SOUTH AFRICA, LESOTHO, ESWATINI & MOZAM
I normally do a reflection post for my entire trip but when you visit a country like South Africa I feel it warrants its own post, it has sprung up the list of my favourite countries!
I am currently sitting in Joburg airport after having had an incredible week in South Africa! The family were obviously happy to see me as they are all fast asleep while we wait for our departure to Botswana
WHERE IS SOUTH AFRICA?
EXPECTATIONS
My expectations were pretty high as I had been 10 years before and had spent the previous month research and drooling over Instagram photos of Cape Town!
This is my trip in a nutshell. If you want to delve further in and or find out why I spent 5 hours being questioned by police checked the related articles at the bottom.
LOCALS
Considering the current economic problems, the spread of wealth and one of the worst droughts in years the locals were always chatty and I never felt there was an ulterior motive. The same goes for the last time I was here, it’s something that can make or break a trip for me.
SECURITY
South Africa gets a terrible name for being one of the most dangerous countries in the world but the entire time I was there I didn’t feel intimidated or threatened. Of course you have to have your wits about you but that’s the same with any city.
I would however say if you are in Cape Town or Long Street at night then I would not recommend to walk about alone at night. But again this goes for the majority of cities I have visit. Camps Bay is it’s own little bubble and if you are planning on staying there then you will have even less to worry about
THE TRIP
Arriving in Cape Town on the first day I was pumped for the week ahead and the huge itinerary I had arranged.
The first full day was spent hiking mountains with some of the best views of Cape Town. Going to Table Mountain is probably the top thing to do but I would recommend hiking it instead of the Gondola, it’s by no means difficult and you can take all the time in the world. Later myself and Ruben chased up Lion’s Head to catch sunset and again we were rewarded with some stunning views!
GREAT WHITES
Diving with Great White Sharks has been at the top of my Bucketlist LINK ever since I completed my first Bungee jump. I’ll admit the seasickness or the cold water didn’t make it easy but it was all worth it in the end when we were joined by a Great White! The cherry on the cake was watching the whales break the water in Hermanus.
As South Africa is consider one of the wine capitals of the world it was only fair that I go to a winery….or 5. I am by no means a wine drinker but felt I had enough to do me until I return in a few years!!
DEVIL’S PEAK
After a tour of BoKaap and some Butter Chicken I met up with a family friend who moved out year a while back. Its safe to say hes livng the dream but I think for most people who move to another country, home is always were you were brought up as a child.
The adventures continue for my last full when myself and Ruben decided to take Vincente up to Lion’s Head for sunrise before my paragliding in the afternoon. Leaving the best till last Ruben and I took advantage of our last morning to climb Devil’s Peak, which was without doubt the most insane climb in Cape Town
GOOD HIKES AND LATE BUSES
After South Africa it was onto Lesotho for a traditional village tour and hiking The Time’s “Greatest Hike On Earth” which was spectacular. My trip then took me off to Eswatini where I would wait around for 7 hours for a bus to Mozambique which was cost me £700!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Considering my expectations were pretty high, South Africa did nothing but blow them out of the water! I am already counting down the days that I am able to return!
NEXT UP
Heading over to Botswana to meet the family for the next 3 weeks! Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
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This post is part of the Southern Africa Series, click to explore.
Or for episode 1 click here.
