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.
Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is an enticing Western Cape destination with an exciting culinary scene, photogenic historic buildings, and a youthful atmosphere. The beautiful university town is surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and nature reserves (Jonkershoek and Simonsberg), making it a charming base for wine tours, day trips and outdoor adventure. The town centre is characterised by both a “holiday feeling” - sublime art galleries, award-winning restaurants and alluring boutiques fringe leafy cobbled streets - and a sense of aliveness as students bustle between faculties. Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings, while music lovers can look forward to world-class classical music concerts at the grand Music Conservatory. Two dreamy botanical gardens (with gorgeous tea rooms under the trees) add to the unique character of this special town.
Serving as the gateway to the arid wilderness of the Great Karoo, the little South African heritage town of Prince Albert is surrounded by an oasis of magnificent mountains, fresh sparkling water, lush gardens, vineyards, and fruit orchards. This Karoo gem is home to beautifully preserved Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings. It is a popular place in which to relax in the sun and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the town or appreciate the spectacularly clear and star-filled night sky to the rare sound of silence. Visitors can discover ancient fossils, visit a working moonshine distillery at the Fransie Pienaar Museum, enjoy a historical walking tour through the town, and drive along the edge of the harrowing 19th-century Swartberg Pass for dramatic mountain views. Other popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and botanical excursions.
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.
