Chasing the magnificent seven

During a short window from July to October, you will get a rare chance to see the Big Seven or the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino), plus the ocean's southern right whales and the great white sharks.

Close to the outskirts of Cape Town, along the Atlantic shoreline, are picturesque white beaches, mountains with stunning valleys, nature reserves and charming coves. The ocean here offers spectacular whale watching opportunities. At Hermanus, Overberg and Walker Bay get a chance to see southern right whales, and at Gansbaai, look out for great white sharks. Also, keep your eyes peeled for African penguins, Cape fur seals, cormorants and bank cormorants. For those looking for the added adrenalin rush, sign up to dive into the waters and swim with the sharks.

At Sabi Sand Game Reserve, considered to be one of the richest wilderness belts on the continent, get up close to Africa's mighty beasts and gentle giants, amongst a plethora of other animals.