Africa
South Africa
South Africa’s landscapes are as varied as they come, balancing raw, natural beauty with a sophisticated travel experience. Each visit offers a sense of discovery, making it that rare thing – a destination worth returning to time and again.
South Africa’s landscapes are as varied as they come, balancing raw, natural beauty with a sophisticated travel experience. Each visit offers a sense of discovery, making it that rare things – a destination worth returning to time and again.
The Cape offers the vibrant streets of Cape Town and the iconic Table Mountain to explore, alongside the rugged cliffs of Cape Point and the Garden Route’s scenic drive. Inland, you may want to venture into the arid deserts of the Northern Cape or the heart of the savannah on a luxury safari. Or perhaps exploring the rolling, sunlit vineyards of the wine country before hitting the shores of the Indian Ocean is more to your liking. All is possible; no two regions of this southernmost tip of the African continent look or feel the same.
Beyond nature and wildlife, South Africa’s people provide a wealth of stories and traditions. With 11 official languages and a rich, multi-faceted history, they offer a deep connection to a diverse cultural heritage, including the Khoisan and Bantu people. European influences and the country’s tumultuous apartheid history can be explored through museums, traditional ceremonies, music, and art.
For foodies, South Africa is a culinary treasure trove, with experiences ranging from traditional braais to the spiced dishes of Cape Malay cuisine. The Cape Winelands, meanwhile, offer tours that combine world-class wines with gourmet dining.
South Africa captures the imagination with its rich culture, epic landscapes, and world-class hospitality. Whether you're sipping on vintage reds under vineyard canopies or observing wildlife from a luxury safari camp, this destination is bound to impress. To craft the perfect South African adventure, speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today.
Natural beauty
You will never forget your first safari and South Africa is frequently the place to start. Home to the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—the wildlife here is both abundant and awe-inspiring. From the majestic giraffes and zebras of Kruger National Park to the playful penguins at Boulders Beach, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of nature in South Africa.
Private game reserves such as Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park offer unparalleled accommodations with expertly guided game drives, ensuring close and respectful encounters with some of the planet's most majestic creatures. Many include spas and award-winning culinary experiences, and this combination of wildlife and indulgent comfort makes it a standout destination.
When to visit
South Africa is a brilliant year-round destination with fabulous festivities and events to immerse you in local life. May to October is the best time to visit, as this is when the weather is at its coolest, driest, and most comfortable.
Safari in the KNP
Experience exhilarating game drives in search of the Big Five and stay at luxury lodges offering gourmet dining under the African stars. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, with lush greenery, rolling hills, and expansive plains, making it the perfect destination for a first safari adventure.
Embark on early morning and late afternoon game drives through the park with experienced guides who will help you spot some of the most iconic animals in Africa. You can also go on guided bush walks to get up close and personal with nature and learn about the smaller creatures that call this park home.
Hike Table Mountain
Take a guided trail up Table Mountain for unforgettable panoramic views of Cape Town, or opt for the cable car for a more leisurely ascent. There's a range of routes, so all fitness levels can manage the ascent.
One of the most popular hikes is the Platteklip Gorge route, which takes 2-3 hours depending on one's pace. This route starts at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and winds up through the gorge to reach the summit. Along the way, you will encounter spectacular views and diverse flora and fauna.
Tour the Cape Winelands
Immerse yourself in the lush vineyards of Stellenbosch, enjoying private tastings and artisanal pairings amid breathtaking landscapes. Explore the charming town of Franschhoek, known for its French influence and gourmet cuisine. And don't miss a visit to Paarl, home to some of South Africa's oldest and most prestigious wineries.
You'll have the chance to visit historic landmarks such as the Dutch East India Company's former headquarters and the iconic Afrikaans Language Monument.
Explore Robben Island
Dive into the nation’s complex history with a visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was famously imprisoned—an educational yet profound experience. The island, located just off the coast of Cape Town, has a long and storied past. Originally used as a place of banishment for political prisoners during apartheid, it later became a maximum-security prison for those deemed to be threats to the ruling regime.
Today, visitors can take a ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront to Robben Island and explore the former prison with an expert guide. Walk through the cell blocks and see where Mandela spent 18 years of his life in captivity. Learn about the harsh conditions prisoners faced and hear firsthand accounts from former inmates.
Franschhoek - Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren is one of the must-visit destinations in Franschhoek, offering visitors an immersive experience of traditional farming methods and sustainable agriculture. The farm - one of the oldest Cape Dutch farmhouses in Africa - boasts over 300 hectares of land, growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Farm-to-table meals are served in its picturesque greenhouse restaurant and at the award-winning Babel, a clean, cool, and creative space in the old cow shed.
It's the perfect base to explore nearby Franschhoek, known as the 'Food and Wine Capital' of South Africa, full of charming shops, galleries, renowned restaurants, and over 50 local wineries.
Constantia - La Colombe
Located in an affluent suburb of Cape Town, La Colombe is known for its contemporary cuisine, innovative presentation, and setting in the beautiful Silvermist Estate. The atmosphere at La Colombe is elegant yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special celebration.
Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia also comes highly recommended and has beautiful views across the valley.
Cape Town - Kloof Street & Bree Street
Kloof Street is a lively street that runs through the heart of the city, lined with charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. A top spot is the Kloof Street House, an elegant restaurant housed in an old Victorian-style manor.
Bree Street, on the other hand, is known as the "design district" of Cape Town and is home to trendy bars and pop-up shops that showcase local designers and artists. It's just a few blocks from Kloof Street but offers a slightly different vibe and is an increasingly hot spot for foodies. Grub & Vine, an unpretentious yet upmarket bistro, is a popular choice here.
Surf & turf
Don't miss the local seafood, including kingklip, snoek, tuna, oysters, and mussels. Great venues range from Cape Town’s trendy, sustainably minded Galjoen with its harbour-like feel and set tasting menu that limits food waste, and Plettenberg’s Ristorante Enrico with its wooden tables, beach views, and live music.
In Soweto, head to Sakhumzi for ‘burnt meat’ – traditional South African shisa nyama (barbecue) dishes. Other places taking their meats very seriously include Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery, and Marble with its coal-roasted dishes including ribeye or sirloin steak - both in Joburg.
