Regional Information (add links to day tours)

General Information about South Africa

South Africa is a country of astounding beauty that boasts a rich cultural heritage woven into the daily lives of every South African. Recovering from a turbulant past this country now gives rise to people who are strong in spirit, individuality and character. South Africa's unique beauty is reflected throughout its architecture, its fine traditional cuisine, the abundance of fertile vineyards, warm oceans and a Mediterranean climate that is enjoyed by both friendly locals and tourists.

As well as having the most spectacular setting, South Africa is also steeped in history. Strongly influenced by German, Dutch, French and British colonialists the colonial history of this country is still reflected in the in the architecture of many buildings littered throughout South Africa. Equally as important is our varied and colourful local history which marked its early beggnings from the original inhabitants of South Africa. With plenty of great traditions unique to Africa. Our local culture and history is harmoniusly combined with an old colonial history to give rise to plenty of great traditions unique to South Africa, which gives rise to some of the most interesting and unique people and cultures.

South Africa is blessed with a variety of unspoiled natural beauty that is as diverse and colourful as its many cultures. Often referred to as the country that has "all the continents rolled into one", because of its varying climates and contrasting scenery, it makes for a great holiday destination all year round. Not only does South Africa have a wonderful temperate climate and breathtaking scenery, but it is also a mecca for those that enjoy shopping for both international brands and award winning local designerwear. South Africa has a thriving arts and design sector that sees local designers boasting a variety of goods (beaded necklaces, handmade tablecloths and clothing) that are displayed in shops in nearly every city and town.

Below we have listed some of the highlights of South Africa as well as a brief introduction to each region.

• The Cape Winelands : Excellant wine farms with endless vineyards offering cheese tasting, olive tasting, wine tasting and cellar tours. One of the most spectacular areas of the Cape not to be missed. Activities include horse back riding, fly fishing and canoeing in the gentle Berg River.

» Our recommended and top places to stay in the Winelands are: Le Franschhoek, Lanzerac and the Grande Roche Hotel.

• Coastal Regions : There are endless coastal regions to be explored in South Africa, from pristine sandy white beaches to rocky coastlines with incredible surfing waves. Try Durban and Ballito Bay in Kwazulu Natal for warm tropical waters, superb diving spots and good surfing waves and Cape Town for family beaches, surfing and trendy beach scenes. One of the top beach areas to visit along the Garden Route includes Plettenberg Bay for surfing, dolphin spotting, swimming, warm waters and pristine white sands. Try Hermanus for whale watching, exploring rocky coves and gentle coastal walks.

» Our top and recommended places to stay along the coast are: The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay, the Marine in Hermanus, Beverley Hills Intercontinental and the Boathouse in Kwazulu Natal. In Cape Town we recommend the Twelve Apostles and the Bay in Camps Bay for the top most luxurious hotel accommodation in Cape Town.

• Garden Route : The Garden Route is often referred to as South Africa's Garden of Eden and offers lush vegetation, sheer cliff faces, meandering roads and interesting vegetation further inland. With plenty of shops offering arts and crafts and numerous indigenous wildlife parks along the way, it is one of the hotspots in South Africa to visit. We recommend Knysna (home of the Knysna elephant), Plettenberg Bay (home to pristine beaches and dolphins) and Oudtshoorn (home to the Cango Caves and ostriches).

» Our top and recommended places to stay are : Fancourt in George (for golfers), the St James of Knysna, Head Over Hills in the Knysna Heads . Buffelsdrift in Oudtshoorn and Lairds Lodge in Plettenberg Bay.

• South Africa Game Reserves : A trip to South Africa would not be complete without visting a game reserve and enjoying morning and evening game drives in endless savannah teeming with the Big Five (Rhino, leopard, buffalo, lion and elephant). Try the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga for all your luxury safari needs, try the malaria free area in the Garden Route for something closer to the city or the differing vegetation of Kwazulu Natal for big five safaris. The Kruger Park is divided up into different regions and game reserves that come highly recommended are Sabi Sabi, Lion Sands and Singita Private Game Reserve .

For a big five safari in a malaria free area we recommend Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape , Kariega Game Reserve (good option for family) and Botlierskop along the Garden Route. Along the Kwazulu Natal Coastline we recommend Mkuze Falls.

» Souh Africa Accommodation Reviews

Cape Town

The majestic Table Mountain is the spectacular backdrop that watches of the bustling city of Cape Town. Table Mountain is surrounded by both the warm Indian ocean and the cold Atlantic Ocean. The Indian and Atlantic coastline offer a contrasting combination of pristine sandy beaches, palm fringed promenades, surfing waves, cocktail bars, bohemian style cafes and golden sunsets. The most spectacular sunsets are viewed from the Atlantic Seaboard (often referred to as the Riviera of Cape Town), especially along the Chapman's Peak drive. The pristine beaches are all located within a 10 to 40 minute drive of central Cape Town, making the choices of beaches endless. Explore the funky, bustling Cape Town and soak up the warm African sun and enjoy the vibey atmosphere of a great urban centre that never sleeps.

Below are just of few of the things to not be missed when you are in Cape Town:

• Boulders Beach : Boulders Beach is a cove and secluded beach with tranquil waters. It is also a penguin reserve that is home to the jackass penguin colony who roam the beach freely. Swim with the penguins and soak up the sun next to a rock which no doubt have a few of the creatures perched upon it.
• Simonstown: Home to Boulders Beach and the Naval Base, Simonstown is a quaint seaside town home to plenty of Cafes and restaurants. The harbour is very pretty with its abundance of boats and it is well worth a visit.
• Kalk Bay: Kalk Bay is situated adjacent to the Indian Ocean. Gourmet restuarants located on the waters edge and a plethora of art, antique and bohemian style shops adorn both sides of the road. For a taste of local culture head to the Brass Bell or Cape to Cuba for cocktails where you will catch the area's surfing crowd. The Brass Bell is an old favourite with Capetonians as it captures the quientessential laid back atmosphere of Cape Town. It is perfectly located on the waters edge, and many patrons have been known to jump into the ocean from the and is literally on the waters edge, with patrons known to have jumping in the rock pools. The food is good and the pub is great!
• Cape Point Nature Reserve : The most southwesterly point of Africa with home to beautiful vantage points, a funicular up to the uppermost view site at Cape Point and plenty of walks to do in the reserve.
• Chapman's Peak : One of the most rewarding scenic drives in the Southern Hemisphere. Viewing the sunset from here is nothing short of spectacular. The Chapman's Peak drive has made it into one of the top 100 things to do in the world, according to Lonely Planet's Blue List Guide.
• The VA Waterfront : Home to gourmet restaurants, shows, wine festivals and 5 star hotels, the Waterfront is situated in a glamourus harbour area of Cape Town. The Waterfront is not to be missed and all the best hotels in central Cape Town are located around the Waterfront.
• Cape Winelands
• Table Mountain : Table Mountain is Cape Town's favourite backdrop that attracts tourists on a daily basis. It is called Table Mountain due to its flat top and its magnificent grandeur can be seen clearly on a sunny day. There are many contour paths leading up to the top of the mountain as well as a modern cable car.
• Atlantic Coastline : Enjoy a picnic on one of the Atlantic costaline beaches. We recommend Llanduno or Clifton which boast pristine sandy white beaches and turquoise oceans blessed with breathtaking views of the sunset. The Atlantic seaboard is otherwise known as the riviera of Cape Town as it has plenty of cocktail bars, trendy mansions and palm lined streets. The Atlantic seaboard is the ideal spot for those summer cocktails!
• Township Tour : Explore the traditional and vibrant townships within South Africa. Experience a slice of life away from the major tourist areas and indulge in local foods, cultures and purchase original arts and crafts.
• Historical/Cultural : Exlpore the musuems, art galleries and history that surrounds the beautiful city of Cape Town which includes the national art gallery, planterium, musuem and the company gardens.
• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy the range of outdoor activities such as parachuting, surfing, quad biking, horse riding, hiking, rock climing, swimming, canoeing and diving.
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens : Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain lies the spectacular indigenous gardens where sunset concerts, gentle walks and romantic picnics can be enjoyed.
• Take a day trip out to Hermanus, the whale watching capital of South Africa.

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West Coast of Cape Town

A short drive from Cape Town city centre lies the West Coast Road which meanders its way through a number of quaint coastal towns. Undulating sand dunes with indigenous shrubbery extend the length of the coast and make up the West Coast National Park, a protected area home to small wildlife and a colourful array of flowers during spring time. If flowers are where your passion lies then we recommend visiting the annual wild flower and orchid show in the small rural town of Darling, famous to locals a being the home of the wild flowers and also a local playwright whose shows can be seen at the restauran "Evita se Peron".

In the National Park you will find secluded lagoons and excellent beaches coupled with sweeping views of the surrounding indigenous flora and fauna. The Posteberg area of the reserve is reThere are a number of surfing and watersport areas along the West Coast which include Elands Bay, Lamberts Bay and Langebaan. If you are staying in Cape Town for a while take a day drive up the West Coast , we recommend Yzerfontein as your first stop as it is a quaint fishing village and holiday town. visit the Postberg area of the reserve which is only open certain times of the year, take visit to the secluded Langebaan Lagoon area where watersports are plentiful and so are teh holiday Houses, discover yet another fishing village with old white buildings, the simplicity of the West Coast area is bound to rejuvinate and revitalise your soul.

Winelands

The Winelands is an area abundant with rich, fertile soil and gentle meandering rivers which provide ideal conditions for the various vineyards and fruit orchards scattered throughout the tranquil areas of Paarl, Stellenbosch, Somerset West and Franschhoek. Soak up the crisp, clean country air as you enjoy a gentle canoe trip down the Berg River and end your canoeing with a sumptious picnic completed with your choice of Cape wines.

The Winelands is roughly an hours drive outside the centre of town and extends further afield to the areas of Riebeek West, Greyton and Constantia (the oldest wine route situated in the Southern Suburbs). The Cape Winelands region is best explored during the summer months when health, beauty and sunshine are celebrated. Spend the weekend rejuventaing at one of the many hotels and wellness centres found throughout this breathtaking region.

With plenty of homemade products, olive oils, a variety of wines, mountain backdrops and sweeping views; the Winelands is without a doubt one of the most romantic regions to visit in South Africa. Offering a kaleidascope of sights, sounds and colours, this fertile region is just waiting to be explored by the eager traveller who is searching for an area steeped in history boasting a delightful variety of fine wines, festivals and gourmet restaurants. The architecture of the buildings throughout the Winelands region reflects a strong Cape Dutch and French influence that encapsulates the essence of the Cape heritage.

Here are some great wine farms to visit and that comely highly recommended:

• Ernie Els : Great for golfing fanatics. Walls are adorned with golfing photos of Ernie. This farm is exquisite, stylish and caters for an elite crowd. Worth a visit. www.ernieels.co.za

• Seidelburg : This farm is next to Fairview. The cellar is small inside but boasts an array of spectacular bottles of wines which are more affordable than a glass of wine in a top restaurant! Try the Muscadel, it really is a fantastic dessert wine.

• Fairview : Located next door to the Seidelberg Farm, Fairview is a must for wine and cheese tasting. There is a resident goat that roams around a tower in front of the cellars. Fairview offers a range of cheeses that are available for purchasing and sampling. There are also a range of Fairview wines to accompany your cheeses. www.fairview.co.za

• Berg Kelder : This is a traditional cellar located underground and comes recommended if you are looking to do a cellar tour and try traditional South African wines at the same time. www.bergkelder.co.za

• Morgenster : Morgenster is home to award winning olive oils. The farm offers a selection of fine wines for true wine connosieurs and olive oil tasting. www.morgenster.co.za

• Vergelegen : Everything historical about the Cape, its wines, its architecture and its gourmet traditional meals can all be enjoyed at Vergelegen. Our favourite thing to do at Vergelegan is to enjoy elgent dining under the trees in the garden. www.vergelegen.co.za

• Delheim : Delheim is a very popular wine farm located in Stellenbosch. The gardens and views are spectacular and we recommend getting one of their picnic baskets and relaxing in the gardens on a hot summers day. www.delheim.com

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Hermanus - The Whale Watching Town

Hermanus was once a small coastal town that has grown in size and stature to become a thriving, festive and highly visited area of South Africa. Hermanus is home to the Southern Right Whale and every year to celebrate is breeding season, a festival is held. The whale festival draws in a number of tourists who delight in the fact that the whales breech close to the shore. Holidaymakers are rewarded with spectacular views of Walker Bay and are able to enjoy gentle strolls upon the coastal paths that meander along the rocky coastline.

Hermanus is located a mere two hours drive from Cape Town and offers five star accommodation, golf courses and a variety of sea facing restaurants located on cliffs. Hermanus is the main town within the Overberg region but there are other hidden towns worth exploring. En route to Hermanus you will find Bettys Bay, Hangklip, Rooi-els and Kleinmond. These areas boast spectacular sand dunes, good surfing waves and breathtaking views of mountains covered in indigenous fynbos. The town of Kleinmond is home to a pristine beach that has received blue flag status, a wonderfully quaint yet vibey harbour area and a number of hidden coves and beaches. There is also the harbour town of Gansbaai which has been feature on many National Geographic programmes for its shark infested waters. Gansbaai is the ideal place for shark cage diving and tourism is growing within the area.

Garden Route

The Garden Route is a lush tropical region that extends along the coast and slightly towards the interior. The Garden Route is the Cape's "garden of Eden" and is home to a spectacular display of indigenous flora and fauna. Visit town's such as Knysna, which have long been a destination for artists and poets, visit a garden route game reserve and enjoy viewing the Big Five in a malaria free area,there are plenty of things to do along the Garden Route. Another popular Garden Route region is Plettenberg Bay that has warm waters, dolphin cruises and some spectacular hikes that offer sweeping sea views. Take some time out from the coastal regions to travel further inland to Oudtshoorn, the town of the Cango caves and ostriches. The Garden Route is dotted with amazing towns, luxury bed and breakfasts, secluded intimate hideaways, an abundance of wildlife and interesting landscapes. The Garden Route is one of the best area's to do a self-drive holiday in South Africa! Visit our range of garden route accommodation, or just make an enquiry and we will recommend a guesthouse, hotel or bed and breakfast to stay in. Here is just a list of things to do within the Gardne Route areas:

Oudtshoorn

• Visit the Cango Caves
• Cango Wildlife Ranch for crocodile cage diving,
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Knysna

• Knysna Elephant Park
• Birds of Eden
• Catamrang Cruise with oysters and champagne
• Monkeyland
• Visit the Knysna Heads

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Stormsriver

• Tree Top Canopy Tours (sliding in a harness between the tops of the trees in the Tsitikamma Forest)

• Hiking in the Tsitikamma Forest

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Plettenberg Bay

• Dolphin and Whale watching

• Hiking, surfing

• Helicopter flights

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» Garden Route Accommodation Reviews

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Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape area is the coastal area just north of the Garden Route and is the surfing mecca and malaria free Big Five game region of South Africa. Many international surfing competitions are held in Jeffreys Bay, the surfing hotspot of the Eastern Cape. The Addo Elephant Park is home to the Big Five and offers day visits for guests who want to enjoy a game drive or even a horseback safari. Watch a dolphin show in Port Elizabeth or just enjoy the pristine expanse of beach in East London. Go and explore the sunshine coast of South Africa and bask in the heat of the African sun.

Surfing coastline

Game drives in the malaria free areas

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Northern Cape

One of the major regions in the Northern Cape is the Orange Free State. Its main attraction is Kimberleys "big hole" which is a massive diamond excavation. The Northern Cape is also home to Augrabies Falls National Park, which boasts powerful waters that cascade into the Orange River. There is also the Vaal River that is an excellent spot for fly fishing. The Northern Cape also has an abundance of flowers in season and has a spectacular vast expanse of desert scenery, making it a great destination for those who enjoy interesting and diverse landscapes.

Kwazulu Natal

Swim with dolphins, hike up to the top of the Drakensberg and enjoy a scenic journey through the untouched tropical Wild Coast. Kwazulu Natal offers a wide variety of sports, wild adventures and interesting cultures for the curious traveller to enjoy. Kwazulu Natal is made up of a number of different regions that include the Battlefields, Elephant Coast, South Coast, North Coast/Dolphin Coast, Pietermaritzburg, Drakensberg and Zululand. Kwazulu Natal is a sub-tropical region made up of rolling hills, azure oceans blessed with a warm Mozambique current, mangrove swamps, sugar cane plantations and warm weather throughout the year. Kwazalu Natal offers a kaleidoscope of contrasting beauty and colours, and this stretch of country between East London and Port Edward is well worth exploring.

We recommend the following things to do in Kwazulu Natal:

• Ushaka Marine World

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Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga, formerly known as the Eastern Transvaal, is one of South Africa's top tourist destinations. People are drawn by the magnificent scenery, by the fauna and flora and by the saga of the 1870s gold rush era and a wealth of fascinating tribal legends. Aptly know as "Paradise Country", few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the Lowveld and escarpment. Mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterise the landscape. This is also Big Game Country, the setting for dozens of sanctuaries teeming with wildlife and birds. Among them, the Kruger National Park is world renowned, as are several of the luxurious private reserves on its western boundary. The entire area offers exceptional opportunities for bird-watching, hiking, horse-riding and fishing. Streams once panned for gold have become the haunts of eager anglers and lazy trout.

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Limpopo

The Limpopo is a eco-tourist destination where mountain ranges rise suddenly and dramatically out of bushveld plains. On the slopes of these mountains you will find indigenous forests, placid streams and beautiful waterfalls. Much of the land is unspoilt providing sanctuary to large numbers of game. Game reserves are found in 2 different regions within Limpopo

The Waterberg District is part of the Limpopo Province and offers an ideal getaway where you can relax and revel in the great natural beauty of the bushveld savannah and its rich wildlife heritage. The Waterberg Mountains stretch along more than 5 000 km2 of spectacular vistas and scenic valleys. The area is steeped in history and some artifacts found here date back to Stone Age times.

Commercial agriculture is an integral part of this province, and cattle ranching and maize farming are regional institutions - the water-rich valleys of the Limpopo River on the Botswana border provide sweet bushveld grazing, while the plains of the Springbok Flats near the towns of Bela-Bela and Mokopane are covered with a colourful quilt of carefully cultivated fields of maize and sunflowers.
The Waterberg District offers the tourist a bit of both worlds - an infrastructure of excellent facilities and modern conveniences found in the many game reserves and conservation areas, coupled with the opportunity to experience the African wilderness in its pristine state.

Kruger Park

A trip to sunny South Africa would not be complete without a truly African safari experience. Enjoy five star accommodation and game drives through the Kruger Park. Spot some of the "Big Five"-the largest land mammals all in their home environment. Stay in luxury camps and rise in the morning light to see animals at the watering hole. The world-renowned Kruger National Park in South Africa offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa and the world.

Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares, is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.

Kruger Park is mainly a self-drive destination (see example of itinerary) with the infrastructure of roads, waterholes, hides, picnic sites and restcamps spread through the park to ensure the visitor maximum exposure to the fauna and flora this remarkable reserve offers.

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Sun City

Not far from Gauteng is Sun City (South Africa’s little Las Vegas) and the palace of the Lost City - where the entertainment is endless. This African entertainment village offers casino’s, luxury hotels, shows, an African theme park, wave pools, exquisite interiors with hand- painted ceilings depicting wildlife, concerts and a five star golf course. Experience true luxury when on holiday in the Sun City region. Suncity is internationally renowned as Africa 's premier holiday resort. Suncity offers a myriad of different entertainment and relaxation opportunities, as well as enough attractions and activities to keep everyone busy.

The fabulous Suncity resort complex captivates visitors with its combination of golf, game and gambling as well as world-class hotels. Formerly the gaming mecca of South Africa, Suncity still attracts those wishing to gamble but also those just wishing to relax, and the focus is now on the total experience of Africa.

Suncity in South Africa offers everything and more and it has become a haven for holidaymakers to South Africa. Located in South Africa's North West Province, but only 2-hours drive from Johannesburg, Sun City is a vibrant mix of entertainment, watersports, golf, gambling and family fun - a lush and tropical fantasyland deep in the African bushveld. This, combined with exhilarating game viewing at the adjacent Pilanesberg National Park makes for a truly memorable holiday experience.

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Gauteng

Gauteng is a rhythmic cosmopolitan city that doesn’t stop to sleep and is the city of action, of lights, of fine dining and of first class entertainment. Gauteng prides itself on being the city of gold - Africa’s strong economic and ever increasing business capital. Soweto’s truly African style and tradition is combined with a fast paced, modern lifestyle to bring a superb display of true African tradition and work ethic. If fine living and five star luxury is what you want out of a vacation then the Gauteng area is for you.

We recommend the following things to do

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