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.
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.
Knysna is an attractive bustling resort town in the heart of the Garden Route surrounded by the glorious Knysna lagoon and backed by an expansive indigenous forest of yellowwoods. The central location of Knysna makes it a good base to visit all parts of the Garden Route (though we also recommend two bases if you have time).
It is a charming town full of restaurants, interesting boutiques and arts & craft galleries. The beautiful Knysna lagoon and nearby beaches of Brenton and Noetzie allow you to swim, surf, canoe, sail and walk.
Drive up to The Heads, the sandstone buttressed cliffs at the mouth of Knysna lagoon for stunning ocean views. Take a boat cruise to Featherbed Nature Reserve or a catamaran cruise through the famous Knysna Heads. You may be able to see whales and dolphins in season. Explore the indigenous Knysna forest with its walking trails & old goldrush village ruins.
Both Knysna Quays waterfront & Thesen Island are attractive places to relax with restaurants, boutiques & lovely lagoon views. More leisurely options might be a picnic on the beach beneath the delightful castles of Noetzie or a gentle forest ramble in the indigenous rainforest. From Knysna, it’s easy to also visit Plettenberg Bay, the Tsitsikamma or Wilderness for the day.
Surrounded by subtropical fruit orchards, Hazyview is a small farming town and a gateway to the southern part of the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Escarpment. The town and its spectacularly scenic surroundings, serve as a popular adventure capital with a remarkable array of exhilarating outdoor activities on offer to suit all ages, tastes and fitness levels. These include, among others: mountain biking, quad biking, ziplining, tubing, abseiling, and river rafting. Whether you are eager to hike the Panorama Route with its breathtaking views and impressive waterfalls, visit the Shangana Cultural Village, or horse ride along the banks of the magnificent Sabie River, Hazyview has something for just about everyone.
The vast Timbavati Private Game Reserve borders the Kruger National Park to the north. It is unfenced so the wildlife can travel freely between the Kruger and the Timbavati. Words cannot describe the thrill of tracking a leopard on the hunt or observing a breeding herd of elephants at a waterhole.
The Timbavati is one of the best areas for game-viewing in South Africa. You are likely to see large elephant herds and you'll have a good chance of spotting many of the so-called 'Big 5' - elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino as well a variety of smaller mammals.
The Timbavati is known for its White Lion which are occasionally seen. This unique sub-species colouring is due to a rare recessive gene. Leopard sightings are also very good. Cheetah, wild dog and buffalo are also frequently seen moving through the reserve. It said to have the densest giraffe population in the world.
The Timbavati comprises a number of private game lodges which cooperate in conserving their valuable heritage. Drives are in the early morning and late afternoon when game is most likely to be active. You enjoy game drives in open-vehicle game drives with an experienced ranger and a local Shangaan tracker who work together to give you a deeper understanding of the wildlife and the natural cycles of the bush. Drives are in the early morning and late afternoon when game is most likely to be active. After enjoying the bush sunset, the evening holds a sense of anticipation as the rare and elusive nocturnal species begin to hunt.
