As someone who’s spent over a decade in the travel industry booking dream holidays for others, I finally got to experience the magic of South Africa for myself. And let me tell you – experiencing it through an escorted tour with Travelsphere & JustYou was absolutely the way to go!
Cape Town: Where Urban Meets Nature
Our South African journey began in the stunning city of Cape Town, where we were warmly welcomed by our Holiday Directors, Daryl and Simone. Within hours of landing, we were whisking our way up the iconic Table Mountain by cable car, taking in breathtaking views of the city below. Our first day set the tone for the culinary adventures to come, with an incredible lunch at Nikkei, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant that perfectly represents Cape Town’s diverse food scene. The evening brought even more cultural immersion with an interactive djembe drumming session and dinner at GOLD Cape Town.
The next few days were packed with unforgettable experiences. We explored the Cape Peninsula, driving along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak – easily one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes. Our journey took us to Cape Point, where we watched African penguins waddle along Boulders Beach and explored the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The V&A Waterfront’s Quay Four restaurant provided the perfect setting for dinner that evening.
No visit to the Cape region would be complete without exploring the Winelands. We spent a delightful day in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, starting with wine tasting at the charming Rickety Bridge Wine Tasting Centre and concluding at Spice Route in Paarl for more culinary adventures.
Safari Adventures: Muluwa Lodge and Kruger National Park
The second half of our journey took us to Kruger Mpumalanga, where we stayed in luxury safari tents at the magnificent Muluwa Lodge Resort. Even a thunderstorm couldn’t dampen our spirits during our first night game drive – if anything, the lightning added an extra layer of drama to our wildlife encounters with impalas, zebras, and African buffalo!
The Panorama Route offered incredible natural wonders: God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Blyde Canyon. Some of us even braved the zipline over Blyde Canyon – an exhilarating experience I won’t soon forget!
Our game drives in Kruger National Park were absolutely magical. Our expert guide Wes knew exactly where to find the most spectacular wildlife sightings. We witnessed hippos playing in waterholes, towering giraffes, massive elephants, and even caught sight of the elusive leopard. One of the highlights was watching a pride of lions feast – a raw and powerful reminder of nature’s circle of life.
Between game drives, we visited the Good Work Foundation, a non-profit organisation training local youth in technology, conservation, and tourism. It was inspiring to see how tourism can positively impact local communities.
The Little Details That Made It Special
Our accommodation throughout the trip was fantastic. The ANEW Hotel Green Point in Cape Town offered modern comfort with a rooftop terrace and pool, whilst Muluwa Lodge Resort’s luxury safari tents provided an authentic bush experience with stunning views.
The trip was brilliantly organised, with a WhatsApp group keeping us informed of daily plans and any changes. Despite fitting in both Travelsphere & JustYou itineraries, the pace felt just right, with enough free time to explore on our own.
Special mention must go to our Holiday Director Daryl, whose knowledge and flexibility ensured we got the absolute best out of every experience. Along with Rachel and Jack, who shared valuable insights about other tours, the team made sure every aspect of our journey was memorable.
Final Thoughts
After years of sending clients to South Africa, I can now personally attest to its magic. From the vibrant energy of Cape Town to the raw beauty of Kruger National Park, every moment was filled with wonder. If you’re considering a South African adventure, I can’t recommend an escorted tour highly enough – it truly is the perfect way to experience this incredible country.
And yes, we finally did see those elusive rhinos – at a service station of all places, during our final journey to Johannesburg! Sometimes the best wildlife encounters come when you least expect them.
