What to do in South Africa

Explore on foot to enjoy changing landscapes, see indigenous plants of the Cape Floral Kingdom up close, spot a jewel-bright sunbird or hear the call of the African fish eagle. You might even see mammals that are protected in the Cederberg wilderness, like Cape mountain zebra, bontebok, bat-eared fox and klipspringer.

Rumble out of camp in the early morning light or closer to dusk, to explore the Waterberg's landscape of craggy cliffs, crystaline streams and plains dotted with mighty baobabs and leafy fever trees. Your expert guide knows all the right places to look (and in the Waterberg, it won't be far) for members of the Big Five, wallowing hippo and herds of plains game. Stop to take as many mental and real pictures as you can before driving on to spot even more wildlife. After a cuppa or cooling drink, return to home base, eyeing out plenty of animals on the way!

Imfolozi Game Reserve, in Zululand, is famously known as the place where the southern white rhino was saved from extinction. It remains the best place to see both white and black species. There are two trail options: one where you stay in and walk out each day from a base camp, and the other where you walk between satellite camps; but fear not, donkeys carry the heavy stuff. The chances of not seeing rhinos here are slim, making it just about the only place left in Africa where that claim can be made. The spectre of Zulu history pervades the place.

A short drive over a mountain pass will take you away from the coast to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, to visit the famous Cango Caves. Set in a limestone ridge, these drip-stone caverns will impress you with their narrow stone passageways and towering rock formations, their vast halls of stalagmites and stalactites.

If the Cape Winelands aren't in your sights on this trip to South Africa, get a taster with a visit to a wine estate in idyllic Constantia Valley. In the suburbs outside of Cape Town, Constantia is home to a number of top-shelf vineyards with long histories from family establishments to renowned wine makers. Our favourites are Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia. Enjoy a tour of the winery, sample unique harvests and meet the wine makers. A few hours in Constantia makes a fantastic addition to your Cape Town itinerary and, if you visit in the afternoon, grab lunch before spending golden hour amongst the rows of grapes - it makes for some lovely photo ops.

Perhaps the most elusive member of the Big Five, the leopard, ranks highly on most safari bucket lists and the private reserves on the western edge of Kruger are just the place to find them. Venture out on a game drive where your expert guide will take you to the known haunts of the local leopards. Although they are masters of camouflage, leopards spend their days draped over tree branches near the Kruger's coursing rivers. Keep your eyes peeled for its distinctive silhouette and swishing tail! We rate the October - November impala calving season to be the best time to do some leopard-spotting, and you may even watch in amazement as the big cat nabs their prey and drags it up a tree in a matter of seconds. Whether it's lazily snoozing under the leaves or in the heat of the hunt, seeing a leopard in the wild is unforgettable.

This marine expedition starts with a boat trip to Dyer Island and the infamous ‘Shark Alley’, where you’ll dive with the ultimate underwater predator, the great white shark. Whilst the morning is an adventure of the adrenaline-filled variety, the afternoon brings a more sedate activity: wine-tasting. Choose to explore the pretty town of Stanford, the grape-strewn Hemel-en-Aarde Valley or Bot River and enjoy a leisurely lunch amid the vines and a wine-tasting or pairing at one of the many world-class estates in this part of the world.

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!