South Africa

beyond the beaten path

South Africa's incredible biodiversity is ranked sixth out of the world's 17 mega-diverse countries. Here you can expect some of the finest safari experiences in Africa, especially (but not exclusively) in the private reserves adjacent to Kruger National Park. To fully appreciate South Africa's natural wonders, it is essential to travel east to the Cape Peninsula, an area of dramatic scenery blessed by ocean winds and truly unique ecosystems, home to an abundance of indigenous plant and animal life. In fact, this is where two major oceanic systems, the cold Benguela and warm Atlantic currents, mix, creating exceptional conditions along the coast for activities such as whale-watching, shark diving and world-class surfing and windsurfing. For this same reason, the hinterland also hosts one of the most famous wine regions in the world, the Winelands. Exploring this area, with verdant valleys as far as the eye can see and biological farms where you can stop and taste the delicious products of the land, is a true feast for the five senses.