Nestled within the lush plains and dense bushveld of the Greater Kruger National Park network, Sabi Sands Reserve offers an unparalleled wildlife experience that will captivate you.
Covering an impressive 65,000 hectares, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is renowned as one of Africa's oldest and most prestigious private wildlife reserves. The safari lodges here are globally acclaimed for superb big cat sightings. What sets Sabi Sands apart is its unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely and utilize ancient migration routes unhindered. This unique setup provides exceptional opportunities to observe the majestic Big Five and a variety of other species in their natural habitat.
The rangers and guides who lead safaris are highly trained, possessing deep knowledge of the region's wildlife and flora. With their passion and expertise, they not only take you to spectacular wildlife viewing spots but also impart a deeper understanding of the reserve's fascinating ecosystems.
Another highlight of Sabi Sands Reserve is its strict limit on the number of vehicles allowed during game drives, ensuring authentic and undisturbed wildlife encounters. This exclusivity enables guests to savor the tranquility and beauty of the wilderness in its full glory.
As Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve isn't a national park, guests can enjoy the benefits of a private reserve. Alongside traditional game drives, activities such as guided bush walks, night safaris, and bush breakfasts can be arranged in consultation with your safari lodge. Additionally, the rangers have the flexibility to drive off-road, allowing safari vehicles to approach wildlife carefully and respectfully.
Knysna is a charming small town on the Garden Route, known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and waterskiing. Surrounded by dense forests, a lagoon, and mountains, Knysna offers a perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts. The town also boasts a vibrant arts and crafts scene. The top attractions are the Knysna Heads, a narrow passage to the lagoon where many ships have sunk, and the Knysna Forest, renowned for its biodiversity and majestic tree species.
THINGS TO DO
- Sunset cruise on the lagoon (www.magiclagooncharters.co.za)
- Visit the art galleries and craft markets in Knysna
- Brenton-on-Sea Beach and Noetzie Castles
- Whale watching tour (www.oceanodyssey.co.za)
- Stand-up paddling on the lagoon (www.oceanodyssey.co.za)
RESTAURANT TIPS
- Freshline Fisheries (http://freshlinefisheries.co.za/)
- Sirocco Restaurant (www.sirocco.co.za)
- île de païn – authentic artisans (www.iledepain.co.za)
- East Head Café (www.eastheadcafe.co.za/)
- Cruise Café (www.knysnafeatherbed.com/cruise_cafe.htm)
OUR TIPS
- Wild Oats Community Farmers' Market every Saturday, 7:30 am - 12 pm (www.wildoatsmarket.co.za/)
- Stroll through the small waterfront and enjoy oysters afterward (www.oystersonline.co.za/)
In South Africa's Overberg region, you can experience pristine nature, picturesque coastal landscapes, charming villages, and unique wildlife. From the spectacular cliffs of De Kelders to the miles of white sandy beaches at Pearly Beach, this area is one of the best spots for whale watching (June to November), whether from land or by boat. The mysterious and graceful great white sharks around Dyer Island attract visitors from all over the world, earning De Kelders and Gansbaai the title of South Africa's great white shark capital.
THINGS TO DO
- Recommended Whale Watching Tour: www.whaleviewing.co.za
- Recommended Marine Big 5 Safari: www.whaleviewing.co.za/trips/eco-marine
- Visit Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary
- Hike the Hermanus Cliff Path, visit Klipgat Cave
- Explore the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens
RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS
- Manor House (www.stanfordvalley.co.za/eat)
- Schneider’s Cape Floral (www.schneiders-kitchen.com)
- The Restaurant at Newton Johnson (Top 10 South Africa, www.newtonjohnson.com)
OUR TIPS
- Botanical tour through the Fynbos: www.grootbos.com/en/florilegium
- Shark tours & shark cage diving: https://www.sharkcagediving.co/
Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, was founded in 1679 and is best known for its picturesque vineyards and around 120 wineries. Surrounded by the Stellenbosch Mountains, the town offers visitors a breathtaking backdrop. The historic old town is characterized by oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch buildings, featuring distinctive white houses, pointed gables, and tall doors. Stellenbosch University is one of the country’s most prestigious universities, attracting over 30,000 students annually.
THINGS TO DO
- Winetasting at the surrounding wineries (20 best wine farms: https://insideguide.co.za/cape-town/stellenbosch-wine-farms/)
- Cycling through the vineyards (Bike tour with wine tasting: https://www.adventureshop.co.za/stellenbosch-tours/guided-bike-tour/)
- Stellenbosch University’s Botanical Garden
- Rupert Museum, Stellenbosch Village Museum
- Strawberry picking at Mooiberg Strawberry Farm
- Vine Hopper: (6 Wineries, https://vinehopper.co.za/)
- Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden (www.dylanlewis.com/garden/visit-the-garden)
RESTAURANT AND WINERY RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Rust en Vrede (www.rustenvrede.com)
- De Vrije Burger (www.bertusbasson.com)
- The Fat Butcher (www.fatbutcher.co.za)
- Rykaart's (www.rykaarts.co.za/)
- Jordan Wine Estate & Restaurant (www.jordanwines.com)
- Stark-Condé Wines (www.stark-conde.co.za)
- Delaire Graff Estate (www.delaire.co.za)
- De Morgenzon (www.demorgenzon.co.za)
- Waterford Estate (www.waterfordestate.co.za)
- Bartinney Wine Estate (www.bartinney.co.za)
- Tokara Restaurant (https://www.tokara.com/tokara-wine-estate/tokara-restaurant/)
- Capensis Wines (https://www.capensiswines.com/za)
- Rainbow's End Wine Estate (https://rainbowsend.co.za/ )
Cape Town is South Africa’s second-largest city and the capital of the Western Cape province. Affectionately known as the “Mother City,” it was the first city founded during South Africa’s colonial period. The city’s cultural richness reflects influences from Indonesian, French, Dutch, British, and German settlers, shaping its architecture, language, cuisine, and winemaking traditions. Today, Cape Town is a vibrant, unique city where history comes alive.
Things to Do
Cape Town offers endless ways to enjoy your stay. Here are some of our personal highlights:
Scenic Helicopter Flights
See Cape Town from the skies! Take a private or shared helicopter flight over the stunning Cape Peninsula and enjoy sweeping views of beaches, mountains, and the city, with Table Mountain as the perfect backdrop. Flights are weather-dependent.
helicopterscapetown.co.za
City Tour on a Red Double-Decker Bus
Explore Cape Town at your own pace on an open-top bus, combining sightseeing with walking tours. Highlights include Parliament, City Hall, the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and Company’s Garden. Don’t forget your camera!
citysightseeing.co.za/en/cape-town
Constantia Winelands
Just 15 km from the city, the Constantia wine region is Cape Town’s “home vineyard.” Discover its hidden wine routes and learn about South Africa’s oldest wine-producing region. Our top pick: a wine tasting at historic Groot Constantia.
grootconstantia.co.za
Westside Adventurers Hiking Group
Join locals and tourists for daily hikes around Cape Town. Westside Adventurers also offers fun activities like karaoke, bowling, and theater visits.
westsideadventurers.co.za
Table Mountain – Hike or Cable Car
Take in breathtaking views of Cape Town and the ocean with a hike or a relaxing cable car ride. During peak season (October–March), we recommend the Fast Track cable car to skip long queues. Table Mountain is a must-see for every visitor!
tablemountain.net
Classic Cobra Car & TukTuk Tours
Drive along the Cape’s stunning coastline in a classic Cobra car or take a fun TukTuk tour of scenic local routes.
capecobrahire.com | hakunamatuktuk.co.za
Township Tours – Uthando
Support social initiatives while exploring local communities. Uthando offers customized tours that fund projects focused on HIV awareness, substance abuse prevention, and support for women and children.
uthandosa.org
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Nestled on Table Mountain’s eastern slopes, Kirstenbosch preserves South Africa’s unique flora, including Fynbos and Protea species. Enjoy 6,000+ plants, scenic walks, and summer concerts. Free guided tours run Monday–Friday at 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00 (approx. 90 min).
sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenboch
E-Bike Tours & Cycling Adventures
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings by e-bike—perfect for longer rides and scenic routes.
ebikecapetown.com
Beaches
Cape Town boasts some of the country’s best beaches—surf, sunbathe, or stroll along pristine sands.
insideguide.co.za/cape-town/best-beaches
Shopping in Cape Town
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront + The Watershed (waterfront.co.za)
Tribal Trends (capetownccid.org/explore/shop/tribal-trends)
Baraka Gifts & Decor (barakashop.co.za)
The Collective, Hout Bay (thecollectivehoutbay.co.za)
Markets:
Find fresh organic produce, street food, local art, and live music at:
Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock (theoldbiscuitmill.co.za)
Oranjezicht City Farm Market (ozcf.co.za/market-day)
Dining in Cape Town
Fine Dining:
FYN Restaurant (fynrestaurant.com)
Pier Restaurant (pier.restaurant/food)
La Colombe at Silvermist (lacolombe.co.za)
Stylish & Trendy Spots:
Willoughby & Co (Sushi, willoughbyandco.co.za)
TANG (Japanese, tanghospitality.com)
Dorp Hotel Restaurant (dorp.co.za)
Grand Africa Café & Beach (grandafrica.com)
Bilboa (bilboa.co.za)
Ramenhead (by FYN team, ramenhead.co.za)
Belly of the Beast (bellyofthebeast.co.za)
The Strangers Club (Breakfast, thestrangersclub.co.za)
Bo-Kaap Cooking Tours
Learn about South African culture through its cuisine.
bokaapcookingtour.co.za
Bars & Nightlife:
insideguide.co.za/cape-town/bars
Reservations Tip: For top restaurants in Cape Town and the Winelands, book 1–2 months in advance via dineplan.co.za. Some require a deposit, deducted from your meal.
Insider Tip
First Thursdays: On the first Thursday of every month, art galleries across Cape Town stay open until 9 PM. Locals stroll along Bree Street and Church Street with a glass of wine, enjoying the relaxed, year-round atmosphere.
www.first-thursdays.co.za
On the third Thursday of each month, the event moves to studios, galleries, and museums along Roeland Street, Buitenkant Street, and Harrington Street.
