About South Africa
South Africa is a vast and beautiful country with a rich history which is controversial, but inspiring. It is the most developed of all countries in Southern Africa with the largest international airport, O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg, where most visitors to the area fly in and out. Although there are many game parks that support a great amount of fauna and flora, we have found that, when compared to wildlife areas in other surrounding countries, the parks in South Africa tend to get overcrowded. However, there are some undoubtedly remarkable game reserves where all of the Big Five can be spotted in one day.
We rather like to focus on the Cape region on the country that offers a cultural and cosmopolitan experience unlike any other in Africa. The stunning Cape Town and Garden Route with its sprawling costal vineyards and wineries provide an unexpected luxury treat and a great way to end a trip to southern Africa.
Top Destinations in South Africa
- Cape Town – A buzzing metropolis with excellent culture, food, and activities
- Cape Peninsula – An area with rich biodiversity and history
- The Winelands – Tour the vineyards and wineries where some of the best wine in the world is produced.
- The Garden Route – With a bit of coast and mountain areas, this driving route offers several interesting stops
- Train Journeys – Experience South Africa in the ways of the bygone era, in stylish and luxury passenger trains
Points of Interest
Cape Town:
Located at the southern tip of South Africa, Cape Town is a stunning, vibrant, city delivering wonderful culinary, adrenaline, and cultural experiences in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. Table Mountain forms the backdrop to this modern city that overlooks the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. Although it is a coastal city, it isn’t necessarily a beach holiday destination but rather a place to unwind with a mouth-watering diversity of cuisine, some of the world’s best wines, and world class service. With an eclectic array of music, art, and theater, you will not be lost for things do to in Cape Town. The Victoria and Alfred waterfront full of unique sea-facing restaurants and nightclubs, up market shops, luxury hotels, and an aquarium is an excellent place to base yourself for a few days. The V&A is also the main harbor from which sunset champagne cruises and ferries to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was unjustly imprisoned for years, depart. Hikes or Cable Car rides to the summit of Table Mountain is an absolute must!
Cape Peninsula:
Just an hour’s drive from Cape Town the Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope Nature reserve can and should be visited whilst staying in Cape Town. The scenic drive alone is unbeatable as the road winds it way southeast along the beautiful coastline with sheer rocky drop-offs to the Atlantic Ocean. Cape Point encompasses 7,750 acres of rich biodiversity, natural Fynbos vegetation, over 250 different species of birds, and even a bit of wildlife. Along the peninsula are interesting stop offs such as Simon’s Town where an African penguin colony resides. In Haut bay, guests can whale watch as well as snorkel with the Cape Fur Seals. False Bay also offers whale watching and is an excellent angling spot and entry point to deep-sea fishing.
The Winelands:
The Cape’s main wine producing areas occur in the towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Constantia and are all within a few hours’ drive from Cape Town. This suggests that a wine lands tour can be done in one day, but we recommend spending more time in the area to envelop yourself with the stunning scenery, pleasant climate, intriguing history and world-class cuisine. There are multiple routes that tour a variety of different wine estates, the hardest decision you will have to make here is which route to choose.
The Garden Route:
The Garden Route covering the inland and coastal areas between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and expanse of roughly 800kms along the country’s southern border. Main stopping points along the route include the stunning Plettenburg Bay with white sandy beaches (as well as nearby mountains, lakes, and rivers), Knysna nestled in a huge lagoon, Tsitsikamma featuring densely forested mountains and waterfalls (as well as a stunning shoreline), as well as stops in more wilderness areas that can include game drives.
Train Journeys:
Another unforgettable way to travel South Africa is by luxury train that runs north, through the middle between Cape Town and Pretoria, passing through magnificent scenery that can’t be viewed via road. Both the Blue Train and Rovos Rail provide first class tours of the country in luxury trains that make you feel as if you are stepping back in time. Five-star meals are served in the dining cars, while private en suite luxury compartments will make you feel as if you are in a deluxe hotel rather than a train. For those who wish to carry on with their journey, the Rovos Rail carries on all the way to Tanzania or Namibia.
Seasonal Information
Cape Town has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers, a vast contrast to the windy and rainy winters. If planning a lot of outdoor activities, the summer months are the better time to visit, but winter in Cape Town can also be a cozy getaway with plenty of activities to keep you busy.
January – February: Summer
The hottest months of the year, with little to no rainfall and daytime temperatures averaging 23 degrees Celsius. This the prime time for long and relaxing beach days or for the more adventurous, diving with sharks
March – May: Autumn
A pleasant time to visit, the weather is mild and the leaves are slowly beginning to change colour.
This is an ideal time to visit the Winelands and warm up with a glass of wine.
June – August: Winter (Rainy season)
Low temperatures and windy days are to be expected. This cooler weather makes it an ideal time for active outdoor activities such as hiking.
September – December: Spring/Summer
Temperatures start to rise and the botanical gardens come to live. September/October are the best times for Whale Watching.
