards, orchards and rivers. It is a popular destination for rock climbers who flock here to scramble up the many rugged rocky outcrops and cliff faces encircling this charming town. Visitors can explore the wide picturesque streets lined with over twenty Cape Victorian national monuments, discover a wide range of wining and dining options, and soak up the scenic tranquillity on one of the many hiking trails in and around Montagu.
Franschhoek – meaning ‘French Corner’ in Dutch – is a small, idyllic countryside village situated roughly an hour’s drive from Cape Town. The quaint town is world-renowned for its incredible vineyards where some of the finest local wines are made, and has been nicknamed the ‘Food and Wine Capital of South Africa’. Along these artisan routes, travellers will get to sample luxury cheeses, bread, wine, olives and chocolate for a truly regal experience. Take a stroll down the tree-lined avenues and browse the upmarket boutiques, charming art and wine galleries, and award-winning restaurants.
