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.
Situated at the heart of South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route, Gondwana Game Reserve holds the distinction of being the only Fynbos reserve in the world with free-roaming Big Five game as well as endangered species like the Cape Mountain Zebra, Black Rhinoceros, and Black Harrier among many others. The landscapes here are characterised by towering mountains, green rolling hills, and swathes of brighty-colored fynbos - creating ample opportunities for outdoor adventure and nature photography. Visitors can look forward to top-notch game drives, superb fishing, and a wonderful Junior Ranger program for children. An idyllic climate - the second most moderate in the world - adds further appeal. The reserve is situated a convenient 25 minutes outside the charming coastal town of Mossel Bay and a mere four hours’ drive from Cape Town.
Resting in a fertile valley of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, along South Africa’s world-famous Garden Route, the historic city of George is the sixth oldest town in the country and was once a woodcutter’s outpost. Today, this is the commercial hub of the Garden Route. Surrounded by endless beaches, soaring mountains, and glittering lakes, and is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers, while providing all the luxuries of a modern town, including a great number of excellent restaurants and shops, and a large mall. Visitors can play a round of golf on a variety of championship courses, discover local history at the fascinating George Museum and visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden, which features sublime trails and brightly-colored local fynbos plants.
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.
Set on Algoa Bay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, Port Elizabeth also referred to as PE, is known as the Friendly City as well as the Windy City. Port Elizabeth was established to home British settlers who were brought out on a government-sponsored programme to provide a buffer between the Cape Dutch and the Xhosa conflict. The little port grew from there and today it is the gateway to the beautiful Garden Route and serves as an excellent base to explore the Eastern Cape’s magnificent game reserves and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore the Addo Elephant National Park, inhabited by hundreds of elephants and other wildlife; climb the area’s largest dune at Maitland’s Beach, and jump on a boat tour to spot rare seabirds and whales.
Johannesburg is one of Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities. It is the economic capital of Africa and the gateway to Southern Africa. This bustling city offers a wide range of activities, attractions and plenty to do in and around the city including nearby Pretoria. Downtown is a multi-cultural mixture of traditional medicine shops, Chinese restaurants, taxi ranks and ultra-modern skyscrapers. There are excellent museums, art galleries and organised tours of historical and political interest. The shopping is Southern Africa’s best and the many restaurants cater for all tastes. The nearby township of Soweto is Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attraction.
