Scenically beautiful, Cape Town is a compelling mix of trendy modern and old-world elegance. Glamorous hotels, world-class dining and stunning vistas merge seamlessly with dynamic student suburbs and vibrant nightlife. Malay and African heritage is evident in the cuisine, traditions and entertainment while the architecture reveals a strong Dutch, German and English flavour and style. Contemporary art is proudly displayed in a variety of galleries and modern boutique hotels, and wine bars and brandy tasting lounges will appeal to the fashionable set. For the well-heeled the finest in opera, ballet, drama and music can be appreciated in style.

We take the cable car up Table Mountain for incredible panoramas, hiking away from the crowds we stop for freshly brewed coffee and home-baked treats. We descend and wander through the inner city, soaking up the vibe through a combination of historic tales, witnessing modern culture and meeting the people. Focusing on food, design, arts and crafts we uncover a selection of historical sites, such as Company’s Garden, Green Market Square and St George’s Cathedral. We touch on the fascinating and controversial politics that have shaped the city. Then it’s on to the Bo-Kaap, with its brightly coloured 17th century houses and cobble stone streets before visiting local upliftment projects impacting positively on the talented artists and crafters. We explore Bree Street, a hotspot for artisans, fashion, jewellery and interior design. End the day mingling with locals at a cool city haunt, rooftop bar or beach cove.

Today is about mingling with the locals, exploring seaside villages, secluded beaches and wild national parks. First off, we stop for coffee at Muizenberg, top surfing hub and one of the coolest spots on the planet. We continue to the working fishing harbour of Kalk Bay, meet some fascinating fisher-folk and browse the bohemian shops. At the Naval Base of Simon’s Town we search a local beach for our own rogue penguins and snorkel or stand-up paddle in sheltered coves for an extra-special view of these little feathered cuties (weather permitting). After visiting Cape Point, we hike the trails away from the crowds, exploring the magnificent caves, rockpools, and sandy beaches of the national park, and keeping an eye out for whales, dolphins, seals and small land animals. The return journey is a feast of stunning vistas as we hug the coastline along the majestic Chapman’s Peak, stopping for sundowners at a local hang-out.

An easy drive from Cape Town, the Winelands dramatic mountains stand guard over a quilt of working vineyards, elegant Cape Dutch estates and quaint towns boasting top restaurants, hotels and spas. Sample some of the regions award-winning wine offerings, stroll through exquisitely maintained gardens or explore art galleries and antique shops in the oak-lined streets of the local towns.

We explore the fascinating town of Stellenbosch, browsing through appealing shops and museums, and sipping coffee in one of the tempting street-side cafes. We awaken our senses with a wine tasting experience at an iconic property. Soak up the scenery of this wonderful region, admire a contemporary art collection, see the highest-growing vines and take in breath-taking vistas from an elevated vantage point. After lunch, discover the town of Franschhoek, established by the French Huguenots in 1688, where historic charm blends with a contemporary ambiance. The town boasts a host of boutiques, gourmet restaurants and galleries. We continue to some family-owned, off-the-beaten-track estates for a more intimate, boutique wine tasting experience, before heading back to the farm.

As you bump along the park roads, the sun warm upon your face and air dry in the back of your throat, your senses are on high alert. This is the real Africa, cut away from the hectic pace of life, home to Africa’s Big 5. The Kruger is alive, from the nervously twitching herd of impala after a night of predator action, to the wild dog cavorting like domestic pets alongside the road. Marvel as a herd of elephant simply appear from out the bush, then silently vanish back into the landscape.

With over 2 million hectares of pristine wilderness, the Kruger’s biodiversity sustains numerous species of game and birds. The dry north consists of Baobab trees, scrubland and rocky outcroppings which can be seen for miles and animals tend to gather around water sources. As you come south, the park gets busier, animal numbers increase and the backdrop changes to grassland and acacia woodlands.

The Sabi Sands is a private 65,000-hectare reserve known as one of the few places that you can see the Big 5 in one day. It has a diverse habitat with the Sand and Sabi Rivers running through it, a huge range of wildlife and a reputation for big cat sightings. Head out for an early morning game drive in open vehicles, stopping for a refreshing coffee break and a chance to listen to the sounds of the bush whilst admiring the landscape. After some down-time and a siesta back at camp, set off again in the late afternoon when the bush comes alive. The call of a Nightjar darting overhead and the flash of eyes reflected from the bushes brings an entirely different twist to your safari and as you drop your head back and look up – the starry night skies go on forever.