South Africa

Whether you’re in the mood for mulled wine and Christmas markets or in need of a beach escape in the tropics – these are the places you should be adding to your itinerary for December.

South Africa’s Garden Route – from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth – encompasses everything from white-sand beaches to mountain passes to endless vineyards.

Fancy taking a walk on the wild side? An African safari offers up the ideal opportunity to get closer to those animals which fascinate us most.

Top drops and where to drink them (plus a few handy wine-swilling tips).

From the seat of my safari truck, I’m quietly humming a medley of Toto’s Africa and Can You Feel the Love Tonight from the Lion King, and I’m about to spy my first rhino.

Rugged coast, sandy beaches, whales and dolphins and some of the hugest vistas around. South Africa’s Garden Route has to be experienced to be believed.

Homestay experiences like this are so special; they open your eyes to another way of living, and help you gain a new perspective.

If you want to get a taste of ‘real’ Capetonian life, it’s high time you hit the neighbourhood.

My responsibilities were limited to packing up my gear in the morning, returning from bathroom breaks on time, and choosing what bottle of Pinotage to get for dinner at camp.