Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route and malaria-free safari — Africa's most accessible destination.
South Africa offers the most complete travel experience in Africa — a country of extraordinary natural beauty, cultural complexity, world-class food and wine, and safari experiences in malaria-free reserves that make it suitable for families and travellers who are cautious about prophylactics.
Cape Town is consistently rated one of the world's most beautiful cities — Table Mountain rising above a city of beaches, vineyards and extraordinary architecture. The V&A Waterfront, the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, Boulders Beach penguin colony, the Cape Peninsula drive to Cape Point — a week in Cape Town barely scratches the surface. We book hotels in the City Bowl, Atlantic Seaboard and De Waterkant.
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl — the Cape Winelands — produce some of the southern hemisphere's finest wines against a backdrop of whitewashed Cape Dutch architecture and mountain scenery. A day trip from Cape Town is pleasant; two or three nights based in Franschhoek is our preference.
The Garden Route, between Mossel Bay and Storms River, is one of the world's great coastal drives — dramatic cliffs, lagoons, ancient forests and excellent towns. Knysna and Wilderness are our favourite bases. The Tsitsikamma National Park, at the route's eastern end, is spectacular.
South Africa's Sabi Sand Private Reserve, sharing an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, is famous for the frequency and proximity of leopard sightings. The lodges — Londolozi, Singita, Earth Lodge — are among the finest in Africa. The Eastern Cape reserves (Shamwari, Addo Elephant Park) are malaria-free and excellent for families.
South Africa has well-documented safety challenges in certain urban areas, but the tourist zones — Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard, the Winelands, the Garden Route, the safari lodges — are all safe and well-managed for visitors. We provide specific safety briefings for every client.
Yes — South Africa is one of the best self-drive destinations in Africa. Roads are good, signage is clear and driving is on the left. We arrange self-drive itineraries for the Garden Route and Winelands as standard.
Excellent — particularly for safari. The malaria-free Eastern Cape reserves are ideal for families with children of all ages. Cape Town has outstanding beaches, the Boulders penguin colony and a vibrant child-friendly food scene.