Sightseeing

Sightseeing activities on your South African adventure

Lesedi Cultural Village:
Lesedi African Lodge is a multicultural village set amongst the pristine bushveld and rocky hills less than an hour's drive north of Johannesburg, South Africa. Live the Lesedi experience—experience the vibrant and colorful traditions of the Basotho, Ndebele, Pedi, Xhosa and Zulu people on a short tour. A trip to South Africa would not be complete without a trip to the Lesedi Cultural Village. Be part of traditional Africa for just a short while. You will never forget it!

Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton:
The main feature and attraction of Nelson Mandela Square is its piazza-like open-air square. It's very much a modern creation but calls up images of ancient European squares—more or less a post-modern version thereof... What makes Nelson Mandela Square a special experience is the restaurants and coffee shops around the actual square, most of which extend onto it with a "European cafe"-like charm. The excellent 5-star Michealangelo Hotel is located on one side of the Square and its residents have the pleasure of direct (pedestrian) access to both centres.

Sterkfontein World Heritage Site:
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site which has been nominated for the rich diversity of fossils found in the area which cast light on human ancestors and their relatives and the environments which they lived in. The declared area is about 120,000 acres and extends approximately between Oaktree, Hekpoort, Broederstroom and Lanseria. Most of the site is in Gauteng (north of Johannesburg) with about 10% of the site in North West Province. Most of the site is on dolomite, a rock type which is slightly soluble in water. This has two major consequences—the formation of caves and the formation of fossils. There are currently over 200 caves on the site, with possibly more to be discovered. There are 13 fossil sites which have been extensively examined—and some have produced fossils of human ancestors and their relatives. A variety of stone tools used by human ancestors such as axes and scrapers have also been identified. The range of other creatures which co-existed in the area included extinct animals such as short-necked giraffe, giant buffalo, giant hyaena and several species of saber-toothed cats. Numerous fossils of extant creatures such as leopards and hartebeest have also been found. There are a wide range of activities on the site—perhaps the best known is the Sterkfontein Caves.

Madikwe Game Reserve:
Opened in 1991, Madikwe Game Reserve is home to 66 large mammal species including the "Big Five" and approximately 300 resident and migrant bird species. Located about 3 hours north of Johannesburg and bordered with Botswana, it is one of South Africa's largest game reserves. Madikwe has the distinction of being one of the few game reserves in the world to be proclaimed purely on the grounds of being the most appropriate and sustainable land use for an area. The reserve consists of vast plains of open woodlands and grasslands, dissected by the rugged Rant van Tweedepoort, and bordered in the south by the Dwarsberg Mountains. The area is dotted with huge rocky hills or inselbergs. The entire reserve has been enclosed in a 150km perimeter fence which has been electrified to prevent the escape of elephants and the larger predators. Guests are taken on conducted day and night game drives or bush walks where you can get an up close look at the incredible animals.

Garden Route:
One of the most pristine coastal drives anywhere in the world. A stretch of coastline in the Eastern Cape that starts just to the west of Port Elizabeth and travels through Knysna, George and Mossel Bay. The sheer beauty is unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

Cape Town:
The Cape Point and Peninsula Tour includes Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, Chapman's Peak drive, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Atlantic Coast and False Bay, Camps Bay, Clifton and Simon's Town.

Shamwari Game Reserve:
Shamwari is a 49,000 acre malaria free, private game reserve situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This "Big 5" reserve received numerous international awards, including the World's Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve for five consecutive years. It is situated in verdant bush along the Bushman's River, halfway between Port Elizabeth (45 minutes drive outside the city) and Grahams town, a pleasant drive from Cape Town, forming a natural extension to the famous Garden Route. The reserve boasts five eco-systems, thus enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life.

The V & A Waterfront:
Situated between Robben Island and Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town's working harbour, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront has become South Africa's most visited destination. Set against a backdrop of magnificent sea and mountain views, exciting shopping and entertainment venues are intermingled with imaginative office locations, world-class hotels and luxury apartments in the residential marina. We invite you to discover the experience...and play at the V&A Waterfront.

Table Mountain:
Arguably one of the most well-known mountains in Africa, Table Mountain provides a magnificent backdrop to cosmopolitan Cape Town. Famous for the tablecloth of clouds that pours endlessly down its slopes when the south-easter blows, this is a mountain of many moods and offers walkers and hikers a range of routes that vary from strolls to rigorous hikes. A highlight is to also ascend the mountain by taking the cable lift. You decide whether you want to reach the summit and revel in spectacular views of the city or simply stroll along in the cool shade of indigenous forest—which ever you choose you won't be disappointed. The ancient Afromontane forest has a fairy charm as vines and canopies create a magical atmosphere.

Franchhoek/Winelands:
Franchhoek is less than a hour drive from Cape Town. Franchhoek, Valley of the Huguenots, is one of the premier destinations in the World of Wine. All noble cultivars and classic styles are on show here. From superb whites to rich and fruity reds to exceptional sparkling wines. And you'll be happy to know that most farms readily welcome visitors for tastings. The Picturesque valley offers some of South Africa's most acclaimed restaurants with everything from Cape country fare to sublime French cuisine. It's not surprising that the area is known as the "Wine and Food capital of the Cape".