Southern South Africa: Capetown & Gardenroute

The small and pretty country town of Montagu is filled with restored national monuments, and its streets are lined with Cape Victorian buildings and architecture. Montagu is also well-known for its excellent adventure activities such as the many rock climbing routes, as well as its natural hot springs.

Known as the ‘ostrich capital of the world’, Oudtshoorn made its fortune during the late 19th century due to a boom in the popularity and value of the creature’s feathers, with the local ostrich farming industry still the town’s main draw to this day. Though famous for its feathered population, Oudtshoorn also makes a great base for exploring the Little Karoo and the nearby Garden Route.

Situated on South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant National Park is a reserve home to more than 600 elephants, having protected the native animal and grown the population from only 11 when the park was established in 1931. As well as its elephant herds, Addo is home to the ‘Big Seven’, boasting sightings of great white sharks and southern right whales in its coastline area as well as an impressive population of lions, zebras, black rhinos and leopards within the park grounds.

Weaved throughout a scenic network of canals and waterways in the St. Francis Peninsula and characterised by Cape-Dutch style whitewashed thatched-roof houses, St. Francis is popular with locals during summer, but offers a calm and tranquil atmosphere during the off-season with its sun-soaked climate. Attractions include the historic Seal Point Lighthouse, as well as small beaches popular for surfing and year-round opportunities for dolphin watching.

A popular stop on South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, Knysna is a picturesque town nestled between mountains and bays, surrounded by a stunning blue lagoon and indigenous green forests which extend into the Tsitsikamma National Park. Knysna is also home to a thriving arts scene, and hosts various festivals throughout the year. Perhaps the town’s most popular event is its 10 day Oyster festival held each summer, drawing in both local and international visitors to celebrate the local delicacy.

South Africa’s Whale Coast is based around the town of Hermanus, known as the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world. The main draw is the abundance of Southern Right Whales, which can be seen from the shore as they migrate along the coast - the town even hosts an annual Whale Festival in September to celebrate the return of the majestic creatures to its shores. The proximity to Cape Town makes Hermanus ideal as a day trip, or stay in one of the excellent accommodation options and enjoy activities such as hiking or fishing.

Overlooked by the spectacular Table Mountain, Cape Town is a modern and multicultural city home to a melting pot of cultures and breathtaking landscape. Although known for its natural wonders, Cape Town is a buzzing metropolis with vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisine and a huge creative scene - having been named a World Design Capital in 2014. Despite its long and troubled history, nowadays Cape Town offers a relaxed environment where visitors can enjoy this laid-back city and take advantage of its many attractions.