Few places in the world evoke such a sense of awe, magic, history and romance than that of Africa. A land of unending contrasts, peppered with incredible natural wonders, deep rooted cultures and some of the most impressive wildlife experiences on the planet, whether you visit for a safari or a cultural tour you’ll discover that there really is nowhere in the world quite like Africa.

Here at Imagine Cruising we offer a range of holiday experiences so you can discover the magnificence of Africa, from luxury train journeys that trundle through grasslands teeming with wildlife, to tours of the mesmerising Victoria Falls, city breaks in cosmopolitan Cape Town and safari adventures you’ll treasure forever.

Explore Paarl, cradled in a lush valley, where birds flit through the indigenous fynbos and smooth lakes sparkle. Here you’ll indulge in wine tasting and a cellar tour at a local estate, before heading to the village of Franschhoek, founded in 1688 by French immigrants fleeing religious persecution in Europe.

A striking memorial in the town commemorates these early settlers who helped develop wines enjoyed by Napoleon, Jane Austen and Baudelaire. After lunch and another wine tasting at a vineyard, you will uncover the second-oldest town in South Africa and the historic heart of the country’s wine region: Stellenbosch.

The heart and soul of South Africa safari, the wildlife-filled and world-renowned Kruger Park boasts nearly 2 million hectares of secluded woodlands that rustle with Africa’s greatest beasts. Watch herds of elephants take a refreshing drink at the waterhole, lion clubs play fighting in the shade of a Baobab tree and graceful giraffe grazing peacefully.

The fourth largest river in Africa, the Zambezi River arises in Zambia and flows through Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique before emptying into the Indian Ocean. The most well-known waterfall along the river is without doubt the Victoria Falls, but there are others including the Chavuma Falls and Ngonye Falls. The river is home to a huge range of wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, birdlife including herons, lesser flamingos and African fish eagles, while the surrounding woodlands house elephants, buffalo, zebra and giraffe.

As the iconic backdrop of Cape Town, Table Mountain is the flat-topped landmark that forms the focus of Table Mountain National Park. Views from the top are out of this world. It’s possible (though not for the faint-hearted) to hike to the summit; alternatively, take the scenic and more relaxing Aerial Cableway for the most breathtaking views over Cape Town and beyond.

Known as the Tip of Africa, Cape Point is the most southerly point of the African continent in the Cape of Good Hope. Visitors are met by dramatic 200-metre-high cliffs with the wild Atlantic Ocean lapping below. Take in the spectacular views and scale the steps to the pretty 200-year-old beacon of Cape Point, New Cape Point Lighthouse.

The sheltered Boulders Beach in False Bay is famous for its black and white-feathered residents: a colony of roughly 3,000 African penguins. Flanked by ancient granite boulders, which is how the beach got its name, the area offers a family-friendly space with Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected status. Visitors can admire the cute residents of Boulders Beach and cool off in the beautiful clear waters.

The V&A Waterfront is packed with galleries, boutiques and a vast array or restaurants, cafes and bars. The fun centre of Cape Town’s waterfront area is also home to the towering Cape Wheel ride, the Two Oceans Aquarium and the ClockTower playground. The V&A Waterfront is also the departure point for ferries to the Apartheid-era political prison Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated

Take to the waters to experience the remarkable marine life off South Africa’s coast, including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go whale watching. Southern right whales are the most common sighting in Cape waters, but you may also see humpback and Bryde’s whales, spouting and frolicking in the ocean. From land, False Bay and Cape Point are two of the best spots to best these magnificent creatures.

Linking the coastal beauty of Cape Town with the jacaranda trees of Pretoria, The Blue Train is the most lavish way to cross South Africa. En route the 27-hour service takes in the barren majesty of the Great Karoo wilderness, historic mining towns and endless savannahs, with an almost film-like reel of landscapes passing by the panoramic windows.

The trains are known as the ‘Pride of Africa’, taking you from the sophistication of Cape Town to the wide burnished deserts of Namibia, the breath-taking power of Victoria Falls to the storied battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal. With expert guides to illuminate the destinations en route, a journey on Rovos Rail is more than just a way of getting from A to B, it’s a holiday in itself.

Standing magnificently on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, this luxury hotel enjoys a picturesque backdrop of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also conveniently close to Cape Town’s centre and stunning array of tourist attractions; take a stroll and feed your appetite at a couple of the world-renowned restaurants.

Nestled within the crater of a long extinct volcano and surrounded by green trees freckling the ochre-coloured landscape, Ivory Tree Safari Lodge emerges from the Bushveld. Tastefully adorned in traditional African décor, the Ivory Tree Game Lodge offers a safari experience all with modern amenities for a home away from home. After you’ve settled into your luxurious setting, you could unwind in the award-winning spa with its natural botanic ingredients to harmonise your body and soul. Its restaurant also offers five-star dining to complement your stay where you can sample traditional South African cuisine under the stars.

Situated on the cusp of the falls, the hotel offers an unrivalled position on the banks of the Zambezi River and the unique opportunity to watch wildlife including zebras, giraffes and monkeys as they roam freely around the grounds of the hotel. Unwind with a glass of bubbles on your veranda, indulge in a luxury spa therapy or take your book to some shade under the monkey trees.

Blending seamlessly within the beautiful surroundings of the Zambezi river bank and overlooking the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa offers luxury five-star accommodation near the Victoria Falls, one of the most impressive natural wonders of the world. Spend days exploring the local area before evenings enjoying delicious Afro-Arabian cuisine in the Kalai restaurant, followed by a Sundowner whilst overlooking the glorious Zambezi.