With a history stretching back over 6,000 years and home to the last remaining monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt is an awe-inspiring country to behold. Famed for its colourful festivals, historic sites of interest and intriguing heritage, it is one of the most interesting and exciting destinations around, and one that undeniably deserves to be visited.

Located in North Africa, with the Mediterranean Sea at its north border and the Red Sea to its east, the country boasts a favourable climate, with year round sunshine on tap. The River Nile, regarded as the longest in the world, runs through the country and is of major importance to the Egyptian people. Many of Egypt's most significant sites are also located along its banks.

The largest city in Egypt, and also its capital, Cairo, is one such place. Home to a wealth of lively markets, cultural attractions and historical monuments, it is a veritable cultural feast for any traveller that happens upon it. To highlights are The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities and Khan El-Khalili, which is a famous souk in the Islamic district of Cairo.

It is also near Cairo that the celebrated Giza Pyramid Complex can be found. Built in 25 BC, the pyramids were designed and named after three prominent Egyptian pharaohs: Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. One of Egypt's most popular attractions, the Great Pyramid of Giza, attracts thousands of travellers each year, who are all eager to take in the breathtaking sight.

To the east of the pyramids lies The Great Sphinx, a half-human, half-lion structure cited as the earliest known monumental sculpture. Measuring 73.5 metres in length, six metres in width and 20 metres in height, it is the largest monolith statue in the world and remains one of Egypt's most visited attractions after the Pyramids.

No visit to this ancient country would be complete without a trip to the ancient city of Luxor. Said to be the world's greatest open air museum, it is a vibrant and colourful hub, bursting with character and tradition. Divided into three distinct parts ' the city of Luxor itself and the towns of Karnak and Thebes ' it is the perfect place for getting a real flavour of Nile life.

To really make your trip memorable, why not take a trip in one of the hot air balloon rides offered? Not only will you get to enjoy a bird's eye view of the famous River, but it is also possible to take in the breathtaking panoramic vistas Luxor offers, as well as catching a glimpse of the spectacular ruins scattered around.

Egypt holidays are ideal for those looking to combine history and culture with luxury and relaxation and is a perfect destination to recharge the batteries.

Many people think of a holiday in Mauritius as a week of lying on a beach in the sun. While there is no doubt this thought is immensely appealing, some people may wish for something a little more exciting on their holiday. Mauritius also has a range of activities that cater to those who have a taste for adventure, with zip-lining, sub-scooters and a range of other exciting activities.

Ever considered an adventure holiday in an island paradise? Well look no further; Mauritius caters to all thrill-seekers. Your holiday in Mauritius could be the experience of a life time, as you engage in exciting watersports and zip through the trees, only to return after a day of excitement to your luxury Mauritius hotel. And for days when you don't feel like doing anything energetic, there is always the pearly-white beach and the sparkling Indian Ocean ready and waiting for you.

Under the Sea

Ever fancied riding a scooter under the sea? Well you could have your first experience on a Mauritius holiday. One of the most entertaining activities you can do in Mauritius is to go for a ride on a sub-scooter. Mauritius has introduced the world's first underwater scooter, where holidaymakers can scoot about in the Indian Ocean, three metres below the water's surface.

You are lowered into the water in a bubble, where you can breathe freely and feel safe in the knowledge that a trained diver is looking out for you. You will also be attached to a buoy bobbing on the surface, so your exact location is constantly clear. Scooting under the sea, you can watch the colourful Indian Ocean fish swim by, and feel like you're part of the marine life. Sub-scooting is definitely a different and exciting activity when on a Mauritius holiday and is a fantastic way to discover the underwater world if you are not a Scuba diver.

Zip-Lining Through the Forests

If you've ever had a fantasy of being like Tarzan and swinging your way through a forest of trees, zip-lining on your Mauritius holiday could be quite an experience. After a few days of relaxing on the beautiful beach and enjoying spa treatments at your Mauritius hotel, you can venture inland to a place called Cerfs Volantis, where a sugar-cane plantation awaits you.

Here, you can experience the rush of zipping through the trees, as the gurgling river and pretty waterfalls churn beneath you. Fully strapped and harnessed in, this sport is safe and fun, allowing you to discover Mauritius' inland beauty. As you zip through the trees and over the river, keep an eye out for beautiful places to swim. And when you have a rest between your zipping stints, you can swim in the river and beneath the sparkling waterfalls. After a day of excitement such as this one, your Mauritius hotel will be a welcoming thought, where you can sit at the bar as the sun sets over the ocean and relive the exciting stories of your day on holiday in Mauritius.

South Africa is one of the top travel destinations in the world, and is an especially popular choice for honeymoons. The excellent weather coupled with splendidly diverse scenery means that newlyweds can enjoy a variety of romantic getaways in South Africa.

From the balmy subtropical climate in KwaZulu-Natal, to the barren beauty of the Karoo, the lush and forested coastal mountains of the Garden Route and the typically African game-filled savannah grasslands of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa has something for everyone.

In addition to the wide variety of landscapes and experiences available in South Africa, international honeymooners often find that when it comes to value for money, South Africa is an excellent choice. European and North American visitors can enjoy five-star accommodation and dining for a fraction of what it would cost at home.

Honeymoons in South Africa can be tailored to each couple's particular taste. Some may opt for more rustic luxury, Big Five game viewing and romantic bush dinners in the Kruger National Park while other couples may prefer a more cosmopolitan break at one of Cape Town's elegant city hotels or barefoot luxury along the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. The choices are virtually endless.

The Fairest Cape

Cape Town has a wealth of scenery capable of treating couples to a romantic honeymoon. For couples who enjoy beaches, Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard hotels in popular locations such as Camps Bay are ideal. Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront complex features a number of exclusive and well-appointed hotels like the Cape Grace and the Table Bay Hotel. These hotels provide opulent accommodation in the heart of the Waterfront where guests will find a wide range of shops, restaurants and activities.

Outside Cape Town, the Cape offers endless choices. The Whale Coast is a popular tourist route just over an hour and a half from Cape Town. Characterised by quaint seaside towns and pristine beaches, this area is popular with local and foreign tourists alike. The Grootbos Private Game Reserve, a luxury eco-tourism resort in a protected nature reserve, is a well positioned base from which to relax and explore in the area.

The Cape Winelands are seated in the mountains of the Boland and feature historic towns such as Franschhoek, world famous for its culinary and viticultural excellence, and Stellenbosch which is often considered the heart of the Cape Wine Route. Honeymoons taken in the area are set against panoramic mountain views, luxurious and historic wine estates and quiet surroundings.

Newlyweds who enjoy being pampered can embellish themselves at Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa where they will have the opportunity to enjoy good wine and food, beautiful scenery and luxurious spa treatments. A little down the road in Stellenbosch, the Lanzerac Hotel and Spa offers guests a similar experience.

Unmatched beauty in the Garden Route

The Garden Route offers honeymoon getaways amongst some of South Africa's most spectacular scenery. Towns such as Plettenberg Bay, Nature's Valley and Knysna are set against dramatic and densely forested mountain ranges. The Knysna forest and lagoon create an otherworldly beauty to suit the legend and mystery in which the area is steeped.

For those that enjoy world-class golf courses and unadulterated luxury in a maritime environment, the Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa in Knysna is the perfect choice. Tucked away near a secluded beach, Pezula's luxury villas offer guests privacy and modern convenience.

If an intimate beach hotel setting is preferable to a luxurious golf resort, this can be found a little further East of Knysna in Plettenberg Bay. 'Plett', as it is known by the locals, is a bustling seaside town hemmed in by striking mountains and expansive crescent beaches. Plettenberg Park Hotel and Spa hotel offers honeymooners accommodation in luxurious and well-appointed sea and lake-facing suites.

The Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape offers a wealth of private game reserves and accompanying luxury lodges. Invigorating activities, fine dining under the African night sky and game viewing opportunities set the scene for a memorable getaway. The Pumba Private Game Reserve offers five star accommodation in a Big Five reserve. For a coastal setting, Diaz 15 House on the Beach in Jeffrey's Bay conveys a modern yet relaxed setting in this seaside town where sun, sea and sand is all part of the surfer lifestyle.

KwaZulu-Natal ' Fun in the sun

Which area offers visitors snow-capped mountains during winter, warm seas and great weather all year round, endless golden beaches and some of the finest game reserves in South Africa? KwaZulu-Natal of course! The province is best known for its laid back atmosphere, enviable weather and popular coastline.

KZN has many opportunities for quiet and secluded getaways. The cities are well populated but there are many sizeable game reserves in all areas of the province. The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park and Hluhluwe Game Reserve in Zululand are possibly two of the most well-known. There are a number of favourite spots for romantic honeymoon getaways in KwaZulu-Natal. These include sub-tropical escapes to the Elephant Coast, the exclusive and luxurious North Coast, the tranquil and serene South Coast and the Drakensberg Mountains which are situated inland.

The Elephant Coast in Zululand is characterised by its deserted and spotlessly clean beaches bordered by green forest reminiscent of a secluded island paradise. Romantic getaways are also available at a selection of five star game lodges. Thonga Beach Lodge is a sublime beach hideaway on the Maputaland Coast which embraces coastal charm at its best.

The rolling terrain of the South Coast is blanketed with sugarcane plantations which extend all the way down to the quiet and secluded beaches. Selborne Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate is a resort in the well-visited South Coast town of Pennington, a mere hour's drive from Durban.

Hartford House offers old-world charm and new-world luxury at their retreat in Mooi River, an area of the Drakensberg Mountains. The surrounding escarpment is a favourite location for exhilarating hot air balloon rides and other romantic pastimes.

Honeymoons in the Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is arguably South Africa's favourite bush honeymoon destination. The park stretches a colossal 350km from North to South and 60km from East to West. Luxurious game lodges tend to be concentrated in the southern part of the park in a concession called the Sabi Sands. The Sabi Sands and various other smaller concessions share a fenceless border with Kruger, allowing game to wander freely. These private reserves offer some of the best game viewing in the country as well as five-star luxury in the African bush.

Notable game lodges for honeymoon getaways include the famous Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Singita Ebony and Boulders, and Simbambili all of whom will go out of their way to create a honeymoon experience like no other.

North West Province

The Pilanesburg National Park is located in the North West Province of South Africa and is characterised by the seemingly endless savannah plains within its boundaries and the Big Five game which make the park their home. Open air game drives and animal tracking provide thrilling entertainment whilst outstanding cuisine and hospitality ensures that guests spend their stay at the Ivory Tree Game Lodge in splendour and indulgence.

A honeymoon should be an intimate and special romantic getaway, a perfect way for a couple to begin their life together and special enough to create memories to last a lifetime. South Africa features ample opportunities for honeymooners to enjoy their perfect escape, no matter what their individual tastes may be.

Johannesburg is a shopper's paradise, with a huge choice of options from upmarket fashion boutiques and giant malls to street markets, vendors and curios shops. Whether you're after designer clothes, the latest books or DVDs, high-quality African art, or glamorous gifts, Johannesburg offers a variety of great shopping opportunities around every corner. That said, the upcoming Joburg Shopping Festival in September offers all shopaholics the perfect opportunity to literally 'shop till they drop'.

Johannesburg has more than 80 shopping nodes and during the Festival visitors will be offered huge discounts at selected stores and an assortment of Joburg culture and arts, cuisine, fashion and other commodities to enjoy. The month long, city wide shopping festival will turn Johannesburg into a consumer heaven. All participating major retail and wholesale shopping areas in the city will offer shoppers huge discounts of all merchandise.

A shopping festival of this sort is unique to Africa, and will be strategically hosted in September to coincide with Heritage Month activities, including Arts Alive, Soweto Festival and national Tourism Month. The festival is only the start of some big plan to turn Joburg into Africa's shopping hub; it would also encourage growth and promote investment in the retail sector. It is based on an idea used in world shopping centers like Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Dubai. As far as fashion festivals go Dubai's festival is the biggest money-spinner, with consumers in the Middle Eastern country splashing out more than $3-billion over the month.

All shoppers can safely make purchases as organizers in conjunctions with one of the banking sponsors have created branded smart cards that will give shoppers a safe means to pay for their goods. People will easily be able to get their purchases shipped to their homes or hotels with co-ordinated shipping and logistical offers. There will also be safe and secure transport which will ferry shoppers between their hotels and shopping malls.

September is national tourism month and national heritage month in South Africa. Also in the Southern hemisphere September marks the beginning of Spring and end of winter close out sales. The Joburg Shopping Festival will introduce both domestic and international visitors to the many tourist and retail focused venues that Johannesburg has to offer.

"Spring into Joburg and Shop in the City of Gold" - September months will never be the same again! We look forward to seeing you at the Joburg Shopping Festival.