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 cosmopolitan fishing village and resort of Hermanus lies only 1½ hours drive from Cape Town. It offers year-round charm with stunning sandy beaches, coastal walking trails, some of the finest wine estates in South Africa, beautiful fynbos vegetation and spring flowers.
But it is primarily known as the whale watching capital of the world. Whale watching can be conducted on land from the scenic coastal path, by boat or even from the air.
Secluded sandy beaches are backed by velvety mountains covered with exceptional fynbos vegetation. The wild flowers are particularly enchanting and walking trails follow the coastline - ideal for whale-watching - or take you into the mountains of Fernkloof Reserve.
The more adventurous can enjoy whale-watching boat cruises and shark cage diving at nearby Gansbaai. More relaxing pursuits would be browsing through numerous arts and craft shops or enjoying the panoramic views of Walker Bay whilst dining alfresco at one of the many restaurants and cafes overlooking the bay.
Situated in the heart of the Karoo in the province of the Western Cape in South Africa, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is said to be the area’s premier wildlife destination offering one of the best safari experiences in the country. Stretching over 54 000 hectares, this tranquil reserve is one of South Africa’s largest private reserves boasting pristine natural beauty with its endless plains and awe-inspiring landscapes inhabited by an array of wildlife including the endangered riverine rabbit. To add to this, it is also home to the only free-roaming and self-sufficient white lions in the world. Visitors can also look forward to excellent birdwatching, viewing ancient rock art, enjoying wonderful game viewing, as well as a comfortable stay at the luxury lodges.
Plettenberg Bay, known as 'Plett, is a chic resort town with long sandy beaches and a panoramic view of the sweeping bay, backed by the velvet-green Tsitsikamma Mountains.
'Plett' is known for its vast expanses of golden beach. It is immensely popular with South Africans as well as occasional sorties by the international polo jet-set crowd. But outside of the festive season it returns to being a charming seaside town.
From the beaches, you may be lucky to see the Southern Right Whales which comes right into the bay to calf from July to November. Daily water safaris are on offer for boat-based whale-watching. Other activities include cruising up the Keurbooms River, enjoying an alfresco lunch at Lookout Beach and coastal walking in the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve.
It also makes a great base to explore The Crags. Here you can visit the Monkeyland primate sanctuary, Birds of Eden, the Elephant sanctuary, even wine-tasting at Bramon. To the east lies the Tsitsikamma, a dense indigenous forest, with rugged ravines, streams and waterfalls. Enjoy the short but scenic walk to the suspension bridge over the majestic Storms River mouth. The adventurous can opt for more hectic walking trails, bungi-jumping or ziplining through the forest on the Treetop Canopy Tour.
