This is a large, fascinating country of contrast – from arid desserts to lush forests – from cosmopolitan Cape Town to wild Safaris in Kruger National Park South Africa has a bit of everything. Don’t miss the stellar wine regions near Cape Town or learning about its interesting history.

Itineraries

Eat & Drink

Epice

Recently voted the best restaurant in all of Africa, this wonderful restaurant in Franschhoek lives up to the hype. The atmosphere and service are excellent and the food is fantastic. Epice means spice, and the offerings emphasize the spices in the preparation. They don’t yet give Micheline starts in South Africa but if they did, […]

Epice

Epice means “spice” and spices are the headliner here. Epice has been voted the best restaurant in Africa and was one of the most memorable meals we have had. Michelin has not made it to South Africa yet but when they do expect a coupe of stars for this place.

See

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

A must see in Cape Town, the Table Mountain cablecar whisks you up to spectacular cable mountain which rises far above Cape Town with views in all directions. There are several walks on the top, cafes, bars, and a small colony of Dassy’s (rock hyraxes). Don’t go if it is cloudy on top (watch the […]

Robben Island Museum

Reserve tickets for Robben Island, a UNESCO world heritage sight, in advance. It is about a 45 minute cruise from the Cape Town pier to Robben Island. on embarkation you will be directed to a bus and have a short drive around to sights on the island – be sure and check out the views […]

Boulders Beach

Yes, there are wild penguins in South Africa. Take a very scenic drive from Cape Town to get up close to this South African penguin colony.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

The spectacular UNESCO world heritage Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens are enormous (1300 acres) and feature the diverse beautiful, and unique flora of South Africa is spread out along the east slopes of Table Mountain. Allow at least a couple of hours.

Do

Franschhoek Wine Tram – Official Site (Franschhoek Terminal)

What a great concept – the wine tram runs along tracks in the Franschhoek valley or buses to wineries not on the line – so you can easily visit a lot of wineries for tasting and not need to drive. Multiple departures all day and many wineries to visit.

Stay

Simbavati Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge

True 5 star luxury, this lodge is set in the beautiful Cederberg mountains. The rooms are large with great views, fireplaces, large soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor showers, a couple of swimming pools, and great food and drinks. They also arrange excellent excursions to sample the area. 

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve / Great Fish Lodge

This is the ultimate in luxury Safari lodging. Set in the private 55000 acre game reserve of Kwandwe, where there are only about three lodges for the whole area you will feel like you have the whole reserve to yourself on your fantastic game drives around the plains, water, and rolling hills of the area. […]

St James of Knysna

Fantastic hotel located right on Kynsna lagoon with huge comfortable rooms, great views

Jaci’s Tree Lodge

In far northern South Africa near the Botswana border is the enormous private game reserve of Madikwe. Jaci’s tree lodge is along a river and literally built above the ground on posts – like a treehouse. You walk to you room on elevated walkways through the forest with monkeys and antelope in the area. There is […]

South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel

This is a lovely property. We had a private pool, enormous room with kitchen in beautiful Camp’s Bay. There is easy walking to numerous nearby restaurants and bars

More

Castello Di Monte

This hotel is in a pretty neighborhood overlooking Pretoria. Excellent dinner as well. Note it’s confusing to get here as the whole neighborhood is gated. Contact the property for directions rather than just relying on GPS and if you get to a gate wave your hand over the sensor for entry.