One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Cape Town is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. Cradled by Table Mountain, it has immense charm and historical interest. We never tire of soaking up the beauty & buzzy atmosphere of this relaxed city with its cosmopolitan dining options.
No Cape Town visit is complete without taking the cable car up Table Mountain. You can even abseil off the top for the ultimate adrenalin rush. In the city, you can visit the colourful Bokaap quarter, an ecletic array of museums from District Six to the Museum of Gold or browse through the vibey street markets such as Greenmarket Square. Alternatively meander through the wonderful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, head out to Robben Island by boat or simply relax on the golden beaches of Camps Bay or Llandudno.
When you want to range further, the Cape Peninsula offers one of the finest coastal drives in Africa – Chapmans Peak Drive - to the Cape of Good Hope. Here you might see whales breeching just off the bay or quirky penguins on Boulders Beach.
Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa – and certainly one of the prettiest! This historic university town began in 1685 and still has a number of charming Cape Dutch streets lined with water furrows and shaded by oak trees. The architecture of Stellenbosch is simple in style and character with white limestone walls, thatched roofs and wide avenues. Amble up the picturesque Dorp Street, or head into the Stellenbosch Village Museum, a collection of four preserved houses that give insight into the lives of the early settlers.
Foodies can indulge in mouth-watering cuisine and fine wines at one of its chic restaurants or buzzing bistros. Stellenbosch is also the ideal base from which to explore the renowned local wine route, with a high proportion of the country’s leading wine estates in the vicinity.
The Cape Whale Coast is a bountiful area of gentle rolling green pastures, picturesque vineyards and unspoilt coastline between the Winelands and the Garden Route to the east.
The Whale Coast offers plenty of attractions including some of the finest land-based whale watching in the world with plenty of sightings of Southern Right whales cruising and wallowing. The season is from July to December (peaking in August and September), when the whales come right into the bays to give birth. At that time, enthralling sightings - both from land and by boat - are a daily occurrence with spectacular breaches and other acrobatics.
Some visitors hurtle straight through from Cape Town to the Garden Route but we recommend taking the scenic coastal road to Hermanus, Gansbaai or Arniston for at least two nights. This rugged stretch of South African coastline snakes along the Atlantic Ocean, with magnificent mountains rising up on the other side.
The Little Karoo is an arid, rugged region reached via the spectacular mountain passes over the Outeniqua Mountains. Rolling countryside, majestic mountain passes and much drier (and hotter) conditions makes for a distinct contrast with the nearby Garden Route.
You can sample the excellent wines of the area over lunch at a working ostrich farm or visit the Cango Caves, a labyrinthine complex of some of the largest limestone caverns in the world. The intrepid will be captivated by the wild beauty of the Swartberg Pass to the charming arty town of Prince Albert and the mysterious hidden valley of Die Hel. Whilst children and the young at heart will adore seeing the big cats at the Cango Wildlife Ranch, learning about ostriches, and cringing at the crocodile and snake farm.
Oudtshoorn is known as the Ostrich Capital of the World: these huge birds are almost as common as people in this charming town.
The Garden Route thoroughly deserves its reputation for enchanting beauty. The 'Garden' refers not to cultivated gardens, but to its captivating, Garden of Eden-like scenery. This region, between Mossel Bay and the Storms River, offers a spectacular coastline of dramatic headlands which give way to white sandy beaches. Behind the sand dunes lie beautiful lakes, with a hinterland of soaring mountains, covered by indigenous rainforest, magnificent twisting passes, waterfalls and wooded ravines.
The Garden Route is perfect for those wanting to relax in beautiful surroundings and for those wishing to be more active. There are plenty of walking trails: around the lakes, along the coast and in the mountains. Adrenalin-junkies are spoilt for choice with canopy tours by zipline, bungee jumping, bridge swinging and tubing. Horse-riding, canoeing, mountain biking and excellent golfing are readily arranged.
Located in South Africa’s beautiful Eastern Cape Province, Kariega Private Game Reserve lies in the upper reaches of the beautiful Kariega River Valley. Stretching for over 10 000 hectares, the landscape of the reserve features impressive vistas of forest, savannah grasslands scattered with abundant wildlife and encompassing two rivers: the Kariega and the Bushmans rivers. Visitors can spot the Big Five as well as a variety of other animals including giraffe, eland, zebra, wildebeest and an array of bird species; paddle a kayak, jump on a game drive or a river cruise for a close encounter with the reserve’s plentiful wildlife.
