A DATE WITH MANDELA STAYS WITH YOU

Next year marks the centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela and South Africa plans to celebrate in some style. With plans afoot - of a sporting and a cultural nature - 2018 will undoubtedly be a busy year for tourism there. It’s a stunning country – with incredible diversity on offer for visitors. I spent some time there a few years ago. Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, the Winelands, a three-day safari near Port Elizabeth, a helicopter ride over Table Mountain – all were wonderful experiences. But what has stayed with me most down the years was my trip to Robben Island, Mandela’s prison ‘home’ for so many years. One of the most humbling experiences of my life. If you ever find yourself in Cape Town, just go.