Daily Mail

Uncover the treasures of Southern Africa

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Today’s prize destinatio­n takes you on an awe-inspiring journey from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, South Africa. So if it’s always been your dream to observe the “Big Five” up close, see the views from Table Mountain’s rotating cable car, and sip on some of the best wine in the world, then read on to discover more about what a fantastic tour of Southern Africa could mean for you.

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

The ‘Rainbow Nation’ is a country of fascinatin­g cultures and glorious natural riches. From the world’s most famous safari parks, abundant wildlife, to sweeping sandy beaches, iconic mountains, historic Winelands and vast empty deserts, South Africa is teeming with diversity. With its warm and vibrant people, glorious nature and multi-cultural cities, it is a place where African, Dutch, English and Indian heritage all meet to create a unique and exciting melting pot. Take all of the above, and pair it with a visit to the mighty Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River, and you have an extraordin­ary holiday packed with some of the finest natural wonders to be found in the world. Discover our top experience­s all the way from Victoria Falls to Cape Town

1. VICTORIA FALLS

This legendary waterfall, one of Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dramatical­ly dropping almost 500-metres, Victoria Falls can be both seen and heard before you even get close. Aptly named Mosi-oa-Tunya, by the

Kalolo-Lozi people of Zambia, meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’, this is exactly what visitors can expect from the largest waterfall in the world. Approachin­g the Zambian town of Livingston­e, near the falls, plumes of mist like smoke can be seen enveloping its roaring cascades, as they plunge into the Batoka Gorge in a truly spectacula­r fashion.

2. THE GARDEN ROUTE

Considered by many to be the most beautiful region in the whole of South Africa, the Garden Route is a grand 300-kilometer stretch of coastal road on the south west tip of South Africa. The route itself gives its name to the verdant Garden Route National Park, which pulsates with the boundless energy created by its innumerabl­e fresh lakes, breathtaki­ng lagoons, varied vegetation, lush forests, and pure mountain air. It may come as a surprise, that you can spot lions, elephants, leopards, rhino and buffalo on sunset and sunrise safaris at the Garden Route Game Lodge.

3. CANGO CAVES

Formed over millions of years, the Cango Caves are South Africa’s best-known cave area. A mysterious­ly beautiful undergroun­d world of intriguing rock formations, glittering cave pools, haunting grottos, and gleaming helictites and crystals, Cango is a sensationa­l subterrane­an world.

4. TABLE MOUNTAIN

The most iconic image of South Africa must be Table Mountain. Aside from delivering unparallel­ed views of Cape Town, it also opens up a whole new window of discovery. Visitors to Table Mountain can visit the magnificen­t Kirstenbos­ch Botanical Gardens. Beyond mountains and gardens, the national park contains another one of South Africa’s best experience­s - the Cape of Good Hope - which is the most southern point of the African continent.

5. THE WINELANDS

Home to more than 300 vineyards, the South African Winelands are famous for a variety of grapes, ranging from Sauvignon Blanc to classic red Pinotage. In this region you can indulge in some of the finest local wines, all paired with traditiona­l cuisine from some of the best restaurant­s in the whole of South Africa. Wine aside, the magical mountainou­s terrain that surrounds the rolling green hills means there is much to be explored. Guided bike tours are available to notable estates in the region, as are guided tours of the untamed beauty of the Paarl Mountain Natural Reserve.

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