If you like options, South Africa is the place for you! Captivating in its variety, South Africa can’t be described with just one word. From the cosmopolitan streets of Cape Town to the lions, leopards, and rhinos of Kruger National Park; from the pastoral farms and valleys of the Winelands to the untamed areas of the Elephant Coast; South Africa is a mesmerizing bucket list of options for all adventurers! The range of experiences is simply unparalleled.
When in South Africa, you simply must go on a Safari! You’ll never forget the first time you lock eyes with an elephant standing only yards away. Or the haunting roar of a lion off in the distance, calling to his pride. A parade of elephants crossing a river; a thunder of hippos splashing in a stream; a dazzle of zebras taking a stroll. These are just a few of the many amazing animals you may see in their natural habitat during a safari.
While in South Africa, there are several wonderful properties available to help make your stay memorable.
My personal favorite is Singita Lebombo Lodge, located in the Kruger National Park. Offering 13 one-bedroom suites, and two two-bedroom suites, Singita Lebombo Lodge is a celebration of cutting-edge design in an African context where everything defers to nature, and the protection of African wilderness for future generations.
I love the daily game drives, in state-of-the-art Land Rovers, led by professional guides and trackers. These drives provide the perfect opportunity to get up close to Africa’s incredible animals, while evening drives reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa. But if you really want to get up close and personal, then guided safari walks are the way to go. Your expert guide and tracker will accompany you as you track animals on foot through the wilderness and explore the magnificent plants and landscapes around you.
For a more sophisticated and refined property, One & Only Cape Town offers a variety of rooms and suites to match your taste. A private spa awaits to help you relax at the end of an adventure filled day. Experiences include a visit to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! Featuring a guided tour with one of the resort’s qualified personal trainers, you’ll summit Table Mountain, indulging in the fresh air and the views from the top!
If it’s a culinary delight you crave, join Nobu Cape Town’s Head Chef, Harold Hurtada for an exciting Masterclass, where you’ll learn how to prepare Nobu’s signature dishes. However, my personal favorite is discovering the Cape Winelands, the vast area in which many of the world’s top wines are produced. Hosted by One&Only Cape Town’s Head Sommelier, Luvo Ntezo, you’ll embark on a premier wine tasting experience.
Speaking of food and wine, I would be remiss not to mention Franschhoek and the Cape Winelands. With so many so many great vineyards, restaurants, activities and accommodation it’s hard to determine where to start! If you’re new to wine tasting, choose a half-day wine tour, where you’ll visit up to three wineries within the Franschhoek valley. In addition to a basic introduction to the region’s wine industry and history, you’ll sample a few different wines and gain the ability to describe the taste, the ‘nose’ and the color. For the wine enthusiast, a full day tour will take you to up to five wineries, with the option to indulge in a food and wine-pairing lunch. You’ll learn more about wines of the region, the grapes, terroir and the wine-making processes.
As you can see, South Africa has so very much to offer, you’ll wonder what took you so long to visit! In fact, I think it’s time for me to book another trip there! See you on Safari!