South Africa Experiences
Cape Town
Cape Town is the second largest city in South Africa. The oldest urban area in South Africa, it was first settled by the Dutch East India Company as a supply station for Dutch ships to India and the Far East. Nicknamed the Mother City, it is a melting pot of people and cultures. This fascinating city has the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop. The city offers lots of outdoor areas: beaches, Table Mountain National Park, the historic Company Gardens and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. The V&A Waterfront is one of Africa’s most visited destinations with its many shops and restaurants. This cosmopolitan city hums with an African beat. Mediterranean climate, a gorgeous setting between mountains and sea makes a Cape Town stay every visitor’s delight.
Cape Peninsula
You can visit Cape Peninsula as a day trip from Cape Town. Known as the Fairest Cape, you will soon see for yourself why it earned this nickname. Cruise along the exquisite stretch of coastline known as Millionaire’s Paradise – from Camps Bay, Clifton, the exclusive beach town of Llandudno. Drive along beautiful Hout Bay on the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive as you hug the cliffs and take in the breathtaking ocean views. Arrive at the Cape of Good Hope and its Nature Reserve. On the way back to Cape Town, stop at the historic naval port of Simon’s Town and get up close and personal with the South African penguins on Boulder’s Beach.
Winelands
The Winelands region is just an hour out of Cape Town. Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek are the Winelands’ main towns. Stellenbosch is South Africa’s second oldest European settlement. Nicknamed the City of Oaks, its colonial history can be seen in its Cape Dutch buildings and its Victorian and Georgian mansions set amongst the oak lined streets. Stellenbosch boasts over 150 wineries. Paarl was the third settlement in the area. Franschhoek is known as the food and wine capital of South Africa. This quaint town is reminiscent of a little European village.
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the largest city and South Africa’s economic hub. It is also its major international gateway. This city was established in 1886 following the discovery of gold. Commonly referred to as Jo’burg, it is in a period of renaissance and renovation. There are several amazing museums, most notably the Apartheid Museum. This museum illustrated the rise and fall of apartheid in South Africa.
Soweto
Soweto is a township located in the greater Johannesburg area. This township is associated with the struggle against Apartheid and the 1976 uprising. Visit the Nelson Mandela National Museum where Nelson Mandela lived from 1946-1962. See original furniture, memorabilia, and photographs. The Mandela house is just up the street from the former home of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Bishop Desmond Tutu. The Hector Pieterson Museum covers the events of the anti-Apartheid Soweto uprising where Hector Pieterson and 170 protesting school children were killed. The museum features films, newspapers, personal accounts, and photographs. Soweto, today is a vibrant community.
Greater Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is a South African National Park and one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management. Kruger is home to an impressive number of species including the Big Five