RECAP: South Africa

I spent six weeks in South Africa and wrote a total of 50 posts about my time in this country — and all of them are linked below. If you missed any or want more info to plan your own trip, click away to find out more.


South Africa at a Glance

Are you ready for this? It’s my big South Africa post — a preview of how I spent six weeks traveling around this glorious country. Now when someone asks what my favorite country is, I have an immediate answer… this one. Click through to see why I fell in love with South Africa.

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Drinking in the Scenery

We spend our final night on tour at a South African winery with stunning views — we drink, dance, and enjoy each other’s company.

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Arrival in Cape Town

I fall hard and fast for Cape Town on my first afternoon walking along the ocean. And I eat a burger with bacon and banana that blows my mind — you’ll have to take my word on this one.

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Majestic Table Mountain

It’s a must-do for every Cape Town visitor — take a cable car (or hike if you’d prefer a workout) to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy spectacular views of the city and rugged coastline beyond.

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My Favorite Hostel Ever

Hold the phone, guys. I have a new favorite hostel — Amber Tree Lodge in Cape Town. And my favorite part is that it’s next to the best coffeehouse on the African continent. Can I move here?

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Walking Tour of Bo Kaap

Meet the Bo Kaap neighborhood of Cape Town — it has a dark history, as slaves were brought here from Southeast Asia in the 1600s. Now its homes are vibrantly colored. I take a walking tour to learn more about this community and its past.

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Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront

The V&A Waterfront is an upscale promenade, mall, and harbor all rolled into one — with impressive views of the ocean and Table Mountain in either direction. And an extensive market with yummy treats.

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The Robben Island Experience

Nelson Mandela served most of his time in prison on Robben Island, located just off the coast of Cape Town. I take the ferry over on a gorgeous day to learn more about the history of this place.

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The Finest South African Wineries

A day of wine tasting in South Africa’s best vineyard towns, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek — complete with a decadent lunch and mountain views. It’s a perfect day.

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Camps Bay and Beyond

Today I wrap up my Cape Town experience with some odds and ends I haven’t told you about yet, including a visit to Camps Bay which is sort of like Santa Barbara. And there’s a place here called Labia Theater that is nothing what it sounds like.

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Stellenbosch for a Night

After getting a brief taste of Stellenbosch on our wine tour, I make a point to return overnight for further exploration — this area is intensely charming with outdoor cafes, gardens, and coffeeshops.

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Driving Cape Point

Check out the overwhelming beauty of Cape Point in this introductory post — there are sublime beaches, lofty mountain peaks, and out-of-this-world vistas.

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Frolicking Penguins on Boulders Beach

Frolicking penguins! Spectacular beaches! If you love both of these things, check out my photo highlights from Boulders Beach on Cape Point, South Africa.

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Visiting the Cape of Good Hope

Stellar, stunning, majestic — there aren’t enough words to accurately capture the beauty of Cape of Good Hope. But hopefully my photos do what words can’t and translate the remarkable experience of being here in person.

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The Perfect Garden Route Itinerary

Road trip alert! I have prepared the perfect Garden Route itinerary — 7 days from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, with options for additional days before and after to see more of the spectacular coastline.

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The Best Coastal Views in South Africa

Today marks the prettiest coastal views along the Garden Route — we’re talking epic ocean vistas and towering mountains tumbling towards the sea.

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Spotting Whales in Hermanus

Hermanus would be a pretty place to visit any time of year, but I happen to arrive at the height of whale watching season — and these guys swim remarkably close to the coast.

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Cage Diving with Great White Sharks

Just in time for Shark Week, here is my big post about going shark cage diving in South Africa! Who’s ready to climb in a cage and swim with this big guy? He won’t bite, he’s just got a toothy grin.

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Blissful Drive to Swellendam

Today’s Garden Route drive to Swellendam takes me through lush farmland and moody skies. Plus I’m staying at the cutest guesthouse — in the Giraffe Room!

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The Real Ostriches of Oudtshoorn

I visit an ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, South Africa — these guys are the largest living bird species in the world. If someone asks if you’d like to feed one, maybe think twice about it.

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Exploring the Cango Caves

There’s a series of impressive caverns along the Garden Route in South Africa — this place is called Cango Caves and it features gnarly stalactites and stalagmites.

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Congo Wildlife Ranch Adventures

I had a blast exploring Cango Wildlife Ranch — we saw lemurs, lions, flying foxes, lots of crocs, and even a white snow tiger. This place is way better than a zoo; you can sign up for animal encounters and interact with them.

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Cage Diving with Crocs

Adventure alert — here’s a recap of that time I went cage diving with crocodiles in Oudtshoorn, South Africa. I emerged with all limbs intact!

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No Dessert Refused in Knysna

Knysna is one of the more popular stops along the Garden Route. This post details some of the nearby beaches (in Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay) as well as my fancy guest house and favorite restaurants in Knysna.

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South Africa or the Caribbean?

I spend a glorious afternoon soaking up the tropical views of East Head in Knysna… is this really South Africa, or have I teleported to the Caribbean?

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Rugged Thesen Island

Knysna continues to impress — this morning it reminded me of the Caribbean, this afternoon it reminds me of the UK’s rugged coastline. It’s one of my favorite stops on the Garden Route.

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Scariest Thing I’ve Ever Done: Bungee Jumping

Want to watch me freak out before jumping 700 feet off a bridge? There’s video. Check out this recap of my first (and only) bungee jump.

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Waterfall Hike in Tsitsikamma

South Africa reminds me again why it’s my favorite country: I hike for several hours along the ocean to a waterfall in Tsitsikamma National Park. It’s another level of beauty.

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Another Epic African Sunset Post

My evening in Tsitsikamma National Park concludes with an epic African sunset. And then dessert.

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Kayaking in Tsitsikamma National Park

I’m headed back into Tsitsikamma National Park to kayak inland through towering green cliffs. Love this combo of adventure and stunning scenery.

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Hopping on Baz Bus

This is a whopper of a post detailing the 10 days I traveled around South Africa on Baz Bus — from the beaches of Cinsta to the disappointment of Coffee Bay to the LIFE HIGHLIGHT of hiking in Drakensberg, here is my recap of the Baz Bus experience.

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Outrageously Sweet Views in Cinsta

Due to lack of wifi, I am forced into relaxation in Cintsa — check out these outrageously sweet views from the deck of my hostel. Kite surfers on the lagoon below keep things interesting with death-defying stunts.

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Coffee Bay Disappointment

Well my visit to Coffee Bay is a bust — the hike I planned to do is too far away — but at least their java is A+.

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Durban: Exceeding Expectations

I thought Durban, South Africa would be a place I’d bide my time before moving onto somewhere better, but I have a blast here — mostly due to meeting friendly people and eating at great restaurants. Love this place!

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Heading into the Drakensberg

The Drakensberg region of South Africa is unparalleled in its rugged majesty — I spend a few nights at Amphitheatre Backpackers while partaking in exciting day trips. Check out my review of the hostel.

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The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho

Here’s the story of my day trip to Lesotho (an independent country landlocked within South Africa) — it begins with a minor car incident followed by outstanding scenery and welcoming locals. Adventure with a capital A.

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My Favorite Hike Ever: Amphitheater Trail in the Drakensberg

Not an understatement: my favorite hike EVER is the Amphitheatre trail in Drakensberg, South Africa — the name translates to “dragon mountains” and it looks like something out of a fantasy.

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Introduction to Swaziland

My first day in Swaziland is spent watching a song-and-dance performance at the cultural center — it’s really impressive. I’m only here for three days and I already love this small country.

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Roaming Wildlife at Mlilwane Sanctuary

I stop at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in Swaziland — they have paths where visitors can meander among animals. It’s idyllic and I spy lots of fun wildlife.

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Hawane Resort in Swaziland

The moment I saw these thatched-roof chalets at the Hawane Resort in Swaziland, I knew I wanted to stay here.

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RECAP: Swaziland

Want to visit Swaziland? It makes a great side trip to tack onto a South African vacation. I put together this recap of my brief time in this country, including itinerary tips and info on driving and currency.

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Safari Self-Drive at Kruger National Park

Time to visit my last safari park in Africa… and this time I’m behind the wheel. Here’s the story of that time I drove my rental car in close proximity to elephants, giraffes, and rhinos.

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Visiting Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest

Welcome to small town South Africa: I enjoy my stay in Graskop, a convenient stopover in the area. The historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest has its charms but the highlight of the area is Harrie’s Pancakes.

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South Africa’s Panorama Route

One of my favorite days in South Africa — I drove along the Panorama Route, stopping at waterfalls and gorges and the most beautiful green-covered canyon. Just spectacular views and I’ve been excited to share these photos for a long time!

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Purrfect Visit to Lion Park

Lion Park outside of Johannesburg offers a lion cub encounter in which one sat on my lap! It was neat (and a little terrifying) to see these giant cats up close.

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Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg

I spend a somber afternoon learning about the history of apartheid in South Africa. It’s a giant museum and the architecture (both interior and exterior) are impressive.

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Exploring Johannesburg by Bus

My time in Johannesburg is seriously limited so I settle on a bus tour of the city. It’s not an in-depth way to explore a place, but I appreciate seeing highlights like Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, and Constitutional Hill.

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Soweto: Touring a Township

Townships are underdeveloped settlements found on the outskirts of cities in South Africa. I visit the country’s most popular one near Johannesburg: Soweto, where both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu have lived.

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There’s No Place Like Home

Time to click those ruby slippers! My final day in Africa is super chill (think milkshake and a movie) before I head to the airport to fly back to JFK.

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Expense Report: South Africa

I spent six glorious weeks in South Africa and just crunched the numbers — turns out it’s one of the most affordable countries I’ve traveled. Average accommodation is $15 a night, and bottles of wine cost under $2! When can I go back?

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4 thoughts on “RECAP: South Africa

  1. This is nice take on South Africa, its somewhere I really enjoyed too. It is also somewhere I’ve been meaning to write on for awhile.

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