South africa gems

Find out what South Africa has to offer as Style’s editor shares her adventures with great white sharks and more

Motoring down South Africa’s famed Garden Route in our hire car (perfectly safe, don’t fret), I am reminded strongly of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.

The 300km Garden Route hugs the south-western coast of the country, following spectacular scenery and drawing thousands of visitors each year.

It extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape right through to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape and is wonderfully accommodating for guests.

Of particular note to wine lovers are the Western Cape areas of Franschhoek, a stunning valley settled by the French, and Stellenbosch, settled by the Dutch.

The wine is excellent, and in Franschhoek is best enjoyed on a tram tour between the spectacular vineyards.

Enjoying a glass of the country’s famous chenin blanc or pinotage atop a mountain vineyard is a memory to treasure.

While this country is home to great eating and drinking experiences, at its true heart is the amazing South African wilderness.

Dyer Island at Gansbaai is a well known seal haunt, and it’s here you have the chance to see the terrifying aerial acrobatics of great white sharks.

Coloured dark on top, so seals won’t see their approach, these behemoths hunt by powering up from the deep to hit their target with significant force, breaching far out of the water.

There are numerous boat tours operating from the bay, with the option to watch from the deck or go cage diving with the sharks.

They are lured close to the boat with a rubber seal decoy, and the experience leaves you with a solid appreciation of the strength and agility of such a large creature.

And of course the country’s capital, Capetown, is a must-see.

The impressive visage of Table Mountain as its backdrop, this ocean-fronted city is a chic and modern mix of people, food and places.

Exploring the colourful suburb of Bo-kaap, formerly known as the Malay quarter, there are great eateries to be found amidst the streets of brightly coloured houses.

With the Cape Malay curries, samosas, roti bread, sambals and chilli bites it’s a haven for foodies and offers a little more authenticity than the commercially-glam waterfront.

Capetown is a many-faceted city, so make sure you explore.