Hailed by many to be one of the greatest road trips on earth, South Africa’s Garden Route manages to fit a lot into its 125-mile journey. Think cosmopolitan cities, award-winning wineries, awe-inspiring wildlife spotting, both on land and at sea, and views out across both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean.
Whale spotting season runs from June to December in South Africa, and nowhere is better to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures that Hermanus. From the pretty coastal town, you’ll find a number of boat trips to take you out to sea where you can get up close as the migrating Southern Right Whales pass by on their migration from their Antarctic feeding grounds.
Home to the majority of South Africa’s wine production, the western cape wine region hosts a number of award-winning wineries such as Waterford Estate, Spier Wine Farm and Vergelegen Estate. The two most famous wine destinations in the country can be found here, Stellenbosch and Paarl.
How could we talk about South Africa without mentioning the world class safari opportunities? the country’s third largest of its 20 National Parks sits just off the Garden Route, making it an easy addition to any trip and one that ticks off a huge item from many people’s bucket list. Addo Elephant National Park houses around elephants, endangered black rhinos, Cape buffaloes, Lion, and spotted hyena.
Enjoying a fortuitous location sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and one of the world’s best wine regions, Cape Town’s dining scene has a lot to offer for seafood aficionados and wine connoisseurs. Head to Willoughby & Co. in the V&A Waterfront for reliably delicious seafood, or for a taste of Japan, try Kyoto Garden Sushi.
The iconic snapshot of Table Mountain looming over Cape Town is etched into the memory of everyone that has been lucky enough to visit the city. The mountains most popular route, Platteklip Gorge Trail, heads straight for the summit, with very little weaving, which makes for a quick ascent. If you’ve time to spare, then take the 12 Apostles Trail to avoid the crowds and capture a photo at the diving board cliff edge.
To book your Garden Route trip, get in touch today. You’ll benefit from full financial protection and a 24-hour duty office ready to assist you before, during and after your trip.
When most people think of Thailand, they picture the dry, busy months - the packed beaches, the long queues at temples, the peak-season prices. But, outside of these peak months, Thailand’s green season reveals a softer, more atmospheric side of the country. The landscapes deepen in colour, the pace eases, and familiar places begin to feel more spacious, from temple courtyards and hillside trails to palm-fringed beaches.
Where you stay in and around Kruger National Park can shape the entire safari experience, from intimate lodges inside the reserve to private game viewing in the Greater Kruger area. Each property included in this round-up offers a different take on a South African safari, whether you’re looking for authentic design, indulgent comfort, or exceptional guiding.
The rail network in Japan makes it easy to shape a trip around the kind of experience you want, rather than following a single fixed route. One day you can be in the middle of a busy food district, the next you’re watching the landscape open out into mountains or coastline. These journeys aren’t about rushing through a checklist, but about choosing routes that naturally link places together and give each stop a bit more meaning.
Finding your match...