Emirates destinations
The sheer diversity of South Africa, a country with 11 official languages, has earned it the nickname of the Rainbow nation, and no matter where you’re headed once your flight to South Africa lands, you’ll find beauty and wonder at every turn.
First, there’s the urban sprawl of Johannesburg, a buzzing metropolis with a thriving dining and nightlife scene, and a favourite celebrity haunt. Then you have Durban, a quieter destination on the coast, with beach-side cafes, restaurants and surf shops. And then, right at the southern-most tip of Africa is Cape Town, a melting pot of cultures, with beautiful beaches, vineyards and national parks, all overseen by the iconic Table Mountain.
Cape Town is one of the best destinations for learning more about South Africa’s past, and the history of apartheid. From the coast you can take a ferry to Robben Island, where the late former president Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 27 years, and see the cell where he was imprisoned. On the mainland, cultural institutions like the renowned District Six Museum shine a light on the country’s past. Regardless, South Africa is a resilient nation, filled with welcoming residents who are always looking to the future.
Beyond the city boundaries, the natural beauty of the landscape is breath-taking, as is the sheer scope of wildlife that inhabits it. For a true bucket list experience, book a safari at the Kruger National Park. This nature reserve is one of the largest in Africa, and the best place in the world to see the continent’s Big Five: elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo. For a more foodie-focused experience of the outdoors, the wine routes from Cape Town cannot be beaten.