Eye On Travel: Head South this Winter with a Caped Crusade in South Africa

South Africa: The time to visit is now now

Are you looking for a holiday destination where your Pound will go a long way? Not as easy as it used to be is it? However there is one stand out destination that boks the trend: South Africa (£1=18+ Rand)

Winter sun, fine wines, red meat, Safari's Big 5, beaches with shark nets - what’s not to like? With new flights from the UK this winter, now is the time to go. Let’s see why..

Durban: Show me the Bunny

Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city, rarely troubles the bucket listers. For a better big city experience, head to the tropical climate of coastal second city, Durban. The long sandy beach is on the Indian Ocean and even comes with its own shark nets. Which is either very reassuring. Or it isn’t.

A cosmopolitan city and a great example of modern South Africa, Durban had a big makeover for the 2010 World Cup. Be sure to try local Indian delicacy Bunny Chow -hollowed out bread loaves filled with curry.

GET THERE: International flights operate to Johannesburg (1 hour from Durban) and Cape Town (2 hours). Through ticketing is available with British Airways and South African Airways services.

Kruger Park: Beware jumbo traffic jams

Very much on most bucket lists for Africa is a safari. There are many game reserves throughout the country but the biggest and best is Kruger National Park on the border with Mozambique. The 'Big 5’ are all in residence and all budgets are catered for from camping to luxury private game lodges.

Drive yourself or if you want to actually see anything, join an organised game drive where the rangers know where to look! And don’t forget the malaria tablets which are needed in this area.

GET THERE: Fly from Johannesburg to Nelspruit or Skukuza (1 hour). Also connections to Durban and Cape Town. Collect a hire car from the airport for a self drive safari.

That Man & Robben: Prisoner 46664

Allow plenty of time for spectacular Cape Town with the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain - when it’s not covered by the table cloth (aka clouds). If it’s clear, ascend the 1,086m summit for stunning views. It’s 2 hours on foot. Or you can cheat with 5 minutes in a revolving cable car - subject to a visit from the Cape Doctor (aka the wind).

Steak and wine enthusiasts will enjoy the many restaurants and bars around the Victoria & Albert Waterfront area. Take time out however to visit offshore Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years.

Cape Point: Lands End with sharks

Away from the city, hire a car to visit Cape Point (70km) at the tip of Africa where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet and where the fabled ghost ship the Flying Dutchman has been upgraded into a land based funicular.

Inland, some of the world’s best wines are produced around Stellenbosch (50km). Probably best to leave the car behind for this one. There are also opportunities for whale watching and winding up great white sharks from inside a small metal cage.

GET THERE: Cape Town has new direct flights this winter by British Airways and Thomas Cook from Gatwick. Johannesburg and Durban are 2 hours away. With an Open jaw flight (nothing to do with sharks) you can fly into one city and out of another. It is also possible to combine South Africa with Mauritius for a twin centre trip. If you want to watch a lot of films, there are cheap fares via the Middle East but this journey will be nearly twice as long as a direct flight!

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Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website.

For tailor made packages, to book a trip to any of the places featured above or just for some information, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you.