Fabulous Fam trip to the Cape!

I am so lucky to have just been on one of the most amazing educational trips. We visited the Cape region of South Africa and it was everything I expected and so much more….there was ’wow factor’ around every corner with contrasting and stunning scenery, countryside which was a patchwork of prettiness, fabulous people, food and wine and to top it all mind blowing ‘Attenborough-esque’ game drives!

There is something for everyone in South Africa – foodies, wine lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, families, honeymooners, single travellers and couples.

It is a fascinating country with so much variety and a place where the 'WOW factor' can be there every day and a place where you will collect 'precious memories' around every corner. I would encourage everyone to experience South Africa at least once.

After landing in Cape Town we were given a short orientation tour of the City and we grabbed some lunch at the Waterfront. We stayed at The Vineyard Hotel for our first two nights which had a perfect setting at the back and base of Table Mountain. A charming hotel blending old and new with a fabulous atmosphere and beautiful botanical style gardens. The hotel offered the best buffet breakfast I think I have ever come across!

Day two and we started with a short cruise to see a fur seal colony at Haut Bay, followed by a visit to a penguin colony at Boulder Bay, lunch at the Black Marlin restaurant overlooking the ocean, and finally we braved the wind and rain at Cape Point, otherwise known as the Cape of Good Hope. Sadly we had to leave Cape Town without seeing Table Mountain due to bad weather – but an excellent reason to return!

Day three and the weather cleared and we moved on to Stellenbosh and the Winelands region. Before arriving at the winery we stopped off and had a fascinating tour of the edible gardens at Babylon! After tasting a selection of wines at one of the 500 wine farms in the Stellenbosch wine region we checked into the Oude Werf hotel – a famous Inn since 1802 beautifully designed to combine 21st century comfort with period inspired chic. The staff were welcoming, beds sooo comfortable and the food excellent.

The next day took us along the Garden Route. This drive is so easy and enjoyable with spectacular sea and mountain views. After around six hours we arrived at Knysna staying at the Waterfront. We set sail on the 'John Benn' for a sunset cruise where some lovely food and nibbles were served. Dinner was at the Cruise Café, a short walk from the hotel.

The following morning we headed off to one of the most famous private safari parks in the world. Shamwari Game Reserve was going to be our base for our last two nights.

We stayed at one of the six safari lodges - Riverdene Lodge - suited to families in particular. I was very impressed by the warm welcome and the friendliness and enthusiasm of all of the staff. With just nine rooms it was home from home from the start. The food was equally as impressive - from the choice of freshly prepared hot breakfasts to the BBQ and evening meal at the Lodge to the 'Bush' lunch offering amazing views - you really are spoilt. Our game driver was ‘Tops’ and he managed to find all the 'Big 5' (in just two days!) as well as giraffe, zebra, hippo, monkeys, and many many more species of wildlife and bird life. Too many highlights to list!

If you have the time, I would highly recommend combining Cape Town with the winelands, the 'Garden Route' and a safari experience. South Africa offers great value and will leave you with some very precious memories to last for ever...as it did me!

Note to self – take family next time!