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.
Nestled in a fertile valley surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is an elegant heritage village located approximately 75 kilometres east of Cape Town. Known as South Africa’s food and wine capital, it combines a rich French Huguenot heritage with a relaxed countryside atmosphere. Visitors can explore acclaimed estates producing Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and exceptional Cap Classique sparkling wines, often travelling between vineyards aboard the popular wine tram. Tree-lined streets, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and boutique galleries add to the village’s charm. Summer brings opportunities for hiking and cycling through lush farmland, while winter invites cosy cellar tastings and the acclaimed annual literary festival. The scent of vineyards carried on the breeze, paired with sweeping views of green valleys and dramatic mountain backdrops, creates a refined yet welcoming year-round destination for food, wine, and culture enthusiasts.
Set in the wide, arid landscapes of the Karoo along South Africa’s historic railway line, Matjiesfontein is a remarkably preserved Victorian village with a quiet, time-capsule atmosphere. Once a fashionable spa stop in the late 1800s, it now draws visitors with its heritage buildings, old-world charm and sense of isolation beneath vast open skies. Travellers can explore the village museum, ride in a vintage London bus or spend the night in the grand Lord Milner Hotel, where creaking wooden floors and antique décor recall another era. The desert air, distant train whistles and golden evening light create a distinctly nostalgic mood. Although small and slower paced than larger destinations, Matjiesfontein offers a memorable glimpse into South Africa’s colonial and railway history.
Synonymous with the birth of the international diamond trade, Kimberley lies in South Africa’s Northern Cape on flat, semi-arid plains marked by old mine workings and sparse scrubland. Its historic core is defined by early diamond excavations, most notably the Big Hole and surrounding mine buildings that preserve the memory of the late nineteenth-century rush. A street tram links the Kimberley Mine Museum with restored mining precincts, where reconstructed streets and preserved machinery recreate aspects of the working settlement. The McGregor Museum and nearby Anglo-Boer War sites record the Siege of Kimberley, with former defensive positions mapped around the town. Rail lines and highways connect Kimberley to Johannesburg and Cape Town, crossing open terrain dotted with farm settlements and dry vegetation, while walking routes lead through former diggings, railway yards, Victorian-era streets, and key battle sites that fringe the city.
Situated in the Waterberg District of South Africa’s Limpopo Province, Welgevoden Private Game Reserve stretches over 36 000 hectares of mountainous terrain cut by deep valleys. It is home to the ‘Big Five’, abundant antelope, over 250 bird species, and several rare wildlife species such as brown hyena, pangolin, aardwolf, and aardvark. It is also inhabited by one of the largest populations of white rhino on a private reserve in Africa. Tourists can enjoy an exclusive, peaceful experience - only a limited number of guests are allowed in at one time - and choose from a wide range of activities including game drives, guided walks, horse riding, star gazing, and rock painting tours. This malaria-free reserve forms part of the UNESCO-listed Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.
