About South Africa

In South Africa, there's a story at every turn. South Africa offers a great introduction to the many jewels of the Dark Continent. Apart from the big-name game parks, South Africa is home to some of the world's most luxurious private game reserves and lodges. Traveling around this vast land and touring the vibrant cities, visitors can learn about the nation's turbulent history. South Africa is indeed one of the world's finest tourist destinations. A South Africa tour is best when you have enough time to really cover all parts of this unique destination. Though one of your biggest highlights will surely be witnessing the Big Five in their natural habitats, you can also choose to get your adrenaline rush from surfing, bungee jumping, sky diving, rock climbing or one of the other countless adventure activities.

A land of immense history and geographical diversity, South Africa is a must on any traveller's bucket-list. Whatever kind of South Africa tour you're looking to have can be arranged for you, with ease. The possibilities are endless and there's choices aplenty. For no matter the nature of your wanderlust, there's a thrilling experience waiting to satisfy it. Where does one begin to understand the cultural depth of a land that's quite literally the Cradle of Mankind?

Official site: https://www.southafrica.net/gl/en/travel

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Best Season:November to February
Popular Location: Cape Town, Knysna, Kruger
When to Visit

Since South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, it’s summer down here when it’s winter in Europe and most of Asia. Summer begins in November and lasts till February, which if you think about it, makes this the ideal time to visit if you want to escape the cold weather. In Cape Town, the best time to visit is in spring and autumn, which is April and May or the beginning of September to October. Alternatively, you can go on a winter beach holiday in Durban or on the KwaZulu-Natal coast as average temperatures hover around the 26°C mark.

Travel Info

Language : Afrikaans

Currency : [ZAR] South African rand

Timezone : GMT +2

Airports : O. R. Tambo International Airport [JNB], Lanseria International Airport [HLA], Cape Town International Airport [CPT], King Shaka International Airport [DUR], Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport [MQP]

Annual Number of Visitors : 10.2 million (2019)

VISA : http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/applying-for-sa-visa

Travel Tips

Drinking water in South Africa is safe to drink when taken from taps in urban areas. If you’re going to explore city nightlife, always take a cab and don’t walk around at night even if your destination is only three blocks away. If you’re planning on getting your adrenaline fix during your trip, make sure your travel insurance covers you for extreme sports activities. While credit cards are widely accepted in South Africa, you’ll still need cash throughout your trip.

Best Known For

Forest/Jungle, Local Culture, Mountains, Island, Beaches, Local Cuisine, Boating, Hiking/Camping, City, Off the Beaten Path, Landmarks/Sights, Walking Tours, All Water Activities, Party/Nightlife, Scuba/Snorkelling, All Active/Outdoor, Fishing, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Family Friendly, At Sea, Peace and Quiet, Romantic, Wildlife safari, Roadtrip, Heritage

To Do

Ride the Blue Train

One of the most luxurious trains in the world, you can take a 27 hour train ride from Pretoria to Cape Town or in the other direction. The rooms vary from having two single beds to a full bed and some even have full sized bathtubs while others include standing showers. Each section of the train has its own butler, there is a turn down service, the appointment only gift shop sells diamonds and there is a cigar lounge with of course an open bar.

Visit Soweto

Soweto obtained its name from the first two letters of South Western Township which was the original description of the area. Soweto is a symbol of the New South Africa, caught between old squatter misery and new prosperity, squalor and an upbeat lifestyle. It’s a vibrant city which still openly bears the scars of the Apartheid past and yet shows what’s possible in the New South Africa.

Self-drive the Garden Route

It’s one of the most popular parts of South Africa for visitors both local and international. Stretching some 200 kms, a Garden Route road trip takes in national parks, dense forests, placid lakes and some outrageously beautiful beaches. Known as much for its outdoor activities as its natural beauty, along the way you can learn to surf, leap into water-filled canyons, dive to shipwrecks or simply sit on board a yacht admiring the view with a glass of local bubbly in hand.

Tour Robben Island

Lying tantalisingly close (only 7 kms) to Cape Town, the former leper colony and prison offers wow-factor views of Table Mountain, but so turbulent is the water separating it from the mainland that escape is virtually impossible. Robben Island is a windswept and mostly barren place where the waves crash relentlessly against the forbidding shore. One of the most poignant places on the island is the old limestone quarry where Mandela had toiled for 13 backbreaking years, digging up and breaking rock. The island that once represented everything that was most reprehensible about apartheid is today a place of hope and reconciliation as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolising the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

See a piece of the Berlin Wall

Cape Town is the only city in Africa to house a piece of the Berlin Wall. A piece of the Berlin Wall was donated to former president Nelson Mandela in 1996, when he visited Germany on a state visit. It now resides at the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. The piece of wall has been placed outside the Foundation to be viewed. The Berlin Wall stood for 30 years until 9 November 1989 and it remains one of the most powerful and enduring symbols of the Cold War.

Reasons to Visit

Adventure

Are you a thrill seeker or looking to spice your life up a bit? Then South Africa is the place for you. Kite-surfing along the West Coast, shark-cage diving in Gansbaai, paragliding off of a mountain over a city, blokarting down by the beach, sea kayaking in Simon’s Town, hiking along the Otter Trail and ostrich riding in Oudtshoorn are sure to keep the most ardent adrenaline junkies entertained.

Wildlife safari

There’s no better place for this than South Africa, which offers the most exciting, memorable and exhilarating experience of your life – coming face to face with the Big Five. Coming this close to nature is a sense-tingling reminder of why we have always been inspired by the untouched wild. With world-renowned nature reserves and preservation areas in every province, there’s no shortage of places to explore.

Breathtaking scenery

Every day in scenic South Africa ends with a horizon to look out on…powdery beaches lapped by two oceans; star-studded desert skies; jagged, lush mountains – this truly is a country of astounding diversity. No matter which province you’re in, you’re always right around corner from something breathtaking…something that will leave you incapable of saying anything other than “wow”.

Experience marine life

Aptly described as “The Greatest Shoal on Earth”, the sardine run takes place every South African winter when millions of small silvery sardines surge from the cold Cape waters up to the warmer sanctuary of the KwaZulu-Natal coast. It’s a feeding frenzy for dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other marine life – making it a watching frenzy for people interesting in marine life. Also, every year, from late winter through to early summer, different breeds of whales migrate to mate and calve in sheltered bays off the Cape coast. One of the best places to see these majestic marine animals is from the coastal town of Hermanus.

Walk in the footsteps of the Mahatma

Mohandas Gandhi arrived in South Africa in 1893 as a young lawyer in his early 20s and left an emerging world leader in 1914, ready to take up the cudgels against British rule in India. There are many Gandhi-related attractions throughout the country, such as Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, where Gandhi was once imprisoned, and the Phoenix Settlement near Durban. The Indian government is working to upgrade several sites of significance, including the Pietermaritzburg Station where Gandhi was famously evicted from a train.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most famous safari parks. One of the oldest game reserves in South Africa, the park lies about a 4 to 5 hours drive from Johannesburg and offers visitors the chance to see the “Big Five”: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an astounding diversity of other wildlife. It’s also home to bushman rock paintings and archaeological sites. You can explore Kruger on the large network of sealed roads; organize a walking safari; or soar over the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and river systems in a hot air balloon. Plus, if you have a set of wheels, you can also drive to Kruger National Park and go on a self-drive safari!
Kruger National Park
Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a young city with an incredible history and legacy. The settlement sprang up in 1886 when prospectors found gold in the area now known as the Witwatersrand. When the discovery became public, thousands flocked here in search of fortune and new opportunities. Johannesburg grew rapidly and quickly transformed from a small settlement into a full-fledged city. The geography of Johannesburg reflects nearly a century of racially driven social engineering that reached a climax under apartheid (literally “apartness”), the system of racial segregation in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. The result is a city of extraordinary contrasts, of glass and steel skyscrapers and fetid shantytowns, of internationally recognized universities and widespread illiteracy, of glittering abundance and desperate poverty.
Johannesburg
Cape Town

One of three capital cities in South Africa, this seaside city is beautiful and picturesque with a great backdrop of the famous Table Mountain National Park. South Africa’s top tourist destination has lots of beautiful coast lines and beaches near by, many whale watching tours, amazing scenery, and it has a walkable waterfront area with tons of great restaurants and shopping and more. You really can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town. There’s the in-your-face beauty of a craggy mountain range that drops precipitously into a glittering sea and then there’s the pristine white beaches lapped by a chilly Atlantic, their curves defined by giant granite boulders to bake on, and burbling mountain streams in dappled forests. Yet Cape Town has a cool urban edge, too – excellent art galleries, hip bars, world-rated restaurants, and design-savvy shops.
Cape Town
Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is the 2nd oldest town in South Africa. The early settlers to this fertile region were encouraged to plant oak trees and Stellenbosch’s oak lanes streets bear testimony to it. South Africa currently has 101,957 hectares under vines, of which approximately 18% is planted in the wine of origin Stellenbosch region. Stellenbosch is the heart of the South African wine industry, and has both amazing scenery, as well as a long proud history in the art of wine-making. Stellenbosch is a town where some of the oak trees are proclaimed national monuments and the wines are considered national treasures!
Stellenbosch
Durban

With its sunny beaches and fascinating Afro-Indian culture, Durban is becoming a don’t-miss stop in South Africa. Durban’s Golden Mile, a 3.7 mile stretch of sandy beach, invites surfers and swimmers to enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Take in a Zulu experience to learn more about the culture of South Africa’s largest ethnic group. Make Durban your jumping-off point for exploring the incredible scenery, wildlife, wetlands and mountains in Greater KwaZulu-Natal. Popular all year round thanks to warm weather every month of the year and a great selection of hotels and attractions, Durban is the perfect place to spend the holidays in the sun.
Durban
Knysna

Situated in the Western Cape of South Africa in the heart of the world famous Garden Route, Knysna is a quaint town located on the edge of a vast estuary which flows into the Indian Ocean through two giant sandstone heads. The Garden Route is a coastal passage that runs between the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains, of which Knysna is the heart. Situated on the shore of the Indian Ocean, the natural beauty is astounding. Pristine beaches are bordered by indigenous Fynbos, sandstone mountains roll into beautiful lakes and forests line the backbone of the N2- this is truly a place to revel in.
Knysna
Oudtshoorn

The town of Oudtshoorn is in the Klein Karoo between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world. The world’s biggest bird is just one of the many attractions in this area of exceptional contrasts and natural beauty. The region is home to the spectacular Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system; an ecological hotspot where three distinct plant biomes (succulent karoo, cape thicket and fynbos) converge; and the Swartberg mountain range, which is part of the Cape Floral World Heritage Site.
Oudtshoorn
George

The Heart of the Garden Route and capital of the Southern Cape, George is the ideal hub from which to explore the diverse scenery and natural wonders of its surrounding areas. George is located in the Cape Wildflower Floral Kingdom next to the coast at the eastern end of the Western Cape. George nestles at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains. For the more active traveller, there are many hiking and mountain biking trails, while canoeing down the Kaaimans river is a great opportunity to get close to nature, and abseiling down the river gorge is pure adrenaline.
George
Pilanesberg National Park

Among Southern Africa’s fascinating game reserves, Pilanesberg National Park is possibly the most accessible. Situated in the ecologically rich transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld, this vast area promises thrilling big game viewing in a malaria free environment. With an area of 550 km², it is the fourth largest park in South Africa. Some of the most beautiful scenery within the entire park can be viewed in the Mankwe Dam region. The dam is the largest body of water in the game reserve. For bird lovers, there is a bird hide very close to the water’s edge. Today, there are over 7,000 animals and 360 bird species. A wide variety of accommodation is available to suit your needs.
Pilanesberg National Park
Hermanus

Hermanus is surrounded by majestic mountains, indigenous Fynbos and spectacular natural beauty. It is built along the beautiful shores of Walker Bay and is the official Whale Watching Capital of the World as well as a popular holiday destination. Hermanus is rich in breathtaking scenery; with its unparalleled scenic beauty, modern infrastructure, upmarket shops and endless adventure options, it is no wonder that Hermanus is transformed into a bustling hubbub of activity in-season as well as out-of-season. For any intrepid tourist or appreciator of nature’s wonders, Hermanus is the ideal location for an unforgettable experience.
Hermanus
Pietermaritzburg

Pietermaritzburg is centrally located between Durban, the mountain range of the Drakensberg and KwaZulu-Natal’s game reserves. It also stands on the edge of the wonderful Midlands Meander. Nearby game reserves or the beautiful countryside invite visitors to have a closer look at KwaZulu-Natal. Rich in history, Pietermaritzburg boasts a variety of galleries or museums. The historic building still stands with a plaque commemorating the incident when Gandhi was thrown off the train in Pietermaritzburg.
Pietermaritzburg
Pretoria

A city stuck between one disturbing past, two names, and several diverse and conflicting identities. Calmer but slightly balmier than its conjoined-twin city Johannesburg, in spring it reveals itself with a fierce burst of breathtaking purple jacaranda. In the centre, grand buildings line historic Church Square, with its statue of late 19th-century Boer leader Paul Kruger, while, to the south, the Voortrekker monument watches over a diverse population in constant flux. Visitors can use Pretoria as a staging post for trips out to the breathtaking wilderness of the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, or the pretty hills of Magaliesburg and Hartbeespoort to the west.
Pretoria
Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein, or “Bloem”, as the locals like to call it, is the judicial capital of South Africa. It’s pretty much in the centre of the country in the Free State province, and also happens to be where the author of The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien was born. With awesome museums, a great zoo, a casino, amazing architecture and a city completely encircled by a nature reserve, it’s a fantastic South African city experience. Beyond the city, the Franklin Nature Reserve is home to a dynamic array of wildlife; and the Cheetah Experience is another must-see.
Bloemfontein

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Around 600 million years old, and a canvas painted with the rich diversity of the Cape floral kingdom, Table Mountain is truly iconic. You can admire the showstopper of Table Mountain National Park from multiple angles, but you really can’t say you’ve visited Cape Town until you’ve stood on top of it. The Table Mountain National Park was formed to protect the natural environment of this magnificient mountain.

The Heads, Knysna

The Heads of Knysna are a geographic marvel. From the northern side of the viewpoint, you will see Featherbed Nature Reserve, Leisure Isle and the expansive Knysna Lagoon. The iconic John Benn is ideal way to enjoy a perfect sunset upon the Knysna lagoon. The double-decker floating restaurant is made of wood and has that classic and old-worldly feel about it. This is really an activity for the whole family; kids will love getting close to majestic Heads, while parents clink their glasses and enjoy spectacular views.

Robben Island, Cape Town

Robben island hosts the maximum security prison in which Mandela spent most of his prison sentence along with other ANC leaders. Robben Island was used at various times between the 17th and 20th centuries as a prison, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups and a military base. Its buildings, particularly those of the late 20th century such as the maximum security prison for political prisoners, witness the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression and racism. The trip to the island begins at V&A waterfront and it is better to book tickets online in advance.

Phoenix Settlement, Durban

During 1903 a small group of people began to form around Gandhi, people who were to eventually assist him with his plan to establish a co-operative community. When Gandhi decided that the Indian Opinion, his weekly paper, should be printed at a farm away from the city, he purchased an estate in Natal province, fourteen miles from Durban. This would be a place where everyone would labour, and draw the same salary. He called this the Phoenix Settlement. The Phoenix Settlement, established by Gandhiji near Durban in 1904, was formally reopened on February 27, 2000.

Old Court House Museum, Durban

Once a courthouse, the Old Court House is the oldest public building in the central business district. It bore witness to both the South African Wars and the Bhambatha Uprising. More recently, it also served as a canteen and recruitment centre during the two World Wars and then later as a library, before being converted into Durban’s biggest history museum. It boasts two floors of exhibition space depicting aspects of the region’s early history.

Mini Town, Durban

If you are looking for an interesting place to do a holiday photo shoot or simply a spot where your kids can explore miniature models of Durban’s landmarks, take a trip to Mini Town. A walk around will give you an opportunity to feel like a giant as you view excellent models of some of Durban’s most interesting buildings. One of the most popular features is a rail network with trains continually on the go.

Golden Mile, Durban

Durban’s Golden Mile is the name given to the popular stretch of beachfront stretching from South Beach to the Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in the north. The Golden Mile is one of the main tourist attractions in the Durban area, and the wide stretch of golden sands serves as an excellent destination for beach goers who make their way there to enjoy the sunshine and warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Soweto, Johannesburg

Soweto obtained its name from the first two letters of South Western Township which was the original description of the area. Soweto is a symbol of the New South Africa, caught between old squatter misery and new prosperity, squalor and an upbeat lifestyle, it’s a vibrant city which still openly bears the scars of the Apartheid past and yet shows what’s possible in the New South Africa.

Cango Caves, Oudtshoorn

The 20 million year-old Cango Caves system consists of a series of hidden chambers cut deep into a thick limestone rock layer. It is situated in the Swartberg Mountains, 30 kms. north of Oudtshoorn, in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. The formations are unique: they would not have normally formed in this area and are a result of faulting. It is South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction.

Cango Wildlife Ranch, Oudtshoorn

The oldest and biggest cheetah contact centre world-wide offers visitors the rare opportunity of interacting with hand-reared cheetahs and getting actively involved in saving this species and others from extinction. At Cango Wildlife Ranch the well-being and welfare of all the animals are paramount in the promotion of conservation ethics.

Safari Ostrich Show Farm, Oudtshoorn

A visit to Oudtshoorn would be incomplete without including Safari Ostrich Show Farm on your itinerary. Situated in the heart of “Ostrich Country” and only 6 kms. from Oudtshoorn, Safari has been in operation since 1956. The Oudtshoorn and Karoo area can also be seen as the ostrich capital of the world and it was also here where the big ostrich feather and leather boom happened.

Garden Route National Park, Knysna

Along the South Coast of South Africa lies one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, home to the Garden Route National Park. A mosaic of ecosystems, it encompasses the world renowned Tsitsikamma and Wilderness sections, the Knysna Lake section, a variety of mountain catchment, Southern Cape indigenous forest and associated Fynbos areas. A jewel in South Africa’s crown, the Park is a prime example of the country’s unique fauna and flora and will offer unforgettable views and life-long memories.

Millwood Goldmine, Knysna

An integral part of Knysna’s history, the Goldmine was established in 1858 when a gold nugget was found in Jubilee Creek (originally called the Karatara River). Millwood was South Africa’s first ever goldmine and it is accessed by taking the Rheenendal turnoff and follows a scenic drive through the beautiful indigenous forests where the secretive Knysna Elephants have been sighted. Rheenendal is a rural area, and it is well worth a drive to explore the area and visit the mine.

Knysna Elephant Park

The Knysna Elephant Park was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Today, it has become a world class facility, having cared for and raised more than forty elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs.

Featherbed Nature Reserve, Knysna

The Featherbed Nature Reserve is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only. The Featherbed Nature Reserve is the premier eco-experience on the Garden Route. The nature reserve offers an adventure activity not to be missed. A perfect outdoor, family holiday activity to be enjoyed by both young and old. In order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Passenger numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve’s specialist guides.

Pietermaritzburg Station

It was at Pietermaritzburg station that a young lawyer named Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was pushed out of a first-class compartment, thus prompting him to think about race and colour prejudices. This nondescript, not-so-busy station in South Africa is known worldwide today as the ‘Birthplace of Sathyagraha’. Here he spent a freezing night in the waiting room at the station. The historic building still stands with a plaque commemorating the incident when Gandhi was thrown off the train. A visit to the Pietermaritzburg railway station is sure to fire up your patriotic spirit.

Gold Reef City, Johannesburg

Gold Reef City gives you an incredible variety of fun things to do in Johannesburg, all in one exciting destination. The exhilarating Theme Park includes 18 thrill rides, 13 dedicated rides for the kiddies, Jump City Trampoline Park, the only authentic underground mine tour in Johannesburg and other great attractions. Enjoy thrilling gaming in the casino or catch the latest blockbusters in our Victorian train station-themed movies at cinema complex. Living and breathing 24 hours a day, Gold Reef City has something for everyone.

Satyagraha House, Johannesburg

This house, in the residential neighbourhood of Orchards in Johannesburg, was the home of Mohandas Gandhi from 1908 to 1909. Within these walls, the future Mahatma created and developed his philosophy of passive resistance: Satyagraha. A pacifist method of protest that he employed in India to lead the country to independence. The house was built in 1907 by Gandhi’s close friend, the German architect Hermann Kallenbach. A museum retracing Gandhi’s experiences in South Africa and particularly those that he shared here with his friend Kallenbach is installed in the very heart of the house.

Mandela House Museum, Johannesburg

Mandela House Museum, on historic Vilakazi Street in Soweto, strives to be a world-class visitor attraction and a leading centre for the preservation, presentation and research of the history, heritage and legacy of the Mandela Family. The house was built in 1945, as part of a Johannesburg City tender for new houses in Orlando. Nelson Mandela moved here in 1946 with his first wife. In 1958 he was joined in the house by his second wife Nomzamo Winifred Madikizela (Winnie).

Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg

The Apartheid Museum is the story of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and oppression. Beginning in 1948, the white elected National Party government initiated a process that turned more than 20 million people into 2nd class citizens, damning them to a life of servitude, humiliation and abuse. Their liberation in 1994 was the climax of a nation’s resistance, courage and fortitude. The Museum has been conceptualised by a multi-disciplinary team of curators, film-makers, historians and designers. The Museum shows how South Africa is coming to terms with the past and working towards a shared future.

Constitution Hill, Johannesburg

Nowhere can the story of South Africa’s turbulent past and its extraordinary transition to democracy be told as at Constitution Hill. This National Heritage Site has witnessed over a century of South Africa’s history, from rebellious British soldiers who fought with the Boers, the youth caught up in the Soweto Uprising, to the dawn of democracy and the building of South Africa’s Constitutional Court.

Cradle of Humankind, Johannesburg

Widely recognised as the place from which all of humankind originated, The Cradle of Humankind is one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa, and the only one in Gauteng. The 47,000-hectare site has unearthed the best evidence of the complex journey which our species has taken to make us what we are. The world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves is home to the oldest and most continuous paleaontological dig in the world. It is also the site of discovery of the famous pre-human skull affectionately known as “Mrs. Ples”, and an almost complete hominid skeleton called “Little Foot”, dated 2.3 and 4.17 million years old respectively.

Orlando Towers, Johannesburg

Originally the site of a coal fired power station, the Orlando Towers have become one of the most distinctive landmarks in Soweto and the site of the world’s first bungee jump between two cooling towers, opened in 2008 by local company to develop the neglected cooling towers into a vertical adventure facility and distinctive tourist attraction. The towers are used for extreme sports such as bungee jumping, abseiling, , zip line, pendulum swinging and more.

Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon is both one of the world’s largest canyons and one of South Africa’s most outstanding natural sights – little wonder that it is increasingly popular with international visitors. The canyon’s scale and beauty make a trip here a memorable experience, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit on a fine day. Epic rock formations tower above the forested slopes and eagle-eye views abound at the dramatic meeting of the Drakensberg Escarpment and the lowveld.

Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is a popular excursion for visitors staying in Cape Town, South Africa. It is a beautiful spot, with unpredictable weather, baboons that will boldly try to raid your car, and adorable penguins playing in the ocean. The Cape of Good Hope is a narrow peninsula jutting out into the ocean. It is mistakenly thought of as the southernmost point of Africa and the spot where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The true southernmost point of Africa is at Cape Agulhas.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway was built to celebrate the centenary of Kirstenbosch in 2013. This walkway is crescent-shaped and takes advantage of the sloping ground; it touches the forest floor in two places, and raises visitors to 12 m above ground.

Boulders Beach, Cape Town

Boulders Beach, just outside Cape Town, has so much going for it you will be blown away by the beauty of the small hidden attraction. The ancient granite boulders protect it from the wind and large waves, which makes it an ideal swimming spot for children. Because it falls under the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, the beach is always clean and safe, and it is rarely crowded. At the beautiful Boulders Beach, you can get to know the African penguins.

Camps Bay Beach, Cape Town

Camps Bay is the premier tourist destination in Cape Town and is magnificently located on the Atlantic Ocean, at the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and adjacent to Table Mountain.  With a multitude of activities and attractions on your doorstep, Camps Bay is an ideal location from which to explore South Africa’s “Mother City”.

The Heart of Cape Town Museum, Cape Town

The Heart of Cape Town Museum honours all those who played a major role in the surgical feat that pushed the boundaries of science, into the dawn of a new medical era, an era in which it became possible to transplant the symbol of the essence of life, our human heart. The drama of the world’s first human heart transplant, led by Professor Christiaan Neethling Barnard, played out within the walls of the Charles Saint Theatre, at Groote Schuur Hospital on the 3rd December 1967. This museum offers a insightful look into the day the first heart transplant took place.

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

While it is still technically a working harbour, the V&A Waterfront is more frequently thought of as a shopping destination. Covering 123 hectares, the V&A Waterfront is divided up into five shopping districts: Victoria Wharf, the Watershed, The Alfred Mall and Pierhead, The Clock Tower, and Breakwater Point. All that shopping is likely to work up an appetite, and the myriad restaurants, coffee shops and fast-food outlets will keep you fuelled. The waterfront is named after Prince Alfred, who began construction on the harbour in 1860, and his mother Queen Victoria. The V&A Waterfront encompasses 22 landmarks, including the Chavonnes Battery Museum, which dates back to 1725 and is the harbour’s oldest heritage site.

Eagle Encounters at Spier, Stellenbosch

It is a bird-of-prey rehabilitation, conservation, education and eco-tourism project. The centre receives birds that have been injured, poisoned or illegally removed from their nests, and works towards re-releasing healthy, fit, successfully hunting and able- breeding raptors into the wild. Guests to Spier are invited to ‘hold’ tame birds, as well as participate in the daily flying display.

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Stellenbosch

This nature reserve is home to the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains and parts of the Jonkershoek valley. The reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, lies near the town of Stellenbosch in the south-western Cape. Visitors may choose to explore one or both reserves, as they are in easy reach of each other. The reserves are about 9 kms. from Stellenbosch, on the Jonkershoek valley road.

Stellenbosch Museum

The Stellenbosch Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the City of Oaks at the Village Museum, the Toy and Miniature Museum, and the VOC Kruithuis. At the Village Museum guests are transported into the past by a walking tour of four restored period homes dating between 1709 and 1850, each with a guide in period costume. The Toy and Miniature Museum is a wonderland of ludic history for all ages to enjoy, while the VOC Kruithuis boasts a collection of antique firearms, canons, swords, and military artefacts exhibited within an 18th century arsenal.

Tours in South Africa

The perfect canvas on which to paint an activity-packed trip