All Aboard for Africa!
Is South Africa on your bucket list? I'll be honest - it wasn't first on my list. It was a “maybe one day” for me but not truly on my radar quite yet. It was, however, at the top of my husband's. He loves all things nature and animals and I’m over here dreaming about another trip to Italy or France (you know, my usual comfort zone). Then the amazing opportunity came from our trusted partner, Clint Saint with Live, Life, Safaris to visit South Africa and Mozambique. Add this to the fact that my husband, Jim, would get to go and it was truly an offer we couldn’t refuse. This adventure didn't just check off my husband's bucket list dream - it created a whole new dream I didn’t even know I had.
You know what? I finally get what all my clients have been raving about - Africa really does change you. It's not just the "wow" factor or the incredible photos (though trust me, you'll take hundreds). There's something about this place that just grabs hold of your heart and doesn't let go. Forget about just checking Africa off your bucket list - this is the kind of place that makes you start planning your next trip before you've even left.
We kicked things off in Cape Town, and let me tell you - what a way to start! We spent our days bouncing between wine tasting in the gorgeous Winelands (hello, new favorite Pinotage!), soaking in the jaw-dropping views from Table Mountain, and cruising along that stunning coastline that seems to get more beautiful around every bend. Then came the real magic: four nights on safari that basically ruined all other vacations for me (in the best way possible). We wrapped it all up with the cherry on top - two blissful nights at this dreamy beach resort off Mozambique. Sure, we moved around quite a bit (occupational hazard of being a travel advisor - I had to check it ALL out), but every single stop was worth it. This post is all about Cape Town and the Winelands but don’t worry - more to come on those amazing stops in the following blogs.
Here’s our Hotel and Safari Lodge Lineup:
Cape Grace
andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp
MalaMala Camp
Singita Lebombo
Cape Town is the perfect mix of city life and stunning nature that just works. We started the mornings at the waterfront, which I'll admit is totally touristy but in the best way possible. Such a fun place to stroll along the water, listen to live music, and shop. For food lovers (raising my hand here), the restaurant scene is incredible. From NV 80 Grill, Baia, and Pot Luck Club, every meal was a hit. Pro tip: if someone offers you fresh line fish, just say yes.
Our second day was a rainy day but we made the most of it. We toured some great properties like The Silo and One and Only Cape Town then traveled to Boulder’s Colony to see the penguins. Who knew penguins were in South Africa, right? It was a fun experience to watch them swim, waddle and play.
The next day was time to Sip and Savor. Picture the most gorgeous wine country you've ever seen, then add historic white-walled buildings and mountains in the background. That’s Cape Town Winelands. Such a great place to unwind and take in amazing wines in the middle of a very busy Safaris. We ended this day with the a perfect finale; cable ride to the top of Table Mountain. It was so much more impressive at the top than I ever dreamed it would be. Absolutely breathtaking!
After that, we turned in early and got ready to head to the our first safari camp. Let the true adventure begin……
