Come with us on a slow ride through Frontier Country in the heart of the Eastern Cape, from Port Elizabeth to Grahamstown, where we travel from exquisite dune fields to a sunset gathering of elephants to a feast in an olive grove outside an old Victorian-era railway village. more

From fancy governors to dandy explorers, from hard-pressed shipwreck survivors to hard-bitten timber barons, from whalers to captains of industry, and from famous artists to world-class polo players, the jet-set elite of South Africa and beyond, Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route has welcomed them all. more

The copper culture of Namaqualand, the Jewish community that made its livelihood there, the Namas who still outnumber everyone else, and the diamond divers who wrestle riches from the sea are all part of your drive between Springbok and Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape. more

The mostly misty Port Nolloth lies near the southern Richtersveld region, at the top end of Namaqualand, in South Africa's far north-western corner. For more than 150 years it has been an occasionally rowdy seaport catering to copper miners, seafarers, diamond divers, fishermen and, these days, overland travellers with a sense of adventure. more

City Sightseeing open-top bus tours in Johannesburg are a great way to see the City of Gold. You can hop on and hop off at any one of 12 interesting stops and then continue your tour when and where you feel like it. more

Find the Top of Africa at the top of the Carlton Centre in downtown Johannesburg. At 50-storeys it’s Africa’s tallest building and though it may not be as glitzy as New York’s Empire State Building, the views are magnificent – particularly on a clear day and at sunset. more

Maybe you’ve already stayed at one of the Kruger National Park’s many camps, but have you considered sleeping out in one of their overnight hides? The two hides – Sabie, near Phalaborwa Gate, and Shipandani, near Mopani Camp – are very basic but you’ll have a thrilling African bush experience. more

The water birds of Mpumalanga and their habitats are well known to birders throughout the world. It’s in Mpumalanga that you will find the rare Pel’s fishing owl, the highly endangered Saddle-billed stork, the rarely glimpsed White-winged flufftail and many of their more common – but often as fascinating – cousins. more

Only 20 minutes by road from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, Modderfontein Nature Reserve is an oasis of natural beauty smack-bang in the middle of an urban setting. Environmentally and user-friendly, you can choose to hike, cycle or just wander through a bird-rich landscape of hills, grasslands and dams. more

The Rand Club, in the heart of Johannesburg’s downtown business area, was born in 1887 just after gold was discovered on the reef. The brainchild of the legendary British empire builder Cecil John Rhodes, it’s still there today, changed in some ways, but still an illustrious Johannesburg constant. more

Interested in vehicles that move, shake, rattle and roll? Then visit the James Hall Museum of Transport in the south of Johannesburg. Check out the oldest car on display, early motorcycles, a penny-farthing, steam trains, electric cars, ox-wagons, a travelling library, a fire engine and much more. more

South Africa has over 1 000 indigenous trees, some of which you’ll begin to recognise as you travel the country so keep watching for the great trees of South Africa. In the bush, on the coast, in the mountains, you’ll meet ancient giants as well as their younger counterparts. more

Having opened in 1912, this art gallery in Johannesburg has developed a leading reputation as one of South Africa's top galleries. Representing established and new talent, the Everard Read Gallery is a well-respected landmark on the South African art scene. more

Fancy off-road driving on demanding 4x4 trails? Then take yourself off to Mpumalanga and test those driving skills. The Riverwild routes are challenging, but not dangerous, and you’ll be under the watchful eye of experienced local guides. All you need is a reliable vehicle, good nerves and a steady foot. more