South Africa

This rugged finger of land stretching toward the Southern Ocean between the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean is one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. Quiet beaches, dramatic cliffside roads, mountain passes, it’s all here. Spend a day with a private guide exploring hidden coves, tasting fresh seafood, or kayaking with penguins at Boulders Beach. For something extra special, cap it off with a helicopter ride at sunset.

Cape Town gets under your skin and many visitors come back annually after their first taste. Set between mountain and two oceans, its creative energy is hard to match. Cape Town has far more than its share with its extraordinary natural beauty and vibrant culture, along with an amazing art, food and music scene, and tremendous diversity of wildlife. It’s also an easy city to get comfortable in and navigate easily, whether you’re hiking Table Mountain, exploring local markets, or just sipping a glass of wine as the sun goes down.

Just an hour from Cape Town, the Winelands are where life slows down. Expect long lunches under oak trees, rolling vineyards backed by craggy mountains, and wines so good you’ll want to ship them home. Whether you’re into boutique estates or big-name labels, there’s something here for every palate. It’s also a great place to stay if you want a quieter base and easy day trips into the city. Nearer to the city, just on the other side of Table Mountain is Constancia, which has its own extraordinary vineyards and is only a 15 minute drive from the city center.

If you're dreaming of a classic safari: lion, leopard, rhino, the works, Kruger delivers. The 5+ million acre national park itself is massive, but we tend to focus on the private reserves surrounding it. Same amazing wildlife, far fewer people, and a level of luxury that makes the bush feel like a magnificent private villa. South Africa is great for first-timers or anyone wanting to maximize game viewing without sacrificing comfort.

Phinda is a bit under the radar, which is part of its charm. The guiding here is top-notch, and the landscapes are incredibly varied: woodlands, wetlands, open plains, and even coastal forest. It’s also one of the best places in the country to see cheetah and other big cats and both black and white rhino. Plus, you can do more than game drives. Think rhino tracking, marine safaris along the coast with whales, vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish and sharks, and community visits, all from one well-run base.

In the far north, the Kalahari offers a completely different kind of safari: big skies, red sand dunes, and animals you won’t see elsewhere. Think pangolins, aardvarks, and desert-adapted lions. The private reserves here are remote, quiet, and wildly beautiful. You’ll get star-filled skies, incredible guides, and a sense of immense space.