South Africa

Set on a peninsula between the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town, or The Mother City as its commonly known, is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Full of scenic splendour, cultural and historical landmarks, the city remains a top South African destination. Attractions include white sandy beaches one of which is Boulders Beach, home to the endangered African penguin, hikes or a cable car trip up the majestic Table Mountain, trips to the winelands, a moving visit to Robben Island to the site where former President Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jailed exile. The most southwestern point of the continent is the Natural World Heritage Site of Cape Point, well worth a trip for dramatic ocean views. Hermanus, the whale-watching capital of SA is also a spectacular attraction. Cape Town is full of incredible sights and experiences. Not to be missed.

Located in the northeast of South Africa is the world-famous wildlife destination, Kruger National Park. Rated the best place on the planet to see a leopard, the park offers travellers the opportunity to spot the famous Big Five; lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros who roam the diverse landscape made up of rivers, gorges, mountains, plains, forests and koppies. There is no experience like seeing these, and other magnificent wildlife and spectacular birds, in their natural habitats. In addition to classic guided safaris and game drives, popular attractions at Kruger include wilderness trails, mountain biking, backpacking trails, eco trails, guided walks and golf.

Johannesburg, located in the eastern plateau area of South Africa known as the Highveld, was formed to serve the gold-rich mines in the area. The largest city, it's a vital economic hub and travel link to a multitude of destinations in Africa. But Joburg certainly isn't all business. The city boasts a vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, lively markets and an array of historical landmarks and cultural experiences that make it an unforgettable place to visit. Attractions include the sobering Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill contrasted with Soweto, the culturally important township with an infectious energy and Maboneng, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.

Situated on the east coast along the Indian Ocean in the scenic-rich province of Kwa-Zulu Natal is the relaxed, welcoming city of Durban. Famed for its warm climate and beautiful beaches, some of which are rated world-class surfing spots, Durban has a proud cultural heritage with Indian and Zulu influences. The Indian district’s spice markets and authentic cuisine are second only to those in India itself. The city is home to The Ushaka Marine World, the world's 5th largest aquarium located at the end of Durban City's famous 'Golden Mile', a 6km stretch of beach. Explore two World Heritage Sites within proximity to Durban, the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park and the majestic Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Other attractions include game reserves, sugar cane plantations and battle relics.

The Garden Route stretches some 300 kilometres along the south western coastline between Mossel Bay and Storms River. This scenic paradise is a combination of world-class beaches, lagoons, lakes and indigenous forests interspersed with charming and eclectic towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. There is a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy such as mountain biking, hiking and whale watching. It is worth a trip to see the unique natural formation of the Knysna Heads and experience the natural wonders of the Tsitsikamma National Park.

The Cape Winelands in the West of the country comprises the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl Valleys. These small towns are renowned for their winemaking and encompass a plethora of active wineries to visit with excellent restaurants. Set against a backdrop of stunning mountain ranges with lush valleys and picturesque scenery, attractions include the Drakenstein Prison (formerly Victor Verster) as well as the Mont Rochelle and Paarl Nature reserves, horseback wine tours, a round of golf on one of the many pristine estates or a trip to the Franschoek Motor Museum.

Located on the south-eastern coast of South Africa on the fringes of Algoa Bay at the western side of the Sunshine Coast, Port Elizabeth or Gqeberha, as its known, offers a number of top attractions. Known as the 'Friendly City', it's home to golden sandy beaches with a myriad of watersports, excellent surf spots (the acclaimed Jeffrey's Bay is a short drive away) with stunning marine and wildlife. The nearby Addo Elephant Park is a haven for elephants, lions and other wildlife.

The Tsitsikamma National Park is a protected area on the Garden Route, Western Cape and Eastern Cape. A spectacular coastal reserve famed for its indigenous forests, reefs, rivers, lush forest and delicate Fynbos, the park hosts a series of awesome attractions. Nature hikes include the Otter Trail which follows the dramatic Eastern Cape coastline from Storms River Mouth to Nature's Valley. Other activities include diving, snorkelling, river adventures, whale watching, kayaking and tubing. Experience the highest bungee jump in the world from Bloukrans Bridge or enjoy a tree-top canopy tour.

The Cradle of Humankind, located 50km outside Johannesburg, is a World Heritage Site with a complex system of limestone caves. The site is home to the largest concentration of human ancestral remains and welcomes visitors from around the globe. The Sterkfontein Caves were the site of the discovery of a 2.3-million-year-old fossil Australopithecus africanus (nicknamed 'Mrs. Ples'), found in 1947. The find helped corroborate the 1924 discovery of the juvenile Australopithecus africanus skull known as the 'Taung Child' at Taung in the North West, where excavations still continue. Attractions include hot air balloon rides in the Magaliesberg, the lion and rhino nature reserve, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden,the Kromdraai Gold Mine and the Lesedi Cultural Village.

Nestled in the Drakensberg escarpment region of eastern Mpumalanga, the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is one of Africa's most breathtaking nature reserves. Epic rock formations tower over lush forested slopes with flowing rivers and scenic waterfalls. The third largest in the world and second deepest canyon in Africa, the canyon is known for its spectacular biodiversity and hosts some of the most distinct species of birds, animals and vegetation, including the Taita Falcon. Klipspringer, Grey Rhebuck, Oribi, Kudu and primates can also be spotted. Popular attractions include nature walks, hiking, horse riding, abseiling, white water rafting, kloofing, hot-air ballooning, fly-fishing, biking, tours and boat trips on the Blyde Dam. A phenomenal destination with a myriad of spectacular experiences.

Spanning a large protected area along the Zululand coast on the Mozambique border, lies the World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park. With an array of pristine marine, coastal, wetland, estuarine, and terrestrial environment, the park’s centrepiece is the vast Lake St. Lucia, Africa's largest body of freshwater. Attractions include boat trips in Lake Lucia to spot hippo, crocs, flamingos and pelicans. Visits to nearby Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and the uMkhuze Game Reserves for Big Five game viewing. Snorkelling and scuba diving adventures at Cape Vidal, Black Rock, Sodwana Bay. Midnight Turtle Tours to spot giant Leatherback Turtles. Whale watching, visits to the Croc Farm, fishing, horse riding and horse-back safaris.

In the eastern region, the Drakensberg Mountain Range forms a natural border between Lesotho and South Africa and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with rock and cave art by the San people created thousands of years ago. The range features breathtaking landscapes, cliffs, valleys, a 5-kilometre long cliff face and the second-highest waterfall in the world. Attractions include hot air ballooning, abseiling, hiking, slack packing, quad bike trails, 4×4 adventures, down hill scooters, canopy tours, white water rafting and horse trails. The Drakenberg is also a wonderful bird watching and star gazing site.