Bustling cities (UK)

DDuration: Two days

Area: Durban (KwaZulu-Natal)

Itinerary: The coastal city of Durban is defined by warm Indian Ocean currents, spicy Indian cuisine, and its tropical climate. Admire the city’s art deco buildings fringing the beachfront, and take a rickshaw ride along the Golden Mile. This iconic stretch of beach is where the entire city seems to go after work. Families, couples, locals and tourists all walk along the promenade, relaxing and watching surfers on the waves. The Indian community in Durban is the largest outside of India, which has a huge impact on the character of the city. Victoria Street Market is the embodiment of this, a blend of all things African and Indian. Set in a massive, ornate building, it’s possible to buy almost anything in the way of spices and food, as well as saris and arts and crafts. Check out the quirky Station Drive precinct on a Sunday morning, a transformed industrial area, for craft beer, art installations, eclectic clothes shops and excellent coffee. The lush Durban Botanic Gardens is Africa’s oldest surviving botanical gardens, and is home to some of the rarest plants in the world, as well as being a lovely place for a stroll.

DDuration: Two days

Area: Johannesburg (Gauteng)

Itinerary: Johannesburg is Africa’s most visited city — it’s an eclectic mix of nationalities, a vibrant city celebrated for its diversity. Look down on the city’s streets from the 50th floor of the 732ft Carlton Centre — the continent’s tallest skyscraper. Experience life in Soweto — exploring one of the country’s oldest townships is a great way of understanding the day-to-day life of South Africans. Soweto is transcending its former reputation to become a vibrant neighbourhood full of history, culture and nightlife. Take some time to visit Maboneng, a glittering example of urban regeneration done right. It’s home to markets, galleries and exciting nightlife.

DDuration: Five days

Area: Cape Town (Western Cape)

Itinerary: Cape Town is a joy to explore. The V&A Waterfront is a good place to start, home to myriad shopping, dining and entertainment venues — but also plenty of historical sights and museums. There’s the Two Oceans Aquarium, the 164ft Wheel of Excellence observation wheel, the Robben Island Museum and even some Cape fur seals who have made the Waterfront their home, around the Clock Tower Precinct and the quayside. It’s also the location of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art, with more than 100 galleries are housed in the repurposed grain silo complex. Take the cable-car up Table Mountain — or for a more strenuous trip, hike to the top of South Africa’s most iconic natural landmark with an experienced guide, then abseil down while enjoying the views. Camps Bay, a suburb just 10 minutes from central Cape Town, is a beautiful place to enjoy the shore. At the foot of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, it has a village feel, with beachfront restaurants, hiking trails and soft white sands.

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