Ultra Luxury South Africa Holidays 2024

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A land of diversity in every aspect from its people to its weather, South Africa is the destination for… well, everybody. Giving you a taste of Africa’s authentic rural communities, thriving urban hotspots and everything in between, a luxury holiday in South Africa is guaranteed.

The country is split into nine varied and drastically different provinces, all of which offer a wonderful opportunity for luxurious travel. Starting at the tail end of South Africa, the Western Cape Province is one of South Africa’s most popular destinations. It is the centre of cultural tourism in the country, offering a wealth of vineyards, beaches, art galleries and Michelin eateries that have visitors coming back again and again.

If you have been known to enjoy a glug or three of vino, you’re definitely going to want to make the Western Cape a feature on your African bucket list. Encompassing 21 locales on its route, the world-famous Cape Winelands encompass more than 100 vineyards, including internationally recognised venues such as Chamonix in Franschhoek, Muratie Wine Estate in Stellenbosch and the Cape Point Vineyards in Noordhoek. Most of the estates offer more than a good bottle of grape juice though – micro-breweries, five-star restaurants, horse-riding tours, tasting sessions and other fabulous vineyard activities are just waiting to be discovered.

Cape Town, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are among some of the hottest visitor spots in the country and it’s not hard to see why. Snap-happy visitors will be whipping out the camera every few steps to capture iconic sights like Table Mountain. The legendary peak is a magnet for daring mountain-scalers with its stunning vistas, national park and range of visitor amenities.

But it isn’t all cityscapes and refined shopping expeditions in this wondrous corner of the world – adventure seekers can have their fill of exciting expeditions in the Eastern Cape which is awash with wildlife reserves and game spotting opportunities. Brave the elements for a night in the open-air at the Shamwari Game Reserve in Port Elizabeth or get nose-to-trunk with some of the peaceful inhabitants of the Addo Elephant National Park.

For family fun with a dash of culture, head up the coast to KwaZulu-Natal. Its celebrated Zulu heritage is reflected in traditional fashions, rustic markets and community centres that keep the Zulu culture very much alive and present in the region, particularly in the city of Durban – an ideal spot for a day with loved ones. Shaka Marine World, a waterpark that comprises the fifth largest aquarium in the world, is a haven of recreational activity for families with on-site restaurants, shops and exciting water rides.

All of this and more you’ll discover throughout South Africa’s nine provinces, from the luxury safaris in Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga to the Diamond Coast (literally) in the Northern Cape. No two moments of any stay will be the same in this huge, multi-faceted and enchanting landscape but don’t take our word for it – go on, get going. Once you’ve had a taste of Africa it will be in your blood forever.

WINGED BOOTS WISDOM

One of the best ways to travel Africa is by car, not only because the country is vast but because so many of its secret locations, hidden gems and buried treasures aren’t easily accessible by public transport. And what better excuse to hit the road than a trip along the magnificent Garden Route? This coastal drive stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape and is the country’s equivalent of Route 66 (although most locals would argue that it far outstrips the legendary American roadway). Some of the very best beaches, national parks, rivers and railways in South Africa are scattered along the way, giving you the opportunity to sample a little bit of everything the area has to offer.