The King Protea – South Africa’s National Plant
South Africa is very much in the news at the moment with Royal visits happening as we speak.
The so called Rainbow Nation is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries on earth with a climate that makes it a year round destination and one that should definitely be on your shortlist!
It’s not all about Table Mountain – although it is hard to beat. Cape Winelands boasts superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Experience the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point which is perceived to be the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The Garden Route stretching from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth is a marvellous self drive, so jump into a car and head east – and you’ll discover one of the world’s most remarkable coastal stretches. For drama head to the Drakensberg range to enjoy hiking and horse riding in crisp mountain air.
Our Top Tip is to travel The Blue Train to take in the ever changing Landscapes on a trip from Cape Town to the Jacaranda city of Pretoria.
In Johannesburg why not combine a Soweto township tour with a visit to the Apartheid Museum. In Cape Town, a tour of Robben Island, South Africa’s own Alcatraz, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years gives an insight into South Africa’s difficult history.
Cape Town has a vibrant contemporary art scene and a visit to the Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCCA) housed in the city’s historic grain silo (now a lavish hotel) is a must. Other hotels showcasing the outstanding talents of contemporary South African artists include Cape Town’s Ellerman House and Delaire Graff in Cape Winelands.
Food & Wine
Wine lovers are spoiled for choice in buzzy Stellenbosch and French-flavoured Franschhoek, with excellent wines and gourmet restaurants. We can arrange a wine tour to suit your wine preferences. In Cape Town our Eat Like a Local experience is a scheduled walking food tour which includes at least 8 food and drink tastings around central Cape Town and provides guests with insight into local culture, history and food trends. Or take part in a cookery class in the colourful Bo Kaap malay quarter of the city.
The famous Kruger National Park is definitely the place for great sightings of Africa’s “Big 5” (African Elephant, Cape buffalo, Lion, Rhino and Leopard) with a range of lodges to suit all budgets. We also recommend excellent wildlife reserves in the Eastern Cape including Shamwari and Kwandwe which can be easily combined with a road trip along the scenic Garden Route.
Explore the internationally renowned Kwa Zulu Natal Battlefields at Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana in the company of knowledgeable resident historians (usually the sons of the late David Rattray, the esteemed South African war expert) at the charming Fugitives’ Drift
Top Tip – The introduction of British Airways direct flight from London to Durban is proving popular for an itinerary that combines Durban, the scenic Drakensberg Mountains (Battlefields) and ending with an unforgettable safari in Hluhluwi-Imfolozi National Park.
We like to meet face to face wherever possible to plan your trip so why not come and visit us to discuss your next safari?
Please complete the Enquiry Form below and we will get back to you to start the process of creating your dream safari. We will contact you within 24 hours, unless you enquire over the weekend, in which case we will contact you on Monday.
