| There are sunsets and then there are sunsets. But in | | | | myth and legend. The downhill's a lot easier if you |
| my mind not much can beat lounging high up on a | | | | catch the last cable car back! |
| secluded deck overlooking the African bush, enjoying a | | | | Having reached the end of the African continent, it |
| sumptuous picnic dinner and local wines, as you watch | | | | would be wrong not to go all the way down to the |
| the sun set beyond the wandering herds on the | | | | Cape of Good Hope. Wander among the unique flora |
| savannah. | | | | and fauna of the world-famous nature reserve, smile |
| Spend a luxurious night up there and you'll enjoy the | | | | at the goofy penguin colony at Boulders, and look out |
| sunrise too, looking out over the huge swathe of land | | | | to where oceans meet. Getting in the water can be a |
| that is the magnificent country of South Africa. | | | | little hairy, but a cage dive allows you to get up close |
| Washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans, South | | | | and personal to the great white in their own |
| Africa is truly a paradise of natural history and so | | | | environment without ending up shark food. |
| much more. | | | | Another good thing about Cape Town is that it's just a |
| Whether camping out in the wilds is your thing or you'd | | | | stone's throw from South Africa's world-famous Cape |
| rather enjoy the ultimate luxury while experiencing your | | | | Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and |
| African safari, the Kruger National Park has it all. The | | | | Franschhoek. Drive threequarters of an hour northeast |
| park has a selection of luxury private lodges where | | | | to some of the most majestic scenery in the country |
| you won't only be spoiled by excellent game viewing, | | | | where you can check out art galleries, stay at winery |
| but also by superb cuisine, world-class service and | | | | lodges and blend olive oil amid the vineyard scattered |
| choice South African wines, and even pampering | | | | hills and mountains. |
| massages, and reflexology. | | | | Heading out along the southern coast on a tour of the |
| A luxury Kruger safari doesn't come cheap, but it's | | | | famous Garden Route will have you winding your way |
| worth every penny. The last thing you'll be thinking | | | | up a narrow stretch of South Africa's eastern coast, |
| about is money as you swim in the cool water of the | | | | pressed against the Indian Ocean by a protective line |
| pool or relax after a game drive in your lavish tent | | | | of rugged purple hued granite and sandstone |
| that's a thousand miles from your memories of family | | | | mountains - the Langeberge (long mountains) and the |
| camping trips as a kid. | | | | Outeniqua Mountains. And even if your navigation skills |
| All this and wildlife too! In the south of the park, | | | | leave something to be desired, the Garden route is |
| towards the Sabie and Crocodile rivers you can hope | | | | foolproof so there's little chance of getting lost along |
| to see the best of African flora and fauna such as the | | | | the way from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, leaving |
| Big Five - herds of Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, | | | | you plenty of chance to enjoy the ever changing |
| and Buffalo wallowing in the refreshing water - as well | | | | colours of the imposing mountains, scenic passes, |
| as cheetah and many others. Meanwhile the northern | | | | rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the multitude |
| part of the park is often referred as the birding | | | | of attractions. |
| paradise. | | | | A week exploring the Garden Route at a leisurely |
| After a safari there's nothing like getting back to | | | | pace offers an unforgettable adventure. In season |
| civilization, and the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town is | | | | (July to December), you can simply sit on a bench and |
| the ideal spot. Filled with a wonderful selection of | | | | watch whales frolic from one of the most spectacular |
| restaurants and an incredible array of local museums | | | | vantage points in the world at Walker Bay, then head |
| and galleries, there's plenty to do even when the rains | | | | off to be mesmerized by beautiful beaches and |
| hit the city. | | | | pristine forests, visit the Cango Caves and ogle the |
| No trip to Cape Town would be complete without a | | | | ostriches. |
| visit to its most famous landmark, Table Mountain. The | | | | With all the diversity South Africa has to offer |
| cable car to the top is great fun and offers stunning | | | | travelers, it's been aptly nicknamed the Rainbow |
| views of the city, but nothing beats hiking the three | | | | Nation. Its spectacular and varied land and its friendly |
| kilometer trail uphill to the top of this dramatic | | | | people never fail to captivate those who venture this |
| sandstone plateau that dominates the metropolitan | | | | far south. |
| skyline with its distinctive shape that inspired many a | | | | |