Trek into South Africa
Cape Town
Area Overview
This vibrant, trendy city has broad appeal.
Cape Town is a true fan favorite, with its exciting Mediterranean vibe, amazing culinary scene, beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, thriving art community, and successful sports teams – all set to the backdrop of iconic Table Mountain and the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is no wonder it is called The Mother City. Local attractions include Table Mountain, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, boutique shops, numerous museums, wineries, and world famous restaurants. For those venturing beyond the city, the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula are a day trip away.
Cape Town’s rich cultural heritage dates back more than 300 years and its diversity is evident in the city’s architecture, art, and food. It is the second most populous city in South Africa and sits at the southwest tip of Africa.




Johannesburg
Area Overview
Johannesburg, affectionately referred to by locals as “Jozi” or “Joburg,” is the largest city in South Africa and one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world.
Though not traditionally a tourist destination, Johannesburg is a transit point for connecting domestic and international flights and has become a cultural hub, with museums, theaters, art galleries, and libraries. There are opportunities for shopping at upmarket shopping centers like Sandton City, the Mall of Africa, and Nelson Mandela Square and, for souvenirs and African art, at flea markets like Oriental Plaza and the Rosebank Flea Market.
Johannesburg is the home of the Constitutional Court, the highest court in South Africa, and tours to the Apartheid Museum often combine a visit to Constitution Hill. Other attractions include former townships like Alexandra and Soweto where visitors learn about South Africa’s apartheid history. The Mandela Museum, located in the former home of Nelson Mandela, is located in Soweto.




Soweto
Area Overview
Soweto is South Africa’s largest urban settlement and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Originally created during apartheid by the South African apartheid government, it adjoins the city of Johannesburg on the southwest; in fact, its name is an acronym derived from South-Western Townships. Today, Soweto has a population of approximately 1.7 million.
Soweto has significant historic relevance. Some attractions include the home of former President of South Africa,
Nelson Mandela, the Hector Pieterson Memorial Museum, and the Orlando Power Station (also known as Orlando
Towers). There is also Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Prize winners.




Cape Peninsula
Area Overview
The Cape Peninsula is a popular day road trip for locals and tourists alike.
The Cape Peninsula is an almost 60 km (37 mi) rocky peninsula that curves into the Atlantic Ocean and forms part of False Bay, known for breaching great white sharks. On the northern end of the peninsula is Table Mountain and on the southern end is the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (also known as Cape Point). The reserve was established in 1939 to preserve the Cape’s indigenous fauna and flora and offers spectacular scenery in the reserve as well as of False Bay. The whole of the southernmost portion of the Cape Peninsula is a wild, rugged, scenic and generally unspoiled national park.
Highlights include the scenic drive along Chapmans Peak, the dramatic shorelines of Cape Point, a stop for fish and chips in Hout Bay, and a visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach just outside Simons Town before returning to Cape Town.




Franschhoek
Area Overview
Located about 75 km (45 mi) east of Cape Town, Franschhoek is one of the oldest towns in South Africa.
French Huguenot settlers first arrived in the late 1600’s and began what has become a thriving agricultural industry focused primarily on winemaking. Much of the traditional Cape Dutch architecture has been preserved, making this one of South Africa’s prettiest places to visit, not only for the classic churches and farmhouses but also for its breathtaking landscapes. The town itself is situated in a picturesque valley nestled at the foot of imposing surrounding mountain ranges.
The main road is lined with art galleries, boutiques and small shops selling freshly baked goods, charcuterie, olive oil, jam, artisanal chocolate and, of course, wine. Also, some of the country’s top restaurants and most renowned wineries are here.
A variety of quaint boutique wineries and large cellars offer guided tours and tastings, which can be visited aboard the
famous Franschhoek Wine Tram. For those seeking outdoor adventures, there are a number of scenic walking trails in
the surrounding mountains, particularly in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and around the Berg River. Other activities include cycling, horseback riding, polo, and golf.




Kruger Park
Area Overview
Kruger is best known for its high wildlife density, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo).
At 19,500 km2 (7,500 mi2), the world-renowned Kruger National Park is the largest national park in South Africa, and also the oldest in all of Africa. Given its size, numerous airports, and excellent access road, Kruger and its surrounding private game reserves are an attractive option for many travelers.
Hundreds of other mammals and unique bird species also make their home in Kruger. Mountains, plains, and tropical forests are all part of the landscape, ensuring both scenic and exciting game drives.




Durban
Area Overview
Durban is a unique cultural mix of the colonial European, Indian, and Zulu communities and this is reflected in the architecture, fashion, sights and sounds of the city.
It has the highest population of Indians outside of India, and they thankfully brought along their amazing cuisine. This vibrant city is the third largest in South Africa and arguably the country’s most laid back center, blessed with warm weather all year round.
Its sprawling beaches make it a popular holiday destination for local South Africans. Durban is an economic hub built around the busiest container port in Africa and is the ninth largest harbor in the world.



