South Africa

South Africa

Discover South Africa – home to 4 Nobel Peace prize winners, 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, nearly 3 000kms of coastland, 11 official languages, an incredible diversity of wildlife and the world’s richest yet smallest floral kingdom. Here mountains drop into the sea and golden beaches beckon. The cities are a vibrant melting pot of cultures and the food reflects this diversity.

No other country in Africa offers the depth of experiences that South Africa does. It is more than just a safari destination and the choices are as diverse and colourful as the country itself.

The Cape Winelands, set amidst towering granite mountain ranges, and creating a patchwork quilt of colours and textures , offers one of the best visitor experiences in the world and plays host to a myriad of award winning chefs, restaurants and boutique hotels. Not just for the gourmets and wine aficionados, the Winelands are an excellent destination for families, honeymooners and those that love the great outdoors.

The extensive coastline running from the Mozambique border on the east coast to Namibia on the west coast is as diverse as the country is defines. ISimangaliso Wetland Park, the 1st UNESCO World Heritage site in South Africa, is an area of stunning and unique natural beauty. Lakes, estuaries, some of the world’s highest coastal dunes, swamp forests and more than 200kms of beach make this slightly off the beaten track destination, one of South Africa’s lesser known gems. Deep sea diving, fishing, snorkelling, birding, game viewing, kayaking and hiking can all be done.

In the words of Mr Nelson Mandela: “iSimangaliso must be the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal, the Rhinoceros and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal ,the Elephant share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish, the Coelacanth and the world’s biggest marine mammal, the Whale”

South Africa has many world class surfing hotspots and stunning beaches which, with a mostly temperate climate, draw visitors throughout the year.

From July to November, Whales visit the cool, cape waters and give birth to their calves in the protected bays. These denizens of the deep may be seen from paths and roads that hug the shore line, offering some of the best land based whale watching in the world. The engaging, endangered African Penguin also calls these waters home and with two land-based colonies you will soon understand why they are alternatively known as “the Jackass” penguin! Another inhabitant of these waters is the Great White Shark. For an adrenaline rush and an up close and personal inspection of their teeth, venture into their domain in the safe confines of a steel cage!

The world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jump, canopy tours through ancient forests, mountain hikes, white water rafting, sea kayaking, mountain biking, ultra-marathons and sky diving – from sea, to land, to sky – the adventure traveller will be spoilt for choice.

Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Bobby Locke and a host of others have placed South Africa firmly on the golfing map. Courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Peter Makovich challenge the novice and professional alike. Where else in the world can you game view whilst walking the fairways and “hazards” take on a whole new meaning!

Two of the most famous luxury trains in the world traverse the length of the country. Rovos Rail and the Blue Train both evoke a sense of a bygone era whilst you sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Cape Town and Table Mountain; Kimberley and the Big Hole, Johannesburg and Gold Mines, Durban and golden beaches and bunny chow – each of the cities has its own character and flavour and superb local guides who will reveal the history and uniqueness of each to you.

Safaris and game viewing in South Africa is iconic and with most of the award winning luxury lodges in Africa within her borders, offers one of the most complete destinations in the world. Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands, Kwandwe, Addo Elephant Park, Phinda Private Game Reserve, Hluhluwe and Umfolozi, Madikwe and Tswalu Kalahari Reserve and more, bring you face to face with the beauty of the African bush which will touch your soul and awaken your senses in a life changing way.