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.
Set just over an hour from Cape Town, within the inspiring landscapes of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is a heritage town and a world-renowned food and wine destination. Travellers could choose to focus their visit on any one aspect alone - nature, cuisine or culture - and find plenty to keep them busy. The estates here attract wine experts from around the globe with their Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cap Classique sparkling wine (among others). Five-star restaurants alongside the cellars are surrounded by the same jaw-dropping valley scenes that have brought artists and writers to the area for centuries. A superb literary festival takes place around May every year, and, combined with the town’s Cape Dutch manor houses, fascinating museums, and charming boutiques, makes Franschhoek a wonderful place to visit in winter. Summer provides endless hiking, cycling and other outdoor opportunities among the lush farmlands and mountains.
Matjiesfontein is a quaint little railroad town situated on the fringe of the Karoo. This fascinating remote town has been proclaimed a National Heritage Site as the entire town boasts well-preserved Victorian buildings. Matjiesfontein is set in spectacular terrain, amidst barren mountains and wide open tranquil Karoo landscapes. Visit this living museum and step back in time, enjoy the old world charm of the Lord Milner Hotel, take a ride on the Old London Bus, or explore local history in the Transport and Victoriana museums. Other attractions include: The Old Post Office, the Travellers Chapel, The Railway Station, and the picturesque Pink Church. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities including: bird watching, veld walking, hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and tennis.
Synonymous with the birth of the international diamond trade, Kimberley is a picturesque little town with an extensive history. It was the first town to install electric street lights in the southern hemisphere, and today it is the largest city and capital of South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. Kimberly is renowned for the Big Hole, the largest man-made excavation in the world. Kimberley also featured prominently during the Anglo-Boer War when it was besieged by the Boers. History enthusiasts can visit the impressive historical attractions scattered throughout the town and explore some of the most famous battle sites of the Anglo-Boer war, which fringe the town.
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.
