Spectacular South Africa

My South African adventure began with an arrival in Cape Town. We were then met by our safari director who gave us a brief tour of the scenic city, before proceeding to the luxury waterfront resort: One&Only Cape Town.

The next day we enjoyed a guided full-day tour around the beautiful Cape Peninsula. This tour consisted of traveling along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak drive with mountains rising up on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. We then visited the Cape of Good Hope, which is the most southwestern point of Africa! The journey continued to the African Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach, where we were given a guided tour of the reserve.

Day 3 in Cape Town started out with a picturesque and unforgettable hike up Table Mountain, beginning at the Platteklip Gorge hiking trail, all the way to the “Table Top”. Its name was given by Antonio de Saldahna after he climbed up Platteklip Gorge in 1503!

After this hike, we then took a drive down to Camps Bay Beach, which has been voted as the best beach in the world due to its beauty, accessibility, and great urban vibe! Following an adventure-filled day, we freshened up for dinner and headed to the magical Gold Restaurant, where we experienced African dance, drumming, and entertainment. African cuisine from all around the continent was served, which was presented in a typical feast style. 

Leaving the city of Cape Town, our next destination was the second-oldest town in South Africa, Stellenbosch, where we drove through the Cape Winelands with its world-class wine farms. After exploring the historic town, we drove over the mountain to Franschhoek and checked into the stunning Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard. 

The next day, we drove down the Franschhoek Valley to the Drakenstein Correctional Centre. Famously, Nelson Mandela took his first steps as a free man after 27 years of incarceration here, beginning democracy in a new South Africa. From here, we went to the KWV Wine Cellar for a guided tour and tasting the variety of wines and spirits that they produce. Following the guided wine cellar tour, situated in the foothills of Paarl mountain, we then indulged at the Spice Route with choices of chocolate tasting, ice cream tasting, charcuterie tasting, and beer tasting or wine tasting for the adults! 

The next morning we headed to the Cape Town International Airport for a new adventure. Our direct flight took us to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, where we were transferred into a smaller charter aircraft. Flying directly to Ulusaba Airstrip, we were welcomed to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, where our ranger took us out on our first game drive to view the wild animals in their natural habitat!

Staying at the Ulusaba Rock Lodge for the ultimate luxury safari trip, we woke up early to enjoy coffee and rusks (a South African favorite) before departing with our ranger for the morning game drive. After spotting numerous African safari animals, we returned for a great breakfast and time to relax around the pool or explore the wonderful treatments offered at the Spa. Guests also have the option to arrange a walking safari with your ranger during the day, to explore the African bush and learn about this habitat. After a midday lunch, it was time to go out on the afternoon game drive with our ranger. Returning for a scrumptious dinner, clients may also arrange stargazing with your ranger later in the night.

Day 8 consisted of the end of our magical South African safari adventure, where our ranger took us out for our final morning game drive as well as the afternoon to view the beautiful wild animals and birds. Depending on the season, animal movements, and weather conditions, your ranger may decide to take you along the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve to provide for you the best possible wildlife viewing opportunities.

Overall, this was a fantastic adventure. The chance to observe exotic animals roaming free in their natural habitat as well as experiencing South African culture first hand made this an unforgettable trip. Contact the team at Royal Travel to book this as your next getaway!