South Africa | What the Focus

Recently, we took a trip somewhere I never thought I would go, South Africa. We spent three incredible weeks traveling around the cape, and my head is still spinning! In fact, I’m not even sure I can do it justice in this blog….but I will give it a try. Those of you who have been to Africa, l know you understand.

Our trip started in Cape Town, which is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is located at the foot of Table Mountain, which has been included on the list of ‘wonders of the world.’ The vibe along the waterfront is energetic and fun, and as we strolled along we were certainly not the only ones swept up in the enthusiasm of the crowd!

We had a few places on our list of restaurants to try on the trip, and the first one was Pier Restaurant. We enjoyed an outstanding lunch that was as creative as it was delicious.

Table Mountain beckoned in the distance, so of course we had to go see it for ourselves. Walking along the top was like walking on another planet: the views over the city, the ocean and the countryside were incredible. At that moment, I had no idea that Africa was going to seep into my blood like the mist that swirled around us (aka the “tablecloth”). It was indeed just the beginning of the visual feast that is South Africa, with many incredible ‘dishes’ to come!

After Cape Town, we flew up to Port Elizabeth, which was a jumping off point for our safari. We chose Shamwari, a private game reserve and one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa. We stayed at the flagship lodge, Sindile, (meaning ‘survivor’, and named after one of the reserve’s beloved rescue leopards) in beautiful luxury tents set on a ridge. The view over the river and plains was breathtaking, and the water hole below attracted a daily migration of animals that was so fun to watch.

It is impossible to describe the feeling of settling in to sleep at night to the sound of lions roaring … it felt as if they were right outside the tent!

Every morning and late afternoon, our private ranger took us out to see the wildlife. It was amazing and exhilarating and sometimes downright scary! We also got the chance to visit the wildlife rehab center on site, as well as the sanctuary where lions and leopards that have suffered horrendously at the hands of man are able to live out the rest of their lives in peace.

After Shamwari, we made our way along the Garden Route back towards Cape Town. The scenery along the way was absolutely beautiful, with farms and fynbos (the Cape’s indigenous flora) stretching as far as the eye could see. I thought the United States was big, but it doesn’t hold a candle to South Africa!! The landscape morphed into lush forested mountains, and we crossed over bridges that spanned steep caverns below. Along the route, we stopped in Plettenberg (‘Plett’) and Wilderness (don’t you just love that name) in hotels perched high above the Indian Ocean. The views and hospitality were stellar. We hiked a bit, watched for whales (I spotted a mother and calf at breakfast!) and ate more delicious food.

After Wilderness, we continued south and drove into the interior for a bit before making our way along a dusty gravel road which brought us to De Hoop Nature Reserve. Only three hours east of Cape Town, it seemed a world away, where the mountains and the ocean flank 34,000 hectares of beaches, dunes, wetlands and fynbos. The Reserve is at the southern tip of Africa, and incredibly, it is one of only six floral Kingdoms of the World – and also a World Heritage Site. It is a prime location for spotting migrating whales, but our guide told us that unfortunately there weren’t very many this year. In fact, the numbers were down from well over a thousand last year to just fifty-something this year.

My first attempt at sand boarding!

After all that nature, we were ready for some serious wine tasting, and our last stop was Franshhoek, one of the most beautiful valleys I’ve ever seen. We stayed in the fabulous Leeu Estates, which not only produces its own wine but also features local artists both on the grounds and in the lovely gallery on site.

We had two divine tasting menus during our stay: one in La Petite Colombe (which was next to the gallery) and one in Epice, located in town. Both restaurants are in the same group as The Pier Restaurant (Colombe) and I can’t say enough about them. My mouth is watering just remembering the incredible food!