A team of international experts has been studying ancient evidence left behind at the Pinnacle Point Caves in Mossel Bay and has, so far, come up with vital clues about fish-eating, tool-making Middle Stone Age humankind – and the future effects of global warming. more

The West Coast Fossil Park near Langebaan north of Cape Town has one of the world’s richest concentration of fossils dating back to the early Pliocene era 5 million years ago. Once sabre-toothed cats roamed this land, along with short-necked giraffes, four-tusked elephants and strange, three-toed horses. more

One day he would steal a man’s horse, on another he would give money to a hard-pressed widow – or join in a posse in search of himself. That was Scotty Smith, a Kalahari crook with a great sense of humour and a love for the high road. 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 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

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

Favoured by old-time adventurers, explorers, modern-day Robinson Crusoes, backpackers and even a wandering hippo, Port St Johns is one of the top destinations along the Eastern Cape Wild Coast. In terms of interaction with the local community, Port St Johns stands out as one of the friendliest places in South Africa. more

When next you’re driving between the two major South African centres of Cape Town and Johannesburg, visit the historic halfway point: Colesberg. Its many attractions, which include a farm stay, a walking tour of the town and mountain bike trails, will keep the family entertained for at least a day or two. more

False Bay has an intriguing history of naval battles, pirate visits and the establishment of scenic little seaports all along its shores. It is also one of the most beautiful bays in the world, and seems to cater for everyone’s holiday needs, offering adventure, leisure, bright lights and great food. more

The gurgle of a Karoo water furrow in action is an unmistakeable sound that will immediately remind you of hot summer days and lounging on the wide porch with a lunch of lamb, cheese of origin and olives – and perhaps a glass of chilled white wine to top it all. more

The legendary mining town of Kimberley shot up at lightning pace following the discovery of diamonds in the late 1860s and early 1870s. And with the diamonds came wealth, such as the magnificent Victorian-era residences in the original opulent mining suburb of Belgravia. more

Set among striking flowering aloes in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains next to Spioenkop Game Reserve is the historic Three Tree Hill Lodge. Spioenkop, the infamous hill where Boers and Brits battled it out during the 2nd South African War, looms in the distance. more

What began as a source of lime and then whale products has developed into the trendy fishing village of Kalk Bay on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula, where today writers, musicians and great restaurateurs have taken the place of whalers, pirates and sea captains. more