South Africa

The discovery of gold near Johannesburg in 1886, turned a small shantytown, into the bustling modern city which is today in the center of the world’s gold mining industry. The city is the cultural center of South Africa with a cosmopolitan character. The central business district is characterized by a stark contrast of skyscrapers and bustling street markets. Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital is situated at the foot of the Table Mountain, looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean. Places of Interest include the castle of Good Hope in Darling Street, the Cultural History Museum, the old townhouse on Greenmarket Square, The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the old Victorian harbour that has been restored, offers free entertainment, a variety of shops, taverns and restaurants and has become a major attraction. Nightlife is concentrated in the Waterfront, Sea point and parts of the general business district. About an hour’s drive, from Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve covers the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, with a profusion of flowers, birds and animals, culminating in Cape Point, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic. There are many fishing villages and holiday resorts around the bay, some with spectacular scenic drive. East from Cape Town, is the southern cape coast, the Little Karoo and the Garden Route. Plettenburg Bay has magnificent beaches. Knysna is situated between lush inland forests and the Knysna lagoon and is a popular tourist resort. The lagoon is a national park area with beautiful beaches. The wilderness national lakes area with its lakes and tidal rivers lies between Knysna and George. The latter town is known as the “ Garden City” because of its magnificent yellowwood and stinkwood trees.

Kruger National Park: a massive reserve, the size of the Wales and amongst the best places in Africa to see the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino & buffalo) as well as thousands of other species. The park features as wide range of accommodations, surrounding the park, are a large number of private game parks.

Fly into and out of Johannesburg via Dubai.