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 against a majestic mountain backdrop and the vivid blue of the sea, the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a five-star eco-paradise showcasing the incredible flora and marine life of the southern tip of Africa. Home to the "Marine Big 5" - whales, sharks, dolphins, seals, and penguins - and boasting unparalleled floral diversity, Grootbos offers a luxurious African experience. With over 750 plant species, including rare fynbos and the world's largest Milkwood Forests, it provides a luxuriant backdrop where families can explore caves, go horseback riding, hike scenic trails, indulge in shark cage diving, and enjoy whale watching. Expert guides lead flower safaris, hikes through forests, 4x4 trails, birding, and more.
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.
The South African province of Gauteng - 'the place of gold' - is home to one of Africa's most vibrant cities and sub-Saharan Africa's economic capital Johannesburg, South Africa's capital Pretoria, vibrant Soweto, the Magaliesberg Mountains, and the World Heritage-listed Cradle of Humankind. While it is the smallest of South Africa’s provinces, it serves as the economic powerhouse of the country. Gauteng is known for its multicultural mix of people, eclectic heritage, and bustling jacaranda-lined cities fringed by scenic natural landscapes. Visitors can enjoy ample nature trailing and hiking opportunities, discover South Africa’s most famous township and explore the origins of humankind.
Marakele National Park is situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, 3.5 hours' drive from Pretoria, and lies within the enthralling Waterberg Biosphere. Meaning ‘place of sanctuary' in the Tswana language, the park lives up to its name. Set in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, the park’s position in a transitional zone between the dry western and moist eastern regions of the country ensures great natural diversity. Majestic mountains, grassy hills, deep valleys and stately, often rare, trees create an peaceful natural environment in which elephants, rhino, big cats and a variety of birds thrive. The area is also home to one of the biggest colonies of the endangered Cape Vulture in the world. To be closer to these large birds while enjoying a phenomenal view of the park, follow a narrow tar road to the top of the Waterberg massif.
