South Africa

South Africa, located in Africa’s southernmost region, boasts a coastline 2,500 km long – of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans – offers something for all five senses. Surrounded by oceans you can expect generally temperate climate. You will find multiple climatic zones that exist due to the topography and the oceans’ influence.

There are extreme deserts in the northwest and subtropical climate in the east. The land rises quickly from the east over an escarpment to a plateau called the Highveld. In the southwest, the climate is like the Mediterranean. The area is famous for producing much of South Africa’s wine. Severe winds also blow in the area nearly all year. This caused the Cape of Good Hope to be dangerous for sailors.

North of Johannesburg, the altitude drops and becomes the low-lying Bushveld. The Lowveld goes to the Indian Ocean beyond the eastern escarpment.

Experience Highlights!

Things to Do

Shimansky Jewellry Store Rockwell

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. The Shimansky Rockwell Diamond Experience showroom is a unique and engaging destination offering personalized experiences specially designed for group visitors. Known for its beautiful architecture and stunning mountain backdrop, the Shimansky Rockwell showroom is ideally located in the trendy De Waterkant Village in Green Point, Cape Town, home to a variety of niche restaurants, cafes and retailers. This sought-after location is the perfect fit for Shimansky’s new cutting-edge showroom. Visitors are offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to polish diamonds under the guidance of a Shimansky master craftsman. The first of its kind, this incomparable experience is unique to Shimansky and offers guests a better understanding of the skill required to perfect each and every Shimansky diamond jewelry creation.

Places to Eat

Balducci is a restaurant located in V&A Waterfront, South Africa. The restaurant offers an unrivaled menu of simple, everyday home-cooked Italian dishes that reflect the most traditional elements of food and culinary styles. The food is prepared in a relaxed and restorative manner, while at the same time being creative, traditional, and affordable.

Babylonstoren Wine Tasting Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offer breathtaking views over the vineyards towards the small rocky koppie from which the farm derives its name, while indoors the striking central bar bedecked in vivid green tiles mirrors the lush vineyards beyond. A range of tantalizing snack platters with charcuterie, cheese, pâté and fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden are on offer. The platters are an ideal light bite while tasting the Babylonstoren range of wines.

Sights to See

Highlights of a trip down to Cape Point include; one of the world’s most spectacular drives, Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Noordhoek Beach, the Cape Point Nature Reserve, two lighthouses on the tip of Africa, Boulders Penguin Colony, Simonstown, Kalk Bay, and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Chapman’s Peak

Chapman’s Peak Drive winds it way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. Situated on the Atlantic Coast, at the south-western tip of South Africa, it is one of the most spectacular marine drives anywhere in the world. The 9 km route, with its 114 curves, skirts the rocky coastline of Chapman’s Peak. The drive offers stunning 180° views with many areas along the route where you can stop and take in the scenery or sit down for a relaxing picnic.

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town is ideal for kids as immense boulders shelter the cove from currents and large waves – but please always take care. It is a rare pleasure to swim with the penguins, but don’t touch or feed them. They might look cute and cuddly, but their beaks are as sharp as razors and if they feel threatened, they have no qualms about nipping the odd finger or nose.

Sunset Champagne Cruise

The Sunset Champagne Cruise is an evening cruise set on the coast of Cape Town. Boat cruise options include a sailing boat and a motor vessel. The luxury boats leave the harbor and then sail across Table Bay to Granger Bay as the sun sets, then returns to the Waterfront. Motor vessels cruise slowly along the Atlantic seaboard towards Clifton beach and then return to the harbor. Guests receive a complimentary glass of local sparkling wine.

Sevruga

If you like the finer things in life, then you’ll like Sevruga. Enjoy the sunset in a spectacular setting by mingling with the hot-to-trot crowd, kitted out from head to toe in designer wear, and sipping on tasty cocktails. Even if you’re not used to dining in a trendy, glitzy environment, the warm, friendly staff, variety of delicious meals and extensive wine list should not fail to impress.