What to do in South Africa

Rock formations in the Cederberg are beautiful and none more so than the wonder that is the Wolfberg Arch. Your guide will lead you on a spectacular hike into the mountains via the Wolfberg Cracks. It's a long, tough hike but if you're fit the scenery and photographic opportunities make it hugely rewarding.

As a city surrounded by mountains, it wouldn't be a trip to Cape Town without seeing it from above. Lead by a seasoned guide or blazing your own trail (so to speak), enjoy one of the scenic hiking routes up the craggy escarpments of Table Mountain. The most famous are the winding Platteklip trail, Skeleton Gorge, where you can stop for a break by the reservoir, and Woodstock Caves - perfect for a picnic and a few beautiful snaps. Once you reach the flat-topped summit, there are plenty more trails to explore while soaking up views of the Twelve Apostles, Lion's Head and stunning Table Bay. If you'd like something less strenuous, the revolving cable car will have you at the top of the mountain in minutes (but be sure to book ahead!).

As South Africa's true safari darling, the Kruger is also chock-a-block with critters of the smaller variety. Chuck on your walking boots for a few hours of exploring the reserve on foot, with a seasoned guide to share the secrets of the bush with you. Spy on the plentiful birdlife in one of Africa's largest fever tree forests, examine the earthy trails for porcupine quills and honey badger tracks and spot the shiny shell of a rhino beetle. Adjust your focus to truly appreciate the finer details on this close-up walk through nature. If you're lucky, you may even see a rare and endangered pangolin! This makes a fantastic post-game drive or pre-lunch activity.

Hop aboard a smooth-sailing catamaran to explore the stunning Knysna lagoon where you'll delve into the history of this protected haven all while eyeing out incredible birdlife. Enjoy idyllic views of Knysna town, Leisure Isle and splashing seals before cruising into deeper waters. The Knysna Heads, two dramatic sea cliffs between the lagoon and the Indian Ocean, are your gateway to a coastline of quiet bays, rugged caves and plenty of marine life.

This tour is as much about spectacular scenery (Hemel-en-Aarde directly translates as ‘Heaven and Earth’ which gives the game away a little!) as it is about darn good wine. The day starts with a drive along the picture-perfect Cape Whale Route through the quaint towns of the Western Cape, taking in views of fynbos-clad hillsides and the dazzling Atlantic Ocean. Once in the idyllic valley protected by the Babylonstoren Mountains, you’ll stop off for a few different wine tastings in which the critically acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will certainly make an appearance. Living up to its name, the wine estates of Hemel-en-Aarde are certainly unique, from the church-like Ataraxia Wine Lounge on a secluded hilltop, the chart-topping ocean views from La Vierge to the delightful Creation Estate. Lunch is served at its award-winning restaurant that’s a feast for the senses, and in the afternoon, you’ll sabrage your own bottle of bubbly from the region’s only MCC-producer. Add a drive down to nearby Hermanus to your day for a spot of whalewatching!

It can be tricky to find activities that suit both little and old(er) minds, but dig a little deeper under the surface of the Cape Winelands and you’ll find a variety of activities behind the grape vines. At Spier Wine Estate, the kids will meet rare birds and enjoy a custom-juice tasting (wine tasting for the adults), before heading to the famous Fairview estate to nibble on cheese and meet the resident goats. In the afternoon, there are visits to an artisan chocolatier, glass blowing studio, brewery and distillery to keep everyone entertained – really, there isn’t a moment to get bored!

Located in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest, many of the platforms are built around giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old! Standing within the crown of these giants and looking down at the lush forest floor thirty metres below is an experience of a lifetime. The scenery and birdlife is spectacular and professional guides ensure your safety while keeping you informed about interesting features of the forest ecology. If you are fortunate enough, you will spot a pair of Knysna Loeries or the brilliant red plumage of the elusive Narina Trogon. Whatever happens, we’re quite sure you’ll be back again!

Follow the scent of sun-baked grapes to the Winelands, where you'll enjoy a day of award-winning wines, glorious vistas and epicurean delights. Join your guide on a tour of the finest wine estates in the valley, where you'll sample rich pinot noirs and piquant chardonnays (and anything in between). Try your sommelier skills out with three wine tastings at picturesque estates, while dipping into the history of South African winemaking. You may even become a true connoisseur by the end of it!

In any Cape Town brochure, you'll likely see images of tiny, suited penguins waddling over rocks and splashing in the water. On an excursion to Boulders Beach, you'll have the chance to marvel at this sight in person. Nowhere else in the world are you able to be this close to wild African Penguins, as curiosity leads them across the sand towards you. It's also a lovely spot for a swim when you'd like to cool off. If you're visiting between March and May, look out for eggs laid in nests beneath the boulders and bushes. There are around 2500 penguins at Boulders Beach and its an experience you won't soon forget.

The Kruger may be famous for its big-named wildlife but the lesser visited north is home to a host of birdlife. Leave your lodge with a seasoned guide who will take you on a drive through forests of fever trees and beside flowing rivers, using their sharp eye and wealth of knowledge to introduce you to the Kruger's birding scene. The crown jewel of South African birdwatching, the diverse flora of northern Kruger attracts tropical and subtropical species. A feast for the eyes, there is plumage of every shade, from the racket-tailed roller with its powder blue feathers to the soaring Verreaux's Eagle. With over 450 species, the Kruger is enough to tempt any twitcher and if you time it just right, a late afternoon drive may reward you with a peek at the Pel's Fishing Owl.

It can be tricky to find activities that suit both little and old(er) minds, but dig a little deeper under the surface of the Cape Winelands and you’ll find a variety of activities behind the grape vines. At Spier Wine Estate, the kids will meet rare birds and enjoy a custom-juice tasting (wine tasting for the adults), before heading to the famous Fairview estate to nibble on cheese and meet the resident goats. In the afternoon, there are visits to an artisan chocolatier, glass blowing studio, brewery and distillery to keep everyone entertained – really, there isn’t a moment to get bored!