What to do in South Africa

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!

The indigenous forest around Knysna are an endless source of delight to ramblers and hikers alike. Take a winding path under the forest canopy, boulder hop across small streams, swim in a pool below a waterfall. Stop to admire huge forest ferns and listen for the call of birds like the Knysna turaco.

As one of our all-time favourite days out in Cape Town, a tour down the coast to the Cape Peninsula is always top of the list. Join your seasoned guide for a drive down Chapman's Peak, one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world, where you'll make as many photo stops as you like. Journey on to Cape Point, climb the steps to the lighthouse and feel the rush of the wind at what feels like the end of the world, stroll along the beach or hike through the reserve before marvelling at the African penguins of Boulders Beach.

Franschhoek and the Winelands surrounding Cape Town are world renowned for their stunning wines. And there’s no better time to explore these valleys and vineyards than the beginning of summer. Wine is the lifeblood of Franschhoek and there's plenty of choice when it comes down to touring a wine estate, from refurbished manor cellars overlooking rolling valleys to quirkily-designed tasting rooms. Jump in the car and see where you end up or join your guide for a well-planned day out in the Winelands. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the wine making process before enjoying a taste of the full-bodied reds the area is famous for (and delicious food to accompany it)!