South African Explorer

Guarded by the small town of Graskop, the famous Panorama Route is home to mountains, forests and canyons, most notably, the Blyde River Canyon, which is also the world’s largest “green canyon”. The Blyde River Canyon’s lush subtropical foliage makes it the world’s largest green canyon. The awe-inspiring Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls are just a short drive away. As are scenic landmarks such as Bourke's Luck Potholes, an unusual geological formation formed at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers that mark the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. Make sure you stop at God’s Window, so called for its panoramic view of the Lowveld more than 900 m down into lush indigenous forest-clad ravine. The majestic cliffs plunge over 700 m to the Lowveld and the private game reserves that have made the area one of South Africa's main wildlife destinations. Also, a short 30-minute drive from Graskop will take you to the gold rush town of Pilgrim's Rest where you can relive the 1873 gold rush in surroundings of unparalleled beauty. You can even try your hand at panning for gold. Over and above the scenic beauty and historical learnings found on the Panorama Route, you will also experience a wealth of plant and animal life in the region.

Guarded by the small town of Graskop, the famous Panorama Route is home to mountains, forests and canyons, most notably, the Blyde River Canyon, which is also the world’s largest “green canyon”. The Blyde River Canyon’s lush subtropical foliage makes it the world’s largest green canyon. The awe-inspiring Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls are just a short drive away. As are scenic landmarks such as Bourke's Luck Potholes, an unusual geological formation formed at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers that mark the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. Make sure you stop at God’s Window, so called for its panoramic view of the Lowveld more than 900 m down into lush indigenous forest-clad ravine. The majestic cliffs plunge over 700 m to the Lowveld and the private game reserves that have made the area one of South Africa's main wildlife destinations. Also, a short 30-minute drive from Graskop will take you to the gold rush town of Pilgrim's Rest where you can relive the 1873 gold rush in surroundings of unparalleled beauty. You can even try your hand at panning for gold. Over and above the scenic beauty and historical learnings found on the Panorama Route, you will also experience a wealth of plant and animal life in the region. Kruger National Park is the centerpiece of South African tourism, a vast area rich in wildlife that stretches for over 400 km across the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. But the region inhabited by large African animals extends beyond the public part into a large number of private reserves, often very expensive and exclusive, which form the Greater Kruger and where the circulation during photo safaris is not limited to roads, but open to the entire accessible territory by off-road vehicles. The distinction between Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger obviously does not concern the animals, which freely and indifferently roam both the national park and the private reserves. In any case, the adventure and the extraordinary natural environment will thrill you.

Swaziland is a curious mountain kingdom located between Mpumalanga and Kwazulu Natal. There are no particular formalities at the entrance, except for the payment of a road tax of 50 ZAR, and the roads are in decent condition. You enter Swaziland from the R40 (coming from Nelspruit) or from the R570 (from Malelane Gate). From here, you proceed towards Pigg's Peak (85 km from Malelane and 100 km from Nelspruit) and Mbabane, the capital of the country.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a natural wonder, and notably a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Formerly known as the St Lucia Wetland Park, this area is a glowing testament to nature, comprising eight inter-dependent ecosystems all bursting with life. This wet wonderland was declared South Africa's first World Heritage Site in December 1999, and encompasses beautiful landscapes, unique ecology and diverse wildlife (which include the famous Loggerhead and Leatherback sea turtles). In a speech marking the historic 2002 reintroduction of elephants to its eastern shores, Nelson Mandela said: “The wetland park must be the only place on the globe where the world’s oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest land mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the Coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale).”.

With warm weather all-year round, Durban welcomes you to a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle where beaches, braais, seafood and curry restaurants, clubs and upmarket accommodation establishments provide everything you could wish for while on holiday. Durban is South Africa’s self-styled “playground” where year-round warm weather welcomes everyone to make the most of the area’s natural outdoor lifestyle. Also known as “Surf City”, Durban is renowned for its magnificent bathing and surfing beaches, which stretch along the city's beachfront from Durban harbour in the south to the upmarket suburb of Umhlanga in the north. An expansive paved promenade offers access to the best of these beaches – the Golden Mile – where joggers, cyclists, dog owners, surfers, body boarders and walkers enjoy early-morning and late-afternoon exercise. You can’t miss Durban’s striking Moses Mabhida Stadium, the host venue to top-notch sporting events, Segway tours, a city-viewing SkyCar and an impressive bungee swing. Closer to the harbour, uShaka Marine World – a world-class water park, aquarium (with fish, dolphins, seals, penguins and other sea life) and restaurant complex — overlooks the ocean and offers hours of entertainment for your whole family. Did You Know? Durban's harbour is the busiest port in South Africa and is considered as one of the busiest in Africa. Culturally, Durban exhibits a mix of Indian, Zulu and post-colonial influences, reflected in the city’s architecture and cuisine. Curries, seafood and fusion food are popular at beachfront restaurants, Wilson’s Wharf, and at the gourmet hot spots and coffee shops that line Florida Road and Helen Joseph Road. The art deco-style Suncoast Hotel and Casino complex, flanking the promenade, houses seafood and curry restaurants, movie theatres, a casino and coffee shops – with secure on-site parking and semi-private beach access. Shopping is best enjoyed at Durban’s out-of-city malls: the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga; the Pavilion in Westville; and the Galleria in Amanzimtoti. An overwhelming choice of shops in air-conditioned comfort makes spending money a most enjoyable pursuit. Half an hour inland from the city, the Valley of a Thousand Hills promises a taste of African culture, while further into the countryside, the Midlands Meander features about 150 arts and crafts outlets for city-dwellers in search of fresh air and homemade fare. Adventure activities are well catered for in and around this coastal city, with deep-sea fishing charters, dolphin viewing, jet-skiing, shark-cage diving, quad biking, scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, boat cruises and much more readily available. Durban is the centre of world-class sports and hosts major international events. It is a shopper’s paradise with entertainment and hospitality establishments, offering a wide range of accommodation from beachfront hotels to themed lodges, guesthouses, self-catering apartments and homely B&Bs. We suggest you make this your next holiday destination.

The Garden Route is a narrow stretch of coastal plain between Mossel Bay and the mouth of the Storms River, 200 km of forests, mountains, rivers that flow into the ocean between rocky shores, beaches, and coves.

One of the best ways to really explore Cape Town is by car. The city has some of the most amazing roads, which wind around the mountains and offer stunning sea views. Here are a few drives you can take to really soak up the splendour of Cape Town. Chapman’s Peak: Chappies is the classic Cape Town scenic drive. In fact, it’s been used in dozens of car commercials, so look out for it next time you read a magazine or watch TV. The drive winds around the mountains above the Atlantic, with endless ocean views. There are places to stop and check the view too. Stard in Nordhoek and drive the M6 to Hout Bay with fish ‘n chips at Mariner’s Wharf.