An unexpected paradise and quite possibly the trip of a lifetime, South Africa boasts unparalleled nature reserves, breathtaking safaris, world-renowned vineyards, and vibrant, cosmopolitan cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town
South Africa is the land of the Cape of Good Hope, the last stop before the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It’s a country where you can witness and photograph Africa’s legendary ‘Big Five’ — elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo — roaming freely in their natural habitat alongside countless other wild animals. Guided safaris, some with luxurious lodgings, are available in Kruger National Park and in private reserves such as Amakhala and Knysna.
Out at sea, boat tours offer the chance to spot whales, sperm whales, and great white sharks. For those in search of adrenaline, head to the wild jungles of the Garden Route’s SANPark where you can soar above the forest canopy on the Knysna Ziplines. Suspended over 200 metres high, you’ll glide for two hours along the 2.2-kilometre course, with segments as long as 700 metres, winding your way through stunning landscapes just 25 kilometres from Knysna, en route to Plettenberg Bay.
To explore even more of South Africa’s natural wonders, head to the Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to hiking trails featuring waterfalls and examples of San (Bushman) rock art. Meanwhile, the famed Garden Route, stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River, is one of the most stunning coastal drives on the planet, with cliffs, forests, beaches, whale sightings, and a wealth of adventure activities.
South Africa’s urban side is no less exciting. Johannesburg, once famed for its diamond mines, has transformed into one of the country’s most vibrant cities. It is home to the iconic FNB Stadium, where Spain secured its first World Cup title. The nearby city of Pretoria, the administrative capital, boasts charming historic architecture, but the crown jewel of the south is undoubtedly Cape Town, one of the most fascinating, diverse, and beautiful cities in the world.
Perched at the southwestern tip of Africa, between the Atlantic Ocean and the flat-topped Table Mountain, Cape Town is considered one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the world. It’s South Africa’s most cosmopolitan destination, blending African, Malay, European, and Asian influences into a unique cultural mosaic. In just a few minutes’ walk, you’ll encounter both colonial and contemporary architecture, award-winning vineyards in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, stunning beaches, and breathtaking landscapes.
Don’t miss a stroll through the historic Malay-Muslim quarter of Bo-Kaap, where cobbled streets mingle with colourful houses and the scent of exotic spices fills the air. Enjoy a stunning sunset in style at exclusive Camps Bay, with its white sand beach and chic restaurants. If you’re drawn to trendier vibes, explore Woodstock, a haven of street art, artisanal markets, and urban galleries. Or wander the V&A Waterfront, the country’s most visited harbour promenade and the departure point for ferries to Robben Island.
No adventure in South Africa would be complete without visiting the iconic Cape Point Lighthouse (1859) and the Cape of Good Hope, two of the country’s most spectacular landmarks. Just 70 km south of Cape Town, this rugged peninsula within Table Mountain National Park juts dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you’ll find soaring 200-metre cliffs, abundant seabirds in flight, and a near-constant ocean wind.
Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are just two kilometres apart. The Cape of Good Hope marks the southwesternmost tip of the African continent. It gained fame in the 15th century when early Portuguese navigators rounded it searching for a sea route to India. Its original name was the ‘Cape of Storms’ due to the area’s notoriously wild weather.
