Reflections on South Africa

As we mentioned in our last newsletter, we recently returned from a trip to South Africa.  Although we have been lucky to have taken several amazing vacations, this certainly ranks as one of the best.  The splendor of the country, as well as the top notch planning by Brand g, made for an unforgettable experience.  Several travel magazines and blogs have listed South Africa as a top destination for 2023.  The country certainly lives up to the hype.  Yet although it has had its share of visitors, it did not seem overwhelmed or overcrowded.  Below are some of my thoughts on the places we visited.

Johannesburg

If you are flying to South Africa from the United States or Europe, you will be arriving in either Cape Town or Johannesburg.  For us, flights to Joburg worked out the best and we decided to spend a few days exploring before joining Brand g. As the largest city and commercial center of the country, there is certainly a lot going on.  But business activity isn’t generally of interest to visitors, although it does provide for some good restaurants and shopping.

The attractions that I enjoyed the most were generally related to the history of apartheid in the country.  Nelson Mandela’s former homes, the moving Apartheid Museum, and Soweto were all eye opening. Many travel writers have been raving about the local food scene. We did have some great food while there, although I’m not sure that I would make a special trip to the city just for it. If your flights work out better to arrive/depart Johannesburg, then I would spend an extra day or two to see a grittier side of the country.  Thou to be honest, Joburg was the only stop that did not exceed my expectations. Although if you’re the adventurous type who likes to see things off the tourist track, it may work better for you.

Cape Town

This city blew me away. Naturally beautiful, art deco and Dutch colonial architecture, hip restaurants (especially the seafood), nightlife, ocean, mountains; the list goes on. It somehow merges some of the best aspects of Sydney, Los Angeles, and Rio while still maintaining its own character. Kirstenbosch is one of the best botanical gardens that I have ever been to and you could easily spend a day there. Robben Island contains the prison were Nelson Mandela spent 18 years. Our guide was a former prisoner there which added to the experience. The ferry ride over, and the island itself, also have beautiful views of the city. I only wish that we could have spent more time in this World class city.

Kruger Park and the Nature Reserves

Kruger is probably the most famous national park in Africa. It offers guided jeep adventures that often allow you to see all of the Big Five animals (elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and African buffalo). It also offers multiple accommodation options at varying levels of comfort and price. We stayed at the nearby Lion Sands Game Reserve. Kruger is surrounded by large areas of land that aren’t part of the national park. But there are no fences and the animals freely cross from one area to the next. Although the private game reserves are also committed to preservation, their rules are a little more lax than in Kruger itself.  In Kruger visitors must remain in their jeep and the jeep has protective side panels. At Lion Sands your guide can lead you by foot for a closer view of some of the animals.  (Although keeping enough distance not to harass them). When speaking with other travelers, many felt that a day or two at Kruger was enough.  We spent four days at Lion Sands, and I wouldn’t have wanted to miss a day of their game drives and luxurious service.

Victoria Falls

We also spent time at the Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe. A helicopter ride provided spectacular views of both the falls and the animals below.  Although I enjoyed a hike along the rim of the falls even more.  The Edwardian hotel, built in 1904, exudes history.  Although obviously the history is complicated. But it was certainly interesting to stay at a hotel that has monkeys playing on the lawn and photos of the royal family from their visit.

Closing

If you are considering a trip to South Africa, I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you would like more information on this destination, or help in planning your next adventure there including Brand g’s upcoming trips there, let us know. We would love to help you see more of the World, including this incredible destination.

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