{"contentlets":[{"hubLiveInProduction":false,"useDestinationHub":false,"publishDate":"2025-01-02 19:06:09.781","headerImageDesktopMetaData":{"modDate":1602129348000,"sha256":"fd3c02c475d4831d5c8da6eac2aaea4bcfc734e38301e30c02f87cb1cd1a0e02","length":88361,"title":"southafrica_header_desktop.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":88361,"name":"southafrica_header_desktop.jpg","width":1440,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":260},"metaDescription":"Our South Africa luxury travel guide includes the best hotels in South Africa, South Africa safaris and tours, South Africa cruises, Virtuoso travel advisors that specialize in South Africa, and more.","headerImageDesktop":"/dA/77456f5e-a861-4647-b094-98632bc64e36/headerImageDesktop/southafrica_header_desktop.jpg","inode":"2354a9d3-cb17-4fca-a477-cf9fdf72d522","showDestinationHubProductMap":false,"headerImage":"/dA/77456f5e-a861-4647-b094-98632bc64e36/headerImage/southafrica_header_mobile.jpg","gridImageVersion":"/dA/2354a9d3-cb17-4fca-a477-cf9fdf72d522/gridImage/destinations-southafrica-grid.jpg","randomizeHubSections":false,"host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","headerImageCropFocus":"right","locked":false,"gridImageContentAsset":"77456f5e-a861-4647-b094-98632bc64e36/gridImage","stInode":"9deffa26-bd18-4ed9-bfa8-d8cb250a7aae","contentType":"Destination","headerImageMetaData":{"modDate":1602129339000,"sha256":"37e7613f5c6442e33b95c213318e959725efb9387b0e3fb13d092d8913c1d5f9","length":65696,"title":"southafrica_header_mobile.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":65696,"name":"southafrica_header_mobile.jpg","width":768,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":300},"showDestinationHubChildDestinations":true,"identifier":"77456f5e-a861-4647-b094-98632bc64e36","publishUserName":"system user system user","publishUser":"system","headerImageDesktopContentAsset":"77456f5e-a861-4647-b094-98632bc64e36/headerImageDesktop","gridImage":"/dA/77456f5e-a861-4647-b094-98632bc64e36/gridImage/destinations-southafrica-grid.jpg","creationDate":"2020-10-05 16:22:09.436","headerImageDesktopVersion":"/dA/2354a9d3-cb17-4fca-a477-cf9fdf72d522/headerImageDesktop/southafrica_header_desktop.jpg","headerImageVersion":"/dA/2354a9d3-cb17-4fca-a477-cf9fdf72d522/headerImage/southafrica_header_mobile.jpg","folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"gridImageMetaData":{"modDate":1603652213000,"sha256":"d4cde4faf566c8b439d36cc58b4db08a1a10a460f4a7f6608c63f2836dc85f78","length":30926,"title":"destinations-southafrica-grid.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":30926,"name":"destinations-southafrica-grid.jpg","width":285,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":428},"tagline":"From cosmopolitan Cape Town to Kruger National Park, South Africa shines.","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","modDate":"2025-01-02 19:06:09.282","destinationTag":"|africa|south-africa","title":"South Africa","baseType":"CONTENT","archived":false,"metaKeywords":"Virtuoso travel, South Africa travel, South Africa hotels, South Africa safaris tours, South Africa cruises, luxury travel, travel advisors, why travel to South Africa","ownerUserName":"Adam Lyon","working":true,"live":true,"owner":"alyon@virtuoso.com","isArbitraryDestination":false,"languageId":1,"shortyId":"77456f5ea8","url":"/content.3f891c2e-895c-4d27-8ba4-a78046d2d0b1","titleImage":"gridImage","modUserName":"system user system user","hasLiveVersion":true,"headerImageDesktopCropFocus":"center","modUser":"system","headerImageContentAsset":"77456f5e-a861-4647-b094-98632bc64e36/headerImage","__icon__":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT","featuredArticles":[{"heroImage1PhotoCredit":"Getty Images","heroImage1AltText":"South Africa vineyards.","heroImage1ContentAsset":"bd94048e-d888-4728-af28-80891ead8a37/heroImage1","heroImage1Version":"/dA/c1350be1-6291-4704-846b-7ab6cf8024b1/heroImage1/SouthAfricaTravel_Vineyards_main.jpg","articleImage1Version":"/dA/c1350be1-6291-4704-846b-7ab6cf8024b1/articleImage1/as19_T2W_Caape_Town_Bowl_114324463_R1.jpg","articleImage2Version":"/dA/c1350be1-6291-4704-846b-7ab6cf8024b1/articleImage2/as19_T2W_Cheetahs_on_Road_1142237026_R1.jpg","publishDate":"2025-01-02 19:06:25.725","subhead":"Search for fine pinotage in the Cape Winelands or spy the \u201cbig five\u201d in the wild.","metaDescription":"Choose your ideal South Africa vacation: Spot the big five on a South Africa safari or sip pinotage at world-class vineyards.","articleText3":"

Option 2: Safari<\/h3>\n
A tailor-made eight-day journey with <\/span>Kensington Tours<\/a> takes travelers to two private game reserves adjacent to Kruger National Park. Thornybush offers bush walks that, Arroyo says, “give you a different perspective on the animals,” while Sabi Sand is one of the best places to see Africa’s famed “big five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo). “Sabi’s nighttime safari game drives are a must,” she adds. <\/span><\/p>","metaHeadline":"South Africa: Winetasting Tour or Safari Adventure?","inode":"c1350be1-6291-4704-846b-7ab6cf8024b1","articleText1":"
South Africa<\/a> holds a special place in Myrna Arroyo’s heart. The Virtuoso travel advisor experienced her first safari there, tracking a young cheetah on foot in a private game reserve and watching an elephant come so close to her vehicle in Kruger National Park that “it almost touched my companion’s camera lens.” The country is particularly attractive for first-time safari-goers, she notes, since English is widely spoken, there’s a solid tourism infrastructure, and travelers can find comfortable lodging within every budget. Plus, she adds, “I love that you can combine a safari with all the attractions in <\/span>Cape Town<\/a>.”<\/span>

The advisor was equally impressed by the Cape Winelands, which she says is “every bit as beautiful as <\/span>Napa Valley, but with monkeys!” South Africa’s wine industry has emerged as a world leader of ethical and environmentally focused trading practices, evidenced by the Integrity & Sustainability certification that adorns nearly every exported bottle. Arroyo, who is a certified sommelier and self-professed “wine snob,” calls the region’s vino “truly delicious.”<\/span><\/p>","articleImage2Caption":"
A South Africa must-see: Cheetahs in their natural habitat.<\/span><\/span><\/p>","articleText2":"
\n
Option 1: Sip<\/h3>\n
Though South African producers ship their wine around the world, Arroyo swears they “keep the best bottles for themselves!” Oenophiles can taste the country’s signature pinotage (a crossing of pinot noir and cinsaut) along with other varietals while visiting the Cape Winelands with <\/span>Access Culinary Trips<\/a>. A customizable nine-day tour includes a number of noteworthy culinary experiences – think cooking lunch in a traditional Zulu home – that, says the advisor, “would be hard to arrange on your own.” <\/p>\n<\/div>","heroImage1Caption":"
South Africa has plenty of vineyards for ample wine time. <\/span><\/span><\/p>","articleImage1Caption":"
Every South Africa trip should include time to explore Table Mountain-backed Cape Town.<\/span><\/p>","useTopAdZone":false,"host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","locked":false,"stInode":"47d3aa06-8ebb-4a97-9c13-2af5c3aab67e","contentType":"ConsumerArticleBasic","identifier":"bd94048e-d888-4728-af28-80891ead8a37","author":"Susan Hanson","publishUserName":"Amy Cassell","articleImage2ContentAsset":"bd94048e-d888-4728-af28-80891ead8a37/articleImage2","publishUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","creationDate":"2020-08-13 07:44:38.579","tags":"safaris,|africa|south-africa,winetastings,|africa|south-africa|cape-town","folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","articleImage2MetaData":{"modDate":1600384358000,"sha256":"e8c3b0666d8696af806defb1f636be7f10c96a243b34f148d73033f25a23907e","length":584060,"title":"as19_T2W_Cheetahs_on_Road_1142237026_R1.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":584060,"name":"as19_T2W_Cheetahs_on_Road_1142237026_R1.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":1140},"hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"articleImage1":"/dA/bd94048e-d888-4728-af28-80891ead8a37/articleImage1/as19_T2W_Caape_Town_Bowl_114324463_R1.jpg","articleImage2":"/dA/bd94048e-d888-4728-af28-80891ead8a37/articleImage2/as19_T2W_Cheetahs_on_Road_1142237026_R1.jpg","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","modDate":"2020-10-24 21:49:58.952","previewImageCropFocus":"center","articleImage2Info":"{\"orientation\":\"v\",\"photoCredit\":\"Getty Images\"}","title":"South Africa: Winetasting Tour or Safari Adventure?","articleUrl":"south-africa-winetasting-tour-or-safari-adventure","previewImageContentAsset":"bd94048e-d888-4728-af28-80891ead8a37/previewImage","baseType":"CONTENT","archived":false,"previewImageMetaData":{"modDate":1600384447000,"sha256":"17511a93c20475e39a42c09ccc81dcbc349931ca42c3718d90f1758a193218bd","length":1001311,"title":"SouthAfricaTravel_Vineyards_main.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":1001311,"name":"SouthAfricaTravel_Vineyards_main.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"metaKeywords":"Virtuoso travel, luxury safaris, access culinary trips, kensington tours, south africa, south africa travel, south africa safaris, south africa wine, south africa tours","ownerUserName":"Christine Sundin","working":true,"categories":[{"category-adventure":"Adventure"},{"category-food-wine":"Food & Wine"}],"articleImage1ContentAsset":"bd94048e-d888-4728-af28-80891ead8a37/articleImage1","headline":"South Africa: Winetasting Tour or Safari Adventure?","articleImage1Info":"{\"orientation\":\"v\",\"photoCredit\":\"Getty Images\"}","live":true,"owner":"csundin@virtuoso.com","languageId":1,"shortyId":"bd94048ed8","url":"/content.ddafefcf-a9c0-4edd-bd64-49a174a2c960","titleImage":"previewImage","modUserName":"Amy Cassell","hasLiveVersion":true,"modUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","publish":"2019-07-16 15:25:00.0","previewImageVersion":"/dA/c1350be1-6291-4704-846b-7ab6cf8024b1/previewImage/SouthAfricaTravel_Vineyards_main.jpg","heroImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1600384215000,"sha256":"17511a93c20475e39a42c09ccc81dcbc349931ca42c3718d90f1758a193218bd","length":1001311,"title":"SouthAfricaTravel_Vineyards_main.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":1001311,"name":"SouthAfricaTravel_Vineyards_main.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"articleImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1600384306000,"sha256":"627b3b49b27cf90baf3adaa0d48586e73902855424d358a70a4bc3fddceeb41d","length":815849,"title":"as19_T2W_Caape_Town_Bowl_114324463_R1.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":815849,"name":"as19_T2W_Caape_Town_Bowl_114324463_R1.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":1140},"articleDate":"July 16, 2019","heroImage1CropFocus":"center","heroImage1":"/dA/bd94048e-d888-4728-af28-80891ead8a37/heroImage1/SouthAfricaTravel_Vineyards_main.jpg","previewImage":"/dA/bd94048e-d888-4728-af28-80891ead8a37/previewImage/SouthAfricaTravel_Vineyards_main.jpg","icon":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT"},{"heroImage1Version":"/dA/65afd424-cdd9-4d35-b536-e7b9500e64c2/heroImage1/CapeTown_Featured.jpg","publishDate":"2025-01-02 19:06:25.096","inode":"65afd424-cdd9-4d35-b536-e7b9500e64c2","heroImage1Caption":"
Cape Town's sprawl. <\/p>","useTopAdZone":false,"articleImage3ContentAsset":"c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/articleImage3","identifier":"c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692","publishUserName":"Amy Cassell","articleImage2ContentAsset":"c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/articleImage2","publishUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","articleImage4ContentAsset":"c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/articleImage4","tags":"safaris,gardens,|africa|south-africa|cape-town,art museums,just back","articleImage4MetaData":{"modDate":1600199862000,"sha256":"2fef5191b63eae9472f2aaab0238f3df8ffbfec62b9dd07c7377fc0bc2734772","length":144078,"title":"CapeTown_Kirst_1.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":144078,"name":"CapeTown_Kirst_1.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":570},"folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"articleImage1":"/dA/c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/articleImage1/CapeTown_CableCar.jpg","articleImage2":"/dA/c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/articleImage2/CapeTown_ZeitzMOCAA.jpg","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","articleImage3":"/dA/c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/articleImage3/CapeTown_GrootConstantia.jpg","articleImage4":"/dA/c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/articleImage4/CapeTown_Kirst_1.jpg","articleUrl":"cape-town-calling","archived":false,"categories":[{"category-adventure":"Adventure"},{"category-city-guides":"City Guides"}],"articleImage1ContentAsset":"c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/articleImage1","headline":"How to See Cape Town the Virtuoso Way","articleImage1Info":"{\"orientation\":\"v\",\"photoCredit\":\"Joel Centano\"}","url":"/content.23c8d971-3f3c-4b07-b0d1-8948b835465c","hasLiveVersion":true,"previewImageVersion":"/dA/65afd424-cdd9-4d35-b536-e7b9500e64c2/previewImage/CapeTown_Featured.jpg","articleImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1600199515000,"sha256":"6fc4d570a3edd8c781eb927f8b15ef3f9e28e2426d6ed00254a727a6b8c98b57","length":194595,"title":"CapeTown_CableCar.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":194595,"name":"CapeTown_CableCar.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":1140},"articleDate":"December 7, 2017","heroImage1CropFocus":"center","articleImage3Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"\"}","heroImage1":"/dA/c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/heroImage1/CapeTown_Featured.jpg","heroImage1AltText":"An aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa","heroImage1ContentAsset":"c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/heroImage1","articleImage1Version":"/dA/65afd424-cdd9-4d35-b536-e7b9500e64c2/articleImage1/CapeTown_CableCar.jpg","articleImage2Version":"/dA/65afd424-cdd9-4d35-b536-e7b9500e64c2/articleImage2/CapeTown_ZeitzMOCAA.jpg","subhead":"Our picks for the best urban adventures in South Africa's \u201cMother City.\u201d","articleText5":"
Talking Shop<\/strong><\/h3>\n“For a special souvenir, <\/span>Prins & Prins<\/a> <\/span>in the city center is a wonderful stop,” says advisor Myrna Arroyo. “The jewelry store manufactures all of its pieces in-house, and its rings based on South African flowers (set with precious gems) are stunning.”<\/p>\n
Chic Stay<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocated on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the new 28-room <\/span>Silo Hotel<\/a> (one of seven centrally located Cape Town properties in the Virtuoso network) occupies six floors of a historic grain silo complex that also houses Zeitz MOCAA. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a 50-minute massage.<\/em><\/p>","metaDescription":"With a confluence of cultural, cosmopolitan, and natural draws, the \u201cMother City\u201d provides a perfect easing-in point for any South Africa vacation.","articleText3":"
Local Flavor<\/strong><\/h3>\nLocated in a church within Greenmarket Square, <\/span>Heaven Coffee<\/a> serves excellent espresso from South African-origin beans. “You’re also likely to meet its young owner who came from the countryside to make his mark in the city,” says Theresa Jackson, a Virtuoso travel advisor. In lieu of tips, guests can make a donation toward a coffee for a homeless person.<\/span><\/p>\n
In the Neighborhood<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Cape Town’s multicultural history is on vivid display in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, rooted in a mix of Asian and African influences. Its cobblestoned streets wend past spice shops, historic mosques, and a kaleidoscope of pastel-painted houses.<\/span><\/p>\n
Wine & Dine<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/strong>On the menu at Groot Constantia<\/a>, South Africa’s oldest wine estate: cellar tours, tastings (try the Grand Constance, a blend of red and white muscat favored by Napoleon Bonaparte), and alfresco meals overlooking its vineyards. Jonkershuis restaurant’s Estate Tasting Plate offers a sampling of traditional Cape Malay dishes, including oven-baked bobotie<\/em> (curried mincemeat topped with custard), Karoo lamb, and chicken curry.<\/span><\/p>","metaHeadline":"How to Visit Cape Town the Virtuoso Way","articleText4":"
Garden Variety<\/strong><\/h3>\nMore than 7,000 species of indigenous plants thrive at the <\/span>Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden<\/a>. Linger-worthy stops in the 1,300-acre estate include the fragrance and protea gardens, the latter to honor South Africa’s national flower. Look for the medicinal pepper-bark tree planted by Nelson Mandela in 1996.<\/span><\/p>","articleText1":"
If you’re looking to get wild, “South Africa<\/a> <\/span>offers all the wildlife you’d hope to see,” says Myrna Arroyo, a <\/span>Virtuoso travel advisor <\/span>who recently visited the country on a group tour led by National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures<\/a>. “But I also love that you can combine a safari with all the attractions in Cape Town<\/a>.”<\/p>\n
With a confluence of cultural, cosmopolitan, and natural draws, the “Mother City” provides a perfect easing-in point for any South Africa vacation. Here are a few must-do urban adventures before you set out for the bush.<\/p>\n
To Great Heights<\/strong><\/h3>\n
For a city overview, start with an ascent of <\/span>Table Mountain, Cape Town’s iconic plateau-topped peak. A five-minute ride in a rotating cable car leads to the 3,500-foot-high summit and panoramas of the City Bowl, Table Bay, and nearby Robben Island.<\/p>","articleImage2Caption":"
The Zeitz MOCAA.<\/span><\/p>","articleText2":"
Historical Perspective<\/strong><\/h3>\n
During South Africa’s apartheid era, its government imprisoned more than 3,000 dissidents on <\/span>Robben Island. The most famous, Nelson Mandela, commenced his autobiography, <\/span>Long Walk to Freedom<\/em>, there before becoming the nation’s first democratically elected president. Former captives lead tours of the prison, now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/p>\n
State of the Art<\/strong><\/h3>\nOpened in September 2017, the <\/span>Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa<\/a> <\/span>(Zeitz MOCAA) is now the world’s largest cultural repository dedicated solely to modern African art. More than 100 galleries showcase works from across the continent and as far away as the UK and United States.<\/p>","articleImage1Caption":"
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.<\/span><\/p>","articleImage3Caption":"
Groot Constantia.<\/p>","host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","articleImage4Version":"/dA/65afd424-cdd9-4d35-b536-e7b9500e64c2/articleImage4/CapeTown_Kirst_1.jpg","articleImage3Version":"/dA/65afd424-cdd9-4d35-b536-e7b9500e64c2/articleImage3/CapeTown_GrootConstantia.jpg","articleImage4Caption":"
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.<\/span><\/p>","locked":false,"stInode":"47d3aa06-8ebb-4a97-9c13-2af5c3aab67e","contentType":"ConsumerArticleBasic","author":"Joel Centano","creationDate":"2020-08-14 09:10:02.946","articleImage2MetaData":{"modDate":1600199616000,"sha256":"c75a4c6138a383d1818085aaeed2beecfc0c2c0f0843a2f28874c58da66a55c6","length":70707,"title":"CapeTown_ZeitzMOCAA.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":70707,"name":"CapeTown_ZeitzMOCAA.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":574},"modDate":"2020-10-24 21:57:53.851","previewImageCropFocus":"left","articleImage2Info":"{\"orientation\":\"v\",\"photoCredit\":\"Iwan Baan\"}","title":"How to See Cape Town the Virtuoso Way","previewImageContentAsset":"c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/previewImage","baseType":"CONTENT","previewImageMetaData":{"modDate":1600199410000,"sha256":"0e6395ca7ca1859292e641f188e68b22dd025beb63cd39caecf083277f6499c1","length":199434,"title":"CapeTown_Featured.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":199434,"name":"CapeTown_Featured.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"metaKeywords":"Virtuoso travel, Cape Town travel, why travel to Cape Town, Cape town experiences","ownerUserName":"Christine Sundin","working":true,"live":true,"owner":"csundin@virtuoso.com","languageId":1,"shortyId":"c44d109ee6","titleImage":"previewImage","modUserName":"Amy Cassell","articleImage3MetaData":{"modDate":1600199728000,"sha256":"3be198971dd4bd197a9c1d82066cfb6f82a090f835dc370f9a9e7d65e922b75b","length":141887,"title":"CapeTown_GrootConstantia.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":141887,"name":"CapeTown_GrootConstantia.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":450},"articleImage4Info":"{\"orientation\":\"h\",\"photoCredit\":\"Joel Centano\"}","modUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","publish":"2017-12-07 00:00:00.0","heroImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1600199403000,"sha256":"0e6395ca7ca1859292e641f188e68b22dd025beb63cd39caecf083277f6499c1","length":199434,"title":"CapeTown_Featured.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":199434,"name":"CapeTown_Featured.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"previewImage":"/dA/c44d109e-e697-4ab5-8cb1-ceff09ac7692/previewImage/CapeTown_Featured.jpg","icon":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT"},{"heroImage1PhotoCredit":"Clara Tuma","heroImage1AltText":"The Potato Shed in Johannesburg, South Africa","heroImage1ContentAsset":"2c701489-9ba3-40c3-912b-b99eafec2b24/heroImage1","heroImage1Version":"/dA/84b78624-563c-4420-bf66-25fef5237abd/heroImage1/Johannesburg_hero.jpg","articleImage1Version":"/dA/84b78624-563c-4420-bf66-25fef5237abd/articleImage1/Laduma_Ngxokolo.jpg","publishDate":"2025-01-02 19:06:25.407","subhead":"Fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo's guide to his city.","metaDescription":"Fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo shares some of his favorite hometown picks.","metaHeadline":"City Secrets: Johannesburg, South Africa","inode":"84b78624-563c-4420-bf66-25fef5237abd","articleText1":"
He’s something of a legend in South Africa for his bold-patterened knitwear inspired by his Xhosa heritage, but Laduma Ngxokolo’s designs for his <\/span>MaXhosa by Laduma<\/a> <\/span>line have a global following as well. He was heralded as African Fashion International’s Emerging Designer of the Year in 2014, Vogue Italia<\/em> showcased his work at the Palazzo Morando in Milan, and Beyoncé has featured his designs on her website. The designer moved his business to Johannesburg from his hometown in Port Elizabeth two years ago to grow his brand.

“Joburg is an example of what I do, trying to fuse my heritage and spin it off in a modern way, so that people can wear it every day,” Ngxokolo says. “Joburg has that, and also has a global cultural presence mixed with it.”<\/p>\n
Creative Oasis:<\/strong> <\/span>“The <\/span>Maboneng Precinct<\/a> <\/span>is a spot I like because of the diversity that’s there, and also the grungy design and the events that happen within that area,”Ngxokolo says. This revitalized stretch of the gritty city core has become a landing spot for Joburg’s creatively inclined residents. (Visitors should note that, much like Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg has dangerous zones. Stick to safe areas and use car services to move around the city.) “Comedy clubs, exhibitions, markets, and the creatives that live around the area make it a super-interesting place. I like the food and atmosphere at <\/span>Pata Pata<\/a>, and the steak and decor at <\/span>Che Argentine Grill<\/a>.”<\/p>\n
Inspired Outing:<\/strong> <\/span>\"For inspiration, I often go to the <\/span>Wits Art Museum<\/a>,\" Ngxokolo says. “They’ve got quite a big collection of Xhosa beadwork,” he adds, referring to the traditional designs of the Xhosa people, one of South Africa’s largest cultural groups.<\/p>","articleText2":"
Contemporary Art:<\/strong> <\/span>\"I go to the <\/span>FNB Joburg Art Fair<\/a> every season,” Ngxokolo says of Africa’s leading art exhibition, held at the Sandton Convention Centre every September and featuring prominent galleries from across the continent. “Contemporary artists from Africa and the African diaspora come and exhibit their work.” Ngxokolo keeps an eye out for the work of Tony Gum – whom Vogue once called “the coolest girl in Cape Town” – and Athi-Patra Ruga, whose art has been shown everywhere from New York to London to Dubai.

Designer to Watch:<\/strong> <\/span>\"I like an up-and-coming designer called <\/span>Rich Mnisi<\/a>. He has a masculine style that’s unisex and also fused with a little bit of African touch,” Ngxokolo says. “I think that’s what makes him appealing – he’s different to the others. He has a studio in Joburg.” Fans can shop for his designs at Woolworths stores or at Spree.co.za; for custom pieces, the designer makes house calls.

Jazz and Streetwear: <\/strong>\"The Orbit<\/a> is a lifestyle jazz bar where you can buy CDs, drink, listen to live music, and interact. It’s in Braamfontein, which has a young streetwear culture.”

South African Design: <\/strong>You can browse Ngxokolo’s distinctive designs at his boutique in <\/span>Work Shop New Town<\/a>, a sleek retail center carrying South African designers. “It’s a great creative space for us to be in,” he says. “We’re a one-stop shop for buying locally produced products – there’s Family Tree, a streetwear brand created by hip-hop artist Cassper Nyovest, and <\/span>Era<\/a>, a watch store by DJ Zinhle. I’m excited about a new barbershop called <\/span>Legends<\/a>. And two doors away from us is <\/span>The Potato Shed<\/a>, where I have my business meetings. I order the steak and fries – they specialize in potatoes.”<\/p>","heroImage1Caption":"
The Potato Shed. <\/span><\/p>","articleImage1Caption":"
Laduma Ngxokolo in Johannesburg. <\/span><\/span><\/p>","useTopAdZone":false,"productImage1ContentAsset":"2c701489-9ba3-40c3-912b-b99eafec2b24/productImage1","host":"3053335a-056e-4426-8931-6296d6f02e6b","locked":false,"stInode":"47d3aa06-8ebb-4a97-9c13-2af5c3aab67e","contentType":"ConsumerArticleBasic","identifier":"2c701489-9ba3-40c3-912b-b99eafec2b24","author":"Sarah Khan","publishUserName":"Amy Cassell","publishUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","creationDate":"2020-08-13 07:33:09.233","productImage1Text":"
In a tony area that’s home to tycoons and diplomats, the <\/span>Saxon Hotel, Villas, and Spa <\/a>has become a retreat for global A-listers – think Oprah Winfrey and the Clintons – as well as Joburg’s movers and shakers, who congregate at its restaurants. The 53-suite hotel’s decor skews modern African, and South Africa’s top chef, Luke Dale-Roberts, opened its fine-dining restaurant. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and one complimentary Rasul Chamber treatment. <\/em><\/p>","tags":"|africa|south-africa|johannesburg,restaurants & bars,art museums","productImage1":"/dA/2c701489-9ba3-40c3-912b-b99eafec2b24/productImage1/Saxon.jpg","folder":"SYSTEM_FOLDER","hasTitleImage":true,"sortOrder":0,"articleImage1":"/dA/2c701489-9ba3-40c3-912b-b99eafec2b24/articleImage1/Laduma_Ngxokolo.jpg","hostName":"consumer.virtuoso.com","modDate":"2020-10-24 22:06:01.672","previewImageCropFocus":"right","title":"City Secrets: Johannesburg","articleUrl":"city-secrets-johannesburg","previewImageContentAsset":"2c701489-9ba3-40c3-912b-b99eafec2b24/previewImage","productImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1603602238000,"sha256":"3b543d146fafd03b4bf3b94e45f7eb250c8e96eb07d477eeccd15c1e45f8f706","length":58654,"title":"Saxon.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":58654,"name":"Saxon.jpg","width":500,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":333},"baseType":"CONTENT","archived":false,"previewImageMetaData":{"modDate":1603601988000,"sha256":"85ac16b69b3b8a14e66e2f8e98a8c026a8cad9b99a6749e2165508fa228b6cab","length":300775,"title":"Johannesburg_hero.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":300775,"name":"Johannesburg_hero.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"metaKeywords":"Saxon Hotel, AmaWaterways, The Potato Shed, Work Shop New Town, The Orbit, Rich Mnisi, FNB Joburg Art Fair, Wits Art Museum, Che Argentine Grill, Pata Pata, Johannesburg travel","ownerUserName":"Christine Sundin","working":true,"productHeaderText":"How to Visit Johannesburg","productImage1Version":"/dA/84b78624-563c-4420-bf66-25fef5237abd/productImage1/Saxon.jpg","categories":[{"category-arts-culture":"Arts & Culture"},{"category-city-guides":"City Guides"},{"category-virtuoso-life":"Virtuoso, The Magazine"}],"articleImage1ContentAsset":"2c701489-9ba3-40c3-912b-b99eafec2b24/articleImage1","headline":"City Secrets: Johannesburg","articleImage1Info":"{\"orientation\":\"v\",\"photoCredit\":\"Clara Tuma\"}","live":true,"owner":"csundin@virtuoso.com","languageId":1,"productImage1Title":"Saxon Hotel, Villas, and Spa","shortyId":"2c7014899b","url":"/content.d4b63021-908b-41bf-ae55-8e22c5c334ab","titleImage":"previewImage","modUserName":"Amy Cassell","hasLiveVersion":true,"modUser":"acassell@virtuoso.com","publish":"2018-02-19 09:51:00.0","previewImageVersion":"/dA/84b78624-563c-4420-bf66-25fef5237abd/previewImage/Johannesburg_hero.jpg","heroImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1603601998000,"sha256":"85ac16b69b3b8a14e66e2f8e98a8c026a8cad9b99a6749e2165508fa228b6cab","length":300775,"title":"Johannesburg_hero.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":300775,"name":"Johannesburg_hero.jpg","width":1200,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":675},"articleImage1MetaData":{"modDate":1600380515000,"sha256":"e7c9762beaa90cc787bef2a5b738fbabd4b49c2088ccef5f0d24891f747e6635","length":719196,"title":"Laduma_Ngxokolo.jpg","editableAsText":false,"version":20220201,"isImage":true,"fileSize":719196,"name":"Laduma_Ngxokolo.jpg","width":760,"contentType":"image/jpeg","height":1140},"articleDate":"February 19, 2018","heroImage1CropFocus":"right","heroImage1":"/dA/2c701489-9ba3-40c3-912b-b99eafec2b24/heroImage1/Johannesburg_hero.jpg","previewImage":"/dA/2c701489-9ba3-40c3-912b-b99eafec2b24/previewImage/Johannesburg_hero.jpg","icon":"contentIcon","contentTypeIcon":"event_note","variant":"DEFAULT"}],"featuredDestinations":[]}]}

South Africa

Browse South Africa Cities and Points of Interest

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