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People say that once visited Africa holds a special place in your heart and we think this is definitely true of this mesmerising continent. It is a land of extraordinary contrasts, from wide open sun-baked savannahs where the big game roam, to rugged coastlines, hillside vineyards and the most beautiful flower-filled countryside.
With Table Mountain for its dramatic backdrop, Cape Town’s pleasant climate, natural setting and fabulous beaches make it a great holiday destination. Much of the city itself is also very pretty, reflecting its Dutch architectural heritage. Cape Town is also the gateway to the Garden Route which snakes along some of the most spectacular South African coastline, through impressive mountain ranges and the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Winelands, to historical towns and the enchanting river gorges of Tsitskamma National Park, before arriving in Port Elizabeth.
Of course, Africa is also the place to get up close and personal with the big 5 (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino) and so much more. Early morning and evening game viewing drives with qualified rangers are amongst the most exciting things you can experience. Shamwari Game Reserve or Lion Sands are great options for seeing game as part of a South African itinerary, or why not venture into Kenya and spend a few days in the Masai Mara for some of the best game viewing Africa has to offer and one of the seven natural wonders of the world - the wildebeest migration. Complete your African adventure with a trip to Botswana, combining the majestic Victoria Falls and Zambezi River or if you would prefer, we can also arrange a game viewing or beach extension in Tanzania.
Africa and the Indian Ocean also make a perfect holiday combination, with the chance to combine the desert island relaxation and total indulgence of a spa resort in Mauritius or the Seychelles, with all the excitement of an African safari. Do talk to us, so that we can help you make the most out of your travels.
Out & About
From the beaches of Cape Town to the heart of the winelands South Africa has so much to offer and we urge you not to stop there, as heading further into this vast continent you will be rewarded with big game viewing and the intoxicating scenery of Kenya and Botswana. There is so much to explore, here are a few suggestions.
- Take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for spectacular views of Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island, the Cape Flats and the Cape Peninsula.
- Tour the food and wine heartland of Franschhoek Valley, where leading chefs create sumptuous cuisine and there are a multitude of wine estates to explore, or experience the beauty of this area from above, with a scenic helicopter tour.
- For a thrilling and unique experience, try a shark cage dive off the coast of Hermanus. It sounds scary, but it’s perfectly safe – and if you don’t fancy getting in the water, you still get a great view of the Great White Sharks from the deck of the boat.
- If you’re stopping in Nairobi before a safari, head out to Karen Blixen country, one of the beautiful suburbs in the Ngong Hills, which will take you `Out of Africa', into the historic home of the Danish author who was the focus of the 1985 movie.
- If in Nairobi, enjoy lunch or dinner at ‘Carnivore’ - a meat lover’s paradise, famous for its succulent steaks, game meat and great African hospitality. This is also an ideal place to stop and refuel before flying home.
Food & Drink
South African cuisine blends the culinary arts of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Arab states. It is rich in seafood and the local speciality is rock lobster, either simply prepared with lemon butter, or as part of a modern fusion dish. Curries are served with chopped vegetables, and locally made pickles or chutney are also popular. Baia at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has to be our favourite seafood restaurant, with its innovative dishes, a chic setting and spectacular views. We also love Bouillabaisse in Franschhoek for its Asian style seafood with a twist and if you’re heading up the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth, Wicker Woods is excellent for South African grills and seafood and Mauro’s is a divine Italian restaurant.
South African Tourism
www.southafrica.net
Getting There
Flights to Cape Town are with Virgin Atlantic or British Airways direct or Emirates via Dubai. Total journey time: 11 hours 45 minutes direct or 18 hours 10 minutes via Dubai.
Virgin Atlantic Departures from Heathrow daily on A342 aircraft with Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class cabins.
British Airways Departures from Heathrow daily on B744 aircraft with World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World cabins.
Emirates Departures from Gatwick and Heathrow daily via Dubai on B77W and B388 aircraft with Economy, Business Class and First Class cabins.
Flights to Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Nairobi are with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways daily from Heathrow.
Note: All our inclusive holidays are based on Virgin Atlantic Economy flights. Prices with British Airways and Emirates are also available on request.
