Destinations Africa and the Atlantic

Walk on the wild side

If you love the idea of seeing Table Mountain looming on the horizon before standing in its shadow. And if the thought of witnessing a pride of lions casually ambling by your safari jeep gives you goosebumps, then you’re in for a seriously special treat.

The Garden Route runs along the south coast of South Africa and is renowned for its spectacular scenery. It’s at either end of this famous stretch of coastline that some of the country’s most magnificent sights can be found - in Port Elizabeth and in Cape Town. The scenery strikes first. In one lightening move the senses are floored by Table Mountain. It’s a staggering sight. Clouds perched atop, Cape Town nestled below. There’s an odd familiarity that accompanies this scene, no doubt from the countless photographs of it. But what those images can’t capture is the way the mountain slowly rises from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the gentle breeze blowing across the ship’s deck, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the sight of birds soaring high overhead and the tangible excitement that overcomes everyone on board.

In Port Elizabeth there’s stunning sights all around, but they creep up, stealth like, waiting to be spotted. And they don’t disappoint. Set along the gentle shores of Algoa Bay, it’s the beaches that are the big attraction here. Miles of golden sands are lapped by warm Indian Ocean waters – a mecca for watersports enthusiasts.

Inland, it’s the turn of Africa’s wildlife to astound the senses. The ‘big five’ - lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo - is a phrase originally coined for those animals most difficult to hunt. These days, it refers to the most sought after safari photographs. To increase the odds, pay Addo Elephant National Park a visit - this will almost certainly tick one off the list.

A sighting on safari is top of most visitors’ wish lists, but there’s more to South Africa than big game. Table Mountain itself is home to baboons, dassies and many colourful bird species.

From Cape Town, a tour of the West Coast Ostrich Ranch culminates in the opportunity to feed and sit on an ostrich and even stand on an ostrich egg! Then there’s the Two Oceans Aquarium - a unique marine environment which replicates where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Come here and you’ll see giant spider crabs, octopuses, jellyfish, sharks, turtles, fur seals and much more. How’s that for wildlife?

To discover more about Africa visit:

• The Africa Guide