Reasons to Visit South Africa
The most economical and by far the most popular way to experience South Africa is on a self drive. The roads are good, traffic tends to be light and driving is on the left.
Within easy driving distance of Cape Town, the valleys of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek have become known as 'The Winelands'. Here you can admire the manicured rows of green and russet vines and even stop to sample the local tipple.
Cape Town – one of the world’s great cities, Cape Town has excellent accommodation, is easy to explore and is the gateway to the Wine Regions and Garden Route. Cape Town is an ideal place to start your trip around South Africa.
Hermanus and Walker Bay, near Cape Town, are perhaps the best places in the world to spot whales from the shore (Jun-Dec). Whale watching trips from boats are also popular in South Africa.
Learn how Ghandi, Paul Kruger and Winston Churchill were all involved in the battle of Spioenkop, during the Boer War, or how a hundred British soldiers held off some 4,000 Zulus at Rorke’s Drift, and how nearly 1,800 were killed a few hours earlier at the battle of Isandlwana.
South Africa offers some of the best safari in the whole of Africa. One of the best places are the private reserves of Kruger Greater Park, where you can see the 'Big Five' (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo).
South Africa boasts some spectacular scenery across the whole country. These include the imposing Drakensberg Mountains, coastal views along the Garden Route, the impressive Blyde River Canyon and the vast Karoo.
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South Africa
The Karoo is the vast semi-desert that comprises the bulk of the interior of South Africa and is an inhospitable place. Much of the scenery is interspersed by farmland and mountains.
Family-run, The Thorntree offers a comfortable stay and is a base from which to explore Oudtshoorn and the surrounding area, including the spectacular Cango Caves. The food here is excellent.
When coming to Oudtshoorn, what better place to stay than on a working ostrich farm. This is an intimate and charming choice and guests can take advantage of the option of dining at the guesthouse in the evening, where a 3-course meal of local dishes can be produced.
A hotel of great history and character, Rosenhof provides a lovely place to relax and unwind from the rigours of travelling as well as a fantastic base for exploring the Little Karoo.
15 days from £4,160pp
18 days from £2,350pp
15 days from £2,200pp
43 miles away
51 miles away
60 miles away
146 miles away
Further reading:Tours in South AfricaRegions of South AfricaWhen to GoItinerary IdeasTrain JourneysPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout South AfricaCountry Guides
Other countries in Africa:BotswanaKenyaMadagascarMalawiMauritiusMozambiqueNamibiaRwandaTanzaniaThe SeychellesUgandaZambiaZanzibar ArchipelagoZimbabwe
