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.
Plettenberg Bay, known as 'Plett, is a chic resort town with long sandy beaches and a panoramic view of the sweeping bay, backed by the velvet-green Tsitsikamma Mountains.
'Plett' is known for its vast expanses of golden beach. It is immensely popular with South Africans as well as occasional sorties by the international polo jet-set crowd. But outside of the festive season it returns to being a charming seaside town.
From the beaches, you may be lucky to see the Southern Right Whales which comes right into the bay to calf from July to November. Daily water safaris are on offer for boat-based whale-watching. Other activities include cruising up the Keurbooms River, enjoying an alfresco lunch at Lookout Beach and coastal walking in the spectacular Robberg Nature Reserve.
It also makes a great base to explore The Crags. Here you can visit the Monkeyland primate sanctuary, Birds of Eden, the Elephant sanctuary, even wine-tasting at Bramon. To the east lies the Tsitsikamma, a dense indigenous forest, with rugged ravines, streams and waterfalls. Enjoy the short but scenic walk to the suspension bridge over the majestic Storms River mouth. The adventurous can opt for more hectic walking trails, bungi-jumping or ziplining through the forest on the Treetop Canopy Tour.
Situated just north of Mbombela in Mpumalanga, South Africa, White River is a quiet, peaceful town made up of a large farming community. Culinary types will delight in the town’s renowned delicious tropical fruits, tasty vegetables and wineries, while history lovers should stroll around town and check out White River’s early Lowveld architecture, or explore the fascinating White River History and Motor Museum. Three dams, thick forests, a picturesque botanical garden, and distinctive rock formations enhance the splendour of the area, making it an ideal base for hiking and nature photography. Several incredible reserves can also be reached easily from here, including the world-famous Kruger National Park. Other highlights include a reptile park, a wonderful art studio, and numerous craft and antique shops. The Born Biking Indoor Skate Park appeals to active travellers.
Located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the Karongwe Private Game Reserve is known for its pristine landscapes, luxury services, and abundant wildlife, and stretches across 9000 hectares. This magnificent wildlife sanctuary lies between four different rivers - the ideal riverine habitats for a diversity of flora, fauna, and prolific birdlife. The primary drawcard for many visitors is the chance to spot the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, African buffalo, and rhinoceros), and this is one of the few places where the chances of seeing the elusive leopards are relatively high. It also serves as a convenient base from which to explore the world-renowned Kruger National Park, just 45 minutes away. Visitors can look forward to day and night game drives, guided walking safaris, a Bushman skills course, and much more.
