Garden Route - South Africa

We flew from Heathrow to Johannesburg and then on an internal flight to Port Elizabeth (known locally as PE!). On arrival into Port Elizabeth we were driven to our game reserve at Shamwari, which is a small, luxurious malaria free game reserve.

The rangers will take you out whenever you ask, but, the best time is very early morning before it gets hot. We saw all the big five and more, he showed us their tracks and knew exactly how to trace and find them! Late night game drives were equally as good with the most fantastic sunsets, sat watching the sun setting with a glass of champagne in hand in the open wilds is a memory to treasure.

We ate the most fantastic food and at times had I known what is was, I probably wouldn't i.e. Springbok and Wildebeest!!

The drive along the garden route takes a good 4-5 days, but, it is well worth it. There are a number of amazing things to see and do staying overnight in Hermanus for whale watching - they come in really close, so close you sit on the beach and watch and can almost touch them. Then there's Mossel Bay for oysters and champagne - has to be done!!

Finally, after sampling the fantastic wines in Stellenbosch, we arrived in Cape Town. Cape Town is vibrant, cosmopolitan and the shopping is fabulous, especially the Victoria & Albert waterfront. Table Mountain and the cable car with such great views is a must - be careful when the mist comes down!!

I had such an amazing time in South Africa - I want to go back already!!