Tracy's South Africa adventure

Africa has been on my bucket list for a long time. I knew it was going to be special, and it truly was. It's a bit of a reset place, being in nature, close to animals, mixing with local life; it felt like going back in time in a good way. Even though it was a holiday, I moved around a lot because there was so much I wanted to check out - the trouble was every place made me want to stay longer! I loved it so much - there is no doubt that I will be going back.

Grab a cuppa; I have tried to keep it as short as possible, but there's so much to tell...

Cape Town
Even though it was winter, we arrived to glorious weather and headed straight up Table Mountain. The views were breath taking, offering a fabulous first glimpse of the city. Cape Town is known for experiencing four seasons in a day, with Table Mountain often covered in clouds. I recommend pre-booking 'fast track' tickets for flexibility in case of weather changes. That evening, we explored the V&A Waterfront; the Watershed is a must-visit showcasing local artisan companies with beautiful clothing, beauty products, and stunning art and crafts. I can recommend Time Out food market that offers a variety of culinary delights under one roof and also Silo for rooftop incredible cocktails watching the sunset and dinner (must make a reservation if you are not staying there). The next day we took a private Cape Peninsula tour, we visited Boulders Beach to kayak with penguins (you have to meet Terry an amazing conservationist trying to save the penguins) and enjoyed a picnic at Cape Point (Brendan's secret location) prepared by local celebrity chef Nicky Gibb (made in her home kitchen with ingredients from her garden). Our guide Brendan (amazing) shared insights on orcas, declining sharks, and increasing seal population during our Cape Peninsula tour. It was truly a magical day that should be part of any Cape Town itinerary.

Winelands
The journey from Cape Town to the Winelands is a straightforward route, making it ideal for a self-drive adventure. Our initial destination was Franschhoek, located approximately 45 minutes away from Cape Town. Known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, Franschhoek boasts over 50 wineries and high-end restaurants. We had a delightful lunch at La Residence, a stunning boutique hotel, before continuing our trip to Stellenbosch where we stayed at Lanzerac Wine Estate. This magnificent Manor house has a rich history dating back to 1692; both the building and its grounds are breath taking, hard to imagine a fire destroying it not that many years ago. The estate features a luxurious spa and serves exceptional cuisine. We had the mouth watering 7-course tasting menu paired with wines from the estate, an experience I highly recommend. Regrettably, our time in Stellenbosch was limited to just one night; I would have relished exploring more, especially taking a ride on the wine tram through the many vineyards.

Safari
We flew from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth but you can easily continue your garden route self drive to Lalibela Game Reserve. The pursuit to protect wildlife and provide conservation areas is core to the success of these game reserves and especially at Lalibela. With the opportunity to see the big 5 in a non-malarial area, this makes it a fantastic first-time safari experience for families, friends, and couples. Enroute to our lodge, we were greeted by a female cheetah and her four cubs; it took us by surprise it was if they had come to make their personal greeting! The lodge was comfortable and quiet with excellent staff and food, along with a lovely pool to relax during the day. We had wonderful sunny, clear blue sky days, the mornings were cold (wear layers although there are hot water bottles and ponchos on the vehicle). By late morning, we were peeling off layers as temperatures crept up to 30°C in the middle of the day. We had two game drives a day with our ranger Liesel – we saw lions, giraffes, hippos, black & white rhinos; watched a herd of elephants play at the watering hole; and had sundowners as they crossed the plain. It was a magical experience and our ranger was excellent; she really made it special. It's worth letting them know in advance what you want to see and your interests so they can match you up with a ranger as they have several that who specialise in different fields like birds or plants.

Durban - Sala Beach House
From Port Elizabeth, we flew to Durban, an easy journey with another hugely warm welcome. Upon arrival at Sala Beach House, the atmosphere is akin to stepping into someone's gorgeous home, and the ocean view is simply incredible. With only 7 rooms and an exclusive 3-bedroom villa, it exudes stunning elegance and serves as a perfect place to unwind after the excitement of the safari. I particularly enjoyed the early morning yoga sessions overlooking the ocean and listening to its soothing sounds. The tranquil spa was a delight with its variety of treatments; I indulged in some amazing reflexology and a deeply relaxing massage. Once again, the food was outstanding; we dined at a beautiful table with a view over the ocean's edge - truly breathtaking! Despite it being winter, the temperature was a balmy 27°C - just perfect!

Mozambique
For me, Mozambique was all about the beach and a stripped-back way of life. It's also another great option after a safari for some R&R - it's a little harder to get to than Durban but worth it. We stayed at White Pearl Resort on Mozambique's Lagoon Coast. There are 22 luxurious ocean-facing and spacious suites set into the hillside, each with its own pool, outside shower, and private butler. The beach is stunning; it stretches for miles, and you can walk without seeing another person except for the odd fisherman. The food again was exceptional, and the service was warm and incredibly friendly. A fantastic range of activities and an excellent spa make for a truly memorable stay.

Top reasons to visit South Africa

A world in one country, home to diverse cultures and incredible landscapes
Malaria-free Big Five game reserves
Some of the best land-based whale watching in the world
Award-winning wine estates, some dating back over 350 years
Excellent value for money, convenient flight connections and little to no jetlag
Go in their winter, less crowds and still glorious weather

We both absolutely love Africa ( look out for Bianca's Africa blog coming soon) and we can't wait to help you plan your special adventure. We work with some incredible specialists in Africa, we can organise a Virtual Consultation so you can chat to them directly, it really works well so please let us know if this is something you would like to do.

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EXPLORA

By Khetal Khandwala • September 22, 2026

EXPLORA What if the most inspiring hotel isn't a hotel at all? I stepped onboard EXPLORA III in Southampton this week, and having now seen the ship for myself, I can understand why Explora Journeys is trying to do things differently. I have to say, I was impressed. The easiest way I can describe it is a luxury hotel at sea, but one where your view changes every day. EXPLORA III is a large ship, but it doesn't feel like a large cruise ship. There is a huge amount of space, plenty of places to sit quietly or enjoy a drink, and a sense of calm that I haven't experienced on many larger ships. With fewer guests than you would typically find on a ship of this size, it feels spacious rather than busy. And then there is the food. There are some fantastic restaurant choices onboard, with a really good variety of styles and settings. Dining feels like part of the experience rather than simply somewhere you go because you need to eat.

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