South Africa 101

Kayla Naples

3 months ago

Our Complete Guide for First-Time Travelers to South Africa

With a wide variety of countries to visit throughout Africa, we feel South Africa is a “one-stop shop” for a well-rounded, somewhat less expensive, and more accessible safari experience. First-time travelers to South Africa can experience an array of urban delights, countryside romance, and exciting wildlife encounters. If you have limited time to travel and prefer to combine these elements into one area, South Africa is certainly your holy grail! Though we are big fans of the small, remote, luxury safari camps of the game-rich, pristine Okavango Delta in Botswana, South Africa is not to be overlooked in terms of its ability to offer visitors an unforgettable safari experience. The assumption is often that you are giving up a “true” safari experience by staying within South Africa…and this could not be further from the truth! Let us show you why.

Please peruse our guide below on our crash course of “South Africa 101” and why it is the ultimate destination for food, wine, adventure, and animal lovers alike!

A Honeymooner’s Paradise!

We have found that South Africa has been one of the trending destinations for our recent honeymoon private tour requests. When the opportunity arose for myself and my husband, Bryce, to go on our honeymoon THREE years later (we were a Covid wedding and then had our daughter!), we knew there was no place more perfect to venture to. South Africa offers not only a romantic and intimate experience, but it is also simply one of those trips that you will never be able to top or feel the magic of twice. What better way to start a new adventure in life than to experience fine dining and incredible views in Cape Town, taste delectable wines and enjoy a spa treatment in the romance of the winelands, and then come face to face with a lion on safari to top it all off – all while experiencing the most luxurious properties?! Even better, South Africa in particular is lower in cost than most of the options throughout Africa/other popular honeymoon destinations. With affordable luxury, you can enjoy high-end accommodations and experiences without going above budget – a huge plus after coming off that wedding bill!

*Thank you so much to Randy for sending us on the honeymoon of a lifetime. It was surely worth the (three year!) wait!

I hope you all enjoy some of our photos and favorite highlights from our trip noted throughout the blog.

-Kayla and Bryce Naples

Our photo from the Cape of Good Hope

First Stop: Cape Town

With Cape Town being quite an accessible destination from the U.S. with direct flights from three cities including Newark (EWR), Washington D.C. (IAD), and Atlanta (ATL), getting to Cape Town has never been easier. We flew from Chicago to Newark then Newark to Cape Town. With the long-haul flight being an average of 16 hours, we were so thankful for the (premium economy!) comforts on our beloved United Airlines. Thank you UA!

Cape Town

We feel very few places in the world combine astonishing physical beauty with an eclectic 21st-century urban lifestyle. Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain is a dramatic backdrop for this ethnically diverse city. In addition to being one of the globe’s great “foodie” cities (think FRESH seafood!), Cape Town provides an interesting mix of Victorian, Georgian, and Cape Dutch architecture. The city was founded in 1652 by the Dutch East India Company as a supply station for the many ships traveling east. Due to its role as Europe’s most established city in the country, over many centuries, the city became the site of resistance during the struggle against apartheid. Robben Island, just off the coast, is where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 18 of his 27 years (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Many picturesque hiking and wildlife opportunities also await, including Table Mountain, Lion’s Head Peak (our favorite hiking trail at 2,195 feet!), and penguin-watching at Boulders Beach (which can be visited on an exciting full-day excursion to Cape Point)!

Where to Stay?

The spanning city has endless options for luxury accommodations, but our two top favorite properties are Cape Grace and Ellerman House.

Cape Grace Hotel

This 120-room luxury property has been our favorite hotel in Cape Town for quite some time, with much positive client feedback. Cape Grace is located on a private yacht basin on the city’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. The rooms here are particularly large and each room is decorated with Cape Dutch antiques and man-made fabrics. We particularly enjoyed the library with its warm, open fireplace, nice 45-foot outdoor pool, and a very lovely spa (with panoramic views!).

Ellerman House

This is our new favorite luxury city property in all of Africa! With stunning views overlooking the affluent Bantry Bay (a 20-minute drive to the Cape Town Waterfront), Ellerman was once the home of a shipping magnate and later transformed into a magnificent 13-room/suite hotel! We particularly like the three-to-five-bedroom private villas. Ideal for families, these villas come with a chef, wine tastings, and a 6m x 20m heated lap pool that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Outstanding dining, spa facilities, gym, and heated freshwater pool are also among the property’s five-star amenities. Ellerman’s setting and unique accommodations remind us of the iconic Hotel du Cap in Antibes, France, not bad company!

We got to check the penguins at Boulders Beach off our bucket list!

Next Stop: The Winelands

In the late 17^th century, several hundred Huguenot refugees (Calvinist Protestants fleeing religious persecution in France) arrived at the Cape of Good Hope. The Dutch East India Company, which established the first European colony in South Africa, encouraged the French immigrants to plant, not only because of their shared religion but because many of the Huguenots had an invaluable skill – viniculture. Simon van der Stel, who landed in the Cape in 1679, set aside nine farms for the settlers in the Provence-like valley, framed by a natural amphitheater of mountains and vineyards (present-day Franschhoek, meaning “French corner”). Based on the work ethic and skill of the pioneer vintners, Cape wines were much improved. Especially since the end of apartheid, South African wines are now considered among the highest quality in the world. Only a 45-minute drive from Cape Town, the Winelands include over 100 wineries, farmsteads, and even a few breweries! The district’s three primary regions are Stellenbosh (known for its many celebrity residents/visitors), Paarl (which has great golfing opportunities – just ask Bryce who played 18 holes here!), and perhaps most noteworthy, Franschhoek, home of many upscale restaurants, shops, and luxury manors. We feel a stay in the Winelands offers a nice contrast to the urban feel of Cape Town and has some of the most incredible landscapes anywhere in the world!

Our Favorite Winery!

During our trip, Bryce and I took on the daunting(!) task of jumping aboard the local wine tram (a trolley-style train that picks up and drops off guests at the various wineries in the area) and visiting the many local vineyards and sampling lots of wine to see which properties were superior. By far, the winner was Haute Cabriere. With just the first step off the tram, our jaws were on the floor. The views from this location are, by far, the best views of any winery in the region (please see the photo Bryce and I at the entrance to Haute Cabriere below!). We recommend a private tasting in the cellars, a beautiful cave-like room in the space below the main reception. Along with sampling wines from reds to whites to bubbles, Haute Cabriere had some of the best charcuterie we have ever had to pair for the perfect tasting! Afterward, or alternatively, we highly recommend a lunch or dinner reservation at the onsite restaurant. With floor-to-ceiling views of the lush green rolling valleys below and some of the freshest local ingredients, it is the perfect setting for a relaxing (and romantic!) meal to soak in the beauty of the South African winelands with a glass of superb wine in hand. Cheers!

A photo from our visit to Haute Cabriere and the beautiful surrounding landscape

Where to Stay?

Mont Rochelle

On the slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, the Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards are a breath of fresh air from city life. Franschhoek is famously known as the “French Corner” of the Cape, with its long history of French settlers. Mont Rochelle is the perfect retreat to explore this region – with 26 rooms and suites, a large outdoor swimming pool (it will be waiting for you, Burt-Man!), a luxury spa, and a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking and “retail therapy”. This is where we stayed during our trip and found the property to be refreshing and visually appealing. The staff was attentive and treated you as though you were a member of their own family, somehow referring to you by name even if you hadn’t met yet. The food was delectable, with a superb set-course wine paring option for dinner (we highly recommend!). I also found the spa here to be one of the best I have ever experienced, particularly the “Soul of Africa” body treatment that came with a private hammam session, full-body massage, and a warm scrub and mud body wrap). Your stay includes a complimentary wine tasting at the Mont Rochelle Kitchen, just a few minutes away (please see the photo below of the two of us very much enjoying our tasting!). We recommend requesting a picnic basket and taking your tasting/light bites to a nearby lawn to best enjoy the stunning surroundings. Mont Rochelle also has a shuttle van for all guests, with complimentary transportation to/from any local locations.

Cheers from our wine tasting at Mont Rochelle!

Leeu House

If you desire to be in the town of Franschhoek and prefer to be within walking distance of various restaurants and shops, we recommend Leeu House as your perfect “home base” while venturing the Winelands! Although located in the town, the hotel is quite intimate with only 12 rooms and suites total – all individually designed. We feel Leeu House perfectly encapsulates everything that we love in a five-star luxury property: comfort, artful interiors, and sophisticated amenity options. Amenities here include a garden conservatory and terrace al-fresco (which a feature delicious menu by multiple award-winning chef Darren Badenhorst), the Great Heart Wines Boutique for wine tastings, laundry services, a giant outdoor pool with mountaintop views, and Leeu gym & spa, which offers a variety of face and body treatments. Your stay includes a complimentary wine tasting at the Mullineud & Leeu Wine Studio—make sure to try their award-winning Leeu Passant Chardonnay!

Your Final Stop: Safari!

Although sometimes overlooked as a top safari destination, there are many reasons we feel South Africa is one of our favorite locations for a luxury safari experience. For starters, South Africa is home to a rich variety of animals including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). In addition to these, you can expect to see further species such as giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hippos. The abundance and impressive diversity of wildlife here make for almost guaranteed exceptional gaming experiences. You also have access to some of the most world-class national parks, such as Kruger National Park. As one of the most famous safari destinations in the world, you know without a doubt you will be among a well-maintained landscape, ensuring your experience is nothing short of exceptional. It is here that you will have well-established roads, high-quality accommodations, and well-managed reserves. We feel, in combination, that this makes for an accessible and comfortable safari experience, for both first time visitors and seasoned safari goers alike!

Please continue to read below as we highlight in depth the various factors that we feel make South Africa a premier destination for safari seekers!

A photo from our very first game drive (followed by a bush walk back to the lodge – that included hiding from a family of hippos!).

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most famous game reserves, is an ideal destination for those seeking a top-notch safari experience. Established in 1898 to protect South Africa’s wildlife from overhunting, the park spans nearly 7,700 square miles and is home to an incredible variety of animals, including the Big Five, 147 species of mammals, 500 bird species, 50 fish species, 114 reptile species, and a diverse plant life with over 2,000 types. The park is located in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, near the borders of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. In just one game drive, Bryce and I experienced savannah grasslands, dense forests, and riverine environments – all which support a wide range of animal habitats. It is this diversity that makes it almost impossible not to see a wide variety of animals during your safari experience.

Admirably, Kruger National Park is also a leader in wildlife conservation. The park is maintained carefully, focusing heavily on preserving biodiversity, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat restoration, which is why your visit is crucial to supporting these ongoing efforts. For example, during our visit, we noticed that all the rhinos we saw did not have their horns. It was later revealed that every two years, there is a dehorning that takes place within the park in order to prevent poachers from harming or killing these precious animals, that are on the brink of extinction. While on a game drive, our driver Ruan noticed a rhino with a horn that would be long enough to place the animal in danger of being poached. He used an app that is shared by all staff in the Kruger area to pin-point the exact coordinates of the rhino and mark this information so that he can be dehorned sooner than later for his safety. Below, you can enjoy a photo from one of our evening game drives, when a rhino came very close to the vehicle(!) with a beautiful sunset in the background – notice how short his horn is.

Our Favorite Luxury Lodges

With Kruger National Park being our preferred “home base” for South Africa safari, there are a plethora of luxury lodges and game reserves within its boundaries to choose from. Our top two choices are Singita and Sabi Sabi. Please see below for a review of our stay at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in September 2024.

For a more in-depth description and more lodges to peruse, please CLICK HERE to be linked to “Our Favorite South African Luxury Safari Camps & Cape Town”.

Our Experience at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

After an easy flight from Cape Town to Skukuza Airport (approximately 2.5 hours), we landed in one of the most unique and beautiful airports I have ever experienced. As just a small building, Skukuza has one main hall made up of an arrivals area, departures terminal (including one security belt), and an airport shop. Pro tip: if you experience severe motion sickness as I do, it is recommended to take Dramamine or wear acupuncture bracelets to negate the often-windy landings. Upon arrival, we began the journey to our lodge – in this case, Earth Lodge! There are many ways to reach the lodge, but we recommend traveling via private game car arranged via the lodge itself. The benefit of this is that only the game car can take the local roads, and your safari experience begins immediately. Alternatively, you can take a light flight to the Sabi Sabi airstrip from Skukuza (a ten-minute flight), or you can meet a third-party private driver – who must go around the reserve and take a longer route. However, these vehicles are air-conditioned (!).

Upon arrival at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, the feeling of luxury was felt immediately. A cold towel with a lemon scent was bestowed upon us as we walked in to enjoy the spanning entry area – reminding us of an Aman-esque vibe with its modern simplicity and using the natural landscapes as the focal point. The decor of Earth Lodge is meant to reflect the “tomorrow” of Africa, with more modern accents mixed with traditional attributes. The main area is home to the plunge dining pool, lounge area, dining area, library, and bar area. There are 12 luxury suites spanned to either side of the main building, with one luxury villa being available to guests. After the sun sets, you will need to be escorted to your room with a staff member via flashlight (there are hippos mere steps from the lodge in a local watering hole – welcome to the wild! Be careful!). Rooms are spacious and beautiful with large beds, a lounge area, his and hers sinks with a large bathtub, a separate toilet area, and an indoor and outdoor shower. But the best part of the suites is surely the private pool – ours was often visited by wildlife such as impala, lizards, and a thirsty elephant(!). It is also a refreshing activity to relax in after a morning game drive in the heat of the South African sun!

Game drives are the focus and highlight of your safari experience, and last for approximately three hours each. Although Bryce and I have to admit, the time went by very quickly and it did not feel this long at all! Earth Lodge schedules morning drives to depart at 6:00 AM and afternoon drives to depart at 4:00 PM (*departure times may be adjusted locally based on weather or other factors). Before your morning drive, you are fed light bites and coffee/tea. Upon your return at approximately 9:00 AM, a full breakfast is served. The afternoon is completely at leisure to enjoy spa treatments, relax in your room at the private pool, use the fitness area (the coolest workout view I have ever experienced!), or simply take a nap on one of the many lounge pads throughout the property – soaking in the sun and atmosphere. Each room is also equipped with a full paint and drawing set, in case any guests are artistically inclined! Unfortunately, we are lucky if we can draw stick figures, but this would be a really neat option for those who have a talent that we don’t possess! Dinner is served after your evening drive returns, at approximately 7:00 PM (side note: Earth Lodge had some of the BEST food we have ever had!). I fully recommend taking both drives each day as different animals tend to come out at dawn or dusk. For example, you will likely see more elephants, giraffes, and rhinos on the morning drives. In the evening, animals such as lions, leopards, and hyenas become more active (especially since they have night vision!). Enjoy some photos below from a few of our game drives. I was most impressed with the lions that were just waking up as the sun was beginning to go down. They were expected to begin hunting shortly after, don’t they look hungry? (Thankfully not for her, although they were certainly close enough to have a taste!). On one game drive, a lion walked directly past me, I could easily have reached my hand out to pet him (!).