‘A World in One Country’ is how you’ll hear South Africa described; a fitting tribute for a place brimming with exceptional wonders.
Gourmet cuisine and excellent wines are prevalent throughout the country but undoubtedly one of the most specialist spots is the Winelands region, with its world-renowned vineyards and fine dining, country house hotels.
Head less than two hours drive from Cape Town and you can be in the picturesque region of Hermanus for some of the best land-based whale-watching in the world, while a trip east to the Garden Route should certainly be on your ‘must see’ list too; an abundance of forests, lakes, rivers and mountains that plunge to meet the coast. Port Elizabeth, at the eastern end of the Garden Route, is the gateway to several malaria-free game reserves, perfect if you have young children in tow.
Then there is Cape Town itself; a cosmopolitan city of slick restaurants and trendy bars with the imposing Table Mountain as its back drop. Here you can pay tribute to the life of Nelson Mandela and others at Robben Island or peruse the jetties of the Victoria & Albert Waterfront.
It’s here that you’ll find our new Cape Town office, run by our long-standing South African Destination Manager Richard Nurse. By having someone so knowledgeable ‘on the ground’, we can ensure your Africa experience is enhanced by the kind of personal insight and genuine passion that only comes from having lived and breathed in a region. Alongside our very well-travelled specialists in the UK, we’ll be able to honestly recommend all the elements that will make your luxury South African holiday exceptional.
Put simply, why not? There is so much to see and do here and at the Inspiring Travel Company we pride ourselves on our knowledge of the region, meaning that we can create a luxury holiday for you which is completely made-to-measure and with you, solely, in mind. Whether you’re a couple wanting to while away a few weeks relaxing, a family in need of some quality, active, time together or a retiree yearning for pristine golf courses and sumptuous dining; we’ll create the South African journey you’re looking for. Most journeys to the country begin and end in Cape Town; the ideal bookends for any trip here. Relax in comfort in the ‘Mother City’ before venturing further into the realms of adventure; from some of the finest wineries in the world, to experiencing both land and ocean’s ‘Big Fives’ up close.
Time difference: GMT +2 hours
Flight duration: 11 hours 30 minutes to Cape Town (direct). 11 hours to Johannesburg (direct)
Currency: South African Rand
Capital: Pretoria
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Cape Town and Johannesburg. Emirates and Etihad also operate indirect flights to South Africa from regional UK Airports.
Cape Town and the Garden Route are at their glorious summer best from November to March but if you prefer a more temperate climate or want to see the flora in fine bloom, the spring months of August and September are perfect. The dry season from May to August is particularly good for safaris because vegetation is sparse and animals frequent the watering-holes, while for whale-watching off the Cape Coast, visit from July to the beginning of November.
Animal-lovers will adore South Africa, but especially those who enjoy wildlife of a unique nature. Food and wine connoisseurs, families, couples or single travellers will all find perfectly suited resorts and hotels, and sporting fans will appreciate the range of golf, cricket and rugby watching, and playing, opportunities.
Combine your trip to South Africa with the likes of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe for safaris. Or for laid-back beaches and relaxation head on to Mauritius or east African beaches such as Zanzibar.
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