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When most people think of South Africa, one place immediately comes to mind — Kruger National Park. And while it’s incredible, this trip showed me just how much more there is to discover beyond it.

From mountains and coastlines to culture, community and unforgettable wildlife encounters in places I hadn’t even heard of before… South Africa completely surprised me.

The Drakensberg Mountains – A Picture-Perfect Start

Waking up in the Drakensberg Mountains felt like stepping into a postcard.

Towering sandstone cliffs, fresh mountain air and endless scenery set the tone for the adventure ahead. A hike through Tugela Gorge gave us a true appreciation for the scale and beauty of this region — raw, peaceful and completely immersive.

Drakensberg Mountains

Culture, History & Connection

As we travelled through KwaZulu-Natal, we experienced both the history and heart of South Africa.

A visit to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site was incredibly powerful, offering a deeper understanding of the country’s past. This was followed by time spent in a local Zulu village, where we were welcomed with warmth, music and dance.

Moments like these are what make travel so meaningful — genuine connection and understanding.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Coastline Charm & Iconic Stays

Arriving in Umhlanga brought a change of pace, with ocean views and a relaxed coastal feel.

Dinner at the iconic Oyster Box Hotel was a highlight — not just for its beautiful setting overlooking the famous lighthouse, but also for its character (and the story of Skabenga, the resident cat who made the hotel his home!).

Umhlanga

Umhlanga Lighthouse

Into the Wild – iSimangaliso Wetland Park

From the coast, we headed into the wilderness of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the unique town of St Lucia, where hippos roam the streets at night.

A sunset estuary cruise brought us face-to-face with hippos, crocodiles and incredible birdlife, before continuing deeper into the park to Cape Vidal, where we spent a night under canvas.

Camping in such a remote and untouched environment, followed by a traditional South African braai, was an experience I won’t forget.

Hippos in St Lucia

Safari Life – Up Close with the Big Five

The safari experience at Sungulwane Private Game Reserve was nothing short of incredible.

Early morning and afternoon game drives rewarded us with unforgettable wildlife encounters — from giraffe and buffalo to rhino and elephant.

Two moments in particular will stay with me. Watching a playful coalition of cheetahs up close was incredibly special, followed later by time spent sitting quietly with a pride of lions, simply observing these majestic animals in their natural environment.

We also witnessed herds moving across the landscape and even young giraffes sparring — those unexpected moments that make every game drive unique.

What made this experience even more special was the lack of crowds — no lines of vehicles, just us and the animals, exactly as it should be.

Pride of Lions

Coalition of cheetahs

More Wildlife & Conservation

At Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, South Africa’s oldest game reserve, our wildlife journey continued with more incredible sightings. One of the highlights here was spotting a pack of wild dogs, one of Africa’s most elusive species — a truly special and rare experience.

African Wild Dogs

Johannesburg – A City That Surprised Me

Returning to Johannesburg, I experienced the city in a completely different way.

A walking tour took us through vibrant neighbourhoods filled with street art, music, local breweries and powerful storytelling. It challenged perceptions and revealed a side of the city that many travellers overlook.

Johannesburg Street Art Tour

A Grand Finale on Rovos Rail

To end the journey, we experienced the elegance of Rovos Rail, one of the world’s most luxurious train journeys.

Combining old-world charm with curated off-train experiences, it was the perfect way to reflect on everything we had seen and experienced throughout the trip.

Rovos Rail

Why South Africa Should Be on Your List

South Africa is so much more than a safari destination.

It offers:

• Diverse landscapes — mountains, coastlines and wilderness

• Rich culture and history

• Incredible wildlife experiences

• Luxury and adventure in equal measure

Most importantly, it offers experiences that stay with you long after you return home.

Thinking About Africa?

If South Africa — or Africa more broadly — has been on your bucket list, now is the time to start planning.

With first-hand experience and trusted on-the-ground partners, I can help you create a journey that is seamless, meaningful and completely tailored to you.

Get in touch when you’re ready to start planning.