Take a trip to the Mother City, the capital of South Africa - Cape Town, a place where two oceans meet.
It's a destination which offers something for everyone, from the most pampered glamour-puss to the most free-spirited adventurer.
With its vibrant nightlife, spectacular selection of unspoilt beaches, exotic wildlife and thriving foodie scene, it's the perfect location for a spot of welcome winter sun without the accompanying jet-lag.
Top Sees for a Fee
Uncover the enthralling story of anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader and Nobel peace prize winner Nelson Mandella on The Robben Island Nelson Mandella Tour.
Take a tour of the island's historical sites, including the graveyard of leprosy victims, the Lime Quarry, Robert Sobukwe's house and the Bluestone quarry.
Look around the maximum security prison where thousands of freedom fighters had been detained and catch a glimpse of the cell where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for nearly 17 years.
You can catch the ferry to the island from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V & A Waterfront with tours taking three-and-a-half hours.
Tickets: Adults: R550; Under 18s: R300.
Catch a bird's-eye view of Cape Town on a ride up to the city's iconic landmark, Table Mountain.
Take the slowly rotating cable car to the famous flat-topped mountain, which towers 3,563 ft above sea level.
Enjoy spectacular sweeping views of the bustling city below and its magnificent coastline and meet the mountain's small furry residents, Rock Hyrax, also known as Dassies.
Tafelberg Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001; Adult: From R300 return; Child: From R150 return.
Marvel at the jewel in Cape Town's crown, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, home to a stunning array of wildlife, flora and fauna.
Spanning 1,300 acres, this unmissable attraction is sheltered under the backdrop of Table Mountain, just 15 minutes drive from the centre.
Pack your binoculars and spot exotic birdlife such as the Orange-breasted Sunbird, just one of the 125 species which have been recorded there.
Join a free guided tour and hike up Skeleton Gorge to seek out hidden waterfalls.
Enjoy breath-taking panoramic views along the Tree Canopy Walkway, also known as the Boomslang, or tree snake.
Take a stroll through blossoming flower meadows in Kirstenbosch gardens where 7,000 species of plant are known to flourish.
Picnic on the lawns or stop off or High Tea in the Tea Room before enjoying a summer sunset concert on a sublime Sunday evening.
Tickets: Adults: R40; Children aged 6-18: R10. 0-6 years: Free.
Top Sees for Free:
See if you're lucky enough to spot a school of whales as they swim from their feeding grounds off Antarctica to the warmer waters of Mozambique on their migration from June to November.
Head to high vantage points - the best locations to see these gentle giants from, along the road of the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula, Boyes Drive above Kalk Bay or the mountainside above Simon’s Town.
Don your most stylish beachwear as you head to the effortlessly glamorous enclave of Camps Bay - a people-watching paradise.
Known as the Cape Riviera – along with Clifton and Llanduduno beaches - these idyllic, white sandy beaches are fringed by a string of stylish bars and upmarket restaurants.
They are just a few of Cape Town's 33 beaches that have all been awarded the international Blue Flag status.
Head to Boulders Beach to explore chalk-white sand dunes, calm shores and sheltered coves.
Stroll along the winding, wooden walkways along the coastline and discover the friendly African Penguins who live there.
Climb to the lighthouse on the Cape of Good Hope, set on the most southern tip of Africa.
Where the warm and cool ocean currents of two seas collide, the area is well-known for its powerful tides, strong winds and large waves.
A whale and bird-watching paradise, the wild, rugged terrain is home to fascinating wildlife including ostrich, zebra and baboon.
Hike further up the cliffs for spectacular scenery and breath-taking sea views overlooking the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point.
Getting Around
Cape Town's wide range of public transport options makes sightseeing painless, with regular connections to top tourist sights.
Cape Town International Airport is just 18 minutes by car, or around half-an-hour using the half-hourly MyCiTi bus service.
Shared mini bus taxis are a cheap, convenient option, while private buses, Metro rail and trains also provide handy alternatives.
Cape Town is a bike-friendly city and you can find dedicated bike lanes in most areas. Alternatively, board the city sightseeing bus to reach all the tourist hot-spots, jumping on and off at your leisure.
Hotels
Budget: Recharge after a busy day sightseeing in the serene surroundings of Feathers Lodge Boutique hotel.
Conveniently located for the Winelands and within easy reach of the airport, this comfortable, four-star hotel features a sleek, elegant décor.
Complimentary buffet breakfast is provided while amenities include outdoor pool, room service and tea and coffee-making facilities.
24 Melina St, Rosendal, Cape Town, 7550, South Africa; Phone: +27 21 910 1078. From: £53.
Midrange: Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, Sugar Hotel & Spa is set just minutes from shops and restaurants on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
With an uber-chic, polished interior, perks include plush bathrobes and underfloor heating while luxury rooms boast stunning views of the Waterfront or Table Mountain.
1 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa; Phone: +27 21 430 3780. From £100.
Luxury: It's easy to see why five-star PODS Camps Bay Boutique Hotel has been voted one of the best hotels in the world.
Contemporary designer looks and rooms featuring breath-taking mountain or ocean views together private plunge pools are just a few of the reasons.
Kick back and relax, just minutes away from the glamorous Camps Bay beachfront and its classy bars and restaurants.
3 Argyle St, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005. Phone: +27 21 438 8550. From £237.
The facts
Currency: SouthAfrican Rand (Zar).
The Flight: Manchester International to Cape Town International, via one-stop. From 14 hours 30 mins.
Time Zone: GMT+2.
Best Time to Visit: If you'd prefer to avoid the crowds and extreme temperatures visit from March to May and September to November.
For sunseekers however, December to February is when temperatures are the highest.
Visas/Injections/Precautions: No visa required for visits of up to 90 days. The general advice is to avoid isolated beaches and picnic spots. Don’t walk alone, especially in remote areas or on beaches after dark or when beachgoers have left.
Vaccines: Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus - for a comprehensive list visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/
