Nestled at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is consistently voted amongst the top cities in the world to visit and it is no surprise that this wonderful city is one of the highlights of a holiday to South Africa. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers.

One of the main tourist attractions is the tastefully restored V&A Waterfront with its many shops, bars and restaurants. There is also an aquarium and one of the largest craft markets in Southern Africa. Boats offer tours of the harbour from the quayside and the whole place is always buzzing with life and activity. The City Bowl is home to many museums and historical buildings which can all be viewed from a 'topless' hop on/hop off tourist bus, complete with interesting commentary as you ride around the city.

The adventurous can climb up (or abseil down) Table Mountain, windsurf or kitesurf at Bloubergstrand Beach, dive in shark tanks, or do any one of a dozen more adrenalin pumping activities. For a more relaxed pace of life, there are miles of sandy beaches for soaking up the African sun, or enjoy a quiet stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Set in the heart of the beautifully restored Waterfront and framed by the ocean and Table Mountain, the elegance and luxury of the Victoria & Alfred Hotel is rivalled only by its relaxed atmosphere and warm personal service. The hotel is renowned for the highest international standards.

All the bedrooms of the Victoria & Alfred Hotel enjoy unrivalled views of Table Mountain and the working harbour or the vibrant V&A Waterfront.

The luxurious interiors of all spacious bedrooms are complemented by elegant decor, along with all the modern essentials to make guests feel comfortably at home. Each has a separate shower, fully stocked private bar and air-conditioning.

Dining at the hotel's award winning restaurant, the Waterfront Cafe, overlooking the cobbled quayside and the harbour is reminiscent of a meal in a Southern European coastal village. As the sun begins to set, enjoy cocktails are served on the terrace while overlooking the bustling harbour.

Guests can also use the swimming pool and spa at the V&A's sister hotel - the Dock House - which is situated just across the road from the V&A.

Address

Victoria & Alfred Hotel,On the Waterfront Pierhead, V&A Waterfront

Directions

From the N2 (Cape Town International Airport/the Winelands/Hermanus/The Garden Route): Take the N2 towards Cape Town. Keep on this road, following the signs for Cape Town North, and then M6 Sea Point. If in doubt, keep bearing right the whole time! You will then see the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on your left-hand side (very large cream-coloured building), and there will be a set of traffic lights at a major junction. Turn right here towards the V&A Waterfront. At the first roundabout, turn left and then at the next roundabout take the second exit keeping straight on Dock Road. Go past the Two Oceans Aquarium and you will see the hotel on your right.

From the N1: Follow the road to Cape Town, and you will see the CTICC on your left-hand side. Follow the directions as above.

AndBeyond Kirkman's Kamp in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve was named in honour of its former owner, W. Harry Kirkman, one of South Africa's foremost conservationists. The original 1920s South African homestead has been beautifully restored and the moment you walk into the main guest area you’ll think you’ve been transported back in time. The fact that the lawn has warthog grazing on it instead of a neatly dressed party playing croquet does nothing to dispel this illusion - in fact, it all adds to the ambiance. Spacious sitting, dining and bar guest areas contain original mementos of a time long past.

Undoubtedly the most prestigious game park in South Africa, the 65,000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve is renowned for having the best Big Five game viewing in the country, if not the world. Located on the southwestern corner of the Greater Kruger National Park, there are no restricting fences, thus enabling the animals to roam freely just as nature intended. Experienced rangers and trackers will lead you on morning and afternoon/evening game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Sabi Sand Game Reserve on interpretive wilderness walks led by experienced rangers or expert Shangaan trackers, and learn more about the area's intriguing fauna and flora.

The 12 charming cottages overlook the bushveld and beautiful lawns surround the lodge and swimming pool, with spectacular views of the unspoiled landscape surrounding the Sand River. Private verandas attached to each suite offer a secluded spot to drink in the breathtaking views. Old-fashioned bedsteads combine seamlessly with modern comfort and souvenirs of bygone years to create a nostalgic safari atmosphere. Generous claw-foot bathtubs complete the picture, while stand-alone showers in each room provide an up-to-date touch. Impeccable and gracious service completes the old world atmosphere. 

Address

AndBeyond Kirkman's Kamp,Private Concession, Sabi Sand (via Shaw's Gate)

Directions

From Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction): Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536.

Once on the R536, continue along this road for approximately 34.5 km and on the left-hand side of the road, you will see lodge signboards for various lodges including Inyati, Idube, Exeter and Savanna. Go past these, and approximately 3 km further on, on the left-hand side of the road, you will see signposts for the private game reserves of MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi. Turn left here onto the gravel road. Travel for approximately 8.5 km and you will get to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve Shaw's Gate. 

From the Kruger Mpumalanga/Nelspruit International Airport: Turn right out of the airport onto the R538 and follow the signs to White River (Witrivier). Continue for approximately 12 km, until you reach the first set of traffic lights in White River, with the mosque on your left. Turn right and travel towards Hazyview on the R40. After approximately 45 km, you will go down a steep hill towards a T-junction. Turn left, staying on the R40. Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn right here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536. Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From Johannesburg/Pretoria: Take the N12 or N4 highway respectively to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Keep on the N4 until you reach Nelspruit, where you will turn left onto the R40 to White River. In White River, at the first set of traffic lights in the town itself, turn left, following signs to Hazyview and Wildtuin/Kruger National Park. At the next set of traffic lights, turn right. Cross over the next set of traffic lights and then at the final set, with a Caltex garage on your right, turn left on the R40 for Hazyview (the R538, via the Numbi Gate, is a busy road and not recommended). After approximately 45 km, you will go down a steep hill towards a T-junction. Turn left, staying on the R40. Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536. Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From Johannesburg/Pretoria via Scenic Route: Take the N12 or N4 highway to Witbank/eMalahleni (from Johannesburg Airport, follow signs to Boksburg to find the N12). Follow the N4 highway past Middleburg (Toll Plaza), Belfast/eMakhazeni and Machadodorp (Toll Plaza). Take the R36 to Lydenburg/Mashishing. In Lydenburg/Mashishing, follow the signs to Sabie over the Long Tom Pass (the highest tar road in South Africa). In Sabie, take the R536 to Hazyview. Just before Hazyview you will reach a T-junction. Turn right onto the R40 towards Hazyview. Proceed through Hazyview until you reach a set of traffic lights with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536. Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From Hoedspruit Airport: Turn right out of the airport towards the R40. At the T-junction, turn left onto the R40 towards White River and Hazyview. Proceed on the R40 for approximately 88 km until you reach a set of traffic lights in Hazyview with a shopping centre/mall on the corner. Turn left here - the road is signposted to the Kruger Gate/R536.  Once on the R536, follow the directions as above from Hazyview (R40/R536 Junction).

From the Paul Kruger Gate: Go through the gate, and follow the R536 to Hazyview. Continue along this road for approximately 4.5 km and on the right-hand side of the road, you will see lodge signboards for the private game reserves of MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi. Turn right here onto the gravel road. Travel for approximately 8.5 km and you will get to the Sabi Sand Game Reserve Shaw's Gate.

ONCE AT THE SHAW’S GATE: For self-drive visitors, there is a R140 per person and a R310 per vehicle entrance fee, payable in cash at the entrance gate (subject to change). Please retain your receipt as proof of entrance and have it stamped at your destination when you are leaving, which acts as your Exit Permit. Once inside the gate, follow the signs to the lodge through the reserve.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances.

Fulfill your escapist dreams on the paradise private island of Bazaruto, in a jewel-like archipelago off the coast of Mozambique. With few distractions to interrupt your stay at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, you can completely lose yourself in dazzling natural beauty, peaceful island life and unforgettable experiences.

Stroll along powdery white sands, or canter along the beach on horseback. The balmy Indian Ocean waters are perfect to master windsurfing, water skiing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking or even wake boarding. Try your hand at big game fishing on a catch and release basis in waters renowned for sailfish, marlin, barracuda and yellowfin tuna. Explore some of the world's best scuba diving sites and spot elusive dugongs, playful dolphins, turtles and whales, or venture out on a snorkelling trip to one of the nearby reefs and discover a magnificent coral playground bursting with aquatic life.

Back at the resort, sunbathe around the swimming pool, head to the spa to enjoy one of the extensive range of treatments and specialist hydro facilities, or work out at the fitness centre. Then as a postcard perfect day draws to an end, step aboard a traditional dhow boat for a sunset cruise.

Relish a host of luxury comforts in the boutique collection of 44 villas. Constructed from indigenous materials such as reed, soft fringed thatch and wood, the villas feature elegant natural design that beautifully complements the unspoiled tropical surrounds. 

Wake up in a Beach Villa to the call of the ocean, sliding open floor-to-ceiling doors to step from your spacious bedroom and living space onto your beach facing veranda for a morning stroll on the beach. The Beach Pool Villas are seductively private with everything needed for a truly romantic haven. Choose where and when you want to swim, either in your plunge pool or just steps away or in the Indian Ocean. The Sea View Villa is the perfect choice for guests seeking intimacy and breath-taking views overlooking the bay.

The ideal choice for families and friends travelling together, the Deluxe Sea View Pool Villas feature two en-suite bedrooms. Both bedrooms have double doors opening onto a wooden deck, where you can share meals at the dining table and watch the sunset from the ocean facing cabana. The main resort also has a dedicated Family Pool for younger guests.