Mon-Fri: 0900 - 1800
Sat: 0900 - 1700
Sun & BH: Closed
ROOM OF YOUR OWN GUARANTEED
RATED EXCELLENT ON TRUSTPILOT
Over 25 Years Expertise
Get away from it all and relax on St Lucia's golden beaches. You'll also enjoy a tour of the island and a thrilling rainforest safari.
Tour Old Delhi, enjoy a boat ride on the sacred River Ganges and visits to the shimmering Taj Mahal, and Amber Fort are among the highlights of this unforgettable holiday, which also includes the chance to search for the elusive tiger.
Enveloped in the myths and legends of Greek gods, explore Crete, an island paradise, on our tour led by expert Local Guides.
It’s safe to say that travel leaves a long-lasting impression long after you return home from your adventures. After enjoying my first trip with Just You to Experience South Africa, I returned to the UK with a yearning to learn so much more about its history, landscapes and people.
Here are my top picks that I will be adding to the reading pile so I can elongate my adventures and appreciation for the Rainbow Nation.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Visiting Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg and reading some of his inspirational quotes left me compelled to learn more about the outstanding leader and the marks he has left, and continues to leave on his country.
In the majority of places you visit, you will see Mandela artworks, statues and photography proudly on display – and new for 2025, during your visit to Soweto, a visit to Regina Mundi Catholic Church features artwork of Mandela but also a sobering photography exhibition that documents exactly what he was campaigning against. On 30 November 1997, Mandela paid tribute to the church by declaring this date as Regina Mundi Day , “a church that refused to allow God’s name to be used to justify discrimination and repression".
The church was committed to the history books during apartheid when it opened the doors to anti-apartheid groups and activists who were prevented from gathering publicly in large groups. During a visit you will see some of the damage caused during the struggle.
Early one Sunday morning I decided to step out and find South Africa by Luke Alfred
Inspired by Zsuzi’s comments about getting out on foot to discover her township of Langa, I found this book which looks like a promising read that buys into this idea.
Based on Alfred’s year of travels through South Africa, I’m looking forward to discovering his insights and stories that draw on the past, present and inspire a hopeful future as I have observed with my own adventures with Just You. Indeed on the ground interactions are so much more valuable and memorable than just sailing on past from the comfort of your coach. And that’s a great thing about my Just You travels is that I had the opportunity to get out and explore some more.
South Africa – Culture Smart! by Isabella Morris
Having the company of our tour group, Holiday Director and Local Guides meant that I felt pretty well versed in the cultural nuances. However with something like 14 different languages and dialects, plus regularly seeing areas where the very rich and poor co-exist, I think a little bit of research before you travel is always going to be a good idea and put you in good stead, especially as you travel through so many different areas.
The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh
While this is a fictional book, like most fiction, it’s shaped by truths and this novel is set in 1880 in South Africa. McVeigh paints the setting of a country torn by greed, through the eyes of protagonist, Frances who is forced to leave London and emigrate to the remote and inhospitable land of Cape Town.
This is a compelling read that depicts the life and times of colonial South Africa, including a window on the diamond mining industry. While this is overarchingly a love story, it’s a powerful read that shapes points in history from the female perspective as we see Frances' struggles with class divide and disease.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Gavin Bell
As I eluded to in my travel story on South Africa, things aren’t all rainbows and roses in South Africa, it has had a tumultuous past, just like its present. But this isn’t something I say to put you off visiting, this country is enduringly beautiful for its people, its landscapes, its wildlife and so much more.
But to be ignorant of its political history and its current landscape, does not a responsible and socially conscious traveller make! This is the one book I had wish I’d read before I’d travelled.
Told by foreign correspondent Bell, who reported on the last days of the all-too recent apartheid system, his reporting of life here since is hauntingly beautiful as things swing between hope and despair, freedom and fear. And its search for identity continues.
Follow in Janet's footsteps and join us in South Africa to delve into the culture, history, landscapes and wildlife that shape the glorious Rainbow Nation.
