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.
Stretching along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park, in the North West Province, Sun City is internationally renowned as South Africa's premier holiday resort and offers a multitude of attractions and activities. With its combination of golfing, gaming, and gambling, as well as world-class hotels, this destination is often referred to as a 'mini Las Vegas in the African bush'. Families can enjoy the impressive waterpark and maze, while nature lovers can explore the incredible Pilanesberg National Park, where they can see all of the Big Five. Make sure to take the fascinating Leeto-Kgolo Village Tour to get an idea of the area's ancient culture. Sun City is also known as the only surf-and-safari destination within a two-hour drive of the landlocked city of Johannesburg.
Located on South Africa’s Highveld plateau, Johannesburg is a fast-paced, creative city shaped by gold-rush history, cultural diversity and constant reinvention. Its atmosphere is energetic and urban, with contemporary galleries, rooftop bars and leafy suburbs existing alongside powerful reminders of the country’s past. Visitors can explore the Apartheid Museum, tour Soweto’s historic streets or browse vibrant markets and design spaces in neighbourhoods such as Maboneng. The city’s soundtrack shifts from lively jazz and amapiano beats to the hum of busy streets, while the scent of grilled street food drifts through open-air cafés and market stalls. Johannesburg rewards travellers who engage with its complexity and culture, though its size, traffic and contrasts mean it is best experienced with some planning and local insight.
Resting in a fertile valley of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains along South Africa’s world-famous Garden Route, the historic city of George is one of the oldest towns in the country, originally established as a woodcutter’s outpost. Today, it serves as the commercial hub of the Garden Route. Surrounded by endless beaches, soaring mountains and glittering lakes, George is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, while still offering the comforts of a modern city, including excellent restaurants, shops and a large shopping mall. Visitors can enjoy championship golf courses, explore local history at the George Museum, or visit the Garden Route Botanical Garden, which features scenic walking trails and vibrant displays of indigenous fynbos. With its unique balance of mountain scenery, coastal access and small-city charm, George remains one of the Garden Route’s most rewarding destinations.
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.
