Cape  Town

South Africa’s second-largest city (after Johannesburg) and very popular with international travellers, Cape Town is home to the world-famous Table Mountain and Robben Island. With an international airport and busy port, the city is a bustling metropolis.

Plettenberg Bay

Along the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay is a popular holiday destination with its long, white beaches. Adventurers are attracted to the nearby Bloukrans bungee jump and tree canopy tours.

Paarl

In the heart of the Cape Winelands, Paarl is dotted with ancient oak trees and examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco architecture.

Oudtshoorn

Situated inland in the Little Karoo, about a 480km drive east from Cape Town, Oudtshoorn is the world’s ostrich capital and is also home to the spectacular Cango Caves and Swartberg mountain range.

Franschhoek

Some of the country’s top restaurants call this town, about 80km from Cape Town, home. Franschhoek (in Afrikaans, ‘French Corner’) also has a rich wine heritage (which makes a great combination with the excellent food) and the Huguenot Memorial.

Stellenbosch

Situated about 50km north-east of Cape Town, Stellenbosch is the country’s second-oldest town. Famed for its wines and wine route, it is also home to some of the country’s top restaurants and the University of Stellenbosch. Here you’ll find panoramic views, oak trees and Cape Dutch architecture.

Hermanus

About 120km south-east along the coast from Cape Town, Hermanus is known as the whale-watching capital of South Africa. These massive creatures (most commonly southern right whales) can be seen from about June to December, from the shore, by boat, or by air.

Knysna

Situated on an estuary along the Garden Route, Knysna’s lush natural beauty makes it particularly picturesque. The town is famous for oysters (and an annual oyster festival), forests, outdoor activities and nearby beaches.

There are more plant species in the Table Mountain National Park than in the entire United Kingdom.