South Africa
From incredible wildlife watching, to scenic wonders, cultural experiences and thousands of kilometres of unspoilt coastline, South Africa really does have it all. Divided into nine provinces this diverse country is bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and surrounds the tiny nation of Lesotho, making it the perfect jumping off point for further excursions into Africa.
Begin your travels in cosmopolitan Cape Town. Discover the thriving food scene, try thrill-seeking pastimes like abseiling Table Mountain, or learn about the city’s struggle for freedom with a trip to UNESCO World heritage site, Robben Island, where former President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.
A one-hour drive from Cape Town you’ll find The Winelands – including Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington. Exploring centuries-old vineyards and taste from the cellar doors scattered throughout this region.
Heading east, self-drive down the Garden Route – stretching along coastal roads from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Time your journey to coincide with whale watching from July to November. The Eastern Cape, or the Wild Coast, is worth visiting for its rugged cliffs, dramatic rough seas and dense bushland.
The KwaZulu Natal Province is home to the famous fields where battles were fought between Zulus, Boers and the British. Many locations of historic and cultural interest still remain in this region.
South Africa safaris are legendary and its luxury wildlife lodges are among the best in the world. Kruger Park is the second largest reserve in Africa, stretching 360km from north to south and teeming with big cats, rhino and elephants. A short flight from Johannesburg is the 75,000 acre Madikwe Game Reserve, the world’s largest wildlife trans-location project.
Our favourite hotels
BIRKENHEAD HOUSE
KENSINGTON PLACE
KURLAND
KWANDWE ECCA LODGE
LION SANDS IVORY LODGE
LONDOLOZI VARTY CAMP
