South Africa
South Africa is a diverse country with a fascinating history, breath-taking scenery and amazing wildlife.
Cape Town
First stop is the coastal city of Cape Town which is often seen as one of the best places in the world to visit. It is perfectly located with beautiful ocean views, easy access to safari parks and wonderful hiking opportunities up to Table Mountain.
You can walk through Skelton Gorge or from Kloof Corner to get to the top of Table Mountain to see the incredible panoramic views over Cape Town. Signal Hill and Lion’s Head are its two peaks, and if you’re brave enough, you can even paraglide from Signal Hill for a bird’s eye view of the city.
At the foot of Signal Hill is Bo Kaap. Formerly known as the Malay District, Bo Kaap has deep roots in a mix of Malaysian, African and Indian culture. It is home to the most colourful houses in all of Cape Town – a great place for a picture-perfect opportunity.
On the outskirts of Cape Town is the suburb of Woodstock. Famous for its street art, there are lots of nice local cafes and shops to go to. You can’t miss the Old Biscuit Mill Market where they have day and night markets, farm stalls and stalls selling African ceramics.
Robben Island
Robben Island is home to a political prison and was the place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 23 years. You can visit the prison, see the actual cell that Mandela was held in and get a greater understanding of South Africa’s Apartheid history.
Boulders Beach
Head over to Boulders Beach and meet the African Penguin colony. These penguins love the granite boulders and the crystal-clear waters at Boulders Beach. Spend an afternoon walking along the deck that traverses around the penguins to watch these penguins happily waddle around.
The Cape of Good Hope
A place not to miss if you love dramatic views of the ocean is The Cape of Good Hope. It is at the most south-western point of the African continent and offers stunning views of the coastline with fierce cliffs and sandy beaches.
The Garden Route
Carry along the coastline and follow The Garden Route, stopping off at Hermanus (the easiest place in the world to spot whales from land), Knysna, Plettenberg Bay (for an ocean safari to see dolphins, whales and seals), Tsitsikamma National Park, Jeffreys Bay and Port Elizabeth.
Apartheid Museum
One place you really can’t miss is the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. This museum explores the history of the Apartheid era from start to finish and helps explain how South Africa became the country it is today.
Kruger National Park
From Jo’burg, go to Kruger National Park. You simply can’t visit South Africa without going on a safari and, being one of the largest game reserves in the whole of Africa, Kruger National Park is the best place to go. When people go on safari, their aim is to try and spot the elusive “Big Five” – the lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhino. Get up early and go on a guided tour for the best chance to see them all.
