South Africa – The Rainbow Nation

South Africa: a rainbow nation, a world in one country – whichever description you choose, the diversity of South Africa is extraordinary.

All visitors agree that one visit to South Africa is not enough.  Whether it be the people, the scenery, the wildlife or the flora it’s hard to find another country as diverse.  The itinerary below gives an idea of where to visit on your first trip.

Wherever you start, you will want to return.

Cape Town

Cape Town is the perfect start for any trip to South Africa.  It is regarded by many as one of the top city destinations in the world. Table Mountain creates a truly breathtaking setting for the abundance of attractions, world class restaurants and top accommodation to suit all tastes. In the heart of the city’s working harbour, the V&A Waterfront has become one of South Africa’s most visited attractions, offering shopping and entertainment, intermingled with an exciting range of restaurants and bars.

A trip up Table Mountain on the revolving cable car is a must and from here the views over the city and Cape Point will entice you to visit other areas.  Immerse yourself in the history of Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment on Robben Island.  See the attractions of Cape Peninsula, which take in Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay, Boulders Beach and Simonstown or the spectacular range of beaches, such as Camps Bay. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens showcase the finest collection of South African plants set on the slopes of the Table Mountain and are worth a visit.

Finally, escape from the hustle and bustle of the city to the Cape Winelands. All these tours can be easily accessed by self drive hire car, all of which we can easily arrange in advance of your arrival into Cape Town.

Stay at Belmond Mount Nelson for 3 nights.

Franschhoek

Situated just an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the Cape Winelands is able to boast magnificent wine farms, spectacular scenery, attractive towns rich in South African history and the title of ‘Culinary region of South Africa’. The three main towns are Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, although the vineyards do extend as far north as Tulbagh and south to the Overberg coast. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa and its history is reflected in the range of well-preserved buildings set alongside its oak tree lined streets; a most pleasurable place to stroll.

Over 300 years ago, the French Huguenots settled in a stunning valley and created Franschhoek. Their love of good food and fine wine created what is now the gourmet capital of South Africa. Paarl takes its name from Paarl (pearl) Rock and is located under the second largest granite outcrop in the world. Each of the towns has developed a series of wine routes which encompass the best vineyards each region has to offer and will help you to fully appreciate the beauty of this area. Alternatively, day tours can be arranged so you are able to enjoy a wine tasting experience to the full.

Stay at Avondrood Guesthouse, Franschhoek for 2 nights.

Hermanus

Hermanus sits on the northern shore of Walker Bay, just an hour and 15 minute drive south of Franschhoek.  Together with the villages of Gaansbaai and De Kelders situated across the bay, Hermanus offers the best land-based whale watching in the world. Southern Right whales visit from June through to December to calve their young and can be viewed from the shore, aboard a boat or by air. The area is also renowned for spotting the mighty Great White Shark.

Hermanus over the years has grown into a quaint town, offering fine restaurants, comfortable accommodation and a range of upmarket shops. Outside the whale season the area offers stunning beaches and makes an ideal beach destination. There are also a range of vineyards in the area.

The Marine Hotel, Hermanus, for a stay of 2 nights.

Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route

Along the coast from Hermanus, stretching between Mossel Bay and the Tsitsikamma Forests, is the Garden Route.  The region derives its name from the lush vegetation and scenery featuring lakes, mountains, indigenous forests and golden beaches, interspersed by some of South Africa’s most charming towns. At the gateway is the town of George, a golfer’s paradise and offering many historical landmarks. Soon the road leads to the town of Wilderness and Wilderness National Park, giving protection to five lakes set amongst scenic river valleys. The park offers a range of activities for all ages and abilities, but most noted is a visit to observe dolphins from Dolphin Point.

Knysna is one of the Southern Cape’s best known holiday destinations, not only as an attractive town with a range of shops, fine restaurants serving locally grown fresh-water oysters and quality accommodation, but also for the ‘Knysna Heads’ – two great sandstone cliffs that guard the mouth of the beautiful Knysna Lagoon. The surrounding Knysna Forest comprises of soaring and ancient yellowwood trees and is one of the country’s largest indigenous forests. Nearby Plettenberg Bay, is dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Garden Route’ and proves a popular tourist destination.

Aside from the three beaches, Central, Robberg and Keurbooms, there are many opportunities for a range of activities, including angling in the Keurbooms River, deep sea fishing, dolphin cruises in the bay, diving, horse riding, a visit to Monkeyland or the Birds of Eden sanctuaries. Tsitsikamma National Park has ancient forests stretching down to one of the largest and oldest Marine National Parks in Africa. A range of activities are available, including tree top walks, zip wiring, mountain biking or the highest bungee jump in the world (216m)!

Stay at Hog Hollow Country Lodge, Plettenberg Bay, for a stay of 2 nights.

The Eastern Cape

Head up to the Eastern Cape and the region’s outstanding selection of private concessions and award winning private game reserves, most of which are 45 minutes to a one hour drive from Port Elizabeth.

Safari in the Eastern Cape is exciting due and variety of animals to be see here from elephant, lion and rhino to lizards, frogs and colourful birds.

Stay at Pumba Water Lodge, Pumba Game Reserve for 2 nights.

Your stay at Pumba includes two game activities per day. This will start with an afternoon game drive which continues into the early evening giving the opportunity to view nocturnal animals and birds by spotlight.  Morning game drives depart as the sun rises to observe early animal activity before they settle down under the midday heat.

Wilderness

Finish your journey with couple more nights on the Garden Route before heading back to Cape Town and your flight home.

Stay at Views Boutique Hotel and Spa set on the cliffs overlooking Wilderness Beach for 1 night.

For more information on travelling in South Africa do give us a ring, email us or pop in and see us.