SOUTH AFRICA
Safety in numbers when crossing the Sabie River
South Africa offers safari experiences in abundance. The Kruger National Park is one of the largest and best-known game reserves on the African continent. With a total area of almost 20 000 square kilometres, it equals the size of a small country.
The Park is one of South Africa's most renowned conservation areas and has a proud history of nurturing biodiversity. Five distinct vegetation zones, from open grassland to riverine forest, provide habitats for different species of wildlife in different parts of the Park.
CAPE TOWN
View from Table Mountain
In addition to a spectacular setting, surrounded by mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, The Mother City offers a rich and complex history that is reflected in the range of activities and dining experiences visitors can take part in.
For the outdoor enthusiast there are plenty of options for hiking, swimming, biking, paddling and skydiving. The Mediterranean climate makes it possible to engage in these activities year round.
Cape Town is a melting pot of people from Africa, Asia and Europe. The Robben Island Museum and the Distict Six Museum explain some of the structural inequalities that are still a part of contemporary South Africa.
BOULDERS BEACH
Set among big boulders, this sandy stretch of pristine beach is home to an endangered land-based colony of African penguins. A boardwalk to the main beach provides visitors an opportunity to see the breeding colony.
WINE
Wine production in the Cape region dates back to the 1680s. It began in the Constantia Valley, about 20 minutes' drive from the city centre. Napoleon Bonaparte and Jane Austen were some of the historic figures who delighted in Constantia wine.
AFRICAN ART
A new museum dedicated to contemporary African art opened at the V&A Waterfront in 2017. The building itself is an architectual masterpiece: an old grain silo was converted into an iconic landmark that now hosts the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa - as well as the sought-after Silo Hotel.
WINELANDS
Franschhoek
South Africa has been a wine producer since the 1680s. It started with the French Huguenots who left France the 17th and 18th centuries due to religious persecution. The picturesque town of Franschhoek - meaning French corner - has become known as South Africa's gourmet capital. The beautiful surroundings and shelter from the wind make it a top destination.
Stellenbosch is perhaps the most famous wine region in the country. The town is steeped in history and home to a number of award-winning estates. Another attraction is the Constantia wine route, less than 30 minutes drive from the centre of Cape Town. Jane Austen and Napoleon were among the many historical figures who found solace in the sweet wine from Klein Constantia.
BEACHES
Noordhoek Beach
South Africa has a coastline that stretches forever. The nutient-rich Benguela Current runs from Cape Point along the West Coast of Africa. The beaches are specatular and a dip in the sea is truly refreshing!
The Agulhas Current runs along the east coast of Africa and brings warm ocean water to the beaches of Mozambique and the eastern Provinces of South Africa.