Cape Town’s beaches boast spectacular views, powder-white sand, and crystalline (but chilly) waters. Much of the coast is accessible to beachgoers, while thrill-seekers can kayak in the calm waters of Table Bay, surf on the icy Atlantic seaboard and dive with great white sharks in False Bay. Back on land, take the cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain for views of Cape Town from every angle. Afterwards, discover Cape Town’s burgeoning fine-dining scene and explore its many art galleries, not least the impressive Zeitz MOCAA.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, at the base of Table Mountain, is the splendid epicentre of the magnificent Cape Floral Kingdom, while the Cape Peninsula offers a unique opportunity to observe the penguins at Boulders Beach. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, the southernmost point of Cape Town, boasts dramatic views from a rocky peninsula whose nearest landmasses are Argentina, Antarctica and Australia. A little further afield, the Winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek will impress even the most avid connoisseurs

A luxury train trip along this resplendent coastal corridor showcases mile upon mile of forest, cliffs and beaches. If you prefer to drive, mountain passes wind through the Garden Route, offering unparalleled views of the beaches, forest and cliffs. This stretch of wilderness along the southern coast of South Africa is famous not only for the breath-taking landscapes but for the activities contained in the surrounding mountain ranges. There are 10 national parks in the Garden Route that will enchant nature-lovers; an elusive herd of elephant even roams the Knysna forest.

Exploration of the Garden Route would be incomplete without visiting the Knysna Heads, the spectacular sandstone cliffs that separate the ocean from the lagoon. Further inland, experience the mountains from the inside at the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, before going on a tour of a working ostrich farm. Plettenberg Bay, located at the base of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains, is a paradise for beachgoers, surfers and holiday-makers.

Roughly the same size as the whole of Wales, the iconic Kruger National Park is the ultimate game-viewing opportunity. Its immense, diverse natural environment ensures South Africa’s big game (and over 500 bird species) feel at home – so much so that close-up encounters are commonplace. Private lodges and luxury tented accommodation can put you even closer to the African wild. Bring something sharper than a disposable camera to ensure the memories last forever.

Kruger National Park’s neighbour, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, has the highest density of big game in South Africa. The animals are habituated to the area, so sightings are prolific – even the evasive leopard is commonly glimpsed here. Water in Sabi Sands Game Reserve attracts the Big 5 to the unfenced wilderness, so safari drives are never dull affairs. All meals are included in a stay at the luxury lodges, as are the private rangers who will ensure that every game drive is an education.