Travel Counsellors explore the best of South Africa

A warm welcome and the drama of the Panorama Route

The journey began in Johannesburg, where a longer connection became an unexpected chance to reset at the InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport hotel. A spa treatment and relaxed meal at Quills Restaurant offered a calm pause after the international flight, before the group continued towards Kruger and their first overnight stop at Angel’s View. With grass-roofed rooms tucked beneath the pool, terraces looking out over the escarpment, and regional dishes such as oxtail, zucchini and mozzarella fritters, and macadamia and pear tart, it made for a memorable introduction. The next day brought the full scale of the Panorama Route into view, with stops at Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Lisbon Falls, God’s Window, Harrie’s Pancakes in Graskop, and the Graskop Gorge Lift.

Sleeping close to nature at Kruger Untamed

At Kruger Untamed’s Tshokwane River Camp, the group experienced a completely different side of safari. This seasonal ‘vanishing camp’ is carefully removed at the end of each season, leaving no trace behind, and the whole stay was shaped by a strong respect for the surrounding bush. Canvas tents, bush showers, early wake-up calls, and evenings under star-filled skies gave the experience a wonderfully grounded feel, while a guided bush walk brought the smaller details into focus. Instead of only watching animals from a vehicle, the group learned how to read tracks, spot signs of movement, understand animal behaviour, and appreciate the knowledge carried by expert guides. Meals featuring local flavours, sundowners with hippos calling below, and an impromptu evening of dancing added to the sense of connection.

Meeting the people behind the destination

After days of safari and scenery, Mini Indaba gave the Travel Counsellors a chance to meet many of the partners who help bring South Africa holidays to life. Hosted by Sense of Africa, the event brought together the group with guides, accommodation partners, tourism specialists, and local experts, creating space to share experiences from different itineraries and better understand the huge range of holidays possible across the country. The day finished with dinner at Mama Samba’s, where tapas-style dishes, shared stories, and plenty of laughter made it feel less like a formal event and more like a celebration of new relationships. The trip ended in Soweto with Lebo’s team, travelling through local neighbourhoods by tuk tuk, meeting residents, supporting small businesses, and learning about community projects funded through tourism. It was a powerful final chapter and a reminder that South Africa’s greatest impression often comes from the people who welcome you in.

To book your South African adventure, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.