Cape Town, the harbour city on South Africa’s southwest coast is urban and complex, busy and modern, but it’s the stunning topography of manmade skyscrapers reaching to the top of the imposing Table Mountain, all beautifully encapsulated by the sparkling turquoise hues of the South Atlantic Ocean that leaves every traveller in awe. Be sure to ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to properly enjoy the views of the ocean, the vast landscapes and the city below.
When it comes time to leave the city, pay a visit to the breathtaking depths of Blyde River Canyon, which undulates, twists, drops and turns through Eastern South Africa. There you can enjoy aweinspiring vistas over the incredible river as it cuts effortlessly through lush green hills and the Drakensberg mountains. Wine lovers should visit the university town of Stellenbosch just a short way to the east of Cape Town. This gorgeous town is surrounded by the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and a number of lush mountainous nature reserves. The town itself is surprisingly quaint, its colonial streets lined by large oaks that cast cooling shadows onto the many cafes, boutiques and art galleries that you’ll find there. Moving further east, you’ll pass incredible white sand beaches, rugged mountains, cave systems like those at Cango Caves, lagoons such as Knysna Lagoon and the wonderful Garden Route that runs the length of the south coast, where whales can be seen on their migration from the Antarctic.Don’t miss the otherworldly Storms River in the Eastern Cape, where those that dare can brave the suspension bridge over the roaring river below.
Wildlife lovers should spend as much time as possible in the legendary Kruger National Park - home to the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalos) as well as a diverse and truly wild collection of flora and fauna. The landscape here changes quickly from jagged mountains to arid plains - home to lions and elephants, and wet tropical forests full of lizards and birds. Another option to get closer to the Big Five, is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa - Hluhluwe- Imfolozi Game Reserve which is you’ll find in the heart of Zululand. Thanks to the park’s numerous conservation efforts, it is home to the largest population of white rhino in the world.
The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is another option, and though smaller than the likes of Kruger National Park - all of the Big 5 can be found here. Its location in the North West of South Africa, is also quite convenient if you intend to visit the vast entertainment complex of Sun City, which the park border. It’s a good spot to unwind with a little gambling and a few days spent by the pool.
