Go beyond the safari and see another side of Africa

24 April 2026

Africa is often introduced through safari, but that’s only one part of a much wider experience. Across the continent, you’ll find coastlines, cities, mountains, and food scenes that feel completely different from one another. South Africa is a good example of this variety, where you can move from beaches to vineyards to historic sites within a relatively short distance. It’s a destination that works just as well for a multi-stop trip as it does for a single base with day trips.

Go beyond the safari and see another side of Africa

Coastlines and beach towns with personality

Cape Town’s Camps Bay is known for its wide stretch of sand backed by the Twelve Apostles, with cafés and restaurants lining Victoria Road, while further along the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay offers a quieter feel, with places like Robberg Beach for long walks and viewpoints along the Robberg Nature Reserve. For powdery white sands and turquoise waters, head to Diani Beach in Kenya or Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. Meanwhile, Namibia’s Skeleton Coast provides a dramatic and unique experience, with its windswept dunes meeting the Atlantic Ocean.

Cities that balance scenery and everyday life

Cape Town is easy to explore at your own pace. The cable car up Table Mountain gives a clear view across the peninsula, while the V&A Waterfront is a convenient area for shops and casual dining by the harbour. In Johannesburg, the Apartheid Museum provides a moving insight into South Africa’s history, while the Maboneng Precinct is a lively area filled with art galleries, street markets, and cafés. In East Africa, Nairobi is a great city to spend a couple of days between safari visits with amazing local restaurants and the unmissable Maasai Market. Finally, Lagos is a dynamic city with a thriving arts and music scene. Visit the Lekki Conservation Centre for a peaceful escape, unwind at Tarkwa Bay Beach, or explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.

The Drakensberg Mountains and open landscapes

For an active holiday away from Africa's conservancies, the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal are ideal. This is a region focused on walking trails, wide views, and quiet surroundings. The Amphitheatre hike is one of the best-known routes, leading to Tugela Falls, and there are options for horse riding and guided walks to see San rock art. Accommodation here ranges from simple lodges to more comfortable stays, all centred around the landscape.

History in the Battlefields

The Battlefields region of KwaZulu-Natal focuses on the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Sites such as Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are usually visited with a guide, which helps explain the events in detail. The setting itself remains largely unchanged, which adds context to the stories told during the tours. It’s a different pace of travel, with more time spent learning about the area.

Winelands and a slower pace

Africa is a fantastic destination for wine lovers and foodies, with the famous Cape Winelands centred around towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Stellenbosch is known for its historic streets, galleries and cafés, while Franschhoek has a strong food scene alongside its vineyards. Wine tastings are available across a range of estates, and the Franschhoek Wine Tram connects several of them in an easy way. It’s a relaxed way to end a trip, with a focus on food, wine, and time outdoors.

To experience a different side of Africa, contact your Travel Counsellor today.

Trade the beach for the streets of Valletta this autumn

07 August 2026

As summer draws to a close, city breaks come back into focus, and few destinations pack as much into a long weekend as Valletta. Malta's compact capital combines centuries of history with a thriving food scene, waterfront views, and a walkable centre that makes it easy to fit plenty into just a few days. With warm autumn temperatures, open-air cafés still spilling onto the streets, and a calendar of events continuing well beyond peak season, it's an easy choice for anyone looking for somewhere that feels both relaxed and full of character.

Why Aphrodite Hills Resort offers more than just a villa holiday

07 August 2026

Set among the rolling hills of Cyprus’ south-west coast, Aphrodite Hills Resort offers much more than a standalone villa or apartment stay. Guests have their own private space, with options ranging from serviced apartments to large villas with private pools, while still having championship golf, tennis and padel courts, restaurants, wellness facilities, and family activities close by. Just 15 minutes from Paphos International Airport, it is a practical choice for couples, families, groups, and longer stays, with added services such as housekeeping, arrival food baskets, breakfast at the Golf Clubhouse, and private chefs available to make the holiday even easier.

Where to stay in the Algarve, from villas to boutique retreats

07 August 2026

Choosing where to stay can completely change the feel of an Algarve holiday. Beyond the region’s larger resorts, there are whitewashed villas overlooking the Atlantic, converted village houses in the countryside, intimate design hotels, and peaceful coastal retreats. From the fishing village of Salema to the quieter landscapes around Vila do Bispo and Lagos, these four stays each offer their own take on southern Portugal, whether you want the freedom of a villa, easy access to the beach, or somewhere small and characterful to come back to after a day exploring.

Go beyond the safari and see another side of Africa

Trade the beach for the streets of Valletta this autumn

Why Aphrodite Hills Resort offers more than just a villa holiday

Where to stay in the Algarve, from villas to boutique retreats

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