Having not been back to Africa for some time, this trip reminded me why it is still my favourite continent. The vastness of the landscape, the variety of things to do including the unique wildlife experiences. The amazing food & wine , great accommodation options and the gracious hospitality of the people , make Africa , and in this case South Africa, a wonderful destination.

✈️ Flight Trials & TriumphS

Getting there had its moments! Qantas got us from Christchurch to Sydney like clockwork. Some misleading transit signs in Sydney sparked a fast-paced dash to our Johannesburg flight. Arrival in Joburg, and a reasonable distance to get to the connecting flight on South African Airways to Cape Town.

🏙️ CAPE TOWN

We set up base at More Quarters Neighbourhood Hotel, perfectly placed in Kloof Street’s lively neighborhood. Boutique charm with homely comfort, it felt like the perfect local experience. For a more luxurious stay, Cape Cadogan next door served timeless elegance.

We hit the streets on a guided city tour to dive deep into Cape Town’s turbulent history, then soaked up afternoon glamour at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel—a pink-hued colonial gem with legendary High Tea and live jazz.

In Bo-Kaap, we stepped into Cape Malay culture—learning recipes, sampling spice blends, and cooking with locals. And GOLD Restaurant delivered an unforgettable feast of African flavors and rhythms across 16 courses with drumming, dancing, and a pinch of theater.

⛰️ Table Mountain & Sidecar ThrillS

Cape Town’s icon, Table Mountain, greeted us with blustery winds—perfect for skipping the cable car and hiking instead. With AWOL Tours, we trekked scenic paths tailored to our pace and soaked in views that Instagram can’t do justice.

Want a rockstar ride? Cape Sidecar Adventures delivered it—zipping through wine valleys and coastal roads in convoy with leather jackets and helmets. Even the locals waved.

🍷 Franschhoek & Stellenbosch Bliss

Wine lovers, rejoice! Just an hour from the city, we boarded the Wine Tram – Culinary Experience in Franschhoek. A trio of estates, flowing tastings, and a three-course lunch made it a perfect (and safe!) day out.

We bunked at Hazendal Hotel in Stellenbosch—a slick, modern marvel surrounded by vines, fine dining, a golf course, and even a vintage car collection. History and luxury in a single glass.

🐾 Tswalu Private Reserve – Kalahari Magic

From Cape Town, we flew Airlink to Upington, a smooth and pleasant journey with excellent onboard service. Airlink runs many regional routes across Southern Africa and proved a great choice. From Upington, we continued overland to reach Tswalu Private Reserve, nestled in the vast, amber expanse of the Southern Kalahari.

For those seeking a more seamless entry, Tswalu also has its own private airstrip—which is the most convenient way to arrive if you’re skipping the drive.

Unlike typical safari destinations, Tswalu offers a unique ecosystem without elephants or water-based wildlife. Instead, you can encounter fascinating species such as black rhino, cheetah, pangolins, aardvarks, mountain zebra, and rare antelope like sable and tsessebe—plus over 240 bird species.

Three luxe accommodation options await:

Tarkuni: a private 5-bedroom homestead
Motse: a refined lodge for couples and independent travelers
Loapi: tented, off-grid elegance

Each guest group gets their own private guide and vehicle, with activities tailored to your interests—including horseback safaris, walking treks, and even wildlife research experiences. Meals were consistently superb, and the surprise bush dinner under the stars was a real highlight.

A minimum of three nights is ideal to truly connect with this vast, soulful landscape.

🌍 Ko Kasi workshop & johannasburg

Ko Kasi Workshop proved that local flavor runs deep—an eco-conscious, recycled haven of culture, cooking, and community spirit.

Then came Johannesburg. Often underestimated, this city surprised us with art, history, and soul. We stayed in Sandton’s Da Vinci Hotel—steps from Nelson Mandela Square—and dined in style. But the real magic was Sanctuary Mandela, his former home turned boutique hotel. Each room tells a piece of his legacy, and the restaurant menu features his favorite dishes, curated by his former chef. Nearby, the Mandela Foundation Museum added perspective and poignancy.

As the saying goes “If you can only travel to 2 places in your life – visit Africa twice’.

Thanks (Dankie) to South African Tourism , Viva Expeditions NZ, all the local operators who made this wonderful journey possible along with those who accompanied me on the journey .