Paradise for golfers:
GREENS IN SOUTH
AFRICA

South Africa's first golf course was built in Cape Town in 1882, today there are over 500. Yet it's not the quantity, but mainly the quality and the fantastic locations of the courses that makes South Africa a top destination for golfers. A very special highlight in the selection of the most beautiful golf courses is the Pezula Championship Golf Course in Knysna, designed by Ron Fream and David Dale. The fact that you can find one of the most beautiful hotels with an exquisite restaurant and a top-class spa next door makes this remarkable resort a paradise for non-golfers too... Pezula Hotel South Africa

Right up close:
WHALE WATCHING IN HERMANUS

The best time to visit the pretty coastal town of Hermanus is definitely during the South African winter. From May to December, the long stretch of Walker Bay is a playground for numerous whales that come here to mate and calf. Around this time, Hermanus even uses the services of a special "whale-crier" to announce the whales' arrival. You'll have a really beautiful top-class seat from which to watch them on the terrace of the enchanting Birkenhead House and, there, too, you can let yourself be pampered in a wonderful way.

Bushmans Kloof:
IN THE LAND OF THE SAN

The Cedarberg Mountains with the Cedarberg Wilderness Area nature reserve offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Western Cape. Bizarre rock formations of brilliant red sandstone, waterfalls, caves and wide valleys provide the particular attraction of this wild mountainous region. Located only 200 kilometres north of Cape Town, this area was once the home of the San or bushmen, as the Dutch called the natives. Archaeological finds prove that this ancient nomadic tribe roamed these valleys tens of thousands of years ago. Fascinating cliff paintings provide spectacular evidence of their life. The wonderful Bushmans Kloof lodge is an ideal hideaway in the Cedarberg Mountains from which to discover the fascination of the unspoilt landscape and its former inhabitants.

Kruger National Park
PROTECTION OF
ANIMALS IN A BIG WAY

With a total area the size of Belgium, the Kruger National Park, for many the perfect example of an African nature reserve, covers a considerable part of Mpumalanga. More than 140 types of mammals roam free in this reserve, with more than another 500 species of birds and a large number of reptiles and insects. Many of these species have been saved from extinction by the care and protection of rangers and vets. As part of South Africa's efforts to encourage green, close-to-nature tourism, first-class private reserves such as The Sabi Sand Game Reserve have been set up in areas bordering this state-owned reserve. In these zones, care and attention is lavished on the animal kingdom, involving a great deal of personal commitment by the people who run them. A few but very high-quality safari lodges have been built here, which are available only to a very limited number of guests... Safari Lodges in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve

Nostalgia on rails
WITH ROVOS RAIL THROUGH SOUTH AFRICA

Romantic travel in fantastic luxury accommodation on wheels is what Rovos Rail stands for with its stylishly fitted and perfectly restored railway carriages from the twenties and thirties. From the private colonial-style railway station in the north of Pretoria, you travel to Cape Town, to a safari through Swaziland or via Mpumalanga to the Victoria Falls. With 36 elegant suites, Rovos Rail has room for a maximum of 72 passengers, who can be pampered with exquisite dishes and the finest South Africa wines in the two luxury dining cars. From the glass observation car with an open platform, you have a magnificent view of the scenery. Travelling with Rovos Rail is a really particularly beautiful, comfortable and exclusive way to experience South Africa.

In the Winelands:
HIDEAWAYS OF EXCELLENT TASTE

Catharina Ustings, a native of Lubeck in Germany, established South Africa's oldest wine-growing estate in 1682. Some of the south african wines made here are today considered to be top-class products by wine experts. The splendid manor house with its four outbuildings is classified as an historical monument. Nestling between vineyards in the breathtaking landscape of Constantia Valley, this venerable estate houses the most elegant country hotel in the Cape region. Golfers in particular are attracted to this idyllic oasis between Table Mountain and False Bay. Created by golf architect Peter Matkovich, this parkland course lures with an imposing backdrop and many natural hazards. Gourmets appreciate the lavish restaurant, which, with its excellent cuisine and famous wine cellar, is one of the best in Cape Town... Steenberg Hotel South Africa