At the Southern tip of the African continent, lies South Africa.
A country 1 219 090km2 in size, (roughly equivalent to Colombia) flanked on three sides by a 3000km2 coastline that runs about 2 800km2 from the Atlantic Ocean in the west, around Cape Agulhas (Africa's most southern tip) to the Indian Ocean in the east.
South Africa measures about 1600km north to south, and from east to west; and is bordered by Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The Kingdom of Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa.
Beautiful and wild, with dramatic mountain ranges, expansive coastlines, beautiful bushveld, luxuriant forests and deserts stretching as far as the eye can see, along with fantastic weather setting the backdrop, know that you are in for the most incredible, cost effective holiday of a lifetime.
Perhaps it is about finding a deserted beach to enjoy a beautiful sunset with someone special, or discovering the origins of man amongst ancient African civilizations.
Or maybe you would prefer to view animals in the wild from a hot air balloon, on foot or in an open vehicle; or swim with dolphins, go cage diving amongst sharks or watch our magnificent Southern Right whales playing.
Or abseiling off one of many majestic mountains, followed by sampling a glass of our world class wines or locally crafted beers.
Whatever it is that you do, we are supremely confident that we will send you home with an indelible piece of Africa forever in your heart, ready to come back for more..
Hurry! We’re looking forward to showing you just how incredible our country and our Rainbow Nation is.
In the heart of the Indian Ocean, 800km to the east of Madagascar, lies the crown jewel of the Indian Ocean – the majestic island of Mauritius.
This small, multi-cultural island covers an area of 1865km with 330 kilometres of coastline, and is 45km in width and 65km in length.
Mauritius is in fact part of an island nation that also includes the island Rodrigues, 600 km (373 mi) further east, the islands of Agalega, 1065 km (660 mi) to the north, and the archipelago Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), 400 km away
Mauritius is one of Africa’s tourism jewels offering an abundance of scenic beauty, hidden treasures and adventure.
This beautiful Indian Ocean Island is truly yours to explore and experience.
Port Louis
Culture, history, cuisine and shopping.
At the heart of the North West mountain range, Port Louis, the capital city Mauritius, welcomes thousands of people everyday, turning into a bustling administrative and commercial hub. The city hosts a number of historical sites and fascinating cultural walks. The Central Market is an extraordinary place, pulsing with life and colour. Here, you will also find the Champ de Mars, the most ancient horse track in the Indian Ocean, and the Citadelle, a fort built on a hill, offers inspiring views over the city. You will also find a fascinating cultural experience in Chinatown and a modern shopping and dining experience at the Waterfront. Calm sweeps over the city in the afternoon when the offices close.
The Central Plateau
Botanical gardens, natural beauty and shopping
The Central Plateau finds four cities of highly contrasting geographies in very close proximity to each other.
In Curepipe, which enjoys a cool climate, take a visit to The Botanical Garden, admire the colonial architecture of the town hall, or drive up to Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcano where the panoramic view embraces the town and the centre of the island. Vacoas Phoenix is known for its fresh produce market, fairytale-like old dwellings hidden at the end of green alleyways, extensive vegetable patches and the Gymkhana Club, the oldest golf course in the Southern Hemisphere.
Quatre Bornes is the retail hub where you are most likely to spot a bargain. Neighbouring towns Rose Hill and Beau Bassin are also great places to shop. Locals love admiring the waterfall at the Balfour Garden or gathering in the yard of the Plaza, which comes alive in the evening as families stroll through the gardens or have an ice cream.
The North
Beaches, natural beauty, cuisine, clubs and local culture.
The North is Mauritius’ holiday and tourism centre, where the verdant green of vast sugar cane plantations contrasts with the cobalt blue coastline. From Trou aux Biches to Grand Baie ¬– a natural mooring point for boats and yachts – you’ll find a buzzing atmosphere a wide range of restaurants and clubs.
A coastline drive will present opportunities to capture the island’s unique scenery, such as the red-roofed Cap Malheureux church, Gunner’s Point, Flat Island and Round Island. Further on, the village of Grand Gaube is known for the craftsmanship of its marine carpenters and for regattas, a famous local pastime.
The South
Natural beauty, exquisite beaches, local culture and adventure.
This region of Mauritius immediately evokes the waves crashing on the cliffs of Souillac, the place where poet Robert Edward Hart lived and where history comes to life. The spectacular landscape blends rich, abundant landscape with colourful, welcoming villages.
Take a car or ride a bike through Mahebourg, Quatre Soeurs and Deux Frères, a region where you will learn about the famous naval battle between French occupants and British conquerors, and is also a favourite spot for local regattas. Lovers of natural beauty will have much to choose from, with outings to the Rochester Falls or the valley of Ferney – home to a large variety of endemic plants. Adventurers will enjoy the sites for canyoning and mountain climbing.
The South is also home to come of the islands most beautiful hotels that integrate a luxury experience with the beautiful natural landscape.
The East
Beautiful beaches, natural beauty, local culture, shopping and natural exploring.
This stretch of abundant species-rich landscape extends between the mountain and the sea.
The inland portion comprises extensive cane fields dotted with old factory chimneys and small villages. The bustling hub of the area is found in the popular town of Flacq, with its local market and numerous shops. The successive beaches along the coast are stunning, especially Belle Mare, which is one of the largest beaches on the island. Trou d’Eau Douce village gives an authentic taste of local culture and Grand River South East is ideal for going upriver to the waterfall for a picnic and swim. Drive further north and stop for a walk in the natural forest of Bras D’Eau and discover the lava caves around the village of Roches Noires.
The West
Exquisite coastline, history, hotels, water sports, natural beauty, dining and rum distilleries.
This coastline is sheltered from the wind, making the sea calm all year round.
Take a drive around the Tamarin Bay or to Flic en Flac, where you will be able to find dolphin-watching trips. This region is also a hub of extensive water sporting activities and fine hotels. In Black River, the scene is dominated by Le Morne, an immense mountain towering over the transparent lagoon around Ile Aux Benitiers. This mountain commemorates the time of harsh slavery in Mauritius. Inland, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Piton de la Rivière Noire, which is part of the mountain range circling around the National Park. In the highlands, Chamarel village is known for its coloured earth, charming restaurants and rum factory.
The Seychelles comprises 115 islands scattered over 1.3-million square kilometers of the Indian Ocean. Of these 115 islands, 41 of the tall granite Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the 5 groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands.
These Outer Islands are divided into five groups: the Amirantes group lying 230km distant from Mahé, the Southern Coral Group, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group and finally the Aldabra Group, some 1150km from Mahé.
There are 43 Inner Islands in all -- 41 granitic and 2 coralline and a total of 72 coralline Outer Islands
The contrast in scenery is remarkable as it varies between the lush green vegetation of the granitic islands and the barren landscape of the coralline islands.