25-Day South Atlantic Isles
& Southern African Gems

Buenos Aires

Downtown Buenos Aires mirrors the
sophistication of any European capital, with its wide avenues, fine
colonial architecture and rows of pavement cafés. The city was
built by French, Italian and Spanish immigrants and many porteños
(locals) still regard themselves as more European than South
American. Indeed, travellers walking through the city's leafy parks
and boulevards could be forgiven for thinking they were in Madrid,
Paris or Milan.

Buenos Aires was founded on the shores of
the Rio de la Plata in 1570, and was named after the patron saint
of sailors for the good wind or buen aire. The city remained a
colonial backwater for 200 years while the Spanish concentrated
their attention on wealthier Peru. During this time, Buenos Aires
became a thriving centre for smuggling between South America and
Europe.

Dissatisfaction with Spanish economic and
political dominance escalated to boiling point and culminated in
the revolution of May 1810 and finally brought about independence
in 1816. Its history since then has been dogged by military coups
and political mismanagement; the consequences of which are growing
disaffection with the government and widespread poverty, as is
evident in the sprawling shantytowns on the city's outskirts.

This turbulent history has not managed to
stifle the indomitable spirit of the porteños whose passion, charm
and vibrancy have forged this great city, a place in which the fire
of Evita's soul and the allure of the tango endure. A holiday in
Buenos Aires is a journey of discovering the gritty and valiant
spirit that pervades Argentine culture, in everything from food and
conversation to music, art and dance.

Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha is an isolated group of islands found in the South Atlantic Ocean, that is both spectacular and strange. It’s incredibly remote, with no other land masses nearby, making it the most remote inhabited island on Earth. Despite its small population, Tristan da Cunha is a fascinating place to visit.

When you visit Tristan da Cunha, the first thing you’ll notice is its natural beauty. The islands are blanketed in lush green vegetation, and you’ll find a variety of animals, including seabirds, fish, crabs, dolphins, and whales. You’ll also find some of the best scenery in the world—tourists can admire breathtaking mountain views and sun-baked coastline.

Once you’ve taken in the island’s stunning landscapes, it’s time to get to know the locals. Tristan da Cunha has a small population of roughly 300 people, living in a single village on the main island. The locals are friendly and always eager to share stories about life on the islands. This is an ideal opportunity for visitors to learn more about the island’s history and culture.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities to engage in while visiting Tristan da Cunha, there are plenty of options. Visitors can go beachcombing, fishing, and hiking, and enjoy the fresh sea air and warm sunshine. You can also take boat trips to neighbouring islands to observe wildlife and experience breathtaking views from the water.

The weather on Tristan da Cunha is generally mild throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) up to 28°C (82°F). The mild climate means it’s a great place to visit any time of year. Visitors can expect a lot of rain when they visit, which can make for some spectacular stormy scenery.

Visiting Tristan da Cunha is an unforgettable experience. From its stunning natural beauty to its friendly locals and wealth of outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone here. If you’re looking for an adventure off the beaten track, this is the perfect place to visit.

Nightingale Islands

Barrow in Furness is a charming town located in the county of Cumbria, in the beautiful country of England. It is situated on the stunning Furness Peninsula and is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and stunning coastal views. With a rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, Barrow in Furness offers something for everyone.

One of the highlights of Barrow in Furness is its industrial heritage. The town was once a thriving center of shipbuilding and iron and steel production. Visitors can explore the history of the area at the Dock Museum, which is housed in a former Victorian graving dock. The museum showcases the town's maritime heritage through interactive exhibits and displays.

For those interested in architecture, Barrow in Furness boasts several notable buildings. The most iconic is the Barrow Town Hall, an impressive example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse, the town hall is a must-visit and offers guided tours throughout the year. Another noteworthy building is the imposing Barrow Central Station, with its grand facade and beautifully preserved interior.

Nature enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Barrow in Furness. The town is located close to the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its picturesque lakes, mountains, and charming villages. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, sailing, and wildlife spotting in this breathtaking region. Within the town, visitors can also explore the beautiful coastline, with miles of sandy beaches and stunning views across the Irish Sea. Walney Island, located just off the coast, is a popular spot for birdwatching and beach walks.

Barrow in Furness also offers a range of cultural experiences. The Forum, a contemporary arts center, hosts a variety of exhibitions, performances, and workshops. The town is also home to the prestigious South Cumbria Musical Festival, which showcases local talent in music, dance, and drama. For a taste of the local cuisine, visitors can sample traditional Cumbrian dishes, such as Cumberland sausage and sticky toffee pudding, at the town's numerous eateries and pubs.

In terms of shopping, Barrow in Furness has a vibrant town center with a mix of independent shops, high street brands, and local markets. The Portland Walk shopping center is a popular spot for retail therapy, offering a wide range of stores and eateries under one roof. For those seeking a unique shopping experience, the Barrow Indoor Market is a must-visit, known for its variety of local produce, crafts, and antiques.

Barrow in Furness is well-connected by both road and rail, making it easily accessible for travelers. The town is serviced by the Barrow-in-Furness railway station, with direct links to major cities including Manchester and Glasgow. The nearby Manchester Airport also offers international connections, providing access to travelers from around the world.

With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, Barrow in Furness is a destination that shouldn't be missed. Whether you're interested in exploring its industrial heritage, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply taking in the charming atmosphere, Barrow in Furness has something to offer every visitor. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this hidden gem in the heart of Cumbria.

Richards Bay

Richards Bay is a beautiful coastal town located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, Richards Bay offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

One of the main draws of Richards Bay is its pristine beaches. With the warm Indian Ocean waters lapping against its shores, this destination is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Alkantstrand Beach is the most popular beach in the area, offering clean sands, clear waters, and excellent facilities. Whether you're looking to relax or engage in beach activities like surfing or kiteboarding, Richards Bay's beaches have something for everyone.

Nature lovers will be enthralled by the beautiful wildlife and natural landscapes found in and around Richards Bay. The town is situated on the edge of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This diverse and unique ecosystem is home to an abundance of animal and plant species, including crocodiles, hippos, and several bird species. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, boat cruises, or even go on game drives in nearby parks like Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.

Richards Bay also offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions. The Zululand Historical Museum is a must-visit for those interested in the region's history and heritage. It showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the indigenous Zulu culture and the area's colonial past. The Empangeni Art and Cultural History Museum is another prominent cultural attraction, displaying a wide range of contemporary and traditional artworks.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Tuzi Gazi Waterfront is a popular spot for dining, shopping, and entertainment. This vibrant waterfront precinct offers a range of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as live music and entertainment on weekends. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a meal overlooking the marina, or browse local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Richards Bay is also a great destination for fishing enthusiasts. The town is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish species found in the local waters. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, there are numerous fishing charters and tours available to cater to your needs.

In terms of accommodation, Richards Bay offers a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses and self-catering apartments, visitors are spoilt for choice.

In conclusion, Richards Bay is a picturesque coastal town in South Africa that offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. From its stunning beaches and nature reserves to its rich cultural heritage and excellent fishing opportunities, this destination has something for everyone. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a cultural experience, Richards Bay is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Maputo

This sprawling city of Mozambique was one of the
most beautiful and fashionable cities on the African continent.
Influenced largely by Portuguese colonial rule in the 18th century,
its charm exists in a sophisticated international atmosphere,
elegant buildings, and wide, shaded avenues.

Maputo, originally known as Lourenzo Marques
before independence, became the capital of Mozambique in 1898 and
the city established itself as a major trade and industry centre.
Subsequently, it boasts the country's most important harbour.

Following decolonisation, the civil war which
raged for 17 years during the 1970s and 80s had a devastating
effect on Maputo. It reduced the proud city to a state of
disrepair, with thousands of immigrants taking over from where the
wealthy socialites left off.

The city has worked hard to recreate some of its
former grandeur, with the five-star Polana Hotel once again abuzz
with the gossip of the rich and famous. Restaurants will
predictably be serving up the regions famous peri-peri prawns.

Today, Maputo is a lively mix of people, with lots
of markets and street vendors, a vibrant café culture, buzzing
nightclubs, and a relaxed pace of life. It's rundown and somewhat
dilapidated, but Maputo can be a fun and interesting stop on a
Mozambique holiday.

Many visitors are simply passing through on their
way to popular coastal regions and islands like Inhaca, situated
just off the coast and a popular spot for diving and snorkelling.
It's worth spending at least a few hours strolling around the
city.

Durban

Durban is the largest city in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal
province. A coastal port with a consistent sub-tropical climate,
its wide golden beaches are washed by the warm Indian Ocean. Durban
is a holidaymaker's paradise, operating as a gateway to the dozens
of seaside resort towns to the south and north of the city.

The Golden Mile central beach area is flanked by numerous
high-rise hotels and stretches for four miles (6km). It is fronted
by promenades and entertainment facilities and offers many things
to see and do, such as flea markets, a skate park, and colourful
rickshaws.

Although much of Durban is characterised by British colonial
heritage and beautiful Art Deco architecture, the city is actually
an exciting mix of cultures. There is a large Indian community,
descendants of indentured labourers who came to work on the Natal
sugar estates in the 1850s. The city owes its Indian shrines,
bazaars, and tantalising curry restaurants to them.

The heritage of the amaZulu, whose ancestors inhabited the
province before the coming of the European colonial powers, is very
evident in the region north of the Tugela River. This region is
known as Zululand, where the legendary King Shaka once ruled.

Today, most of KwaZulu-Natal's best game parks can be found in
this region. Durban is not only the gateway to the popular coastal
beach resorts of the province, including Ballito, but also to the
rolling hills and plains of the Natal Midlands and their backdrop:
the majestic, jagged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, which
border the province in the west and cradle the nearby mountain
kingdom of Lesotho.

Gqeberha (ex Port Elizabeth)

The industrial city of Port Elizabeth is the centre of the
Eastern Cape region. The city was founded by shiploads of British
settler families who arrived in the Eastern Cape in the early 19th
century, hoping to improve their prospects after suffering economic
hardship because of the industrial revolution at home.

The settlers also intended to strengthen defences against the
local Xhosa people, who had been pushed back beyond the Fish River
frontier. The settlers came ashore at Algoa Bay, where there was
nothing more than the small British Fort Frederick to welcome
them.

From its humble beginnings, the city has grown into a principal
port and manufacturing centre. Although it is very much a working
town with a large portion of the population living in the outlying
township areas, Port Elizabeth draws plenty of tourists because of
its proximity to the east coast's attractions, and the historically
interesting interior. The city is justifiably known as 'the
friendly city' and Algoa Bay boasts 25 miles (40km) of beautiful
sandy beaches lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

The beachfront features a long promenade and pier, decked out
with tourist facilities. Port Elizabeth has a few museums and a
small oceanarium, as well as the Nelson Mandela Stadium, which was
built for the 2010 World Cup and dominates the cityscape.

The nearby Donkin Reserve provides a pleasant day trip, as do
Seaview Game and Lion Park and the Kragga Kamma Game Park. Slightly
further afield, visitors can see the Big Five at Shamwari Game
Reserve, Amakhala Game Reserve, and Addo Elephant Park.

Port Elizabeth is generally a transfer point for travellers, as
opposed to a destination in itself, but the city is worth a day or
two of exploration.

Mossel Bay

Nestled on the sunny shores of the Garden Route in the Western Cape, Mossel Bay is a small coastal town celebrated for its abundance of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Set against a backdrop of golden sands and azure seas, this vibrant town is a popular destination for travelers seeking rest and relaxation. With its many attractions, including a number of nature reserves, Mossel Bay promises an unforgettable experience filled with adventure and exploration.

The bright blue waters that adorn Mossel Bay’s shoreline provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to take part in a variety of outdoor activities. Popular activities include diving and snorkeling, while the waters also offer incredible opportunities for fishing and whale watching. There are also plenty of nearby beaches that offer good surfing and an array of water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing, and sailboarding. For those wishing to explore the surrounding area without getting wet, there are plenty of hiking and nature trails.

Mossel Bay is also a great spot to explore its natural habitats and wildlife. In particular, the Robberg Nature Reserve is home to a plethora of bird species including African Oystercatchers and Cape Dune Terns. On top of this, the reserve boasts around 135 different plant species, making it a great spot for photographers and wildlife lovers. Alongside plants and birds, visitors can also find plenty of reptiles and small mammals.

In addition to its many natural attractions, Mossel Bay also offers an array of cultural experiences. This is particularly true when it comes to exploring the area’s rich history. The Maritime Museum takes visitors back in time with its collection of artifacts relating to local seafaring history. Nearby, The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex houses a number of interactive displays and offerings such as a replica of the caravel that discovered the Cape in 1488. Finally, visitors can learn more about the town’s history by visiting the Old Post Office Tree, which was a mail drop for vessels passing through Mossel Bay during the 18th century.

No matter what brings you to Mossel Bay, you are sure to have a wonderful time exploring all that it has to offer. From its stunning shorelines and abundant wildlife to its fascinating cultural attractions, Mossel Bay truly offers something for everyone. All that’s left now is to grab your sunscreen and head off on an unforgettable journey through this sun-kissed coastal paradise.

Cape Town

Cape Town's allure lies in its spectacular setting, the beauty
of its natural environment, and the rich cultural diversity of its
people. The city has had a long and turbulent history, and the
effects of colonisation and Apartheid still linger in the minds and
hearts of many. Transformation, however, has led to a feeling of
hope, which can be experienced in the cosmopolitan city centre of
Cape Town.

Flower sellers, business executives, parking attendants, office
workers, and shoppers all rub shoulders in a setting of both
historical and modern buildings, backed by the city's most famous
landmark, Table Mountain. The colourful Malay Quarter, the remains
of District Six, St George's Cathedral, Government Avenue, and the
old Castle are historically interesting, while world-class African
and international restaurants tempt travellers with their culinary
delights. Although an African city, Cape Town has a marked European
influence and visitors can experience the excitement of Africa from
the comforts of upmarket surroundings.

Cape Town's unique setting means that views of the city can be
enjoyed from various spectacular vantage points. Table Mountain,
Lion's Head, and Signal Hill provide breathtaking vistas over the
city bowl and the Cape peninsula, with its beautiful beaches. Trips
to Robben Island offer a dramatic sweep of scenery across to Table
Bay, while harbour tours and old buildings await exploration at the
cosmopolitan Waterfront. Many scenic routes meander along
magnificent stretches of coastline leading to special places like
Cape Point and Chapman's Peak, which boasts one of the most
picturesque stretches of road in the world.