Grapes and game parks in South Africa

An easy hour’s flight from Johannesburg, you won’t waste a moment before setting off in search of Madikwe’s wildlife. The 75,000-hectare reserve encompasses a variety of habitats, from red desert sands to woodlands, making for exceptional biodiversity and incredibly photogenic scenery.

On game drives (offered twice daily), keep your eyes peeled for sable, oryx and over 300 species of birdlife, and Madikwe’s ‘Super Seven’: cheetah, lion, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, leopard and African painted dog - it’s one of the best places to see them on the hunt.

To get a closer look at the landscape, explore on foot with an expert guide who will reveal tiny, often overlooked details of the bush. Many lodges are located along the river’s edge with fantastic hides and activities, while some offer night drives for tracking down bat-eared fox, aardwolf and brown hyena.

Ever heard the phrase, “a world in one country”? Well, Cape Town is a world in one city! Surrounded by craggy mountains, ocean, plenty of lush greenery and rolling countryside, but also a bustling city scene, vivacious cultures and history, you won’t be short of things to do. We recommend starting in the city with a guided tour. Choose your focus from history, food or art (or all three), and discover the spots away from the guidebooks. If a guide isn’t your thing, wander the streets and seek out your own gems. Follow it all up with a connoisseur gin tasting and dinner in an award-winning restaurant and you have Cape Town in a nutshell.

Then there’s the great outdoors. Table Mountain dominates the landscape and with several hiking routes to choose from (guided or un-guided), and the cable car, there’s no excuse for not reaching the top. Other highlights around the city include the Southern Peninsula, home to African penguins, cliff-carved roads, lighthouses and incredible views, and the sun-kissed beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard. And we haven’t even started on the markets, paragliding activities, surfing or shopping yet…

Food and wine are the lifebloods of the Cape Winelands and with hundreds of pristine vineyards and glossy restaurants to choose from, you’ll never (ever) want for something delicious. For true wine aficionados, book a wine tour with a specialised guide who will tailor your trip entirely to your tastebuds and take you to the hidden spots the guidebooks don’t mention. Otherwise, book a table somewhere fabulous and settle in for an afternoon of wine tasting and five-star food – or do a combination of both. Also look out for specialised pairings – wine and chocolate, cheese or biltong are favourites – and Methode Cap Classique tastings, South Africa’s answer to champagne.

For something a little different, Franschhoek’s wine tram is a quirky way to explore a selection of the most iconic wineries, or you may prefer to saddle up – bikes and horses are on offer – and explore at a slower pace. Beyond the grapes, hikers will enjoy the stunning scenery and trails of Mont Rochelle (Franschhoek) and Jonkershoek (Stellenbosch), whilst in Elgin you may ‘zip’ along a series of wires amongst the trees and ‘sip’ wine as you go. Or simply enjoy a meander amongst the cafes, art galleries and boutiques of these little towns – that’s what a holiday is about after all!