A South African Adventure to Remember – May 2025
Penguins & Coastal Beauty at Stony Point
Greeted by our friendly guide at the airport, we headed straight to Stony Point, just an hour’s drive away, for our first included excursion visiting the African penguin colony. A boardwalk led us through their protected area, set against a breathtaking backdrop of crashing waves and rugged mountains. It was a fabulous start to our trip.
Charming Hermanus & Five-Star Comfort
We continued on to the picturesque seaside town of Hermanus, where we checked into a luxurious hotel for the night. With its gorgeous waterfront setting, excellent service and delicious food (and very strong cocktails!), it felt like the perfect welcome to South Africa.
Safari Dreams at Garden Route Game Lodge
After a leisurely breakfast, we journeyed to the Garden Route Game Lodge, where the real adventure kicked in with the first of four exhilarating safari drives. This vast private reserve is even large enough to accommodate elephants. On our very first outing, we were lucky enough to spot cheetahs, zebras, rhinos, elephants and more.
At one point, two rhinos wandered incredibly close to our jeep during a refreshment stop, an unforgettable moment. We ended the day with a hearty dinner and tucked in early, excited for the next morning's game drive.
Sunrise Safaris & Lion Encounters
Our 7am game drive began with a postcard-perfect moment: the silhouette of an elephant framed against the glowing orange sunrise. It was cold and misty, but we were well-prepared with hot water bottles and cozy ponchos. We tracked lions, witnessing them feeding on an impala while the lionesses waited their turn.
Between drives, we enjoyed downtime by the infinity pool overlooking the reserve (nicely separated into family and adults-only areas). The food at the lodge was exceptional, with options to suit all dietary needs.
Our final game drive delivered once again. With clearer morning light, we revisited the lions and were able to watch them feast up close. The cheetahs were also having their breakfast. Each drive offered something unique, a different light, mood and animal behaviour. Don’t miss any of them if you get out there!
Ostrich Farms & Ancient Caves
Next stop: Oudtshoorn. We visited an ostrich farm where we fed the birds and learned about their role in South Africa’s agricultural industry. Lunch featured a three-course meal with ostrich meat – however not to everyone's taste.
We then ventured underground into the fascinating Cango Caves, home to thousands-of-years-old stalactites and stalagmites. The formations were spectacular and well worth the visit.
Ocean Views & Sunset Dinners
Our next hotel was perched right on the ocean, with every room offering panoramic views. Falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking to sunrise over the sea was pure bliss, they are the sort of views you cannot get enough of!
That evening, our tour manager arranged an optional group dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant, a thoughtful touch that saved us the hassle of navigating a new town. The food and setting was excellent.
Knysna: Nature at Its Finest
An early start took us to Knysna and the stunning Featherbed Nature Reserve. A boat ride across the lagoon, a truck ride up the hill and a scenic hike back down brought us to one of the most breathtaking coastal views we’ve ever seen. With clear skies and sunshine, we were blessed to experience this paradise in all its glory. If you’re visiting, the hike down is a must if you are able!
Stellenbosch – Wine, Fine Dining & Charm
Next, we packed up and headed to Stellenbosch, a larger, walkable town with a great selection of bars, shops, and restaurants. Our hotel was outside the centre, but our tour manager once again arranged transport into town. We stumbled upon Mill Street Bistro, a 2-star Michelin restaurant and even met the celebrity chef! The food was divine and shockingly affordable by UK standards, as was most of the town.
The following morning included some free time in town and a visit to a nearby vineyard for wine tasting, nougat and a delicious three-course lunch.
Cape Town & Coastal Wonders
We arrived in Cape Town and explored the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. That evening, we had free time to enjoy Sea Point, where our hotel was located. We discovered shops, restaurants and the vibrant Mojo Market, filled with live music and international food stalls and once again – cocktails!
The next day, we set off along the Cape Peninsula, driving through the scenic Chapman's Peak to the legendary Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The entire drive was lined with jaw-dropping coastal views.
Table Mountain, Robben Island & Final Thoughts
On our last full day, we explored the V&A Waterfront and lucked out with the fog lifting enough to get the views, it was perfect timing for the rotating cable car up to Table Mountain. The panoramic views from the top were nothing short of epic. We even saw lots of Dassies running around at the top!
The next morning we wrapped up our trip with a meaningful visit to Robben Island, learning about Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment and the stories of many others who were incarcerated there. It was a sobering and powerful experience.
Everywhere we went, food and drink prices were about half of what we’d pay in the UK, sometimes even less, making everything from gourmet dinners to casual drinks an absolute bargain. All served with a beaming smile and amazing hospitality.
This was my second time visiting South Africa and it was just as extraordinary as the first. The beauty, wildlife, food and people combine into something truly special. If you’re considering it….go. You won’t regret it.
Got questions about the trip? Feel free to drop me an email!
