Travel info

What to pack

The facts

The country

Popularly described as ‘the world in one country’, South Africa has lots to offer, whether you are interested in game viewing, wine tasting, sports, African arts, culture or just working on your suntan on the endless beaches.   Although it is impossible to describe all aspects of South Africa on this site (we suggest you pay a visit to your local bookstore for a selection of well researched guide books), we would like to give you a brief introduction on South Africa’s nine provinces here.  You can either read through the whole text or use our clickable map for more information per province.

If after reading this there are still questions left unanswered, please let us know, and we will find out for you!

Western Cape

Cape Town

Known to South Africans as the ‘Mother City’, beautiful Cape Town was the first area to be settled by Europeans in the 17th century.  It is situated at the south-western tip of Africa, about 60km. north of the Cape of Good Hope, in a natural bowl with the magnificent Table Mountain at its rear and the vast Atlantic Ocean in the front.  This cosmopolitan city of parks, historic buildings, stylish malls and surrounding Winelands is an ideal place to spend a week or more.  It is safer than most South African cities with a bustling street life of shops, cafés, market stalls and street artists.  This vibrancy is set amongst historic buildings of old Cape Dutch and English architecture with the Castle of Good Hope dating back to 1666.

Tours including Cape Town

Winelands

The Cape Winelands is an enchanting region of dramatic mountains and fertile valleys, stretching across rolling fields.  Here, farmers enjoy perfect conditions and produce some of the best wines in the world.  There are literally hundreds of wine estates; all offering the chance to sample their unique blends in a picture-perfect setting.  Stellenbosch is the capital of the Winelands and the second town to be established by the Dutch settlers.  It’s full of old thatched and whitewashed Dutch buildings and historic national monuments.

Tours including Winelands

Garden Route

Not named for cultivated gardens as many travelers expect, but rather for the magnificence of its wild, unspoilt coastline and natural ‘gardens’, as described by the French explorer, Le Vaillant, in the 1780’s. The Khoi San people called it ‘Outeniqua’, meaning ‘a man laden with honey’, a reference to the scent from the wild flowers.  The Outeniqua Mountains form the natural boundary between the Garden Route and the much drier Klein or Little Karoo north of the Garden Route. The magnificent forests at Tsitsikamma, sweeping beaches of St Francis Bay and beautiful Plettenberg Bay, the bustling town of Knysna and lovely Lake District of Wilderness and Sedgefield are your Garden Route. Golfers will enjoy the great variety of superb golf courses from Fancourt in George to Pezula and Simola in Knysna and Goose Valley in Plettenberg Bay.  With several golf courses being underway the Garden Route promises to become the Golfing Mecca of South Africa soon, very soon!

Tours including Garden Route

Knysna - Knysna's Waterfront on the lagoon is the place to be, a seaside shopping Mecca. Enjoy fresh oysters at the Oyster Company and fresh fish at 34° South, and watch the world float by on the water. Discover the Thesen Harbour Town, for a beautiful al fresco lunch at Ile de Pain, or a sumptious dinner at Lush.  Book a charter and sail or cruise the lagoon.

Nature's Valley - The scenic drive is worth it on its own, an additional reward is fresh fish at Rafiki's, on a deck on the beach, with a sundowner to end the day.

Plettenberg Bay with it's magnificent unspoilt Robberg and Lookout Beaches is a popular seaside town. Great whale spotting in winter with jet-setting polo playing in summer. Hike the Robberg trail or walk magnificent unspoilt beaches.

Rheenendal - Outside Knysna, Bushpig Fabrics on the road to Rheenendal, do fabric painting and screen-printed T-shirts. Nearby, visit Millwood the original site of early gold mining.

George - For steam lovers, take a ride on the famous Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe which travels from George to Knysna. This authentic steam train chugs along a charming scenic route on the rugged coastline and across the lagoon to Knysna.

Sedgefield - When the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe stops at Sedgefield, buy homemade pies from the Sedgefield Station for ‘padkos’. On Saturday morning visit the Wild Oats Community Farmers' Market for farm fresh produce, where everything from biltong to biscuits is sold - the best place to enjoy breakfast.

Stilbaai - Famous fish traps, dating from the early Strandlopers, may be seen on the beach. From the official whale watching point, Lappiesbaai Restaurant, watch whales wave their tails. Stop off at the Matchbox, a charming country coffee shop offering stylish gifts and a farmyard for the kids.

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Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is one of Africa's rare and unspoilt gems, offering great diversity. Discover superb beaches on its wild coast, the vast Karoo landscape with unforgettable star-studded night skies, charming, historic towns, and a warm welcome. Parks are being restocked with wildlife including the Big Five and the Addo Elephant Park has expanded its boundaries recently. Port Elizabeth, East London and Grahamstown are in the province, as well as Umtata in the Transkei. Qunu in the Transkei is the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, who is affectionately known as Madiba.

The Eastern Cape has quite a few great golf courses already like the St. Francis Links, Humewood, Port Elizabeth, the East London Golf Course, East London and the Fish River Sun on the Fish River with some more being developed.  A great combination with the malaria-free private and National game reserves!

Tours including Safari

Graaff-Reinet - The awesome Valley of Desolation is not to be missed, neither are the most spectacular Karoo sunsets. Visit Agatha Paelonie, a real character, whose miracle healing cream is well-known and knowledge of Karoo medicinal herbs is outstanding. Stroll the streets with its charming historic buildings.

Grahamstown - Settler history is strong here, with the town being founded by the 1820 settlers from Britain. Rhodes University today forms a large part of Grahamstown's profile. The Grahamstown Arts Festival in June/July draws the crowds for its contemporary and fringe theatre, drama and art presentations.

Nieu-Bethesda - Travel off the beaten track along a gravel road to this tiny hamlet, famous for the Owl House where eccentric and artistic Helen Martins created a fantasy world of glass, mosaic and cement sculptures. Relatives of her assistant, Koos Malgas, recreate cement and glass owl mementos for sale.

R72 - Off the N2 to Port Alfred is Nanaga Farm Stall famous for its pies and farm style kitchen serving traditional ‘roosterkoek’.

Addo Elephant Park is close to Port Elizabeth and has recently been expanded to include a much larger area, where many game lodges and game reserves offer the opportunity to see the Big Five.

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KwaZulu Natal

Rich in tribal history and home to the proud Zulu nation, KwaZulu Natal offers a complete experience from the ‘berg to beaches, bushveld to battlefields’. Travel from the spectacular Drakensberg to the golden beaches of the warm Indian Ocean; from the world-famous game reserves of Hluhluwe and Umfolozi where the white rhino was saved from extinction, to the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift where the glorious battles of the Zulu Empire were fought between the British and the Zulu's. Visit tribal villages, which offer a glimpse into Zulu culture and traditions. Numerous coastal resorts between Durban and the Wild Coast offer beautiful beaches, ideal for surfing, snorkeling, fishing, swimming and diving. KwaZulu Natal is the largest producer of sugar in South Africa, with fields of sugar cane stretching from north to south. To the north, the Elephant Coast (Maputaland) and St. Lucia, a World Heritage Site, are home to Big Five game reserves and lodges where elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard may be spotted. Whales and dolphins are sighted off the coast and in the north; the beaches attract rare and endangered turtles, which lay their eggs in the warm golden sands. A major attraction are the superb golf courses particularly along the North and South Coast. These include the famous Zimbali, Selbourne and Umdoni golf courses, as well as the Links course at Prince's Grant near Stanger.

Hluhluwe, St Lucia and the Elephant Coast (Maputaland) - Visit Ilala Weavers where some of the larger baskets take several years to weave, and traditional Zulu beadwork is made. Enjoy a delicious light lunch alfresco, at nearby Savanna Restaurant.

Mkuze - Be enthralled as Umxoxi Myeni (whose name means ‘story teller’ in Zulu) tells the tale of traditional Zulu culture from birth to death, and walk with him to kraals, visit a Sangoma (traditional healer) and a medicinal garden.

St. Lucia - Sample crocodile kebabs at The Zulu and I in the crocodile centre. Wander through the centrally located fruit and craft market in the main road. A new boardwalk, built in the dunes, has whale watching towers and specially constructed bird hides. Excellent seasonal whale watching, where up to 50 whales have been spotted at one time. Kayak on Lake St Lucia and have close encounters with hippo and crocodile. Not for the fainthearted!

Lower North Coast
Umdloti Beach - Hot spot on the North Coast, the best rock cod at Trattoria La Casa Nostra, also pizzas and pastas.
 

Umhlanga Rocks - Enjoy the unspoilt coastal bush and lagoon, take a leisurely walk through the Hawaan Forest, which has been proposed as a National Botanical garden. Excellent birdlife!

The Sardine Run is a phenomenon, which takes place on the North and South Coast during June, July and August when thousands of sardines in large shoals appear and often beach followed by dolphins and game fish to the delight of the locals.

South Coast
Pennington - Umdoni Park Golf Course is one of the best-kept secrets of the South Coast, set in a lush nature reserve with spectacular sea views.

Port Edward - Zanner Pottery has a range of hand-painted earthenware, view their work in the studio garden. On your way north, some two kilometers out of Port Edward, stop at The Cowshed for a light lunch or homemade carrot cake.

Scottburgh - Fresh fish at the beachfront Lemnos Greek bistro, including fresh sardines when the sardine run is on!

Near Ixopo, inland from Scottburgh is King's Grant originally establishments as a mission station for German Trappist monks and guests may enjoy a charming meal or overnight at this delightful spot.

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Gauteng

The smallest province in South Africa, Gauteng is home to Johannesburg and Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa. Gauteng means ’Place of Gold’ in Sotho, and refers to the gold rush in 1886 when gold was discovered on the reef near Johannesburg. Johannesburg rapidly developed from a gold mining village into the commercial centre of South Africa. Gauteng is also a large industrial hub, one of the largest in the Southern hemisphere.

Magaliesberg, a popular weekend destination, is the place to rise with the sun in a hot air balloon and drift over fields and valleys, or spend the day doing the Magalies Meander or the Crocodile River Ramble.

Pretoria is 50 kilometres from Johannesburg and is home to the magnificent Union Buildings designed by Sir Herbert Baker, and famous for it's beautiful Jacaranda Trees, which line the streets and bloom in October. Visit the beautifully restored Melrose House and the Sammy Marks Museum or spend a day with the family at the Pretoria Zoo famous for its White Lions. It's all happening around the Embassy belt at Brooklyn Circle and Hatfield. Meet the locals in popular bistros and restaurants and shop in the boutiques, art and décor shops.

Cullinan is where the world's largest diamond was discovered, visit Premier Diamond Mine and the charming historic village of Cullinan, outside Pretoria. At Kyalami, the only Lippizzaner school outside of Europe has weekly shows every Sunday. Proceeds to support the school.

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Free State (formerly Orange Free State)

From the scenic Eastern Highlands with its magnificent sandstone cliffs to the golden maize fields, the Free State is known as ‘big sky country’. In the heart of South Africa, this is the ideal stop-over between the Cape and Johannesburg or KwaZulu Natal. An easy four-hour drive from Johannesburg is Bloemfontein, birthplace in 1894 of J.J. Tolkien, who wrote The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

Bethlehem is flower heaven, one of the largest exporters of roses in the country. Pop past the Rose Bud Shop in Muller Street to buy fresh roses, homemade pastries and cakes.

Bethulie, near the Gariep Dam is ideal to spend a tranquil day at Tussen-die-Riviere Game Reserve (between the Orange and Caledon Rivers) spotting plains game, rhino, buffalo and brilliant birdlife.

Bloemfontein - If you are in ‘Bloem’ (as we call it) on a Sunday, stop at the Terrace Restaurant at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum for tea in the garden to the tunes of the local orchestra. Stroll to Orchard House to see the Green House with its impressive orchid collection. Emily Hobhouse, the famous Victorian feminist is remembered by a memorial in Bloemfontein, for her tireless efforts to improve the plight of Boer woman and children who were confined in the British concentration camps during the Anglo Boer War, and there is also a memorial to those women and children who died.

Clarens - An artist's haven where canvases of local artists are displayed at the Square, an old building with sandstone walls and a rusted tin roof, which doubles as a restaurant and also stocks glass, ceramics and bronzes. Don’t forget to browse the gift shop upstairs.

Ladybrand - Discover South Africa's own Jurassic Park with fascinating fossil tours and dinosaur footprints.

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Mpumalanga (formerly Eastern Transvaal)

Mpumalanga (the place where the sun rises) is home to the Shangaan people, as well as to the lowveld, escarpment and bushveld. With its unique wildlife and superb scenery, the world famous Kruger National Park and private game lodges and game reserves are major drawcards. The romance of the early pioneers and the gold rush lives on at Pilgrim's Rest, a quaint, historic village with many original buildings. From Sabie, it is an easy drive to the Mac-Mac Falls and Blyde River Canyon. With its sub-tropical climate, the area is famous for fruit, such as litchies, mangoes and bananas.

Dullstroom - The trout is a must in this trout fishing village! Get deli delights from Milly's, enjoy a bite at one of the many bistros.

Hazyview - Watch a mini-opera about the story of the local Shangaan people at the Shangaan Cultural Village. Stop over at Perry's Bridge Shopping Complex.

Nelspruit - Visit the nearby hamlet of Kaapsche Hoop, where wild horses roam in the mist and blue swallows rest en masse on their migratory journey. Hall's Gateway Farmstall outside town is ‘jam-packed’ with dried fruits, jams, preserves, home bakes, fresh fruit and juices. Curios and trinkets too!

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Limpopo (formerly Northern Transvaal)

Limpopo Province is bordered to the North by Rudyard Kipling's ‘great grey greasy Limpopo River’. Wide open spaces, dramatic mountain ranges and sacred lakes create a diverse province which is home to the Venda, North Sotho and Tsonga peoples, and the legendary Prester John and mystical Rain Queen ‘Modjadji’ who have been the inspiration for novels. The famous ‘upside down’ Baobab tree is found to the north, and the Northern section of the world famous Kruger National Park is a wildlife mecca. The Waterberg, Soutpansberg and Magoebaskloof offer hiking trails, waterfalls and crystal clear pools. Malaria-free game viewing in the Waterberg, which is also the home Jack Nicklaus’ and Ernie Els’ new golf estate which will built within a game reserve.

Tours including Kruger Park

Haenertsberg - Go hiking, kloofing, trout fishing and mountain biking from this small mountain village, stop at the local pub for pepper trout and local art.

Hoedspruit - The best biltong in South Africa at the Bosveld Butchery just outside town, and in town make it to Mad Dogs Café.

Letsitele Garden Meander - Stunning private gardens may be enjoyed in this area. Pop in for a morning cup of superb South African tea at a tea estate in the Letsitele valley, then marvel at the beautiful hand embroidery of the Karossworkers.

Magoebaskloof - The magic of Magoebaskloof is best revealed during the Azalea Festival, when the mountains and valleys are a bloom of colour. Wonderful walks and waterfalls.

Tzaneen - Foodies must visit the decadent nougat factory in the mountains at Agatha, then sample freshly ground coffee and decadent tea treats at the Coach House.

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North West Province

Extinct volcanoes and buried treasures such as diamonds and platinum are found in the North West Province, home of the Botswana people.  Wildlife has been introduced in this malaria-free province and both Pilansberg and Madikwe Game Reserves offer the ‘Big Five’.  The famous Anglo-Boer War siege of Mafikeng took place here, and 1999 marked the centenary of this event.  Hartebeespoort Dam and the Magaliesberg mountains are popular outdoor leisure areas and many curio and craft sellers offer their wares at roadside stalls.

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Northern Cape

The Orange River flows through the Northern Cape, which is a sparsely populated province of unspoilt scenic beauty and dramatic contrasts. A through route from Johannesburg to Cape Town is via Kimberley on the N12, and another option is the N14 from Johannesburg via Upington and Kakamas to Cape Town. The Northern Cape's diversity is reflected in the semi desert of the Kalahari to the north, the Karoo to the south, the coast to the west with it's fishing villages and in the east the famous Big Hole, the largest man made hole in the world, in the historic capital of Kimberley.

Kakamas - The spectacular Augrabies Falls is 35 minutes away. A 4x4 trail for enthusiasts near the Riemvasmaak hot water springs.

Kimberley - Visit the famous Big Hole, site of the original diamond diggings, and the surrounding historic museum and shopping village, a toast to a bygone era. Take a trip down memory lane on a restored tram, from the City Hall to the Big Hole. The Freddie Tait Golf Museum at the Kimberley Golf Club is the first golf museum in Africa. Visit Robert Sobukwe House, where the famous PAC leader died in 1978.

Magersfontein - outside Kimberley is the famous Magersfontein Anglo-Boer War battlefield where trench warfare was first used. Kimberley has numerous war memorials in the town.

Take time to visit the Donkey Statue in Upington, sculptured by Hennie Potgieter the donkey is a tribute to the many donkeys who have served as a ‘beast of burden’ for over 6000 years to people all over the world. This life-size statue celebrates the efforts of the donkeys who worked to create the vineyards, sultanas and citrus orchards along the Orange River.
 

One of the seven natural wonders of the world occurs here in Namaqualand when the wild flowers bloom from late July to September and carpet the landscape in a myriad of colors. 

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