Africa is often introduced through safari, but that’s only one part of a much wider experience. Across the continent, you’ll find coastlines, cities, mountains, and food scenes that feel completely different from one another. South Africa is a good example of this variety, where you can move from beaches to vineyards to historic sites within a relatively short distance. It’s a destination that works just as well for a multi-stop trip as it does for a single base with day trips.
Coastlines and beach towns with personality
Cape Town’s Camps Bay is known for its wide stretch of sand backed by the Twelve Apostles, with cafés and restaurants lining Victoria Road. It’s a popular spot for an evening drink as the sun goes down. Further along the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay offers a quieter feel, with places like Robberg Beach for long walks and viewpoints along the Robberg Nature Reserve. Between June and November, whales are often seen just offshore, while boat trips head out to see seals and dolphins.
Cities that balance scenery and everyday life
Cape Town is easy to explore at your own pace. The cable car up Table Mountain gives a clear view across the peninsula, while the V&A Waterfront is a convenient area for shops and casual dining by the harbour. Neighbourhoods like Bo-Kaap are worth visiting for their colourful houses and local food spots. There’s also plenty to do outdoors, from hiking Lion’s Head to coastal drives like Chapman’s Peak.
The Drakensberg Mountains and open landscapes
The Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal offer a very different setting. This is a region focused on walking trails, wide views, and quiet surroundings. The Amphitheatre hike is one of the best-known routes, leading to Tugela Falls, and there are options for horse riding and guided walks to see San rock art. Accommodation ranges from simple lodges to more comfortable stays, all centred around the landscape.
History in the Battlefields
The Battlefields region of KwaZulu-Natal focuses on the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Sites such as Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are usually visited with a guide, which helps explain the events in detail. The setting itself remains largely unchanged, which adds context to the stories told during the tours. It’s a different pace of travel, with more time spent learning about the area.
Winelands and a slower pace
The Cape Winelands are centred around towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Stellenbosch is known for its historic streets, galleries and cafés, while Franschhoek has a strong food scene alongside its vineyards. Wine tastings are available across a range of estates, and the Franschhoek Wine Tram connects several of them in an easy way. It’s a relaxed way to end a trip, with a focus on food, wine and time outdoors.
To experience beyond the safaris in Africa, contact your Travel Counsellor today.
Winter sun doesn't have to mean the same destinations year after year. Whether you're dreaming of tropical islands, unforgettable wildlife encounters, bustling cities, or beaches that stretch for miles, there are plenty of destinations that come into their own during winter. If you're already thinking about your next escape, here are five winter sun destinations worth adding to your travel wish list.
When most people think of Thailand, they picture the dry, busy months - the packed beaches, the long queues at temples, the peak-season prices. But, outside of these peak months, Thailand’s green season reveals a softer, more atmospheric side of the country. The landscapes deepen in colour, the pace eases, and familiar places begin to feel more spacious, from temple courtyards and hillside trails to palm-fringed beaches.
Choosing where to stay can completely change the feel of an Algarve holiday. Beyond the region’s larger resorts, there are whitewashed villas overlooking the Atlantic, converted village houses in the countryside, intimate design hotels, and peaceful coastal retreats. From the fishing village of Salema to the quieter landscapes around Vila do Bispo and Lagos, these four stays each offer their own take on southern Portugal, whether you want the freedom of a villa, easy access to the beach, or somewhere small and characterful to come back to after a day exploring.
