Travel lovers looking for their next bucket list experience, should add South Africa to their catalogue of must-visit destinations around the world. At the tip lies Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and beyond it lies a country with an expanse of breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and adventure. When planning your trip, be sure to keep the following destinations in mind…
Cape Town
The city of Cape Town sprawls around the base of the legendary Table Mountain, voted Africa’s leading tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards 2021. With a plethora of white sandy beaches, hiking trails, world-class wine farms and restaurants, it is easy to see why the city itself has won numerous international tourism awards. There is just so much to do and see, and yet also so many places to escape and just be.
If you are looking for a central place to base yourself from, then the iconic Commodore Hotel by Legacy Hotel & Resorts is your best bet. With Table Mountain as its backdrop, the hotel offers magnificent views, superb service and is centrally located at the V&A Waterfront which welcomes thousands of people from all over the continent and the rest of the world each year. The V&A itself is a symbol of heritage and diversity, where people from all walks of life can play, live, shop, dine and work while being immersed in its vibrant spirit and authentic local culture.
Johannesburg
While Cape Town takes the crown for being the most scenic city in South Africa, the northern interior is home to the country’s biggest city, Johannesburg.
Known for its rich history and gritty beauty, Joburg, aka “The City of Gold”, was established in the late 1800’s when a rich density of gold was discovered within its depths. In more recent years, Joburg has been dubbed as the most wooded city in the world with a sprawling man-made forest shading its vast leafy suburbs. Without doubt, this green city together with its rich mining and political history hold an undeniable charm. As the host to South Africa’s largest international airport, it is the starting point for most tourist trips into South Africa and provides access to a range of activities from museums to world-class shopping malls and more.
Joburg is also home to South Africa and one of Africa’s tallest buildings, The Leonardo. The Leonardo is located in the suburb of Sandton, Africa’s richest square mile, and was opened in 2020 by Legacy Hotel & Resorts as a model of sustainable urban living - providing its residents and hotel guests with an opportunity to live, work and play in one spot. Named after the famous artist himself, Leonardo Davinci, the walls, floors and ceilings are lined with an incredible collection of art and guests can enjoy guided art tours while they stay. At the top of the building is Alto234, the highest urban bar in Africa, where guests can indulge in hand-crafted tapas and bubbly as they take in the panoramic views from above.
Just a stone’s throw down the road from the Leonardo are its’ older cousins, the DAVINCI Hotel & Suites and the Michelangelo Towers. Both have direct access into Sandton City Mall and its world-class shopping experience. For those looking for a luxuriously modern, Instagrammable-type hotel space then the Davinci is for you, while the Michelangelo Towers gives guests all the classical indulgences they will need.
Pilanesberg
Hop into a car and just a two-hour drive from Joburg lies the Pilanesberg National Park, one of South Africa’s most accessible Big-5 game reserves. Situated in the ecologically rich transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld, this vast area promises thrilling big game viewing in a malaria free environment.
A wide variety of accommodation is available to suit your needs, including Bakubang, Kwa Maritane and Tshukudu Bush Lodges which offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. All of these lodges are positioned close to the park gates making them extremely accessible. Tshukudu offers a more intimate experience with expansive views of the plains below, while Bakubang and Kwa Maritane are the ideal escape for the whole family offering a variety of on-site activities and facilities for everyone.
Kruger National Park
Just an hour flight from Joburg, Kruger National Park is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in the world. About the size of Israel, the park was established in 1898 as a protected area for wildlife and today is home to a high density of wild animals including the Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes. With its subtropical climate and authentic, untamed wilderness, Kruger is a not-to-be-missed experience.
On Kruger’s border lies the uber-luxurious Elephant Point, a secure estate on a private reserve offering a range of 20 villa-style lodges run by Legacy Hotels & Resorts. Each lodge offers a unique luxury experience with the following services available: airport shuttles, game drives, private chef experiences and boma dinners overlooking the Sabie River. This is a tranquil haven and certainly the most luxurious way to absorb the sights and sounds of the African bush and experience nature at its very best.
So, whatever appeals to you - be it wine tasting in the Cape or the big 5 on safari- South Africa has something for everyone - and Legacy Hotels & Resorts, a leader in independent luxury hotels, has an ideal place to stay.
We look forward to welcoming and delighting you.
