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.
Situated in the Waterberg District of South Africa’s Limpopo Province, Welgevoden Private Game Reserve stretches over 36 000 hectares of mountainous terrain cut by deep valleys. It is home to the ‘Big Five’, abundant antelope, over 250 bird species, and several rare wildlife species such as brown hyena, pangolin, aardwolf, and aardvark. It is also inhabited by one of the largest populations of white rhino on a private reserve in Africa. Tourists can enjoy an exclusive, peaceful experience - only a limited number of guests are allowed in at one time - and choose from a wide range of activities including game drives, guided walks, horse riding, star gazing, and rock painting tours. This malaria-free reserve forms part of the UNESCO-listed Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.
Located on South Africa’s Highveld plateau, Johannesburg is a fast-paced, creative city shaped by gold-rush history, cultural diversity and constant reinvention. Its atmosphere is energetic and urban, with contemporary galleries, rooftop bars and leafy suburbs existing alongside powerful reminders of the country’s past. Visitors can explore the Apartheid Museum, tour Soweto’s historic streets or browse vibrant markets and design spaces in neighbourhoods such as Maboneng. The city’s soundtrack shifts from lively jazz and amapiano beats to the hum of busy streets, while the scent of grilled street food drifts through open-air cafés and market stalls. Johannesburg rewards travellers who engage with its complexity and culture, though its size, traffic and contrasts mean it is best experienced with some planning and local insight.
Situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa, Mauritius is a tropical island nation celebrated for its sheltered lagoons, volcanic landscapes and rich multicultural heritage. Extensive coral reefs protect much of the coastline, creating calm waters for swimming, snorkelling, diving and other water sports. Beyond the beaches, visitors can explore forested mountains, waterfalls, botanical gardens and scenic hiking trails, while vibrant towns and villages showcase the island's blend of African, Indian, Chinese and European influences through their architecture, cuisine and traditions. With its diverse scenery, outdoor activities and distinctive cultural character, Mauritius appeals to travellers seeking both relaxation and exploration.
Once a sleepy little fishing village, Grand Baie (Grand Bay) has developed into a thriving tourist town on the north coast of the island of Mauritius. This popular resort serves as a convenient base for travellers exploring the rest of the island, offering a number of designer boutiques, fine restaurants, beach bars and nightclubs. Aside from relaxing on the exquisite white-sand beaches of the bay, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including swimming, scuba diving, sailing, water-skiing, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing and even submarine excursions. A spectacular range of marine animals inhabits the crystal-clear waters here.
