South Africa isn’t your average destination–no, no, no! Where else can you sit down at a five-star restaurant, see wild lions on a safari, and enjoy a day of wine tasting all on the same trip? It’s the ultimate travel experience that blurs the line between adventure and luxury. 

But where should you go and what should you do? I’m here to walk you through what makes South Africa so special, the hidden gems that just can’t be missed, and the best places to stay. So, pack your bags, and let’s go on the adventure of a lifetime.

Wine Region in Cape

Another glass, anyone? South Africa is home to around 90,000 hectares of vineyards, hundreds of wineries, and dozens of grape varieties–yeah, it’s a wine paradise. The Cape Winelands District, in Western Cape, is the country’s wine mecca. All throughout the region, you can drink your way through historic towns and vineyards with a stunning backdrop of jarring mountains and greenery–doesn’t get much better than that! Whether you prefer Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinotage, there will be something for everyone.

Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard

Over in the Franschhoek Valley, known as the French Corner, Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard offers guests a truly remarkable accommodation and wine experience. A 26-bedroom luxury home is situated on a 37-hectare vineyard. Guests can enjoy divine cuisines made from locally grown ingredients, a lovely pool, spacious rooms, and unforgettable wine tastings in the 150-year-old cellar–yes, please!

Safaris

A trip to South Africa isn’t complete without going on a Safari. You’ll have your pick of visiting 42 game reserves and national parks that offer out-of-the-ordinary wildlife experiences. From elephants to lions to giraffes, trained guides will bring you as close as possible to some of the world’s most exotic animals. 

Which safari you should choose depends on what kind of adventure you’re looking for. Options range from single-day adventures to multiweek trips spent going to stunning game reserves. The Jewels of Southern Africa Safari, for example, is a 13-day experience that includes stops in Cape Town, Phinda Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, and, lastly, Victoria Falls (located in Zambia).

Lion Sands Game Reserve Lodges

Staying at a game reserve is a wonderful way to get the full-on wilderness experience in South Africa. Lion Sands Game Reserve, along the Sabie River, has four spectacular lodges that ooze luxury. It’s the perfect place to call homebase for a few days while you take daily drives and walks into nature.

Cape Town

South Africa, unlike anywhere else in the world, has three capital cities. But the one that has been attracting travelers for decades and acts as the perfect jump-off point to the country’s best activities is Cape Town. Its stunning coastline is a hotspot for surfing, and on Boulder Beach, you can even spot African Penguins–yes, you read that correctly.

For a day in nature, hike the city’s famous Table Mountain and be rewarded with a jaw-dropping view of the region. Back in town, take in the out-of-this-world culinary scene that various cultures have influenced over hundreds of years.

Whatever you choose to do in South Africa, spending time in Cape Town and exploring its hidden gems can’t be missed!

Ellerman House

In Cape Town, there are a lot of accommodation options to choose from. Ellerman House is a luxury boutique hotel on the coast that offers an unforgettable experience. Guests can book elegantly furnished rooms, order wine from a selection of more than 9,000 bottles, and dine on contemporary South African dishes–sounds nice, right? For the ultimate experience, private oceanfront villas are available with their own infinity pools.

Book Your Trip!

Planning a trip to South Africa requires detailed research. Feel free to send me a message to help organize your travel itinerary and book tours and accommodations with the best companies in the area. Safe travels!