What makes a visit to South Africa special? Ask 20 of our team, and you’ll get 20 unique reasons! So during lockdown we filmed a series of short videos on aspects of our country that are close to our hearts. We hope they inspire you, maybe teach you something new – but most importantly, connect you with South Africa’s rich beauty and diversity.

See the full playlist of our 21 reasons to visit South Africa.

Our Cape Town Head Office puts us right on the doorstep of world-renowned wine farms! In this video Virtuoso Head of Sales, Lylie Moolman, picks a few of her favourites, including some estates further afield. Have you heard of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley?

More on South Africa’s Wine Farms

 

When travelling in South Africa, you’ll find that English is widely spoken. But did you know that our country has 11 official languages! Africa Travel Expert, Linda Tekere, teaches us how to say “Hi!” in all 11 of them.

More on our 11 Official Languages

 

While getting his rump steak ready for the coals, Giltedge CEO Murray Gardiner speaks about the local tradition of braaing (barbecue) that travellers can expect to experience on safari. Looks good Murray!

More on Braaing

 

Africa Travel Expert, Robyn Leatherby, takes us from rare San bushmen cave paintings through to Cape Town’s phenomenal Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa). You’ll also find out about first Thursdays; centred around the city’s art galleries these events are not only a great way to visit exhibitions but are also a lot of fun!

More on South African Art

 

Africa Travel Expert, Vernon Wilson tells us about popular sports in South Africa, particularly rugby and how it was used to unite the nation. In the words of Nelson Mandela: “Sport has the power to change the world”.

More on Sport in South Africa

 

Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Giltedge, Sean Kritzinger shares his passion for South Africa’s coastline and beautiful, long sandy beaches. Learn to surf on your visit to South Africa at Muizenberg or enjoy a family beach break overlooking the kid-friendly waves at Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route.

More on our Amazing Beaches

 

Giltedge General Manager, Sandra Devoti, talks about Nelson Mandela. Known and loved around the world, South Africa’s struggle hero and first democratically elected president became the father of our nation. Every year we remember Madiba on his birthday – 18 July, Mandela Day.

More on Mandela

 

Giltedge Africa Travel Expert, Paula Nobre, gives us a glimpse into the magical theatre world of the Cape. From intimate plays to spectacular musicals – the Mother City’s stages have it all.

More on Cape Town’s Theatres

 

Need a little exercise while in Cape Town? You’ll be in one of the most beautiful cities in the world so why not ditch the car for a couple of hours and set off by bike. Avid cyclist and Africa Travel Expert, Monique Dean, talks cycling and where best to explore.

More on Cycling in Cape Town

 

Hailing from Massachusetts, Meg Kennedy sailed the seas before making Cape Town her home. Meg taps into her experience as an Africa Travel Expert to tell us a bit about the hotels and spas in the Mother City.

> More on Relaxation & Wellness

 

Africa Travel Expert, Suzaan Nel paints a beautiful picture of the great adventure of being on safari: the wildlife, the landscapes, the tranquility of being out in nature. Not that we’re hard to convince! We’re quick to agree that there really is nothing quite like being on safari.

> More on Wildlife Safaris

 

Africa Travel Expert, Washington Makuzva, speaks about South African culture. Not only in our country, but even across our 9  provinces you’ll find our well-named ‘Rainbow Nation’ is one of the most complex and diverse nations in the world..

> More on our Cultural Diversity

 

visit south africa

Before joining Giltedge, Africa Travel Expert Lisa Griggs used to work in the wine industry. Here she makes good use of some old red wine during lockdown and shows us how to make glühwein – a German drink commonly enjoyed in South Africa.

> More on our Award-Winning Wine

 

visit south africa

Head of our DMC division, Charlotte Smith, tells us about the beautiful natural landscapes of South Africa. Her favourite mountain range? The Cederberg. Take a listen to find out why. And then, of course, there’s our amazing reserves …

More on our Incredible Landscapes

 

Have you seen the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens? Africa Travel Expert, Janine Links, highly recommends including a stop on any visit to Cape Town. Not only is the mountain backdrop magnificent, but you can learn about the Cape’s unique fynbos and even catch a concert or open-air movie.

> More on Kirstenbosch Gardens

 

visit south africa

Giltedge Key Accounts Manager, Stephanie Meconi, takes a look at the rich variety of attractions within South Africa. She also points out that you can easily combine South Africa with nearby island destinations (Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles) making it the ideal bush-and-beach getaway.

> More on The World in 1 Country

 

Giltedge Africa Travel Expert, Faye Steenkamp recommends a bit of retail therapy with exciting shopping experiences from high-end malls to diamond and jewellery shops or weekend markets in the winelands.

More on Shopping & Markets

 

visit south africa

Mom and Africa Travel Expert, Philippa Lawrence, talks about those unforgettable moments on safari with your children. South Africa is a fantastic destination for family travel with the most unbelievable rangers and guides, and activities that’ll keep everyone entertained.

> More on Family Travel

 

visit south africa

We have more than 300 museums throughout South Africa! Africa Travel Expert Tanya Drummer loves stumbling across obscure little museums when she goes travelling, and will happily share a few of her favourite South African museums with you.

> More on our Museums

 

visit south africa

Cape Town has become an important player in the international foodie scene, and for good reason! Africa Travel Expert, Elizabeth Rampfshaw shares some insight into the city’s vibrant food scene.

More on Cape Town’s Food Scene


Experience This For Yourself

If you’re paying close attention may have noticed that we only included 20 reasons. So, what’s number 21? That’s where Giltedge Africa comes in to plan it all for you!

This is our home and we are the Africa Travel Experts. We’ll help you pick the perfect romantic hideaway or family-friendly lodge, suggest the best restaurants and arrange private tours to our favourite local hangouts. So some day soon, when this is all over and we can travel once again, we’ll see you on your visit to South Africa.

Have a question about travel to South Africa? Get in touch with one of our Travel Experts.