Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the lions in the Kruger National Park to the iconic Table Mountain in the Cape, takes some beating. Enjoy the Country’s sweeping valleys of the Winelands, Cape Town’s jumping nightlife, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers or KwaZulu-Natal’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park which alone has five distinct ecosystems, attracting both zebras and dolphins - there is something here for any person with any interest of any age. Although the country has its fair share of problems, South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous folk you’ll encounter anywhere, from farmers in the rural north who tell you to drive safely on those dirt roads, to Khayelitsha kids who wish you molo (‘good morning’ in Xhosa).
Resting at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, sandwiched between the slopes of the iconic Table Mountain and the glistening sapphire waters of Table Bay, the exceptionally scenic city of Cape Town is in a class of its own. Some cities boast rich culture, vibrant nightlife, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extraordinary architecture, while others boast breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary natural wonders. Cape Town, is lucky enough to be blessed with all of these attractions and so much more. With its bustling harbour, world-class beaches, top-notch vineyards, and its mountainous surroundings brimming with diverse flora and fauna, Cape Town consistently captivates the hearts of all who visit.
A blend of historical architecture, student life, epicurean delights and oak-lined avenues, Stellenbosch is a picturesque university town surrounded by mountains and vineyards. A walking tour of the town centre allows visitors to take in its beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian architecture, as well as the many enticing art galleries, craft shops, clothing boutiques and gift stores, while foodies may prefer indulging in mouth-watering cuisine and fine wines at one of the chic restaurants or buzzing bistros. Stellenbosch is also the ideal base from which to explore the renowned local wine route, boasting a high proportion of the country’s leading wine estates.
The 150-year-old town of Robertson, “the heart of the Wine Route”, is a picturesque destination set two hours’ drive from Cape Town. The town’s culinary offerings are its primary drawcard for some visitors, as it boasts numerous award-winning estates and restaurants. However, it is also famous for its flowers - columns of red and yellow cannas, abundant rose bushes, and jacarandas line the streets, alongside photogenic Victorian houses. The town boasts several national monuments, including the Pink Church, the Edwardian No 12 Piet Retief Street; and the intriguing town museum. Culture enthusiasts will also appreciate the wonderful contemporary Robertson Art Gallery, and the variety of events that take place throughout the year. The gorgeous surrounding green farmlands, orchards and valleys are lined with excellent hiking and cycling trails.
Bordered by the Swartberg and the Langeberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa, the long valley of the Klein Karoo is famous for its scenic natural beauty and wide range of attractions. Towering mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to the area, and their rivers give the valleys lush greenery which contrasts with the surrounding semi-desert landscape. Some of the highlights of the Klein Karoo include the awe-inspiring passes and gorges of the majestic Swartberg mountains, the mystical Cango Caves and fun ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, and the abundant fruit orchards of the Langkloof Valley. Visitors can look forward to learning about South Africa’s rich heritage in the many historic towns; seeing animals such as the bat-eared fox, meerkats and barking geckos; and enjoying music, drama, art and excellent local cuisine at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.
Award-winning Samara Karoo Reserve is a conservation journey on 67,000 acres of born-again wilderness in South Africa’s heart-stoppingly beautiful Great Karoo region. Founded in 1997, Samara has pioneered the rewilding of this semi-arid yet uniquely biodiverse landscape, catalysing an ambitious vision to expand the conservation estate to a 3-million-acre footprint in a Global Biodiversity Hotspot.
Today the reserve is one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations, comprising five vegetation biomes across strikingly varied topography, home to over 60 mammal species including the Big Five and cheetah, as well as 225 bird species. Three intimate lodges welcome just 40 guests at a time for slow, meaningful and exceptional safari encounters.
In staying at Samara, every guest plays a role in safeguarding the landscape in perpetuity. Yet for those who visit, Samara’s magic extends beyond its conservation importance. To immerse oneself in this soulful landscape of infinite horizons is to experience a recalibration of the frantic modern mindset, a deep reconnection with Nature and a heart-lifting vision of hope for the future.
Port Elizabeth or PE is known as the Friendly City and the Windy City and hopefully if you stay here you will get a chance to experience the former and not the latter. Port Elizabeth was established to accommodate British settlers who were bought out on a government sponsored programme to provide a buffer between the warring Cape Dutch and the Xhosa. The little port grew from there and today it is the gateway to the Garden Route, as well as the Eastern Cape’s game reserves and beaches.
