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.

Travel to the top of Table Mountain by cable car, where we move away from the crowds, tracking dassies (local rock rabbits) and sip on hot chocolate enjoying the incredible vistas. Back at sea level, we cycle along the Sea Point Promenade, stopping at art installations en-route and listening to the story of Nelson Mandela as we gaze out towards Robben Island where he was imprisoned. Staying safe and off road, we head into Green Point Park for a fun insight into the unique Cape flora and fauna. After lunch we explore the city’s uplifting urban art projects, District Six and interactive sites – terrific stuff for teens. Families with younger kids can proceed to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for an afternoon of tree-top canopy walkways, open lawns and prehistoric cycad gardens. We end our first full day with sundowners at the beach while kids make use of our on-board toy box to play beach games with their energetic guide.

Today we head out of the city, enjoying the scenic views and sharing local shark stories. We visit the seals at the working harbour of Kalk Bay, try some fishing and explore the bohemian village. On a local beach, we look for rogue penguins and perhaps try some stand-up paddling to get a closer look at these darlings. Next up is Cape Point, where we explore the rocky beaches, hidden coves, chat about shipwrecks along the coastline, keeping an eye out for hidden treasure. We hunt for the baboons, ostriches and tortoises in the indigenous fynbos and take the funicular, or hike, to the Cape Point Lighthouse for ocean panoramas. On our return trip, homemade ice-cream at a local farm village, and head to the beach, or stop at an old fort look-out for magical views.

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 spend a full day exploring family-friendly estates with lovely gardens, breath-taking outlooks and space to play. First, visit a picturesque wine farm, featuring expansive lawns and a dramatic mountain backdrop. We then explore the charming town of Franschhoek with its French Huguenot origins. Wander along the high street, pop into boutique galleries, shops and cafes, while the little ones enjoy a chocolate tasting. Next up, an enchanting property, boasting internationally recognised wines, traditional cuisine and historic charm. Parents wine taste while kids have their own iced-tea tasting. This afternoon, another old wine estate reveals its secrets to young and old alike. Wander through lush landscapes, view ancient, cobweb-filled cellars and taste the flavours and vintages of the region, while kids soak up ghost stories and revel in magical surrounds and charmed gardens.

Madikwe, one of the country’s top game viewing destinations, encompasses vast tracks of land, endless dirt roads and clear views over big game territory. Blazing sunsets close days coated in the greens and browns of Africa, and the sounds of the bush fall softly in your ears. It’s not uncommon to merge your path with that of the animals traveling in the same direction, follow along behind the wild dog pack as it trots along the road, yipping excitedly as dusk falls, move back to give the elephant bull some space as he crosses before you, his ears flapping a slow beat in the heat. Search for that insistent bird calling out in the midday heat, hidden from sight in the trees. Each morning a new chapter begins and the story of the bush starts again, fresh and clean in the morning air.

Madikwe, is a family-friendly reserve in the north of the country, bordering Botswana. Renowned for its prolific Wild Dog population, the destination is inhabited by numerous bird and game species, and by virtue of its proximity to the Kalahari, is endemic to animals absent in other parks: Springbok, Gemsbok and Tsessebe populate Madikwe and the fearless Etosha lions take down super-size kills.

Your daily game drives provide the opportunity to view the big 5, antelope such as sable, oribi and springbok, as well as rare cheetah and wild dog. Early mornings mean you are up to hear the fresh chattering of birds and view creatures about their business. Spend some time resting after the morning drive, and in the afternoon, hop aboard open safari vehicles and enjoy the change-over as the nocturnal animals become active and the stars come out. Spotlights are used to aid in finding the animals.