South Africa itinerary: Safari, to wine country, to Cape Town and more

Making the most of a vacation to South Africa and its ever-changing landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Image taken by me looking at the Fynbos Cottages of Babylonstoren, Paarl

I traveled to South Africa in March of 2023 with my husband, two kids (ages 9 and 10 years) and another couple. We wanted to make the most our trip knowing that taking a 15 hour flight isn't something we'd do often. These were the highlights:

Stay #1: Safari

Going on safari is everything you would imagine it to be and more. Sitting in an open air truck while wild animals roam all around you feels as if you are in some kind of dream. We stayed at a jaw-dropping property called Kubili house located on the bank of the largest dam in the Thornybush game reserve and a part of the Greater Kruger National Park, home to the big 5 (which we saw!).

To get there, we took a short flight the following day after arriving in Johannesburg (we slept at a hotel right next to the airport, which allowed us to get adjusted to the time). The ultra-lux private residence was all inclusive and fully staffed, everything was thoughtfully planned, my children loved learning archery, swimming, and playing games around the house, the meals were delicious, and our guide took us on a private game drive twice per day. If you are going on Safari I'd definitely recommend staying at a lodge with a private reserve.

Stay #2: Wine Country

After four days on safari, we took a short flight to Cape Town and drove to our next stay at one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms in a magnificent setting at the foot of Simonsberg mountain in the Franschhoek wine valley, Babylonstoren. Equipped with bikes to roam the large property consiting of a working farm, garden, and vineyard, we enjoyed four nights filled with delicious farm-to-table meals, hikes, visiting the gardens and farm animals, bread baking, and wine tasting. We even rode the wine train one day to tour other wineries in the area (not luxury, but very fun).

Stay #3: Cape Town

From Babylonstoren we drove to Cape Town for our final leg of the trip staying four nights at The Marly Hotel, a boutique property located right at the beach in Camps Bay. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, the city is stunning. There is so much to do in Cape Town and the surrounding areas. These were my favorite excursions (how is it possible we ticked all of these off our list?!):

• Lions Head Mountain hike - incredible views overlooking the city and the bay. I did this twice!

• Seeing the colorful homes of the oldest surviving neighborhood, Bo Kaap

• Visting Kirstenbosch Botanical garden

• Surfing in Muizenberg - even with wet suits on, the water was ice cold!!

• Visting Kalk Bay, seeing the seals and enjoying local lunch at the Brass Bell

• Seeing penguins up close at Boulders beach and visiting the SANCCOB sea bird rescue center

• Visiting the seaside town of Scarborough and driving back up the atlantic coast via Chapmans Peak to Camps Bay

• Sandboarding at the atlantis sand dunes

Traveling to South Africa was an unforgettable experience and a wonderful first taste of Africa . A country that has it all: cultural immersion, wildlife safaris, and scenic wonders. I am eagerly looking forward to the chance to return and further explore this amazing region of the world! If South Africa is on your list, let me know as I would be happy to help tailor an unforgettable experience for you!

Happy Travels,

A