Stunning week in South Africa
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….an area of contrasting and stunning scenery and 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' is 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 2 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. En-route we enjoyed a few interesting hours at Babylonstoren, a historic Cape Dutch farm which offers stunning boutique accommodation as well as the most amazing edible garden, restaurant and Spa!
After tasting a selection of wines at one of the 500 wine farms 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 sooooo comfortable and the food excellent.
Our next day took us along the Garden Route. This drive is so easy and enjoyable with spectacular sea and mountain views. After around 6 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 refreshments were served. Dinner was at the Cruise Café, a short walk from the hotel.
The following morning we set off for one of the most famous private safari parks in the world. Shamwari Game Reserve (a malaria free zone and child friendly) was our base for 2 nights, 2 days and 3 game drives. We stayed at one of the 6 safari lodges called Riverdene Lodge and I was very impressed with the welcome, friendliness & enthusiasm of all of the staff. Our game driver was ‘Tops’ who managed to find all of the 'big 5' as well as giraffe, zebras, hippos, monkeys, and many more species of wildlife & bird life. If you have the time, I would highly recommend combining Cape Town, the wine lands, the 'Garden Route' and a safari experience. South Africa offers great value and will give you some very precious memories to last for ever!
Note to self – take family next time!