Between June and November each year, hundreds of Southern Right whales come to the shores of the area around Hermanus. The whales come so close to shore, that there are several vantage points from where you can sit and watch them with a flask of hot coffee and a pair of binoculars. Further east along the Cape, is the town of Gaansbaai, famed for its great white shark populations. You do not need to know how to dive, and a short introduction is given to you before you don your wetsuit. It’s an experience of a lifetime – and if you have the courage (and the ability to hold onto your breakfast!), you must do it.

In contrast to popular perception, driving in South Africa is both a wonderful and safe way to see the country. With the exception of Johannesburg, other parts of the country such as Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth, and the Cape Coastal Route, are all fabulous places to drive. You can pick up your rental car from the airport through major companies, such as Hertz. Armed with a GPS, simple intuitive traffic rules, and right-hand driving (like in India), it’s a more affordable and independent way to see the city and the countryside. In particular, the one drive that should not be missed is the R44 from Strand towards Hermanus – which we rate as one of the best coastal routes in the world.

Spend 2-3 nights at a private game reserve or national park and experience the world’s most luxurious wildlife lodges. Fly on a bush plane to remote airstrips, go on game drives spotting South Africa’s big five mammals, and get romantic in your private pool villa while being pampered beyond your dreams. The wildlife in East Africa may be on a grander landscape, but nowhere can they give the luxury wildlife traveller a more complete experience than in the national parks and private reserves of South Africa. With the amazing conservation effort across the country, you can now have a wildlife experience irrespective of where you are.