Tracy's South African adventure

A collage of four pictures shows penguins seals and a woman in a kayak

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.

A collage of four pictures shows a bottle of wine and a plate of food

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.

A collage of four pictures of animals including an elephant a lion and a giraffe

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.

A collage of four pictures shows people doing yoga and a swimming pool

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!

A collage of four pictures of a beach including a weather station

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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Easter Skiing? Go High in Tignes & Val d’Isère

By Tracy Felstead • December 4, 2025
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Stunning St. Lucia: Tracy’s Travel Notes & Top Tips

By Tracy Felstead • July 5, 2025
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Fan of "The Durrells"? This is the perfect trip for you!

By Tracy Felstead • June 5, 2025
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Sailing with Soul: Tracy Explores the Magic of Sea Cloud

By Tracy Felstead • May 15, 2025
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Fall in Love with France: Find Out Why It Could Be Your Next Escape

By Tracy Felstead • January 24, 2025
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A lioness is laying down in the grass and looking at the camera.

Discovering Malaria-Free Lodges with Bianca

By Tracy Felstead • December 17, 2024
Africa – they say it captures your heart, and its so true. I was fortunate enough to visit South Africa on my honeymoon in 2010, which led us to the Kruger National Park and then to Mauritius. Fast forward 14 years, and I had the privilege of returning (while celebrating my wedding anniversary) with my almost-teenager this time! My journey led us to two renowned game reserves: Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa's Northwest province and Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg district. Both offer sightings of the Big Five and a wealth of captivating wildlife experiences. Madikwe Safari Lodge - Lelapa "Lelapa" the Setswana word for "family," warmly invites you and your loved ones to enjoy the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve and promises an experience designed for the whole family. The accommodation is ideal with a spacious open-plan bedroom and bathroom, along with a separate cosy sleeping area for children. Our ranger, Byron, was exceptional with our daughter, sharing fascinating bush facts that greatly enriched her experience. The camp's relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere and exceptional service make you feel at ease while being surrounded by the thrilling adventures of the game reserve. The watering hole located near the swimming pool is a captivating spot where time seems to slip away. One afternoon, as we lounged by the pool, a herd of elephants made an appearance. We were spellbound for about 45 minutes watching these majestic creatures, and were even luckier to witness their playful babies joining in the water. It was a mesmerizing experience for my daughter, who was completely captivated (and happily off her phone!). The food was so good catering really well for families with plenty of options to suit everyone. Of course being in South Africa the choice of wines were very appealing too! They have a fantastic kids eco-house the perfect place for children to learn about conservation at Madikwe and enjoy arts & crafts, jewellery making and much more. Whilst the kids enjoy themselves here parents can relax in the outdoor lounge area or take a nose in the lodges gift shop. There is also a gym & spa if you are feeling energetic or want to relax even more!
A black and white monkey is hanging from a tree branch.

Costa Rica

By Tracy Felstead • December 16, 2024
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