South Africa

A WORLD IN ONE COUNTRY

FAIREST CAPE

We are privileged to be able to show you one of the most beautiful Capes in the world, where cloud capped mountains and vine clad slopes meet the warm waters of the Indian Ocean in the East, and the long gray rollers of the South Atlantic in the West. Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site where a profusion of indigenous wild flowers are protected can be reached on foot, or by cable car, within a few miles of Cape Town city centre and the sophisticated  Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its restaurants, shopping centers, cinemas, craft markets and world class luxury hotels

SOUTH AFRICAN WINE – SOME OF THE FINEST IN THE WORLD

The Cape winelands, a wonderland of contrasting sights and activities begin almost within the shadow of Table Mountain. A short drive, in either a self hire car or a personalised guided tour, takes the visitor into majestic scenery where rose lined vineyards offer wine tasting as an accompaniment to alfresco meals under majestic old oak trees. Relax on a shady lawn and savour a delicious platter of cheese and a glass of some of the world’s finest wines.

GARDEN ROUTE – ITS AN EDEN

An easy drive in the other direction takes one to Cape Aghulas, the southern most tip of the African continent, and the quaint fishing village of Arniston. Beyond lies the Garden Route an area richly endowed by nature, spectacular in many ways, graced with golden beaches, indigenous forests, lakes, lagoons, meandering rivers and impressive mountain ranges.

ABUNDANT WILDLIFE & UNSPOILT WILDERNESS

Game Parks abound in every province of South Africa and its neighbouring countries, and the Big Five, together with an endless variety of smaller game can be viewed from the comfort of open 4×4 vehicles. Accommodation can be provided in luxurious lodges or almost equally luxurious tented camps.

A BIRD WATCHERS PARADISE

Southern Africa boasts a large variety of birds, from eleven species of King Fishers to the well known Ostrich, which can still be found in it’s wild state in many of our game parks. Come and listen to the evocative call of the Fish Eagle as it soars over the wetlands or the deep booming call of the Ground Hornbill striding majestically through the dry bushveld.

TRANQUILITY

For those in search of quiet sun swept beaches the coast line of Natal and the Cape are unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Between the months of July and October the huge Southern Right Whales come close inshore to calve and can be observed in comfort from the cliffs above, while frolicking dolphins can be seen the whole year round.

Those visitors lured by the majesty of mountains will find the Drakensberg range irresistible, with their  rugged skyline and innumerable rivers . In many of these streams and rivers the fly fisherman can pit his skills against both Brown and Rainbow Trout.

CULTURE

Should you be interested in history, guided tours can be arranged to the battlefields of the Boer War or those of the Zulu Wars, where the last great struggle between traditional Zulu Impis and the might of the British army took place.  Not forgetting the nomadic lives f the bushmen people.

Enjoy an enchanting evening of traditional Zulu dancing, cuisine and culture. South Africa is truly a Rainbow Nation with a colourful cultural heritage.

Visit Robben Island and the Apartheid Museum and learn of our “Madiba’s” (Nelson Mandela) life and his colleagues during the years of struggle

VICTORIAN ELEGANCE

South Africa is one of the last countries where the enthusiast can enjoy the thrill of a journey by steam train. A short visit to the Cape Winelands, behind one of the great steam locos of the past might tempt you to indulge in the luxury of a journey to the Victoria Falls; Dar Es Alam , or through the magnificent dunes of the Namib Desert, in carriages reminiscent of a bygone era Or for those of you preferring an aerial and silent means of transport, take a flight in a hot air balloon over our scenic countryside.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation options are endless from elegant sophisticated 5 star Hotels to Quiet but luxurious country hotels cater for those seeking tranquility and first world comfort.  A  large range of country guest houses offer a delightful and less expensive option, while a network of Bed & Breakfast establishments enable the visitor to meet a cross section of the local people. There is something here for everyone’s taste.

Photo Credits: Gillian & Graham Maskell, Rovos Rail