Travel+Leisure - South Africa Booklet

SOUTH AFRICA is home to some of the world’s oldest surviving ethnic groups, a stellar wine region with exceptional dining; it’s where you can see stars the way our ancestors did three million years ago, where you can swim among Africa’s only native penguins, where you can not only dive with great white sharks but also see them hunting for seals. Few other destinations are worthy of this many superlatives. Amidst such high acclaim, however, you’ll discover a country in transition. Cities are expanding and developing at a rapid pace, and political conditions and safety of travellers is more stable than ever before, making it an ideal time to visit the country. The buzzing cities, awe-inspiring wildlife corridors, and warm and welcoming people will stay with you long after you’ve…

The true make of a luxury holiday itinerary is often defined by how gratified you feel on your way back. When the best wines have complemented the best steaks, your adrenaline levels have soared to surprising new levels, and you’ve learnt a thing or two about world history, you know your South African holiday is complete. WINE IN BLISS Untangle the subtle threads of Pinotage as you swirl the wine between your cheeks; let the fragrance of Chenin Blanc fi ll you with a bit of the Cape coast; South Africa is blessed with some of the fi nest wine regions in the world and here, a customary wine tour is in order. The wine regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Swartland are replete with legendary wine estates that offer tours…

The Big 5 are the biggest attraction in South Africa, but if you also want to get a taste of adventure and culture, the country will not disappoint. From night safaris of the shy-fi ve and drives on the stunning Garden Route to jazz clubs and casinos, a roster of activities can keep you occupied. ADVENTURE South Africa beckons the young and the restless who need a shot of adrenaline. Bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge above River Bloukrans will give you some serious bragging rights. This is the world’s highest bridge bungee where celebrities like Prince Harry, Kelly Slater, and Hansie Cronje have had a go. A nighttime shy fi ve safari will bring you closer to easily spooked species like the meerkat, aardvark, porcupine, aardwolf, and bat-eared fox…

Drive from Cape Town to Hout Bay, the coastal town between Cape Town and Cape Point home to antique shops and craft markets. From Hout Bay, you will come to the Chapman’s Peak Drive, the nine-kilometre route, which is possibly the most scenic drive in South Africa, meandering along the Atlantic Ocean with 114 curves. Pit stops include Cape Point Lighthouse and the Table Mountain National Park. The idyllic views from the False Bay Coastal Road will make for Instagram-worthy pictures. En-route, the Boulder’s Beach gives you a chance to observe penguins and have a quick bite in Simon’s Town. End your trip with a relaxing visit to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the slopes of the Table Mountain.…

South Africa has opened its wings for couples who like to tread virgin romantic territories. We take one province at a time, characterised by what they offer, and shuttle between what’s anticipated and unexpected. Here’s a short guide for the moon chasers and night gliders. MPUMALANGA The place where the sun rises’ when translated in English, Mpumalanga is the easternmost province of ROMANTIC GETAWAYS South Africa with an unbelievably diverse natural landscape breeding the most curious animals, insects, and birds. Nature lovers can take their romance to the Blyde River Canyon, the largest green canyon in the world stretching over 26 kms in length and 800 metres deep. The Panorama Route offers terrific viewpoints of the gorgeous valley, plunging waterfalls (like the Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, and Mac Mac Falls),…

Families yearning for some quality time together can take a holiday to South Africa. The breathtaking scenery, diverse ethnicity, and exciting adventure itineraries make the southern African nation a fantastic destination to explore for people of all ages. Whether you are treading into wildlife and conservation, nature and natural resources, or tucking in some quick facts about anthropology as you travel between cities, this is where your whole family, whether young or old, can feel entertained effortlessly. THE WILD CHASE Despite the commercialisation of wildlife safaris across the world, South Africa has held its own with intimate experiences it offers to earnest travellers. At game reserves such as the Pilanesberg National Park, the Shamwari Game Reserve, the Kruger National Park, and the Madikwe Game Reserve, among others, you can get…