In November 2025, I spent ten amazing days in South Africa. And after only one day I was kicking myself for not having visited sooner. Not to be dramatic, but I spent most of my first day on the verge of (happy) tears… it was just that beautiful, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Having since returned and with time to really think about it, I can safely say that South Africa is the place I was most wrong about. Like many others, I had fallen victim to the news cycle that paints South Africa out to be a dystopian nightmare. Sure, there are major problems to be addressed in certain areas. But as you can probably guess, these were the last places I found myself in. From beautiful scenery to warm hearted people, South Africa opened its doors to me.
Having only recently joined The Explorer Society, I unlike the rest of the tea, hadn’t (yet) had the chance to visit South Africa countless times. So, for the perspectives of a first-time African traveller and the feeling that comes from discovering a small part of this amazing continent, let me show you my itinerary for the ten days I was there.
The Mother City welcomes me
I landed in Cape Town at around 4.30pm, and before the plane had even touched down, I was impressed. From my window seat I was treated to the afternoon sun on a glorious blue skied day shining brightly over dramatic mountains that stretched into grassy fields. And in just over an hour after touching down, I had already arrived at my hotel, grateful for my VIP Meet and Greet escort and my private transfer. I’d even had the chance to witness iconic Table Mountain, which seemed to follow me from outside the window as we wound through the streets of Cape Town.
I should point out that before leaving for my trip, I intentionally avoided looking into the properties or activities on my itinerary too much, so that I was able to live in the moment. Pulling into the driveway of The Claremont, I was thanking myself for having made this decision. A stunning Cape Dutch manor built in 1920 by South Africa’s first female architect, The Claremont has since been restored into a luxury boutique hotel of just 15 rooms, and managed to perfectly balance a feeling of complete privacy with the personal charm of a warm home.
After a quick costume change to peel off my plane clothes, I did a happy dance at the sight of my magnificent room. It was large yet homely, with a lovely sitting area, bar, comfortable queen bed, and, most important of all, a sizeable bath tub! This evening I watched the sun dip over the horizon, and throughout dinner, I was treated to service and attention to detail that I’d never experienced before. I was already dreading leaving.
Thanks to the comfy beds, the next morning I awoke naturally just before 7am, making myself a cup of coffee in the room before I slowly started to get ready for the day. I was pleased to discover that my room enjoyed soft early sunlight in the mornings, just as it did a view of Table Mountain peaking out from behind the dusk-drenched main manor in the evenings. Wandering up to breakfast, the smell of fragrant jasmine wafted through the air from the jasmine bushes lining most corners of the grounds. I enjoyed breakfast on a long table outdoors shaded from the sun, a delicious herbed omelette accompanied by fresh baked bread, homemade pesto and even delicious homemade raspberry jam and orange marmalade for my bread.
After breakfast I headed off to the V&A Waterfront, where after a visit to the local seals we explored the myriad of different shops and stalls selling locally made homeware, jewellery, and clothing. You name it, they had it. It made for the perfect opportunity to do some gift shopping just a month out from Christmas. We took the scenic route to our next destination, hugging the coast which took us from one breathtaking bay to another. It eventually became so overwhelmingly beautiful that we pulled over just before reaching Maiden's Cove. This is where I almost shed my first tear of happiness. I thought Australia had incredible beaches… it’s safe to say South Africa gives us a run for our money.
We continued along the coast before heading inland to Constantia, a little slice of wine country heaven right in Cape Town’s backyard that was home to Klein Constantia, established 1685. We knew we were in for a wine tasting for lunch, but we hadn’t realised is that it would be taking place in the hills overlooking the vast fields of grape varieties, surrounded by towering mountains. We sampled three of the wines they were most famous for, the last of which was Vin de Constance, a legendary sweet wine that has captivated the likes of emperors, founding fathers and renowned writers for centuries. I’m not one for desert wines, but this one made me reconsider that stance: it honestly tasted more like a delightful honey tea than anything else.
The Hidden Ages of the Western Cape
The next morning, we enjoyed our final breakfast at The Claremont, bidding farewell to their doting staff before making our way to our next destination, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Western Cape. Along the way, we also stopped in to visit the famous Cape Penguin Colony and catch a glimpse of these adorable African penguins. And then, because you can never have too many, we enjoyed another wine tasting at the newly established boutique wine farm, Landskein, in Stanford. On arrival we were greeted by both the owner of Grootbos (Michael Lutzeyer) and also the director of Landskein (Tariro Masayiti). Michael is warm and full of life, making a point to meet and get to know every Grootbos guest. He and Tariro are partners in Landskein, so with that excuse we all enjoyed a glass of wine together on the outdoor verandah overlooking the lush grounds, surrounded by yet another jaw dropping mountain range. Heading inside, Tariro took us through six of Landskein’s finest wines in great detail and happily answered any questions we had about their process as well as his own background. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that he moved to South Africa after studying chemistry in his country of origin, Zimbabwe, where is also where my partner is from. The hangover of apartheid is still felt in parts of South Africa, so it was particularly refreshing to see both races, black and white, working in partnership to create a new legacy for which the entire country can be proud. After all, the apartheid government ended just 32 years ago, which when put into perspective, really isn’t that long ago. The progress made since then has been amazing.
We eventually wrapped up our wine tasting (which I’d be remiss to not mention came with one of the most impressive cheese platters I’d ever seen) before hitting the road again for a short 20 minute drive to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. We were sharing one of their two private villas and, needless to say, I’d never felt more like a billionaire. That was made even clearer after spotting a Picasso sketch hanging in one of the bathrooms. After settling into our rooms and taking the afternoon at our leisure, we were treated to a delicious, six course dinner in our villa overlooking panoramic views of Walker Bay at sunset. Words simply don’t do the evening justice.
I awoke the next morning to fynbos-covered hillsides with the kind of excitement that fills a child on Christmas Day, knowing that we were heading out on the water today for my very first marine safari. I should at some point mention that I’ve never in my life eaten as much, and as well, as I did in South Africa. This morning was no different: the Grootbos staff had prepared a breakfast spread for us that I will reminisce about until I’m old and grey. Coffee, tea and juice of your choice, ripe fruit, freshly baked goods and homemade cereals in abundance, all followed by a warm plate of eggs any style, your favourite type of sausage, garlicky mushrooms and perfectly seasoned tomatoes. I could go on, but I won’t, because I’m already drooling as I write this.
We ventured into town for our safety briefing before boarding our boat out onto the wind swept waters of Walkers Bay. Just 30 minutes in and we already had eyes on two of the Marine Big Five: a shark feeding, and a mother and baby whale breaching, both right in front of us. A little further on and we reached Dyer Island, or as it probably should be called, the land of a thousand seals. We delighted as they frolicked in the water beneath us, and sunned themselves on the rocks. We were also pleased to get our second glimpse of African penguins, twice in two days!
Back at Grootbos, I indulged in lunch prepared for us at the villa by our private chef before heading back down to the water in the afternoon for a guided tour of Klipgat Cave. Of course I had to dip my toes in the freezing cold water at one of the cove’s beaches before we climbed up to the cave, which is renowned for providing Stone Age people with shelter more than 70,000 years ago. It was here along the coast where early humans are said to have undergone rapid development, most notably as a result of their diets evolving to include seafood. Even today, you can see stone and bone artefacts, and the remains of shellfish and other animals that early bushmen discarded, littering the cave grounds.
In the evening there was another fantastic dinner, only this one took place in the impressive wine cellar of the Forest Lodge with Michael, who took us through the story of how Grootbos came to exist. I’d relay it, but I’d rather save that surprise for you to hear in person when (and not if) you visit for yourself. Dinner was again multi-course, and multi-faceted, using both native and locally grown ingredients from the Grootbos Reserve. And if I haven’t mentioned it already, the staff at Grootbos are absolutely incredible, striking the perfect balance between warmth and professionalism which allowed their personalities to shine whilst delivering the highest level of service.
On our third day on the Western Cape, we embarked on an activity which I wouldn’t have expected. It was a botanical safari through Grootbos’ nature reserve where we experienced the extent of their conservation activity, and how over the 30 years since Grootbos’ inception, they had managed to facilitate the regeneration of hundreds of species of local flora and fauna. I witnessed how a sunbird’s beak fits perfectly into a flower, discovered why the honey Grootbos bees produce is completely unique, and learnt how important fires in the fynbos are for bringing forth new life. This wasn’t in my imagination for an Africa trip, but it turned out to be one of my absolute favourite moments.
Three nights in the wild
South Africa is the kind of place where the simplest thing is transformed into one of the most breathtaking experiences of your life. Just the simple act of driving to the airport, taking an inland shortcut between Grootbos and Cape Town, has left a permanent imprint on my brain. Rolling hills of green and gold at various altitudes, at times covered in fog and at others drenched in sunlight… I could wax poetic about the scenery for hours. Having left Grootbos at around 6am, suitcases in one hand and a huge Grootbos packed breakfast in the other, we arrived at Cape Town airport by 9am to catch our flight to Skukuza airport in the Kruger region.
Just two hours later, we had touched down in the Greater Kruger region, and before we knew it, we were in the warm embrace of Sabi Sabi hospitality. We were greeted by our guide, who would be with us for the next few days, and who assisted us with our bags putting them in the back of the 4x4. And just like that, immediately after leaving the airport, we were on safari. The drive from the airport to our accommodation at Sabi Sabi’s Bush Lodge took us through the their private game reserve, so we before we knew it we had our first glimpse of a herd of gazelle before we’d so much as checked in.
On our very first day, and mind you it wasn’t even a full one, we witnessed something which even our guide told us he had only seen once before. A leopard, which had pulled a gazelle up into a tree, was feeding just 10 metres away from a pride of lions, lying lazily on top of each other and enjoying the last few hours of sleep before nightfall. Ok, perhaps lazy was an unnecessary adjective: they are primarily nocturnal animals after all. As we left this scene, it did tug at my heartstrings to spot a nervous-looking heavily pregnant gazelle standing in the trees. Our guide told us that while they usually travelled in herds, it was common for pregnant gazelle to branch off on their own in search for a safe, quiet place to give birth. As we pulled away, I wondered if the expecting mother and her offspring would live through the night: she had no idea she was standing just 30 metres away from a pride of lions who were starting to awaken.
One of the things that stood out to me was how different the energy on safari was in the mornings versus the evenings. In the mornings, there was an air of joyous respite, as though most animals were breathing a collective sigh of relief for having survived the night. And in the evenings, as dusk approached, there was a nervous energy in the air. Many of the animals appeared more skittish and watchful, as though in anxious expectation for what the dark had in store for them.
The next two days somewhat resembled each other in structure, but not in surprises. We rose early each day to embark on our morning drives after a quick coffee and bite to eat. We returned after a few hours in the wild for a late breakfast, taking the afternoon at our leisure, before embarking on our evening drives. Each evening drive ended at sunset, where our guide would find us a spot with a beautiful view of the changing sky, and pour us each a drink of our choice, aptly known as sundowners. We would rehash our favourite safari sightings before hopping back in the vehicle and returning to the lodge for dinner. Each night, we enjoyed dinner in true 'Boma' form, a Swahili word originally for an enclosure made of thorny branches to protect livestock from predators, but which is today used to refer to a four-course, buffet style meal, most of which cooked over fire, and enjoyed outdoors under the stars with other safari goers. We returned to our rooms after each dinner absolutely exhausted, and though I made sure to make use of the bathtub each night, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Amongst many of the incredible things I witnessed over these four days on safari (two half days, two full days), a few moments in particular were my personal favourites. In the morning of day two, we followed hundreds of buffalo as they wandered casually over to a waterhole, taking turns staring at us cooly for a moment before carrying on with their day. In the afternoon on the same day, we sat right in the middle of a herd of elephants as they ventured south. There were easily more than 20, all of varying ages. We sat there for 15 minutes as they silently crossed the reserve, some stopping to graze here and there, and one coming so close to our vehicle that we could’ve reached out and touch it (though obviously we didn’t). At lunch on our third day after not having seen any giraffe yet, I declared that today would surely be the day we finally caught a glimpse of one. And, believe it or not, we came across a lone giraffe grazing on leaves just ten minutes into our last evening drive (naturally I was thrilled).
For a first timer on safari, I was actually surprised by how easily we managed to spot all the animals I was most excited to see. Because the luxury lodge Sabi Sabi is situated in a private reserve, it means it has a limited number of guests, meaning more exclusivity for you, and less intrusive crowds for the wildlife. Of course wildlife still roams the main Kruger National Park, but with the more tourists, many of the animals make their way into the fenceless private reserves unprompted. It quickly became apparent to me that despite the increase in price between staying in the national park accommodation of Kruger versus Sabi Sabi’s private reserve, just three nights on safari is more than enough to see everything you’ve ever hoped for. It might be a shorter stay, but a more efficient one as well.
A Fairlawn Finish
On our fourth and final safari day, we were transported back through the private reserve to the airport, where I said a sad goodbye to our guide and boarded a short 40 minute flight to Johannesburg, landing just after 2pm. We then took our transfer and checked in to the beautiful Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa, where I enjoyed a quiet afternoon before testing some of their signature cocktails ahead of dinner. And if you haven’t already sensed a theme, I once again ended the night with a bubble bath.
On the final morning I headed on a tour of Fairlawns’ Balinese-style spa before indulging in a bit of our own R&R. I have to say, I had no idea just how big the spa area of the hotel really was: it was like a secret garden hidden in plain sight just metres from our rooms. Besides its luxurious massage rooms, the spa also included a heated mineral pool, a sizeable sauna and steam room, and a yoga studio, not to mention many secluded seated areas in the garden where you could enjoy tea and a light bite to eat in between treatments. As you can surely understand, I don’t have many photos of the spa: I was too busy getting one of the best full body massages of my life.
Before lunch, I indulged in a bit more shopping at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton before enjoying a delicious meal at Tasha’s, a must-try for anyone visiting South Africa. Then there was a final afternoon at leisure before spending my last night in true South African form: watching a Springboks game at a steakhouse with the locals. With a toast to a fantastic trip, I couldn’t think of a better way to end what had easily been one of the most incredible experiences of my life, bar none.
My flight back to Melbourne was early the next morning, and as I took off I was still pinching myself. I couldn’t believe what I’d just experienced. And almost three months on, I still can’t believe how incredible my time was. It all flew by quickly, but I remember every second of it. It was the perfect taste of Africa, and my first time on the continent no less, that has guaranteed that I’ll be back for seconds, and thirds, and more.
And so, when you’re ready for your own taste of Africa, whether it be in South Africa or elsewhere, let us help you with the planning! If you have time to listen to all our stories, we have time to tell them.
