If you’re looking for a vacation brimming with culture, incredible food and wine, scenic views, and a rich history, it doesn’t get much better than South Africa.

From luxury villas to safari tents and rustic chic abodes, you can find it all here and more. From the ever-impressive vineyards of Stellenbosch, to the beautiful Garden Route and private game reserves, it’s time to go on an adventure!

Cape Town is home to some of the most luxurious villa rentals, particularly in and around the V&A Waterfront, the charming town of Stellenbosch, and near the much-revered Twelve Apostles. But with South Africa villas being in such high demand, it’s always worth booking in advance.

It’s also worth hiring a car since many of the sights here are best accessed by car. If the clifftop views and smooth terrain seem familiar, it’s because many car companies film their adverts here – so renowned are their roads. Do, however, observe some of the safety guidelines, as carjacking and vehicle crime is still notable.

The scenic Garden Route is a must for any driving and outdoor enthusiasts. This 400-km stretch of coast takes you from the Western Cape to Witsand. Many who take the journey like to stop along the way for a brisk walk, hike or more.

Another popular route is from Cape Town to the tip point at Boulders Beach. Tourists come from near and far to coo at penguins waddling around the beach, and the many vineyards to visit on their way home back to their luxury villas.

Speaking of vineyards, as you’d expect Cape Town is known for some of the best in the world, including Groot Constantia and the Vergelegen Wine Estate. Be sure to stay for a meal, as the local-inspired cuisine here is out of this world.

To fully immerse yourself in the vineyard experience, it’s always a delight to spend a few days in Stellenbosch. This quaint town offers boutique shops, bijou art galleries and luxury villas to rent, making it a popular tourist destination. With vineyards on your doorstep, it’s also a must-visit for wine aficionados.

Table Mountain is a must for any keen visitor, offering enchanting views across the cape. This includes the V&A waterfront, another bustling spot to visit for a leisurely stroll, a touch of shopping, and watching the world go by. Here you will also find world-class restaurants including Nobu and Baia Seafood restaurant.

The waterfront is also the connecting point for ferries to Robben Island – a former prison, famously once home to Nelson Mandela. Now a museum, it takes you on a journey of the country’s history, with the added touch of being shown around by a former inmate!

Although it has a number of stunning beaches, Cape Town is not typically known for sitting out on to sunbathe, many preferring to do so from the comfort of their luxury villas instead. However, Camps Bay, Llandudno and Clifton Beaches are all highly worthy of a visit, especially if you’re an avid surfer.

While Cape Town may not have the game reserves found in Johannesburg or Tanzania, it does have much wildlife if you know where to go. It’s easy to take a day trip from your villa rental mansion and head to Aqulia Private Game reserve for an exciting taste of African wildlife.

For those into water sports, Cape Town also has one big attraction: shark diving. There’s plenty of professional and private tour guides who can take you out to sea for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If that’s a bit too extreme for your taste, then whale watching or visiting seals is a much tamer choice!

For a host of luxury villas for your next vacation, visit Villazzo.