 |
|
Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Bestway team member Kierra takes in the view from Cape Town’s Table Mountain in South Africa. Our Bestway travel manager spent 3 weeks in South Africa – Here’s why she’d go back tomorrow In May 2023, Bestway travel and marketing manager Kierra was able to spend 3 weeks exploring South Africa from Johannesburg all the way to Cape Town, including joining in for part of our popular South African Odyssey tour. Read on to learn how South Africa went above and beyond her travel expectations! Table of ContentsKierra's Experience in South Africa1. Introduction to South Africa 2. Why I loved South Africa 3. What was it like travelling in South Africa? 4. Exploring South Africa by small group tour 5. Was South Africa safe? 6. What was accommodation like in South Africa? 7. What was the food like in South Africa?Practical tips for your trip to South Africaa. What is the best time of year to visit South Africa? b. What are the best places to visit in South Africa? c. How long do I need to explore South Africa? d. What are the best places to safari in South Africa? e. Is South Africa expensive? f. Can I add a Cape Town stopover to another destination? g. Can I easily access the internet in South Africa? h. Do they take credit cards in South Africa? i. I want to visit South Africa. Where do I start?Kierra's Experience in South Africa1. Introduction to South Africa
Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Enjoying the scenery at God’s Window viewpoint in Mpumalanga, South Africa. It was the first safari of my trip. As I sat in the dark and cold, layered under multiple blankets in the back of the open-air vehicle, I hoped my experience would be worth the early wake-up time — as well as the long plane journey I had just made! We entered Kruger National Park with the first rays of the sun, and the search was on. As our expert driver-guide took us along the smooth paved roads (a true safari highlight if you have ever suffered the potholed dirt tracks of some African national parks), we saw an elephant, a giraffe and a zebra in quick succession. Then, we hit the jackpot – a rare sighting of not one, but two leopards crossing the road next to our vehicle. An animal I had been trying to see since my first safari 10 years ago, spotted within the first hour! Like my safari experience, the rest of my time in South Africa continued to meet and beat what I had expected at every turn.
Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Photo: Left to Right: Spotting a leopard in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Catching sight of a young lion at Hluhluwe Game Reserve in South Africa.
Back to top
While I was able to see many of the tourist highlights, as well as some less-travelled gems, I feel I only scratched the surface of what South Africa has to offer. Behind each of South Africa’s well-known sites—Kruger, Table Mountain, Blyde River Canyon—there are thousands of other hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. I met travellers who were on their second, third, or even fifth visit to South Africa, experiencing something new every time.
Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Savouring the panorama at Blyde River Canyon in South Africa. What I really enjoyed about South Africa is that it has a little bit of everything. Interested in safari? I visited one of the most famous parks in the world, Kruger, as well as other less-known but equally thrilling locations. Interested in scenery? I saw some of the world’s most legendary ocean vistas, famously beautiful winelands and sprawling deserts—and that’s just on the Garden Route! Interested in the city? I spent a week in Cape Town and still felt like I had more to see! Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Hiking through the stunning ocean scenery of Tsitsikamma National Park on South Africa’s Garden Route.
Back to top
For me, the highlight of South Africa was the wildlife. I watched hundreds of African penguins frolic in the ocean on the Garden Route and had hippos play fight meters from our boat at St. Lucia. Just two safaris in South Africa’s premier national parks provided me with sightings of all the Big 5 animals (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and Cape buffalo).
Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Watching a rhino graze in South Africa’s Hluhluwe Game Reserve. The impressiveness of the scenery was also a real shock for me. Cape Town’s Table Mountain offered probably the most stunning view I’ve seen in Africa, and I didn’t realize Blyde River Canyon, the world’s largest green canyon easily accessible from Johannesburg, even existed! Finally, I was also able to have fascinating and unique interactions with locals throughout my journey, from learning firsthand about our guide’s experience with Apartheid to making a meal for township children during an after-school program.
Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Enjoying a traditional cultural performance of song and dance on the border between South Africa and Eswatini.
Back to top
Travelling on part of our South African Odyssey tour provided a great introduction to this diverse country. I loved how this itinerary showed me so many facets of the destination, from must-see highlights approached in thoughtful ways (our Kruger safari was paired with an educational presentation about the fight against rhino poaching) to immersive cultural experiences I felt the locals were truly happy to have us participate in.
Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Learning about local culture in a traditional-style settlement on the border of South Africa and Eswatini. Travelling on a tour also took the uncertainty out of visiting a sometimes intimidating destination. The security of travelling in a small group was an added comfort. My fellow travellers were companionable and curious, both about each other and the world around them. Our excellent guide Becki helped us easily navigate the complexities of travel, from restaurant reservations to ATM access to safety tips. He helped first-time visitors on our tour easily tackle Africa. Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Walking to South Africa’s most southern point, Cape Agulhas.
Back to top
For South Africa, it is advised to follow the types of precautions you would take in any unfamiliar location. It is recommended to keep your valuables secure and out of site, take a taxi or Uber after dark, and consult with your hotel or guide on the best way to get to any destination. In my own experience, I followed the above precautions and felt safe throughout my time participating in my small group tour in South Africa. If you book one of our small group or private customized tours, I suspect you’ll feel the same! Our local guide was indispensable in providing on-the-ground comfort, assistance and advice. Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Walking through Cape Town’s colourful Bo-Kaap region, with views of Table Mountain.
Back to top
I’m happy to report that the quality of hotels on my tour matched any found in Europe or North America. Well-known names like Marriott and Hilton, as well as more boutique offerings both have a place here. The hotels on my tour also offered unique extras, such as riverside viewing areas where you could see hippos come out to graze or nightly cultural performances around a bonfire. Photo credit: Kierra Jones
The lovely rooms at Perry’s Bridge Hollow in Hazyview, South Africa.
Back to top
Another aspect of South Africa that seriously impressed me was the quality of the food. Most travellers have been burned by “tourist trap” restaurants that serve lacklustre meals. In South Africa, I experienced none of that. Every meal I had, no matter the restaurant, ranged from good to exceptional. What’s more, the current conversion rate (as of May 2023) means that food is very reasonably priced in comparison to the USA and Canada. That’s not to mention their wine, which is world famous. A visit to the beautiful Cape Winelands is highly recommended for any vino enthusiast! See our South African Odyssey tour. Or, browse our full collection of South Africa journeys. Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Enjoying a chocolate and wine pairing in South Africa’s Cape Winelands region.
Back to top
Practical tips for your trip to South Africaa. What is the best time of year to visit South Africa?South Africa is a large country with diverse climates. In general, the best time to travel depends on your exact interests. For game-viewing, the cooler winter months of May to September are the best time to visit, with September being one of the best months to combine regions. Northern destinations like Kruger can experience tropical rains from November to February – however, this is the optimal time for birding. More Southern destinations like Cape Town and the Garden Route have hot summer temperatures during this time. Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Looking over Cape Town from famous Table Mountain.
Back to top
South Africa’s must-sees are Kruger National Park, Cape Town with its Table Mountain, and the famous Garden Route, running from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. However, if you want to go a bit off the beaten track, there’s so much more to see. Less-visited parks like HluHluwe provide a more exclusive experience, while the Eastern Cape, also known as the Wild Coast region, is a hidden gem with beautiful tropical scenery and rural African culture. Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Watching the tide come in in Chintsa, on South Africa’s Wild Coast.
Back to top
If you are mainly interested in one area—say Cape Town and the Garden Route, or a Kruger safari with Johannesburg—South Africa can be done in as little as one week. However, two to three weeks (or more!) are recommended to experience the full diversity of this incredible country. What’s more, South Africa is a transport hub! This means you can easily add on extensions to other areas in the region, like Victoria Falls or Botswana. Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Traversing the famous Storms River Suspension Bridge in Tsitsikamma National Park.
Back to top
The most famous safari destination in South Africa is Kruger National Park, and for good reason. It’s one of Africa’s largest game reserves, home to all of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo) plus rare species like wild dogs. Sharing an unfenced border with Kruger is the equally impressive Sabi Sands Game Reserve, known for its high density of big cats. For those doing the Garden Route, Addo Elephant Park is a popular stop, known for its large elephant population, but it’s also home to lions, rhinos and more! Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Getting up-close views of a zebra in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Back to top
South Africa is a much less expensive safari destination when compared with other well-known destinations like Botswana and Tanzania, while still providing an amazing game-viewing experience. It’s also a great option for private tours and families! With Johannesburg being a transport hub, flights to South Africa can sometimes be more economical as well. Back to top Cape Town is a well-connected city, meaning it’s easy to add a stopover here if you’re in the region. Cape Town has regular direct flight connections with Victoria Falls, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, and more. Back to top It’s easy to stay connected in South Africa. Wi-fi is widely available at hotels and restaurants, and local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to buy at the airport. Back to top Credit cards are taken in most places in South Africa, including restaurants, grocery stores, hotels and shops. However, you will want to have some cash on hand just in case, and for tips. Photo credit: Kierra Jones
Spying an elephant in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Back to top
We’re ready to help! If you’re looking to join a small group, our South African Odyssey is a great option that covers the highlights of this incredible country. Or, browse our collection of South Africa tours for inspiration. If you’re interested in a customized or private journey, we’d be happy to answer your questions and put together your dream journey! Get in touch here. Back to top
|
|
Sign up for our Bestway Club newsletter and be the first to know about special discounts, new tours and travel updates!
Posted by Kierra Jones