The Central Drakensberg is home to some formidable peaks including Monk's Cowl, Giant Castle Peak and Champagne Castle. The range rises to over 3000 metres in height and offers inspiring views and spectacularly scenic hikes. Known to the Zulus as the 'Barrier of Spears' and to the first European settlers as the 'Dragon's Mountains', the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg is one of eight South African UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as it holds unique significance as a natural resource and for the heritage of the ancient San rock paintings. For thousands of years the Central Drakensberg was home to the San people and they, in turn, left their record on the walls of numerous sandstone caves.
Commonly known as ‘The Kingdom in the Sky’ due to its dramatically high altitude, Lesotho is rather unique in that it is entirely surrounded by South Africa. This tiny and spectacularly mountainous kingdom makes for a wonderful adventure getaway with excellent pony trekking, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, abseiling, birdwatching, mountain biking and even snow skiing on offer. The country’s highlands boast magnificent mountain scenery, clean mountain air, and a myriad of impressive sparkling waterfalls and clean streams. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the fascinating local cultures, particularly in the isolated Basotho villages, where a traditional way of life is still celebrated. Itinerary favourites in Lesotho also include the highest waterfall in southern Africa, the Maletsunyane Falls, and the modern yet traditional capital city of Maseru.
Located in the heart of the remote and mysterious Great Karoo, Graaff-Reinet is surrounded by the rolling plains and rising mountains of Camdeboo National Park. This is a wonderful place to escape from reality and revel in the solitude, silence and clear, star-studded nights that this secluded town provides. Graaff-Reinet, as the fourth oldest town in the country, has a very rich history and features ancient fossils, wonderful examples of Cape Dutch architecture, and over 220 local heritage sites. Visitors can look forward to an array of lovely activities including: soaking up the breathtaking views of the 'Valley of Desolation' in the Camdeboo National Park, enjoying a night under the African stars at a local guest farm, and sample the area’s renowned Karoo lamb.
Set on Algoa Bay in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, Gqeberha is known as "the Friendly City" as well as "the Windy City". Gqeberha was established to home British settlers who were brought out on a government-sponsored programme to provide a buffer between the Cape Dutch and the Xhosa conflict. The little port grew from there and today it is the gateway to the beautiful Garden Route and serves as an excellent base to explore the Eastern Cape’s magnificent game reserves and pristine beaches. Visitors can explore the Addo Elephant National Park, just a short daytrip away, inhabited by hundreds of elephants and other wildlife. Climb the area’s largest dune at Maitland’s Beach, and jump on a boat tour to spot rare seabirds and whales.
Situated along South Africa’s beautiful coast, the Tsitsikamma National Park is known for its thick ancient forest, dramatic coastline, and magnificent rivers. The Tsitsikamma National Park falls within the exquisite and famous Garden Route National Park and encompasses an incredibly beautiful marine conservation belt stretching five kilometres out into the ocean as well as the renowned Otter Trail. The park is home to diverse fauna and flora, including over 9000 species of indigenous fynbos, the stunning Knysna Lourie, dolphins and porpoises, Cape Clawless Otter, Blue Duiker, and many other animal and bird species. Visitors can look forward to hiking to the Big Tree, ancient yellowwood; going on an exhilarating kayaking trip at Storms River Mouth; or enjoying a number of other activities including cycling, swimming, zip-lining, camping, snorkelling, diving, mountain biking, and sailing.
Located along the well-known Route 62 in South Africa’s beautiful Klein Karoo, the charming town of Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich capital of the world. It is surrounded by numerous ostrich farms and the golden arid landscape of the Karoo. Visitors can enjoy the locally produced wine and port; sample ostrich meat and biltong; learn about the ostrich feather boom at the C.P. Nel Museum; and visit the world-renowned Cango Caves, the largest cave system in Africa featuring ancient rock formations and sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. Other popular activities include: mountain biking, paragliding, horse riding, and taking a day trip to the quaint town of Prince Albert over the scenic Swartberg Pass.
Easily accessible, picture-perfect and filled with interesting local attractions, Barrydale is a stunning Garden Route destination between the Overberg and Klein Karoo regions of the Western Cape. This picturesque village with a wonderful climate is home to abundant fruit orchards, excellent vineyards and numerous gardens. Stroll among orange, apricot and fig trees, or paint the bright multicoloured scenes of the landscapes in Autumn. Sample the town’s famous brandies and wines, or browse the fascinating shops and art galleries in the town’s centre. Travellers seeking a restorative holiday will delight in the labyrinth, peace pagoda and heritage garden, and the chance to soak away stress at the Warmwaterberg hot springs nearby. Other highlights include a fantastic Quad Biking facility with breathtaking views and the option to pick peaches along the way.
