| There are sunsets and then there are sunsets. | | | | legend. The downhill's a lot easier if you catch the |
| But in my mind not much can beat lounging high | | | | last cable car back! |
| up on a secluded deck overlooking the African | | | | Having reached the end of the African continent, |
| bush, enjoying a sumptuous picnic dinner and local | | | | it would be wrong not to go all the way down to |
| wines, as you watch the sun set beyond the | | | | the Cape of Good Hope. Wander among the |
| wandering herds on the Savannah. | | | | unique flora and fauna of the world-famous nature |
| Spend a luxurious night up there and you'll enjoy | | | | reserve, smile at the goofy penguin colony at |
| the sunrise too, looking out over the huge swathe | | | | Boulders, and look out to where oceans meet. |
| of land that is the magnificent country of South | | | | Getting in the water can be a little hairy, but a |
| Africa. Washed by the Atlantic and Indian oceans, | | | | cage dive allows you to get up close and personal |
| South Africa is truly a paradise of natural history | | | | to the great white in their own environment |
| and so much more. | | | | without ending up shark food. |
| Whether camping out in the wilds is your thing or | | | | Another good thing about Cape Town is that it's |
| you'd rather enjoy the ultimate luxury while | | | | just a stone's throw from South Africa's |
| experiencing your African safari, the Kruger | | | | world-famous Cape Winelands around |
| National Park has it all. The park has a selection of | | | | Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek. Drive |
| luxury private lodges where you won't only be | | | | three-quarters of an hour northeast to some of |
| spoiled by excellent game viewing, but also by | | | | the most majestic scenery in the country where |
| superb cuisine, world-class service and choice | | | | you can check out art galleries, stay at winery |
| South African wines, and even pampering | | | | lodges and blend olive oil amid the vineyard |
| massages, and reflexology. | | | | scattered hills and mountains. |
| A luxury Kruger safari doesn't come cheap, but | | | | Heading out along the southern coast on a tour of |
| it's worth every penny. The last thing you'll be | | | | the famous Garden Route will have you winding |
| thinking about is money as you swim in the cool | | | | your way up a narrow stretch of South Africa's |
| water of the pool or relax after a game drive in | | | | eastern coast, pressed against the Indian Ocean |
| your lavish tent that's a thousand miles from your | | | | by a protective line of rugged purple hued granite |
| memories of family camping trips as a kid. | | | | and sandstone mountains - the Langeberge (long |
| All this and wildlife too! In the south of the park, | | | | mountains) and the Outeniqua Mountains. And |
| towards the Sabie and Crocodile rivers you can | | | | even if your navigation skills leave something to |
| hope to see the best of African flora and fauna | | | | be desired, the Garden route is foolproof so |
| such as the Big Five - herds of Elephants, Lions, | | | | there's little chance of getting lost along the way |
| Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffalo wallowing in the | | | | from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, leaving you |
| refreshing water - as well as cheetah and many | | | | plenty of chance to enjoy the ever changing |
| others. Meanwhile the northern part of the park is | | | | colours of the imposing mountains, scenic passes, |
| often referred as the birding paradise. | | | | rivers, vineyards and orchards, as well as the |
| After a safari there's nothing like getting back to | | | | multitude of attractions. |
| civilization, and the cosmopolitan city of Cape | | | | A week exploring the Garden Route at a leisurely |
| Town is the ideal spot. Filled with a wonderful | | | | pace offers an unforgettable adventure. In season |
| selection of restaurants and an incredible array of | | | | (July to December), you can simply sit on a bench |
| local museums and galleries, there's plenty to do | | | | and watch whales frolic from one of the most |
| even when the rains hit the city. | | | | spectacular vantage points in the world at Walker |
| No trip to Cape Town would be complete without | | | | Bay, then head off to be mesmerized by beautiful |
| a visit to its most famous landmark, Table | | | | beaches and pristine forests, visit the Cango |
| Mountain. The cable car to the top is great fun | | | | Caves and ogle the ostriches. |
| and offers stunning views of the city, but nothing | | | | With all the diversity South Africa has to offer |
| beats hiking the three kilometer trail uphill to the | | | | travelers, it's been aptly nicknamed the Rainbow |
| top of this dramatic sandstone plateau that | | | | Nation. Its spectacular and varied land and its |
| dominates the metropolitan skyline with its | | | | friendly people never fail to captivate those who |
| distinctive shape that inspired many a myth and | | | | venture this far south. |