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South Africa

Black-maned lions framed against desert dunes, powdery beaches lapped by two oceans, star-studded night skies, jagged mountains – South Africa is the place to go wild.

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　　One of South Africa's most remote and beautiful reserves, Dwesa Nature Reserve blends lush forests, winding rivers, open grassland and rugged coastline, with walking trails and wildlife including buffaloes, zebras, antelope, warthogs, and crocodiles in the rivers. Some 290 bird species have been identified, including the rare Narina trogon and...

Must-see attractions

Goegap Nature Reserve

　　This 150-sq-km semidesert reserve, 8km east of Springbok past the airstrip, supports some 600 indigenous plant species, 45 mammal species and 94 types of bird. It is one of the best places in the region to take a walk during flower season, with circular 4km and 7km hiking trails. There...

　　Created as a set for the telemovie Shaka Zulu, the slightly Disney-fied Shakaland beats up a touristy blend of perma-grin performance and informative authenticity. The Nandi Experience (Nandi was Shaka’s mother) is a display of Zulu culture and customs (including lunch); the Zulu dance performance is said to be the...

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

　　Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is one of South Africa’s best-known, most evocative parks. Covering 960 sq km, it is best visited in the dry winter months (May to September) as the animals congregate at water sources (the White iMfolozi and Black iMfolozi Rivers flow here), and the normally lush vegetation thins out. However,...

Shortmarket Club

　　Star chef Luke Dale-Roberts' latest venture hides in plain sight on the street it is named after. It's a gorgeous attic space with a wall of paper butterflies and clubby leather chairs and booths. Dishes include sustainable fish, grass-fed beef (displayed on wheeled trolleys), and plenty of locally grown vegetables....

　　Luke Dale-Roberts creates inspired dishes with top-quality local ingredients at his flagship restaurant – generally agreed to be the best in Africa. However, the restaurant is so popular now that securing a reservation here is like winning the gourmet lottery – online bookings open three months ahead and you need...

Blue Lagoon Beach

　　This playful beach once had a reputation for being dangerous, but after an extensive revamp it's now a haven for families. There are playgrounds, food stalls and plenty of sand to let loose on. ...

Hector Pieterson Museum

　　This powerful museum, named after the 12-year-old boy shot dead during the student protests in Soweto on 16 June 1976, illuminates the role of Sowetan life in the history of the independence struggle. It's a major stop on all tours of Soweto and thus is almost always busy. ...

Sterkfontein Caves

　　One of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, Sterkfontein Caves include a permanent hominid exhibit and a walkway down into the impressive caves and past the excavation site. Tours leave every 30 minutes (the last tour is at 4pm). 　　A discount ticket that covers the caves and Maropeng,...

South African Astronomical Observatory

　　During the day you can take a guided tour of the huge research telescopes, including the Southern African Large Telescope, but it's the two-hour night tours that are the real draw. After a short video, you head outside to take a sky safari, thanks to two 16in telescopes. Times vary...

　　The sister restaurant to Test Kitchen is a more affordable Luke Dale-Roberts option. Sitting at the top of an old silo, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, but the star attraction is the food. Dishes are designed to be shared; we defy you not to order a second...

　　The somewhat sheltered beach at uShaka Marine World marks the southern end of the Golden Mile. ...

Three Rondavels Viewpoint

　　The area's highlight, with a staggering view of these enormous rounds of rock, their pointed, grassy tops resembling giant huts carved into the side of the canyon. There are short walks in the surrounding area to points where you can look down to the Blydepoort Dam at the Blyde River...

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

　　This stunning 260-sq-km reserve centres on the 30km-long Blyde River Canyon, where epic rock formations tower above the forested slopes and eagle-eye views abound at the dramatic meeting of the Drakensberg Escarpment and the lowveld. It's one of the world's largest canyons and one of South Africa’s most outstanding natural...

Kruger National Park

　　In terms of wildlife alone, Kruger is one of the world's greatest national parks. The diversity, density and sheer numbers of animals is almost unparalleled, and all of Africa's iconic safari species – elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra – live out their dramatic days here,...

Old Harbour Museum

　　This museum doesn’t have a lot going for it, but outside there’s a display of old fishing boats and the admission fee includes entrance to the more interesting Whale House Museum and Photographic Museum. ...

Whale House Museum

　　There's lots of info on whales, including daily audiovisual shows. The admission fee is included in the ticket for the Old Harbour Museum and the Photographic Museum. ...

　　The harbour clings to the cliffs in front of the town centre and is the hub of Hermanus. You'll find three museums here: the Old Harbour Museum, Whale House Museum and Photographic Museum. There’s a permanent craft market in the square as well. ...

　　Offers tastings and lunch (mains R120 to R185) in its ubermodern winery decked out in hot pink and glass. ...

Bouchard Finlayson

　　This picturesque winery is best known for its superlative pinot noir. As well as wine tasting, there are gentle walks through fynbos vegetation on the estate. ...

　　As with other wineries in the region, the pinot noir really shines here. The real star, though, is the superb restaurant (mains R150 to R200), which serves fairly simple but perfectly executed dishes like roasted pork loin with broad beans. ...

Fernkloof Nature Reserve

　　This 15-sq-km reserve is wonderful if you’re interested in fynbos (literally 'fine bush' – shrubby plants with thin leaves). There’s a 60km network of hiking trails for all fitness levels, and views over the sea are spectacular. A hiking map is available from the tourist information office. Guided tours are...

　　Best known for its various wine-pairing options, which include a superb brunch pairing (R495) as well as tea pairings (R435) and even a juice pairing for kids (R115). The restaurant menu lists the local butchers, bakers, cheese makers and the like who supply the ingredients. It's 20km from Hermanus on...

Franklin Nature Reserve

　　Atop Naval hill, the Franklin Nature Reserve is a great place for a walk or a short drive to spot zebras, antelope and giraffes. ...

National Museum

　　A great recreation of a 19th-century street, complete with sound effects, is the most interesting display at this museum. It also has a shop and a cafe. ...

　　This glasshouse has a beautiful, if small, collection of flowers and some dazzling orchids. The surrounding Hamilton Park is an ideal place to take the kids for a picnic. ...

Loch Logan Waterfront

　　Yes, Bloem has a Waterfront, modelled on Cape Town’s. Although it’s a bit tacky, Loch Logan Waterfront is more pleasant than a shopping mall. It’s outside, set on a small body of water and has a selection of chain restaurants. ...

National Women’s Memorial

　　Commemorating the 26,000 women and children who died in British concentration camps during the 1899–1902 Anglo-Boer War, the National Women’s Memorial depicts a bearded Afrikaner setting off on his horse to fight the British, bidding a last farewell to his wife and baby, who are to perish in one of...

Anglo-Boer War Museum

　　The Anglo-Boer War Museum has some interesting displays, including photos from concentration camps set up not only in South Africa but also in Bermuda, India and Portugal. Apart from a few modern touches, this museum remains unchanged since its inception. The large paintings depicting battle scenes are striking. If you’re...

Oliewenhuis Art Museum

　　One of South Africa’s most striking art galleries, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum occupies an exquisite 1935 mansion set in beautiful gardens. An imaginative and poignant contemporary photographic exhibition gives a good insight into modern South Africa. The museum also holds a collection of works by South African artists, including Thomas...

　　During the Anglo-Boer War, this was the site of the British naval-gun emplacements. There are good views from the top of the hill, which is also home to the Franklin Nature Reserve. Walking is permitted, and you may see ostriches, zebras and giraffes wandering about. Also on top is a...

Ceramics Gallery

　　Franschhoek boasts many fine galleries, mostly along Huguenot Rd. At the Ceramics Gallery you can watch David Walters, one of South Africa’s most distinguished potters, at work in the beautifully restored home of Franschhoek’s first teacher. There are also exhibits of work by other artists. ...

　　Along with the uberplush hotel of the same name, this winery was bought by Richard Branson in 2014. You can pair your wines with a trio of canapés (R140), or enjoy lunch (mains R95 to R245) with a view of the town and the mountains beyond. There are free cellar...

Franschhoek Motor Museum

　　If you're all wined out, check out the amazing collection of classic cars here. There are 80 mint-condition automobiles on show, from a 1903 Ford Model A right through to a McLaren F1 car from 1998. The museum is part of the Anthonij Rupert wine estate, which has two tasting...

　　The bright, modern, barn-like tasting room has comfy couches strewn around – you can either take your tasters to enjoy at leisure or sit at the bar for a slightly more formal affair. The large lawns have a jungle gym for kids, while the rotisserie restaurant (11.30am to 3pm Wednesday...

　　In addition to tastings and sales, various heritage tours are available at this excellent winery. The museum here covers Cape history and tells the Solms-Delta story from the perspective of farm workers throughout the years. On the culinary side, there’s Fyndraai Restaurant, serving original dishes inspired by the Cape's varied...

Grande Provence

　　A beautifully revamped, 18th-century manor house that is home to a stylish restaurant and a splendid gallery showcasing contemporary South African art. There is a range of tasting options, including a canapé pairing (R120), nougat pairing (R70) and grape-juice tasting for the kids (R20), plus the chance to blend your...

　　This is a quintessential Winelands estate, with lovely architecture, food and wine. Tasting options include bubbly, brandy or wine and chocolate pairing. There are excellent vineyard and cellar tours; booking is essential. 　　When it comes to eating, there are various options, from sandwiches or cake at the Farmshop & Deli...

　　There’s enough to keep you occupied for a full day at this vast estate just west of Franschhoek. As well as tastings of the superb shiraz range, wine-pairing lunches and dinners are served at the Pierneef à la Motte restaurant. The restaurant is named for South African artist Jacob Hendrik...

Old Gaol Museum

　　Since this region has plenty of wet weather, a rainy-day option is welcome. The main museum is a pleasant complex in a mid-19th century building that was once the jail. There’s a gallery showcasing local art, a display on the Knysna elephants and a community art project. ...

　　Reached by a turn-off along the N2 10km east of Knysna, Noetzie is a quirky little place with holiday homes in mock-castle style. There’s a lovely surf beach (spacious but dangerous) and a sheltered lagoon running through a forested gorge. The trail between the car park and beach is steep....

　　Millwood House is a mini complex of museums detailing Knysna’s history. It’s a quaint set of buildings dating back to the town’s booming timber era. This is the main focus of the museum, though it also houses information on Knysna’s involvement in the Anglo-Boer War and details on the town’s...

　　There are lovely forest picnic spots, short walks through the forest and an 800m-long wheelchair-friendly path. ...

Featherbed Nature Reserve

　　The Featherbed Nature Reserve was completely devastated by wildfires in 2017. Tourism authorities were working to get the reserve up and running again when we last visited. ...

Mitchell’s Brewery

　　South Africa’s oldest microbrewery occupies bright, new premises on the edge of the lagoon. You can join a tour or just taste its range of English-style brews in the beer garden. Pub meals (R65 to R110) are also served. Bookings essential for tours. ...

　　Belvidere, 10km from Knysna, is so immaculate it’s positively creepy. But it’s worth a quick look for the beautiful Norman-style Belvidere church that was built in the 1850s by homesick English expats. Further on is the Featherbed Nature Reserve and, on the seaward side, Brenton-on-Sea. ...

Latest stories from South Africa

　　Partly housed in a building that looks like a giant grassy mound on one side and shiny modern steel on the other, Maropeng is an all-in-one information centre, visitor attraction and entertainment complex. The fascinating series of interactive exhibits here cover the history of the human race since its very...

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