The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, named in 1723 after landowner Roelof Oelefse, who was then known as the 'Groot Vader' (Great Father) of the region, is part of a World Heritage Site that includes precious indigenous forest, scores of unusual birds and small mammals, a ghost frog and a unique butterfly. more

The Dwesa Nature Reserve is a little green gem along the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast. A provincial reserve, it offers coastal forest, grasslands with wild animals, and best of all, a chance to laze on a gloriously empty beach. During the mild winter, look out for humpback whales and the incredible Sardine Run, when sardines migrate in their millions up the east coast of South Africa, followed by predators such as sharks and birds. more

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Forget about the Big 5 and Mpumalanga's spectacular Panorama Route for a while and take a Plant Kingdom Tour of the Lowveld. You’ll learn about medicinal flora, how essential oils are extracted, see the largest collection of cycads in Africa and visit Africa’s largest man-made rain forest. more

See the last naturally occuring gemsbok in Limpopo at the Langjan Nature Reserve, which is also renowned for its striking red sand dunes resembling those found in Botswana's famous Kalahari desert. There is no overnight accommodation at Langjan, but it makes for a really rewarding day trip. more

Visitors to South African game reserves are usually thrilled to see Africa’s big cats. But what of Africa’s smallest cat, the black-footed cat? This tiny carnivore is rarely seen, other than at Benfontein Nature Reserve near Kimberley in the Northern Cape, where it has been studied for 19 years. more

Hiking, biking and walking are 3 pursuits perfectly suited to the expansive Magaliesberg mountains. Add pristine mountain pools, endemic animals, ancient rock formations and leafy overhead canopies, and you begin to get an idea why Mountain Sanctuary Park is considered a perennial favourite. more

Situated on the southern shores of the Gariep Dam, the Oviston Nature Reserve is one of the Eastern Cape’s best-kept secrets. Those who know the area love to visit the quiet little waterside village of Oviston and spend their time fishing or game driving through the 16 000ha reserve. more

From the pure silence of a sheep farm to the bustle of a book festival, from a traditional Sunday lunch in a Victorian-era town to a strictly non-traditional Saturday night cabaret, and from a daisy extravaganza to a dance in the dust, the Great Karoo offers a grand, if offbeat, South African overland experience. more

McDougall’s Bay is something of a coastal playground in the Northern Cape province - a region better known for its deserts and wild flowers than its beaches. Modern day pursuits such as windsurfing, kayaking and bodysurfing are a highlight; however this Bay also has a fascinating history that dates back to the time of Bartholomeu Dias. more

Lappiesbaai in the scenic town of Stilbaai along the Garden Route is a relaxed beach hideaway that is also known as ‘The Bay of Rags’. This Blue flag destination is renowned for mild weather and a range of recreational facilities. The birdlife and fishing in the area are excellent and Lappiesbaai is a family-orientated beach destination. more

The Keurbooms lagoon is just a 5-minute drive from the Garden Route town of Plettenberg Bay, one of South Africa’s favourite holiday destinations. Surrounded by stunning beaches, it’s known for its sea breezes, so if you’re into wind-surfing or kite-surfing, this is the place to be. more

Hole in the Wall is a rocky archway set just off the Wild Coast, south of Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape. The little holiday village close by shares the same name. This landmark was created millions of years ago through the restless action of waves against sandstone and shale. more

Whales, beautifully clean beaches and the magnificence of the Cape Flora Kingdom - Witsand Beach is an unspoilt piece of paradise, with safe swimming, windsurfing, angling, deep sea fishing, snorkelling and rock pools to explore, along with the birdlife of the Breede River estuary. more