White sand and settled weather – Mossel Bay is the perfect place for a long walk along the surf. This South African harbour town, also known as Mosselbaai, was discovered by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488 when he landed here to take on fresh water. The Dias Museum Complex stands as a reminder to this historic discovery and lets visitors immerse themselves in the past. The name Mossel Bay comes from Dutch traders who noticed the large number of mussels in the bay. Its fascinating history and natural beauty make Mossel Bay a charming destination on the Garden Route.

Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, offers visitors an inviting atmosphere with its many days of sunshine and long beaches. The coastal resort in the south-east of South Africa was given its new name in 2021, after the isiXhosa name for the Baakens River that flows through the town. Humewood and Summerstrand are particularly popular areas for long walks or watching the sailors and windsurfers. The town is characterised by the brick-red bell tower of the Settlers’ Memorial Campanile, commemorating the first settlers in 1820.

The warm winds of the Indian Ocean waft over East London’s golden beaches, while the sea glitters promisingly in the sunlight. The endless expanse of South Africa’s coastline meets the Buffalo River, surfers challenge themselves in the waves and fishing boats gently rock in the surf. The city is packed with history – from traces of the colonial era right up to the present day, when its people still feel a close connection with nature and the sea. Particularly valuable treasures of the past are housed in the East London Museum, including the famous coelacanth fish, a prehistoric species of fish. At Nahoon beach, on the other hand, celebrate the present day, with swimmers, families and water sports enthusiasts all finding their place in the sun.

• City tour of Durban
• Zulu museum village in the Valley of 1,000 Hills
• Adventure in Phezulu Safari Park
• Overland excursion: Phinda Game Reserve (or similar)

Tip from our travel concierge*:

helicopter flight to the Drakensberg mountains: fly over the coastline before heading inland to the mighty Drakensberg, the highest mountain range in South Africa. You will pass waterfalls, gorges and cliffs and finally land on the Drakensberg, where you will enjoy some refreshments with a spectacular backdrop.

The lively city of Durban stretches out along the east coast of South Africa. Now the second biggest city in the country, long before the British arrived in 1823, Durban was shaped by its native heritage, as shown by the rock carvings in the Drakensberg mountains. It has since grown into an economic hub with the biggest port in the country, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and a wide range of leisure activities. Long sandy beaches attract the surfers and the beach front is a great place for some sunbathing. Some of the cultural highlights on offer include the Botanic Gardens, the Old Fort and the Juma Masjid Mosque. Durban brings together history with modern life and South African spirit.

With its varied architecture, Maputo is a true pearl of the Indian Ocean, with about two million people living in this lively capital city in the south of Mozambique. In 1975 the country gained its independence from Portugal and the city’s buildings still stand as testament to its colonial past. The relics on the outlying islands, including impressive ruined fortresses, old churches and historic buildings, are a real highlight for history lovers. The natural world in Mozambique is also impressive: long coastlines and a rich biodiversity, which you can observe in numerous wildlife parks and nature reserves, will get explorers’ hearts racing.

The region around Port d’Ehoala in south-east Madagascar is one of the most diverse in the country. Nestled between the sea and Pic Saint Louis, you can see an impressive combination of lush natural scenery and cultural heritage here. Tropical rainforests and dry desert landscapes lie close to one another in the Andohahela National Park, which is home to lemurs, birds and exotic plants. Historic remnants like the former Bastion Camp Flacourt stand as witnesses to the region’s long colonial past. A visit to local markets for crafts and seafood round off the experience in Port d’Ehoala and give authentic insights into the traditional way of life here.

The island of Reunion is shaped by an impressive chain of volcanoes, the highest of which, Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise, stretch high up into the blue sky. The diverse landscape is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Thanks to its fascinating biodiversity on the land and underwater and the natural beauty of its scenery, the island has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. A visit to Reunion will be rounded off with a tasting of Creole cuisine, with its impressive variety and intense flavours.