Cape Town
The first port of call for most visitors, cosmopolitan Cape Town, is the birthplace of modern South Africa and is blessed with a sensational geographical location – dramatic Table Mountain stands on one side, whilst the indigo Atlantic Ocean shimmers on the other. Standout features include top-class hotels, restaurants, bars, museums and other various entertainment, as well as iconic attractions – such as Robben Island and the V&A Waterfront. Meanwhile, along the Cape Peninsula on Cape Town’s Southern Atlantic Seaboard, there is a selection of sandy beaches and boulder-scattered coves, running right the way down to striking Cape Point - a fantastic day trip from the bustling city.
Food and Wine
Less than an hour’s drive inland from Cape Town city centre, the broad, fertile valleys of the Cape Winelands unfold, famous for producing some of the world’s finest wines. Highlights include the attractive Dutch settlement of Stellenbosch, surrounded by world-class vineyards, as well as Franschhoek – a gourmet capital and foodie heaven, housing world-renowned restaurants, speciality delicatessens and more award-winning wineries.
Johannesburg
Undergoing rapid changes and development, Jo’Burg (as the city is affectionately known) is becoming increasingly smart and trendy, attracting more and more visitors each year. There are countless things to see and do here: explore Mandela’s home in Soweto, or discover a line-up of fascinating museums highlighting South Africa’s turbulent past – Constitution Hill, Apartheid Museum and Liliesleaf Farm are just a few great examples.
Kalahari
The ‘green’ area of the southern Kalahari Desert is a true paradise of untouched wilderness, rich in fascinating wildlife. Visit in spring to spot curious meerkats, in summer for migrant birds, in autumn for the antelope rut, or in winter to spot pint-size creatures beneath sensational stars. Special interest safaris are also on offer - including guided walking, horseback and night-time adventures.
Travel Planning
Our Travel Consultants can advise on, arrange and pre-book many things to enhance your holiday. This includes everything from spa reservations and dinner reservations, to a range of special experiences available in our featured resorts that you may not know about.
Afternoon Tea
Enjoy the legendary Afternoon Tea at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Cape Town, which has become a tradition and offers the opportunity to relax in sophisticated surroundings indoors or outside, whilst savouring finger sandwiches, sweet treats - including a South African milk tart - and the hotel's signature blend of tea.
Whisky
If you're a whisky connoisseur, Cape Grace has the largest collection of whisky available in the southern hemisphere at its bar.
Wine Route
Look out for the official wine route logo for cellar tours and lunches in shaded gardens or restaurants, where you can sample the wine of your choice.
Rovos Rail
Travel in style from Cape Town to Pretoria (or vice versa) on the world-famous Rovos Rail train; view the magnificent scenery from the opulent carriages that rekindle the golden age of travel.
Flight Information
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic direct from London Heathrow to Cape Town and Johannesburg. South African Airways from London Heathrow to Johannesburg.
Via Dubai with Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Onward connecting flights with South African Airways and Comair to Durban and Port Elizabeth. South African Express and Comair to George. South African Express to Richards Bay. Airlink to Kruger Mpumalanga.
Flight Time
From London Heathrow to Cape Town: 11 hours, 25 minutes.
London Heathrow to Johannesburg: 10 hours, 50 minutes.
Onward connecting flights from Johannesburg to Durban: 1 hour, 10 minutes.
From Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth: 1 hour, 40 minutes.
From Johannesburg to George: 1 hour, 50 minutes.
From Johannesburg to Richards Bay: 1 hour, 15 minutes.
From Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga: 50 minutes.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country (for example, South Africa) or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
South Africa has amended its Immigration Act so families travelling to South Africa from the UK and other visa-free countries don't need to carry birth certificates for children (under 18 years old) that are travelling with a parent or guardian. If the child is travelling unaccompanied, they may still need to produce a full birth certificate and parental consent letter. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-africa/entry-requirements for more information.
It is important to note that this only applies to those families travelling within South Africa as Botswana and Namibia still require all children to be in possession of a birth certificate at the port of entry.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/insect-tick-bite-avoidance/
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations ie, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
Additional sources of information include: www.hpa.org.uk, http://nathnac.net,
www.fco.gov.uk, www.hpa.org.uk and www.nathnac.org, your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.
Precautions against malaria are necessary in the Kruger National Park and other selected areas. A yellow fever vaccination certificate will be required for travel (in any direction) between South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia. Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific need