‘A world in one country’ – as if cosmopolitan cities, a warm sunny climate and 2000 miles of beautiful beaches weren’t enough, 90 percent of visitors come to South Africa for the wildlife and unspoilt landscape.

"Whether it’s the people, the spectacular wildlife, the superb food or the wonderful wines, we defy anyone not to fall in love with South Africa, more fondly known as ‘the rainbow nation’."

With some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous people you’ll find anywhere in the world, and a cultural melting pot that’s as wide-ranging as its vibrant cities, unrivalled natural beauty and never-ending vistas, South Africa has to be one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

The bustle of Johannesburg contrasts sharply with the fun-loving seaside ambience of Durban and the Euro-chic vibe of Cape Town, while in between are the magnificent game reserves, quaint towns and coastal resorts. And then there’s the Garden Route, famed for its pretty towns, superb seafood and amazing whale-watching; and the Cape Winelands, home not only to some of the world’s best wines but also some of its finest restaurants.

What you need to know

  • Capital City

    Pretoria

  • Time Difference

    GMT +1

  • Best Time to Visit

    Year-round

  • Currency

    South Africa Rand

South Africa

Explore

Choose from the cream of South Africa’s finest hotels

  • Morukuru Madikwe Game Reserve

    Spacious, stylish and very luxurious, Morukuru is ideal for families, with a choice of private houses, and a special knack of finding ways to make interacting with nature fun for children of all ages.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Cape Grace Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

    Lying on its own private quay at the V&A Waterfront with Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Grace has the perfect position for those who like to be right in the middle of Cape Town’s action.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Birkenhead House & Villa Hermanus, Garden Route

    Room One does it for us. There’s something surreal about being able to view whales from your bed! But that’s just one of the many natural attractions here at stunning Birkenhead House.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Singita Lebombo Lodge Kruger National Park

    Sleep under the South African stars and experience the ultimate safari in the heart of the Kruger National Park, where all the big hitters of the game world regularly stop by for a visit.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • 21 Nettleton Camps Bay, Cape Town

    Timeless architecture, dramatic scenery, a sublime pool, and the largest private garden in the sought-after suburb of Clifton. It all adds up to a truly extraordinary and memorable experience.​

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel Cape Town

    Known locally as The Nelly, this feels like a colonial outpost; in fact with such grand surroundings, you could almost be staying in an embassy: with all the grace and splendour of yesteryear, yet none of the stuffiness.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Ellerman House & Villas Bantry Bay, Cape Town

    High on a hill with to-die-for views of the gorgeous coastline, a stay at Ellerman House feels very much akin to that of a glamorously-seductive French Riviera hideaway.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Kensington Place Higgovale, Cape Town

    The city’s original boutique bolthole, and still one of its best. In a leafy suburb on the slopes of Table Mountain, you’re close to the action, but detached enough to feel totally relaxed and rested.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • One&Only Cape Town Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

    South Africa’s premier urban chic retreat and as much of a stunner inside as it is out, so if it's the 'greatest hits' of SA's most sophisticated city you're looking to explore while in town, then look no further.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Pod Camps Bay Camps Bay, Cape Town

    Chic, modern and oh-so-boutique, this 15-room, adult-focused and eco-friendly urban abode is just one block from Camps Bay Beach, where take-out can be ordered from local eateries straight to your room or suite.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Sea Five Boutique Hotel Camps Bay, Cape Town

    Light, airy and spacious, this really is a beach house with a difference: think Cape Cod-meets-stylish-Europe and sets up home in Cape Town, overlooking the crashing waves of über-trendy Camps Bay!

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • The Silo Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town

    The newest addition to The Royal Portfolio’s divine hotel collection, built in the grain elevator portion of the historic grain silo complex, this magical space towers above the V&A Waterfront.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa Camps Bay, Cape Town

    The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa has one heck of a backdrop: the ruggedly beautiful Table Mountain National Park – a dramatic setting that goes hand-in-hand with its host of unforgettable outdoor experiences.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Babylonstoren Drakenstein Valley, Winelands

    One of the oldest and best-preserved Cape Dutch farms in the heart of the Winelands, where you can join in and assist with harvesting, pruning and planting the 8-acre vegetable garden.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa Stellenbosch, Winelands

    The Winelands are home to some fabulous hotels – but this one’s rewritten the rulebook with its contemporary art from Laurence Graff's private collection, uber-stylish restaurant, restorative spa and private cinema.​

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Grande Roche Hotel Paarl, Winelands

    An immaculately restored Dutch homestead with an award-winning restaurant, set in gorgeous manicured gardens, and an exceptional base from which to discover the Paarl wine region's very best Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec wines.​

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • La Residence Franschhoek, Winelands

    A unique combination of privacy, luxury and family-friendly flexibility. A bouquet of fresh lavender greets you. The ultra-extravagant décor hits you as you enter your room – no wonder Elton John loves it here!

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Le Quartier Francais Franschhoek, Winelands

    Located slap-bang in the heart of Franschhoek, this would be our ideal home; with ​individually-styled rooms in glorious colours; spacious suites; lush courtyard gardens; lovely pools – what more could you want?

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Leeu Estates Franschhoek, Winelands

    A 17-room five-star country house retreat and boutique winery set on 168 square acres, Leeu Estates is spectacularly set among vineyards, gardens and fynbos in the scenic Franschhoek Valley.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Leeu House Franschhoek, Winelands

    Equally as exclusive as its sister property, Leeu Estates, this family-friendly 13-room boutique hotel is an oasis of tranquility and comfort.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Mont Rochelle Franschhoek, Winelands

    With grounds covering around 100 acres, Sir Richard Branson’s stunning 26-bedroom hotel and 91-acre vineyard serve up a 150-year-old cellar, a cosy bar, two restaurants, spa treatments and a heated pool.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Amakhala Game Reserve Eastern Cape, Garden Route

    A relatively recent reserve set up as a joint conservation venture, around 40 minutes north-east of Port Elizabeth, Amakhala is an 18,000-acre reserve with a choice of luxury lodges and a variety of unique experiences.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Grootbos Private Nature Reserve Gansbaai, Garden Route

    One of our favourite places in Africa, idyllically located in fynbos-covered hills overlooking Walker Bay with a host of incredible one-of-a-kind experiences and super-easy access to the Marine Big Five.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Conrad Pezula Knysna, Garden Route

    Listen… The silence here really is quite striking… Conrad Pezula is a destination in itself; a world of luxury and unspoiled nature at the Eastern tip of Knysna on South Africa's legendary Garden Route.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Hunter's Country House Near Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

    Hunter’s fragrant and colourful gardens create an idyllic setting for this super-luxurious retreat. Soak up the sun poolside, watch the kids play at Cubs Corner, or simply relax with a pamper treatment (on request).

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Kanonkop House Knysna, Garden Route

    Tranquilly positioned in a private and peaceful indigenous forest, five minutes’ drive from town, the elegant, award-winning, six-suite Kanonkop House has breathtaking views over the Knysna lagoon and the famous ‘Knysna Heads’.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Kwandwe Private Game Reserve Grahamstown, Garden Route

    At the heart of the malaria-free Eastern Cape, Kwandwe is a pristine, private wilderness with plenty of opportunity to see the Big Five as well as the rare Blue Crane and other endangered species.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Ocean Eleven Hermanus, Garden Route

    With 10 suites of white-washed colonial loveliness, Ocean Eleven feels more boutique hotel than guest house​, and lives up to its name with all-embracing Walker Bay views and particularly good whale-spotting opportunities in season.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Shamwari Game Reserve Eastern Cape, Garden Route

    If you’re planning your first safari, or doing the Garden Route, Shamwari is perfect. Its excellent lodges offer every comfort, it's great for families, you're able to get really close to the animals, and you should see all the Big Five.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • The Manor House at Fancourt George, Garden Route

    Fancourt is one of the world’s best golf resorts and its original homestead is now a boutique hotel that mixes old-world charm with crisp contemporary luxury, and offers full access to the resort's wonderful spa and world-class golf courses.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • The Plettenberg Hotel Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

    When you’re exploring somewhere as mesmerising as the Garden Route, you’ll want to stay somewhere that’s guaranteed to knock your socks off. And ​The Plettenberg – probably the area’s prettiest hotel – is just that.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Tsala Treetop Lodge Near Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

    Over the road from an elephant sanctuary and Plettenberg Bay’s whale-watching, this treehouse-inspired boutique hotel celebrates Africa with its ethnic, craftsman-inspired décor.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

    Seven different African ecosystems meet within Phinda’s 56,800 acres, with stunningly designed lodges, excellent game-viewing, walking safaris, river cruises, canoeing and night drives.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Amakhosi Safari Lodge Amazulu Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

    On the banks of the Mkuze River, the luxurious suites here make the most of local game-viewing with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning private viewing decks. It's ideal for bush weddings too.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal

    Dedicated to sumptuous food and rustic luxury, Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse has, over the last 10 years, earned global recognition as a delightful romantic gourmet getaway.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Fugitives’ Drift Lodge & Guest House Rorke’s Drift, KwaZulu-Natal

    Fugitives’ Drift is right in the heart of the Battlefields, and offers a choice of ‘camps’ – The Lodge, with its luxury en-suite cottages; and The Guest House, complete with individually decorated bedrooms and sweeping views.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Karkloof Safari Spa Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

    Could this be one of South Africa’s most chilled-out safari destinations? ​Well with no fixed schedule, unlimited spa treatments, private game drives and all-inclusive dining at any time, we think it's well on its way!

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Thanda Private Game Reserve Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal

    If ‘spafari’ is what you need, there’s nowhere better. Choose between the main lodge with nine spacious bush villas, or the safari-style tented camp – both are lavishly appointed.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • The Oyster Box Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal

    Right on the shore’s edge (complete with its own lighthouse!), this iconic landmark perfectly marries old colonial and African-contemporary design and delivers a truly-exceptional experience.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Chitwa Chitwa Sabi Sand Game Reserve

    Named after a giraffe that visited the adjacent lake, the stone lodges here feature an eclectic mix of African chic and European style to create gorgeous, unbridled luxury.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Dulini Lodge Sabi Sand Game Reserve

    This intimate lodge – renowned for its leopard sightings – offers the quintessential ‘Out of Africa’ safari experience, with romance at every turn, and gorgeous suites overlooking the Mabrak River – a prime game-viewing spot.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Earth Lodge Sabi Sabi Game Reserve

    Clearly inspired by the surrounding African bushveld, and so cleverly sculpted into the earth you’ll often find elephants wandering onto the rooftop, Earth Lodge is all about experiencing South African nature and wildlife at its best.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve Sabi Sand Game Reserve

    Superb game-viewing and a wide variety of activities, along with outstanding fine dining and a professional and friendly staff; all combine to create the safari experience of a lifetime.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Londolozi Private Game Reserve Sabi Sand Game Reserve

    Pioneering, soulful and addictive (right down to the home-made muesli), and a labour of love for the Varty family for over 90 years, Londolozi is incredible from start to finish.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Makanyi Private Game Lodge Timbavati, Kruger National Park

    A fresh face has arrived in the game-rich Timbavati, where old-world safari charm meets contemporary design and compelling adventures await.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Notten's Bush Camp Hazyview, Mpumalanga

    As authentic as it gets. Notten’s is a jewel in the heart of the Sabi Sand, and one of the finest family run lodges in all of South Africa – just eight exclusive, beautifully appointed private suites, and the whole camp lit purely by candles and lamps.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Royal Malewane Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit

    Anyone who thought a safari meant ‘roughing it’ should head to Royal Malewane, a beautiful fusion of nature’s wild beat with the quiet and sophisticated heights of colonial comfort, elegance and style.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Singita Boulders Lodge Sabi Sand Game Reserve

    Set on the banks of the Sand River, surrounded by open grassland and bush, you’ll find yourself enjoying every creature comfort in the most beautiful of natural environments.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Singita Ebony Lodge Sabi Sand Game Reserve

    Set on the banks of the Sand River, surrounded by open grassland and bush, you’ll find yourself enjoying every creature comfort in the most beautiful of natural environments.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Singita Sweni Lodge Kruger National Park

    Sleep under the South African stars and experience the ultimate safari in the heart of the Kruger National Park, where all the big hitters of the game world regularly stop by for a visit.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Ulusaba Private Game Reserve Sabi Sand Game Reserve

    Meaning 'Place of Little Fear', Ulusaba is a place of fascinating sights, breathtaking wilderness and sunrise safaris – perfect for seeking out the 'Big Five', and taking time out to kick back and relax.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Jamala Madikwe, Royal Safari Lodge Madikwe Game Reserve

    Just five gargantuan bush villas at this right royal retreat fuse superlative luxury and intimate privacy with extravagant facilities inside and out (including a polished wooden deck, plunge pool and outdoor shower).

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Madikwe Game Reserve

    Malaria-free and ingeniously set in the middle of Madikwe amongst age-old Tamboti trees, if you’re taking the family on safari, we can’t think of anywhere better than Madikwe Hills.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Mateya Safari Lodge Madikwe Game Reserve

    A lodge for the discerning traveller, with just five exclusive suites: each with its own private pool and viewing sala. Beautifully designed, extremely opulent and the whole feel is of refinement mixed with an untamed spirit.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Molori Safari Lodge Madikwe Game Reserve

    Located in the malaria-free region of the Madikwe Game Reserve, in South Africa’s North West Province and bordering Botswana, Molori is a perfect destination from which to enjoy the vast African landscapes.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • AtholPlace Hotel & Villa Atholl, Johannesburg

    On the outskirts of Johannesburg, in the chic, cosmopolitan suburb of Atholl, this small boutique hotel exudes contemporary style and welcomes families and children of all ages.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Fairlawns Boutique Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg

    Set amongst lush acres of landscaped gardens, this urban Sandton sanctuary offers sweet escape from the city, plus chic, upscale suites with every modern amenity you could wish for.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Westcliff, Johannesburg

    This welcoming suburban sanctuary has panoramic views over the prettiest suburbs, and all the bells and whistles you get with a Four Seasons hotel... but with its view over the Johannesburg Zoo, you may hear the odd lion roar too.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • Illyria House Pretoria

    Any stay in the refinements of this magnificent colonial villa overlooking the Union Buildings is always memorable, where elegant surroundings meet exceptional service – and boy do we mean exceptional!

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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  • The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa Sandhurst, Johannesburg

    Voted World’s Leading Boutique Hotel for the last 10 years, this matchless property overlooks magnificent gardens not far from the upscale Sandton, Hyde Park and Rosebank districts.

    Call us on 01244 567 000 to start planning your next holiday.

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Inside Knowledge

Creating special moments

  1. Café Culture

    Café Culture

    Camp out in Camps Bay; with one of Cape Town’s largest and most picturesque beaches attracting the city’s beautiful crowd, this affluent suburb is a brilliant place to spend the day people-watching from one of many chic sidewalk cafés.

  2. Whale-Watching

    Whale-Watching

    Wonderful Hermanus, otherwise a quiet coastal town, is the centre for the world’s very best shore-based whale-watching. So much so that it has the planet’s only official whale crier (who signals their arrival in the bay with a blow on his kelp horn).

  3. Safari Sundowners

    Safari Sundowners

    Kruger is the largest of South Africa’s National Parks, and there’s no better place to enjoy a luxury safari. Many of the lodges are located next to popular waterholes for the best game viewing even when you’re in camp.