Vic Falls and Kruger with Wine and Waves in the Cape

A highlight on any Southern Africa trip, seeing Vic Falls in all its pounding, dramatic, mesmerising glory is unforgettable – and there is plenty to keep you busy in the area. Firstly, we recommend a walk (guided or unguided) to get a feel for the sheer enormity of the waterfall, before taking to the skies and marvelling from above in either a helicopter or a microlight. Both offer incredible views and big, bucket-list ticks.

To really get the adrenalin going, there’s a selection of daredevil activities to choose from – bungee jumping, gorge swinging, white water rafting and trips to the iconic Devil’s Pool spring to mind – but if something more sedate is on the cards, there are languid boat trips on the Zambezi, sundowner cruises and wonderful afternoon teas to enjoy.

If safari is on your mind, there are a couple of options to choose from. Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers good game viewing of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and zebra (sadly no big cats) as well as fantastic rhino tracking opportunities and walking safaris. Otherwise, take a day trip to Botswana’s Chobe National Park for the Big Five and river cruises to see the hundreds of elephant the park is rightly famous for.

One of the continent’s most famous wildlife watching areas, the Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves need little introduction! Filled to bursting with an abundance of wildlife, the Big Five are all present and correct and the chances of seeing cats are excellent. Many come to Kruger to see the secretive leopard with a good success rate, and white rhino also feature high on the elusive species list. In the northern, remote areas, the birding is fantastic, and they are your best bet for a back-to-nature walking safari (although walks are also available in other areas too).

All in all, an iconic safari destination that you will remember forever.

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!

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…