Emerging peacefully from the oppressive politics of the past, South Africa’s cosmopolitan cities and first-world infrastructure have made the country a top choice for travelers wary of Africa’s less-developed nations. From the private game reserves around Kruger to the icy waters of the Cape, South Africa offers opportunities to enjoy a great diversity of landscapes and experiences.
HIGHLIGHTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Our ‘not to be missed’ recommendations for your holiday
CAPE WINELANDS
The stunning winelands region is only a brief drive from the city center, and well worth a visit. The lush valleys of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch present a diverse array of world-class restaurants and wine tasting rooms against the backdrop of spectacular scenery.
Each farm has a unique character, offering everything from guided garden tours to fine dining under the stars. All of the farms are open daily for wine tastings, but we find it wise to limit your tastings to just three farms and book a lunch in between, to really enjoy the impressive views and atmosphere on the farms.
The stunning winelands region is only a brief drive from the city center, and well worth a visit.
GREATER KRUGER
Ringing Kruger is a tapestry of private game reserves. Here, it is possible for visitor numbers to be controlled and as a result, these areas tend to be more authentic and peaceful without compromising the quality of the wildlife viewing. We recommend two in particular.
Located west of Kruger Timbavati Game Reserve covers 53,392 hectares. There are no fences between the reserve and Kruger, allowing wildlife to roam freely. Slightly larger in extent to Timbavati, and located just north of Kruger’s Skukuza area, Sabi Sand is an unfenced reserve and a regional legend. Famous for extraordinary leopard sightings, and consistent Big Five sightings, it is possible here to see all three cats on one drive.
Wildlife viewing can even be done from the comfort of the lounge area at Tanda Tula, Timbavati.
CAPE TOWN
Flanked by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town’s natural beauty has made it a top choice destination in recent years. With pristine white sand beaches and a network of trails through vast mountains, adventurous types can enjoy a wide array of activities in nature.
Affectionately named the ‘Mother City’ in the 1930s for one traveler’s opinion that it was “the only city in Africa capable of calling itself a metropolis,” Cape Town still embodies many aspects of European culture and lifestyle.
Cape Town’s natural beauty has made it a top choice destination in recent years.
WHERE TO GO IN SOUTH AFRICA
A selection of unforgettable places to visit
Cape Town
Flanked by Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town’s natural beauty has made it a top choice destination in recent years.
Cape Winelands
The stunning winelands region is only a brief drive from the city center, and well worth a visit.
Hermanus
Built along the shores of Walker Bay, Hermanus is a popular holiday destination for its abundance of whales and expansive warm water beaches.
Kruger
South Africa’s first national park, and 7500 square miles in extent, this is no small piece of protected area.
Kwa-Zulu Natal
The lush subtropical region of Kwa-Zulu Natal is not as prominent a stop on a South African safari but it should not be overlooked.
Private Conservancies
Ringing Kruger is a tapestry of private game reserves that tend to be more authentic and peaceful without compromising the quality of the wildlife viewing.
Where to stay in South Africa
Some of our preferred hotels, lodges and safari camps
open gallery
Tanda Tula
Timbavati (Greater Kruger), South Africa
open gallery
Grootbos Lodge
Hermanus, South Africa
open gallery
Cape Grace
Cape Town, South Africa
open gallery
Notten’s Bush Camp
Sabi Sand (Greater Kruger), South Africa
open gallery
Babylonstoren
Cape Winelands, South Africa
Tanda Tula
Timbavati (Greater Kruger), South Africa
Situated on the Nharalumi Riverbed, in the Timbavati Game Reserve, this intimate owner-run camp is a Planet Africa favourite due to the highly personal service and the paired down luxury feel of the tents. Reminiscent of the classic safari tents of East Africa, each is beautifully designed, with a Victorian bathtub, outdoor shower, crisp cool tones, and a private viewing deck over the river.
Also an option here, is the Field Camp, just east on the reserve, where guided walking safaris end each day at this wonderfully rustic, yet utterly comfortable and romantic, little exclusive camp. Most guests won’t want to leave the lovely atmosphere of this place for very long, and the owners know it!
Grootbos Lodge
Hermanus, South Africa
A coastal nature reserve just 30 minutes outside Hermanus, Grootbos is on the international stage due to its conservation and community achievements and hands-on, high-end hospitality of its owner.
Its three ‘lodges’ – Garden Lodge, Forest Lodge, and Villa – each offer a unique experience of the surroundings. Grootbos is a quiet haven away from tourists and shops, yet still contains all the luxuries of a typical 5-star lodge experience. It is an absolutely excellent family destination as well (without overwhelming those traveling without families).
Cape Grace
Cape Town, South Africa
Discreet in its presence but powerful in its reputation, this much-adored hotel, on the marina at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a nice balance between boutique in its service and style but with the amenities of a larger hotel. Just 20 years ago, it started out merely a fraction of what it is today, but it maintains that personalized brand and experience.
Choose from dining at Signal restaurant, whisky tasting at the Bascule Bar, or lounging in the outdoor area overlooking the beautiful marina – between excursions in Cape Town, of course!
Notten’s Bush Camp
Sabi Sand (Greater Kruger), South Africa
Family run, the property goes back four generations, so the knowledge and kinship with the land is far beyond skin deep. To say here is to be a part of this extended family. Walk with some of the region’s best guides, hear stories of decades ago, and stay in suites which bring the outside in, lending to the feeling of being integrated into this treasured wilderness.
One of South Africa’s most sought after wildlife areas, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, safari here is sure to deliver on game drive or on foot. With just 8 suites, you won’t share it with many.
Babylonstoren
Cape Winelands, South Africa
It’s difficult to pick a favorite in the Franschhoek valley as it’s such a special place full of gorgeous properties, but if we had to this might be our favourite for a farm-to-table experience. This working farm epitomizes down-to-earth luxury.
The rooms are light filled and stylish, and spa amenities are on offer. Just a walk around the mind-blowing garden makes it an easy half-day activity. The two farm restaurants – the Greenhouse and Babel – source most of their ingredients from their impressive vegetable gardens.