It has been pure pleasure to become an African Specialist while working for Adventures Africa. Recently I made my third visit to beautiful South Africa, but this time I was on vacation with my husband. I was determined to do my best to try to look at things on more of a personal level and not sot so much through my seasoned travel agent eyes. I hope I’ve been able to balance the two and give an account of meaningful travel with a travel expert’s truthfulness. Our first stop was Cape Town, the capital of South Africa.
After a wonderful flight on KLM (non- stop Amsterdam to Cape Town, which connects with most flights arriving from the US since it leaves at 10 am), we headed to our first hotel, the Southern Sun Waterfront. A nice 4-star property, but it’s not walking distance from the waterfront shopping and dining area. They offer a free shuttle from the hotel every 30 minutes.

Our first day of touring included the Waterfront, and a Robben Island boat trip. For nearly 400 years, Robben Island has been a place of banishment, exile, isolation and imprisonment. It was here that Nelson Mandela was sent for his political leadership during the dark days of apartheid. Learning more about the iconic and legendary Nelson Mandela is always a moving experience. I personally recommend it to any first time traveler to Cape Town.

The stories that the guides (all ex-prisoners) have to share cannot be duplicated and should be heard by all. Afterward, we decided to go for sundowners at the new and trendy place in town, The Silo Hotel, a 5-star property. Watching the sunset from their top floor bar is memorable, and their drinks and appetizers menu is delicious and fairly-priced for a hotel of this caliber.

Next was a full day Cape Peninsular tour. The views of the Atlantic are phenomenal and this experience was my husband’s favorite of the trip. He enjoyed his encounter with the baboons–they are all over the Cape and are well-guarded by the baboon rangers. These rangers make sure the baboons behave and that the tourists do as well.

On our third day, we headed to Franschhoek with Uber (yes Uber!) Their service is easily available, at least in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Franschhoek is located approximately 45 minutes from Cape Town and is nestled in the vineyards. This is the “other” wine town besides Stellenbosch. This was my first time there and I found it more charming than its competitor. Hotels there range from 5-star to 3-star. We stayed at The Protea by Marriott, which was just reopening that weekend and now offers an onsite restaurant. This is an ideal choice for budget-conscious people or small groups, and everything has been renovated. Franschhoek has numerous wineries to visit, and if you do not have the time to use the wine tramway, Tuk Tuks (auto rickshaws, covered and with 3 wheels)  are waiting around and will take you from place to place. Besides the wineries, the town is also extremely popular for its great shopping and its culinary experiences. There are many dining choices, but we tried La Petite Colombe, the new restaurant at Le Quartier Francais Hotel and were quite impressed by their tasting menu.

Soon enough it was time to leave the Western Cape and fly to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape where my friend Neil, owner of Lyon Safaris and Tours, was waiting for us. This was a return visit for me, to the malaria-free Eastern Cape region and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. But this time, we would visit two new places: Oceana Beach Resort and the world-renowned Shamwari Game Reserve.

Honeymooners and Nature lovers take note: Oceana Beach Resort in Port Alfred is the place for you.Only seven totally deluxe suites await, the service is extremely attentive but discreet, and you will feel rejuvenated after a day or two of just enjoying the scenery. Best views of the Indian Ocean guaranteed. There is an option for a game drive as well in this Big 2 reserve.

Only an hour and thirty minutes away is Shamwari Game Reserve. Did you know Shamwari means friend in the Shona language? Many US travelers go there (many celebrities too, I found out), so I wanted to pay a visit. Our very experienced ranger Mino took care of us for two days. Not only did he make sure that my husband would enjoy his first safari experience, we saw the Big 4 in our first game drive. He also made sure to show me each of the six Shamwari lodges. All are quite different, but each caters to their guests’ individual preferences. Most will go through a renovation (one by one) in 2018. Our favorite was Sarili Lodge. I was also extremely touched by the work accomplished at the Shamwari Rehabilitation Centre, which helps to rescue, rehabilitate and care for sick, injured, abandoned ororphaned animals, and by the work of the Born Free Foundation, which strives to save animal lives, stop animal suffering, and to keep wildlife in the wild. The game reserve is considered ‘modest’ at 250 sq. kilometers, so you have to stay three or four nights if possible. Since my last visit three years ago, there seems to be more wildlife and it also seems easier to come closer to admire these gorgeous and captivating animals

I recommend at least a day in Johannesburg

Our last stop was the city of Johannesburg. This was my favorite stop this time around. I wish I could have had more time to really feel the pulse of this city. It is the largest in South Africa, and I’d like to understand its diversity better. Undeniably, poverty there remains a concern–but Johannesburg has a lot to offer to its visitors and it’s definitely worth a stop. I enjoyed my time in vibrant Soweto and could have spent the entire day at the fascinating Apartheid Museum. I will definitely be back in Johannesburg!

There is just one aspect I have not talked about, and yet this is the one thing that besides wildlife, culture, scenery, food, and wine will always draw you back to South Africa: its people. Their smiles, their kindness, a willingness to help, and their true love for their country will make your trip deeper and richer and will have you planning your next trip back as you wait for your airplane to go home.

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