South Africa’s “Mother City” is indescribably beautiful, steeped in fascinating history and pulsating to a heady African rhythm.  A ride in a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, a ferry journey to Robben Island, or a meandering tour through the South African Winelands will leave you in no doubt that this place is an absolute highlight on any vacation to Africa. South Africa boasts incredibly good weather, gorgeous scenery and fantastic beaches and is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. Exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture offer visitors a unique and inspiring experience.

The fertile green valleys of the Cape Winelands are surrounded by proud mountain ranges. It is the Mediterranean climate and winter rainfall of the southwestern Cape that produces some of the best wines in the country. The rich, fertile soils along the Breede River and especially the areas of Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, have become world famous for their whites, reds, sherries, ports and brandies. With a selection of over 200 cellars to choose from, wine enthusiasts are guaranteed to taste some of the finest wines in the world here. The area also abounds with olive farms, handcrafted cheeses, Pinot Noir honey and even hand-blown glass. Experience the rich historical and cultural heritage while visiting quaint villages, vibrant townships, museums and galleries.

Framed by majestic mountains, Mossel Bay and Storm’s River, this coastal route to the east of Cape Town holds visitors spellbound with an abundance of rivers, spectacular mountain passes, lagoons, lakes, beaches and birdlife.

Oudtshoorn is known as the Feather Capital of the World thanks to its huge ostrich industry. Here ostriches are found in great numbers and the region produces the best feathers, leather products and ostrich meat world wide. This small, safe town is also the commercial hub of the greater Klein Karoo region and is situated in a beautiful valley between the Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains.

A place of "People, Beauty and Mystery" is what comes to mind when describing Knysna. The exceptionally equitable climate with rain falling throughout the year ensures it remains perennially green. The town nestles between the impressive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, encircled by world-renowned forests. At the heart of Knysna is the 21 hectare lagoon protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone "Heads".

Port Elizabeth overlooking Algoa Bay is known as the friendly city with sandy beaches, pleasant parks and a thriving nightlife. It is known for its sunshine and safe sandy beaches. For the tourist wanting a total South African experience, Port Elizabeth is the perfect complement to the Garden Route, Settler Hinterland, Sunshine Coast and Cape.

They came from far and wide to strike it rich when gold was discovered in Johannesburg in 1886, and the “City of Gold” still pulsates with entrepreneurial energy. Take a tour into the fascinating, horrifying, humbling and inspiring events from the dark days of ‘whites only’ privileges through to Nelson Mandela’s historic release from prison. Documentary pieces of film, texts, sound clips and live accounts recapture life in the old South Africa.

Deep in the rugged bushveld, in the heart of an ancient volcano, lies the world's most unique resort. Approximately two hours drive northwest of Johannesburg and set within untamed bush, Sun City is a glitzy Vegas-style entertainment Mecca made up of casinos, cinemas, theaters, restaurants, two world-class golf courses, man-made jungles, lakes, beaches and the Palace of the Lost City hotel. The nearby malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park also plays host to “the big five” and features an abundance of birdlife.

Greater Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park’s two million-hectare reserve offers an amazing wildlife experience and is home to the Big Five – elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. Private game reserves include the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, located on the South West corner of the Park with rivers that supply much-needed water to the region creating an incredibly bio-diverse wildlife population. The Timbavati Nature Reserve shares a common unfenced border with the Kruger National Park allowing animals free range and ensuring visitors the opportunity to view a diverse variety of wildlife. View the big game from open 4x4 vehicles, on foot or from the comfort of your room as you experience timeless Africa. Accommodation in the Greater Kruger area is varied and includes rest camps, bungalows, bushveld camps and bush lodges.

Pilanesberg National Park

The crater of a long extinct volcano is the setting of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park – a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. One of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world, its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature. In the Park today live virtually all the animal species of southern Africa including, lion, elephant, white and black rhino, buffalo, leopard, zebra, hyena, giraffe, hippo and crocodile.

Phinda Private Game Reserve

Located between the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the lush waterways of the World Heritage Greater Saint Lucia Wetland Park, Phinda's 17,000 hectares span seven unique ecosystems. Come face-to-face with lions and rhino after breakfast, up close to a Whale Shark or battling sailfish after lunch. That's the Phinda experience, one of the most exciting safari destinations in Africa.

On Safari In South Africa

As the early morning sun rises over the horizon head out into the African bushveld. Sense the excitement…who knows what to expect? A herd of ever-cautious impala huddled together, a herd of elephant feeding in the lush vegetation or a pride of lion in the shade of an acacia. Upon return to camp enjoy a sizeable brunch. Free time is then ample during the heat of the day to enjoy a siesta or dip in the pool. Enjoy tea, cakes and savories before departing on an afternoon activity, with a stop for cocktails en route. Return to camp and savor a sumptuous dinner.

Contact United Vacations 1-800-417-9246