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South Africa

Durban: unfairly maligned.

It’s supposed to be a no-go city. But I went anyway, and loved it

Local police have issued us with travel advice about valuables, strangers and dark alleys before we’ve even arrived.

  • Brian Johnston
 La Residence, South Africa, can be as over-the-top as one of its most famous guests.

Everything is over-the-top at this hotel. No wonder Elton John loved it

You’d imagine anywhere the British pop star stays might be over-the-top, and you’re not wrong when it comes to this eye-popping South African retreat.

  • Brian Johnston
Inside the airport

Utilitarian at best: The international airport the designers forgot

It’s a lot better than it was before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but it’s still plain, uninspiring and sprawling.

  • Julietta Jameson
Big male tuskers can be beautiful, but frightening.

A stare-off with a wild elephant taught me a valuable lesson

At this point I think, he’ll move away now, once he realises we’re blocking his path. He doesn’t. He keeps on coming.

  • Lee Tulloch
I learnt to stop looking at life through a viewfinder.

On the trip of a lifetime, I left my camera behind. I don’t regret it

I used to witness the world’s great wildlife destinations through a viewfinder. Then this one changed me.

  • Julietta Jameson
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The renovated Soetmelksvlei historical farm.

I hate dung and donkeys. Then I discovered the world’s best farm visit

A 330-year-old farm in Cape Town’s winelands has become South Africa’s latest tourist attraction, and it’s brilliant.

  • Brian Johnston
A Qantas Airbus A380 – the airline was first to fly this route with the superjumbo.

Paying $50 to choose my seat on this Qantas A380 was money well spent

Although I’m surprised at having to pay up to choose my seat, the space on a superjumbo remains unsurpassed.

  • Julietta Jameson
Babylonstoren.

We took a 12-person extended family overseas trip. Here’s how it went

Travel can be fraught enough; holidaying with a large, eclectic group signals potential disaster.

  • Catherine Marshall
Nature up close at Simbavati River Lodge.

The South African safari lodge where the animals come to you

This lesser-known, family-friendly lodge provides incredible viewing opportunities thanks to its enviable riverbank location.

  • Rob McFarland
Economy class on board a Qantas Dreamliner.

Airline review: Qantas crew makes an effort with jaded passengers

It’s good to see that, after a shaky few years, Qantas is getting its rhythm back.

  • Catherine Marshall

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/traveller/topic/south-africa-f9z