PICTURE YOURSELF IN…

South Africa

BY BREKKE FLETCHER

I love asking people about the greatest trip they've ever taken. It's always so revealing, interesting and inspiring – it's the stuff that makes for a great story.

My dear friend Maria answered this question with such passion, I literally started crying. And her impressions have stuck with me for years. She described a journey to South Africa and the profound effect it had on her.

The moment she stepped off the plane, she was acutely aware of two things: one, the fact that she was literally on the other side of the planet. And two, being metaphorically knocked over with the knowledge that the ground on which she was standing was where all humanity began.

I couldn't get over the way she talked about what she saw and did and, most importantly, how she felt. Yes, this is a beautiful place: the wildlife, the wine, Cape Town. What lingers for years afterwards (and I think this kind of travel stays with you forever) is the knowledge that you've been forever altered by a place. The word she used: sacred.

So this is what I have been thinking about while working on this newsletter. What is it about South Africa that resonates with those lucky enough to visit?

To procure some on-the-ground intel from a local expert, I reached out to Natalee Whittington, a trip planner who works with Elsewhere (a Lonely Planet company) creating Group Adventures in South Africa. On our Zoom, Nat was in Melkbosstrand, just north of Cape Town, and amped to talk about one of her Group Adventures, which includes game drives in Kruger National Park and a deep dive into cosmopolitan Cape Town. Listening to Nat talk about her experiences in the bush, her first game drive, the thrill of seeing first-timers take it all in, stirred the same feelings Maria's stories did.

There's no doubt about it: a trip to South Africa is destined to be a sacred experience.

Q. How do most of your clients feel after arriving in South Africa?

A. Tired. Well, you land in Johannesburg at Tambo Airport, and you navigate customs and get your bags and find your transport. It all changes, of course, once you start driving Mpumalanga's Panorama Route.

You can easily get around Cape Town with Uber and Bolt.

Q. What do you see along that route?

A. There are waterfalls and rivers and mountains. God's Window has the most amazing views over the Blyde River Canyon on the Drakensberg escarpment. You'll also see Three Rondovals, which are these rounded mountain peaks. It's interesting to learn why they're also referred to as "troublesome wives".

Q. Nothing like a little misogyny to start your vacation!

A. That's how it is in South Africa. It's a very male-dominated culture. It is getting better.

Q. What's your favorite part of this trip?

A. Safari is my most favorite thing to do in the whole wide world. I would live in the bush for the rest of my life if I could.

Q. What was your first safari?

A. The first time I went to Kruger National Park, I was not interested in seeing any animal that came from South Africa. Then, on my first game drive, I was convinced that this is what I want to do with the rest of my life. It just does something to you. It's the most amazing thing I've ever experienced.

Q. How do game drives work?

A. Well, Kruger is a national park, so you stay on the designated roads. You can be in your own private vehicle or you can be in an open game viewer. You can't go offroad, so if you see a lion five hundred meters away, that's how you see the lion. Or you can go with a private game lodge, and then you can actually drive right next to a lion.

Q. Oooh, private lodge experience. I want one!

A. My biggest thrill when I worked at those lodges was watching first timers. They have no idea what to expect. When a lion roars next to your vehicle, it is the most amazing thing ever.

There are also bush walks, where you get to see the small things. The trackers and guides they have at the lodges are so knowledgeable about the bush. It's one of the best ways to have your first experience. You are really immersed.

Q. What's the quintessential Cape Town must-do?

A. You definitely want to get to Table Mountain. But since that experience is very weather dependent, you need to factor that in when making your plans. If you come between November and February, you can also take a sunset tour and sip champagne at the summit.

The hotel you'll stay in Cape Town is literally 400 meters from the waterfront and that area is so fun and vibey. You're overlooking the harbor or looking up at the mountain. Hang out in an outdoor restaurant and have a cocktail. You'll hear live music or African singers busking.

Q. Do you have any food and drink recommendations?

A. For coffee I recommend Origin. They do a really awesome presentation; there's a roastery and a barista school upstairs. And Truth is a steampunk cafe, and so very cool.

Cafe Paradiso, in Kloof Street, which is popular with the locals, but not tourists. They serve a delicious Bobotie, which is South Africa's national dish. It's a baked sweet curry with a layer of egg custard on top.

Check out the roadside cafes in Green Point.

Q. Does your Group Adventure venture outside of Cape Town?

A. Yes, and one of the highlights of that part of the trip is seeing the penguins on Boulders Beach. I even had a client come in January who booked her trip with us because she'd seen the Netflix series Penguin Town. I loved that.

South Africa: Safari and Cape Town

If you're ready to plan a journey to South Africa, Nat's Elsewhere Group Adventure, an eight-day Safari trip, covers a lot of ground and immerses you in the best experiences the country has to offer.

South Africa

South Africa is located at the most southern tip of Africa
Spot the Big 5 and the Little 6 while on safari
Road trip along the Panorama Route, one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world
Experience cutting edge art in Cape Town while learning about its history
Spot whales, penguins and seals just off the coast

Day 1

Welcome to South Africa

South Africa calls itself "A World in One Country" for good reason. A combination of urban modernity and untamed wilderness, South Africa is jaw-droppingly diverse at every turn. After landing in Johannesburg (Jozi, or Joburg, as the locals call it) and clearing customs, you'll be met by your guide and whisked off to the Mpumalanga district, northeast of Joburg.

Drive The Panorama Route

Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime through a spectacular natural landscape of waterfalls, mountains and cliffs. After the road trip, head to Honeyguide Tented Camps for an afternoon safari.

Day 3

Get Your Game On

Enjoy game drives, keeping your eyes peeled for the Big 5 and all the other creatures that call the bush home. The Big 5 term was originally coined by game hunters, as these animals represented the hardest and often most dangerous ones to hunt. Seeing a lion, elephant, leopard, Cape buffalo or rhino is a thrilling part of any game drive.

Safari

Game drives in open air vehicles are led by knowledgeable and passionate guides who chat with you about the various wildlife and point out things you may have missed on your own.

Day 5