The waves crash against the coastal cliffs, where far
below eager sailors ride each swell. Above, gliders soar with the sea birds, making dizzying loops and
breathtaking dives. Farther inland, animals you’ve never dreamed you would encounter congregate around their
local watering hole.
The most adventurous are hidden nearby, eagerly taking pictures as a leopard lazily makes her way out to
drink. Meanwhile, those who prefer to stay out of reach watch from the viewing platform of a nearby five-star
resort, toasting to the King of the Jungle with glasses of fine local wine.
Welcome to South Africa, a unique destination that caters to the whims of the traveler, adventurer and those
in pursuit of an exotic, luxurious vacation.
CAPE
TOWN
From Hout Bay
to the Cape Point, scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive winds towards the most southwestern point of the African
Continent at the Cape of Good Hope. This breathtaking drive takes you through arid rolling hills and steep
coastal cliffs where salty ocean air and the sound of crashing waves envelop the senses. Here, where the
Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic, baboons gather along the roadside while seabirds glide on the tail of the
ocean breeze.
Bantry
Bay
Located within
the luxurious Newmark Hotel, Salt is just one of the many fantastic restaurants that offer delicious cuisine
coupled with breathtaking views of Cape Town’s precious coastal landscape.
Kirstenbosch
This
extraordinary botanical garden is devoted to conserving and promoting South Africa’s indigenous flora. The
garden reaches across 89 acres along the eastern side of Table Mountain and hosts more than 7,000 species.
The land has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its extensive diversity.
PLAYING GAMES IN THE WILD
Whether you’ve
chosen to take a drive on your own through Kruger National Park or submerge yourself into a luxury lodge at
Djuma, experiencing South Africa’s “Big Five” is a must.
Kruger
Park
Kruger
National Park reaches 350 km from north to south and nearly 60 km east to west. These self-drive roads travel
through unique environments that host varying types of wildlife. Self-driving allows the leisure of
travelling at your own pace in the safety of your own car while still having the chance to see the Big Five.
Kruger Park offers a range of accommodations to satisfy all comfort levels and budget requirements, spanning
from opulent lodges with Sabi River views to canvas tents in remote camps for those seeking a bit more
adventure.
Djuma
Djuma Lodge is
part of the Timbavati Private Reserve. Offering bush drives twice aday, the expertise of the guides assures
you the chance to track the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. The drives often take you
off-roading through the bush and offer unique views into the intimate lives of the animals. For those of us
more daring at heart and seeking a truly exhilarating experience, a walk through the reserve with your guide
can be viewed as an “eco-approach.”
An inspiring feature of Djuma is that this luxury lodge offers the finest dining on a terrace overlooking a
watering hole that hosts thirsty four-leggeds throughout the day. The buffalo, hippo and leopard are never
too far away. Private reserves are perfect for the adventurous spirits wanting to get an especially
personal experience with the animals while indulging in five-star luxury.
GARDEN
ROUTE
Stretching
along the southern coast of South Africa between the Tsitsikamma mountains and the Indian Ocean, the Garden
Route’s rich landscape and mild Mediterranean climate have made it one of South Africa’s most popular
destinations. Winding 200 km through lush forests, along pristine beaches and over stunning gorges, the
route is a nature lover’s paradise. The drive plays host to numerous ethical tourism activities that range
from serene bird watching, extensive hiking, world-renowned surfing and tree-top zip-lining through
old-growth yellowwoods, to paragliding with sunset ocean hues as a backdrop and a chance to experience the
world’s highest bungee jump at 216 m.
Knysna
Fondly known
as the Pearl of the Garden Route, Knysna’s natural beauty has ranked it in the world’s top 100 places to
visit. The Knysna estuary leads out to the Indian Ocean through an unmistakable natural gateway called The
Heads. The estuary hosts an array of water activities and is nestled against a lively harbourfront of
restaurants, shops and bars.
Wilderness
Another gem
along the Garden Route, the beach town of Wilderness offers daily paragliding tours lifting riders up above
the Indian Ocean in colourful, ultra-light gliding wings.•
Photos
courtesy of Tiffiny Aasen
