Diverse, Unique, Breathtaking

I have just returned from a fabulous educational visit to South Africa. I have sent hundreds of clients here over the years and this trip was a great opportunity to see the country first hand. And what an experience it was!

We started our adventure in Johannesburg staying at the Sandton Sun Hotel. Many clients only pass through en-route to the game reserves or Eastern Cape, but it is definitely an opportunity missed. The highlight was a cycling tour around Soweto - some may imagine that this may be out of their comfort zone but having seen this for myself it would be a shame to miss out. It's the safest area of Johannesburg despite its huge size and in parts, grinding poverty. We were welcomed by everyone we met. It’s a city in itself with an estimated population of 4 million.

From there we flew to Mpumulanga on the edge of Kruger staying firstly in White River at the Country Boutique hotel which is a lovely B&B. From there we drove the Panorama Route taking in the majestic scenery of God's Window and Blyde Canyon. The next stop was a charming resort in Hazyview called Hippo Hollow on the banks of the Sabi River. As the name suggests, the hotel is located right in front of an area where hippos congregate and leave the river to eat in the evenings

We were then fortunate enough to spend two nights in two different game reserves - Beck's Safari Lodge in Karongwe Game Reserve and Makalali Main Lodge in the Makalali Private Game Reserve. A game drive is one of the must-do's in travel. An indescribable experience to see animals in their natural environment

There is so much more to South Africa including the Battlefields, Eastern Cape, Garden Route, Wine lands and a trip to this fabulous country needs to be high on everyone's bucket list.