Icons of Southern Africa

Sidecar tour of the city

Cape Town

Experience a tour of Cape Town like no other – in the sidecar of a decommissioned military bike. Strap in for this mid-peninsula 3-hour ride along the wondrous landscape of the Chapman's Peak Drive via the Atlantic Seaboard, where you'll pass by the scenic sights of Camps Bay, Hout Bay and the Constantia Winelands in this unique adventure.

Suitable for all ages, there are also longer sidecar tours available with the option to tailor-make your own two, four or eight-hour routes.

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Helicopter flights: Table Mountain 360 - 24 minute flight

Cape Town

Take an exhilarating scenic helicopter ride for aerial views over Cape Town and the rugged Atlantic Seaboard. There’s no better view of Cape Town than from the sky, flying over the mountains and perhaps spotting whales and dolphins in the ocean. This Table Mountain 360° flight is a unique way to experience the Mother City on this 24-minute thrilling journey. The pilot will give a commentary pointing out the landmarks, allowing for plentiful photo opportunities along the way.

Taking off from the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a highlight. Out at sea you will see Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated. From the air, you can fully appreciate the sheer scale of Table Mountain, one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders. Passing Signal Hill and the Twelve Apostles you will be flown along the coast and over the white sand beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Circling above the picturesque harbour of Hout Bay, you may see ocean rip currents, whirlpools and, if you are lucky, whales.  After flying above the dramatic coastal road of Chapman’s Peak you will see the colourful beach huts of Muizenberg. Heading inland, the lush vineyards of the Constantia Valley unfold before you descend over the city bowl to land back at the V&A Waterfront.

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Hike Mighty Table Mountain

Cape Town

Hike to the top of Table Mountain, South Africa’s most iconic landmark, for spectacular views over Cape Town.  All treks are private, so you’ll have your own experienced nature guide who knows the mountain, its trails and ecology like the back of their hand. Surrounded by pristine nature, you’ll get an amazing sense of achievement after hiking for three or four hours to the peak.

As you walk up the mountain, your guide will teach you about the surrounding Cape Floral Kingdom, which is a UNESCO heritage site. Table Mountain has more botanical species than the entire UK. You'll learn about the different types of flowers as well as the geology. At 400 metres, wherever you are on the mountain you get a thin layer of Malmesbury shale, which is the mother rock of Table Mountain. You’ll also spot lots of birds and perhaps even a klipspringer.

There are over 50 different hiking trails to choose from so the route will vary depending on how much time you have and your physical ability and you can take the cable car down afterwards. Trails include Platteklip Gorge, the Western Table and neighbouring Lion’s Head. Kasteelspoort takes you through the stunning Valley of the Gods. Skeleton Gorge is a longer hike from Kirstenbosch Gardens through afro-montane forests to Maclears Beacon. Whichever route you take, you’ll enjoy 360-degree views of Cape Town along the way, and you will also be helping to support guided hikes for children from disadvantaged communities around Cape Town.

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Culinary Trip through Cape Town city bowl on foot

Cape Town

Learn the story of South Africa through food on this unique walking tour. Cape Town has a very dynamic food culture due to its colonial roots – every dish will tell you something about the city’s past. Throughout the tour, the guide will show you the city’s key landmarks and you’ll do tastings as you go.

You may start with pastries from Jason's Bakery before trying a specialty coffee at Nitro House. Visit Bo-kaap where you’ll explore the Cape Malay cuisine. After seeing the cuisine created at The Hot Skillet, experience the locally-sourced grilled dishes at the House of H. No tour would be complete without tasting an authentic Italian ice cream from Moro Gelato. This tour perfectly blends food, history and local flavours.

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Walk to Freedom and Robben Island

Cape Town

Learn about apartheid in South Africa on this unique Walk to Freedom tour. You’ll hear Nelson Mandela’s story on Robben Island and visit the townships where residents were gravely affected by apartheid laws. You'll also get the chance to talk to the people who live in these communities today.

This full-day tour starts at 9.00am on the site of District Six, one of the old residential areas of the city. This once busy, multi-racial community was destroyed during apartheid when the government ordered mass evictions and sent people to townships miles outside of the city centre. Next, visit Langa, a typical black African township where you’ll be greeted by a community site guide who lives here and will show you around, perhaps even introducing you to their family.

The tour continues with a visit to Bonteheuwel, a former mixed heritage township where you’ll learn how people were classified as ‘non-white’ during apartheid and separated into different areas. The final stop is at Gugulethu, where you will visit the Gugulethu Seven Memorial which commemorates the deaths of seven young black activists killed by police in 1986 and the Amy Biehl Memorial, who was a young American student and anti-apartheid activist who was murdered here.

At about midday, you will be dropped at the V&A Waterfront where you can grab a bite to eat before boarding the boat to Robben Island. This part of the trip is run by the official Robben Island Museum and is split into two legs, a one-hour bus tour of the island and a tour of what used to be the maximum-security prison, led by a former political prisoner. You’ll get to see Nelson Mandela’s cell representing an incredibly important moment in South Africa’s history.

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Cape Town Peaks & Penguins

Cape Town

On this full day private guided tour, you’ll visit Cape Town’s most famous sights, including Table Mountain before travelling along the dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape point and the Cape Peninsula. There will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way, especially when you encounter the endangered African penguins at Boulder’s Beach. This excursion offers excellent value for money, providing a high-quality private guided experience with your own dedicated vehicle. It includes entrance fees and covers all of Cape Town’s key sights in a single day with plenty of fun along the way.

You’ll be collected from your hotel, and first stop will be at Bo-Kaap. Famed for its colourful houses, this area has many Cape Malay influences and gives an insight into Cape Town’s cultural heritage. Next, head to the base of Table Mountain where, weather permitting, you can take the rotating cableway to the summit. At the top, the views extend across the Mother City to Robben Island and the Atlantic Seaboard.

Return to the vehicle for a drive along the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive. This dramatic road has been carved into the cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the ocean below. After lunch at a local seaside restaurant (own expense) you’ll travel to Cape Point Nature Reserve, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans are said to meet. Explore the rugged cliffs, dramatic viewpoints, and the Cape of Good Hope. Walk up to the lighthouse or take the funicular (optional at own expense) for sweeping ocean vistas. In the afternoon, continue to Boulders Beach. Follow the board walks along the beach where a protected colony of endangered African penguins may be found. Travelling along the False Bay coastline, you will return to Cape Town late afternoon.

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Full Day Panorama Tour

Hazyview and the Panorama Route

Take to the road on a full-day guided drive along the Panorama Route, where you’ll enjoy some of Mpumalanga province’s most spectacular landscapes. You’ll leave after breakfast, passing through the small farming town of Hazyview and on towards the highveld and Graskop, close to some of the Route’s most striking natural sights, such as the Pinnacle, God’s Window, Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls.

Although the exact itinerary, and the order of it, depends on the weather as well as client preferences, you’ll have time during the day to stroll to admire one of the waterfalls, pause at key viewpoints such as the one overlooking striking rocky features such as the Three Rondavels and take in the dramatic beauty of the 25km-long Blyde River Canyon, the stunning centrepoint of the drive. You’ll also stop at the curious Bourke’s Luck Potholes, formed entirely by water erosion, which you can gaze down on from specially constructed overhead walkways.

Although it’s the scenery that forms the focus of the day, nature lovers will appreciate the rich variety of birdlife that thrives in the different biomes, from southern bald ibis to Cape vultures. Although lunch is not included, you’ll also take a break in Graskop or historic Pilgrim’s Rest – established in 1873 when gold was discovered nearby and now a heritage site – where there’s a choice of good, simple places to eat, such as eternal favourite Harrie’s Pancake

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Safari activities at Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge was the first private concession in Kruger National Park. Morning and afternoon game drives are in 4×4 Land Cruisers and there are 6,000 hectares of wilderness to explore. Guests often see the Big Five as well as giraffe, hyena and occasionally wild dog. Feel closer to nature on a walking safari and see the diversity of flora and fauna from tiny insects that are an integral part of the ecosystem to a towering jackalberry tree favoured by baboons.

Walks normally start after a hearty breakfast and no two walks are the same. Without the noise of a vehicle, it can also get quite exciting as you approach mammals on foot. The wildlife viewing sometimes continues back at the lodge as elephants and buffaloes are often seen in the lodge grounds. After lunch there is time for guests to relax. A visit to the private sala where there is a day bed is a great spot as it is so tranquil and the perfect place to absorb the sounds of nature. Continue to explore the concession on an afternoon game drive and as it starts to get dusk enjoy sundowners, the best time to reflect on what you have seen. As you  return to the lodge for dinner, you may be fortunate to see some of Jock’s nocturnal creatures such as owls and bush babies.

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My Jo'burg Cradle of Humankind

Johannesburg

The Cradle of Humankind is a huge area peppered with limestone caves, its two standout attractions being the Maropeng Visitor Centre and the Sterkfontein Caves.

The Visitor Centre itself is interesting to look at, built in the form of a mound. When you enter, you take a journey through the earth’s history; a gentle ride on a small circular boat while learning about how the earth evolved. The ride takes you to the exhibition area where you could spend hours. The award-winning exhibition shows the development of our ancestors over the past few million years.

Sterkfontein’s dark, limestone caves are fascinating. You will walk down into these huge underground caverns with incredible stalactites and stalagmites. Mrs Ples is the reason that Sterkfontein became renown being one of the oldest fossil skulls to ever be discovered at more than two-million-years old. The other famous discovery here is Little Foot – a nearly complete, millions-of-years-old Australopithecus fossil skeleton.

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Cycle through Soweto

Johannesburg

Cycling is one of the best ways to see the Soweto township. You’re out there and there are no barricades between you and the people. It’s one thing to see buildings and houses, but it’s another to meet the people and get to shake their hands.

On this four-hour tour, you will cycle first to a place where you will have a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of Soweto, where you will be introduced to what the township is about, and touch on the history and current affairs. Then you will head  to Mzimhlophe, Zone 11, which started as a community for the men brought in to work the Johannesburg gold mines. Stop at street stalls or local shops to taste some typical snacks. Cycle to Meadowlands, which is somewhat middle class by Soweto standards. It’s where those who were forcibly removed in the 1950s from mixed communities such as Sophiatown were resettled.

From here, move on towards the Hector Pieterson Memorial. The Memorial marks the events of 16 June 1976 when student protestors were shot at by police, and many died. From here travel along the famous Vilakazi Street, where two Nobel Peace Prize winners used to live. You will see Nelson Mandela’s house and speak about his contribution and then Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s house. Last stop is at the backpackers for a taste of some traditional sorghum beer.

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Tour of the Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Take in the majesty of Victoria Falls on a two-hour guided visit that will bring you face to face with one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This extraordinary waterfall was created over millions of years as the constant pounding of the mighty Zambezi River eroded what began as a narrow fissure in the basalt plain into what you see today, so its waters now plunge dramatically into a chasm around 75m wide and 108m deep.

Once through the entrance of the National Park, you’ll begin with a visit to the statue of Dr David Livingstone, where you’ll learn about his first encounter with the Falls, his reactions and his role in spreading its fame to the wider world. From here, you’ll continue along the path facing the Falls, stopping at the viewpoints along the way and, conditions permitting, descending the Chain Walk for a closer view of Devil’s Cataract and Cataract Island. Between March to July, when the river is at its highest, you can feel the ground shaking and the noise is incredible.

The spray, which rises high into the air and looks just like smoke and creates a unique ecosystem on the opposite side of the chasm, supporting a dense rainforest rich in plant, insect and animal life. As you walk through it, your guide will give you a brief explanation of how the Falls were formed along with pointing out some of the more interesting plants, birds and other points of interest.

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Ra-Ikane River Cruise

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Step back in time to a more gracious era with an indulgent late-afternoon Zambezi cruise on an elegant vintage-style boat. The three vessels in the Ra-Ikane fleet were inspired by the design of David Livingstone’s expedition craft, the Ma-Robert, and feature plenty of gleaming teak and brass. Carrying just 12 to 16 passengers, along with a captain-guide and a waiter, they’re a wonderfully stylish and intimate venue from which to drink in the beauty of the pristine wilderness.

You’ll depart from the jetty 3.5km above the Falls and glide quietly up the Zambezi and then down in a circular route, admiring the scenery while the crew keep you supplied with canapės and your choice of drinks. This stretch of the river is broad and shallow, and the captain will skillfully steer you through narrow channels between islands teeming with game, sharing his knowledge of local history and wildlife. The Ra-Ikanes’ small size allows them to go where the larger boats can’t, so you’re all but certain to have close encounters with hippos, crocodiles and elephants, along with a host of other animals and birds, along the way.

The grand finale to the two-hour trip is a dazzling African sunset, with the changing colours of the vast sky reflected in the lake-still water for as far as the eye can see – a truly breath-taking sight. As darkness begins to fall, you’ll return to the jetty for your return transfer to your local hotel.

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Flight of the Angels helicopter flight over the Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

When David Livingstone first saw Victoria Falls, he called it ‘a sight so wonderful that angels must have gazed down on it in flight’. Nowadays, mere mortals can also enjoy a privileged aerial view of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders on a breathtaking helicopter ride, during which you’ll be able to appreciate not just the magnificent waterfall but the sheer scale of the Upper Zambezi and the landscape through which it flows.

For the 12-minute trip, inevitably known as the Flight of Angels, you’ll be collected from your hotel for the five-minute drive to the helipad site, with the plumes of spray from the Falls providing an impressive backdrop. After a short safety briefing, you’ll climb aboard a four-seater or six-seater Bell helicopter and, with a whirr of the rotor blades, lift off into the sky for your first bird’s-eye glimpse of ‘the Smoke that Thunders’.

The pilot will fly left-hand and right-hand circuits over the waterfall in both directions, giving passengers the best viewing, filming and photographing opportunities, before turning to head upstream over the vast Upper Zambezi for about 4km. From here, you’ll return to the helipad over the Zambezi National Park, keeping a lookout for wildlife below you. For even more of an indulgence, there’s also a 25-minute Zambezi Spectacular option, which includes a loop over the dramatic Batoka Gorge below the Falls.

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Moonbows at Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Lunar rainbows are a rare phenomenon, and there are very few places in the world where the conditions are just right to see them. Luckily, Victoria Falls is one of them and going out to the Falls at night to catch sight of them is a magical experience. You need to be here at full moon, or a day on either side, to see lunar rainbows because that’s the only time the moonlight is powerful enough.

High season is best because there’s more spray, though that means you have to be prepared to get wet. Even then, they’re not as bright as rainbows from the sun, though somehow that only makes them seem more fragile and more extraordinary.

You'll be walking in the dark and, as there are animals such as warthogs, baboons and monkeys in the rainforest, you will be accompanied by a National Park ranger. Follow the ranger in single file until you get almost to the end of the Falls, and then turn around to have the full moon behind you and start viewing at, appropriately named, Rainbow Falls. Go slowly back along the path to the entrance, stopping at important places such as the Main Falls, where you will be given a bit of history about what you can see from the various viewpoints and how to get the best  photographs of this natural spectacle.

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