South Africa

South Africa Travel Blog (April 2–16, 2025)

Days 1 & 2 – Arrival in Johannesburg

The adventure began with a flight from Manchester to Heathrow, followed by an overnight flight with Virgin Atlantic to Johannesburg. We were warmly welcomed by our Riviera Travel tour manager and a local guide. After collecting our luggage and boarding the coach, we made our first stop at the Apartheid Museum en route to the hotel. The museum was incredibly moving, filled with powerful photographs, film footage, and artefacts that brought South Africa‘s struggle for freedom to life. Our hotel check-in was smooth. The rooms were spacious and well-equipped with double beds, a fridge, tea and coffee facilities, a safe, and a hairdryer. Though dinner wasn’t included, many of us dined next door at Chief’s Boma Restaurant. The buffet offered fresh salads, stews, curries, grilled meats (including crocodile, ostrich, and impala), and tempting desserts. A live band provided the perfect backdrop to a lively and enjoyable evening.

Day 3 – Panorama Route to Kruger

After a hearty breakfast, we journeyed by coach from Johannesburg to Kruger, following the stunning Panorama Route. Highlights included the breathtaking views from Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels, plus our first wildlife sighting—a baboon! Lunch was at the charming Rose Cottage in Dullstroom, where we enjoyed fresh trout with almond crust and cream sauce. After a quick snack stop, we continued to Hazyview and checked into the picturesque Hippo Hollow Country Estate, right on the Sabie River. We stayed here for three nights, with one night upgraded to the Black Rock Tented Camp.

Day 4 – Safari in Kruger National Park

Today was Safari day! We entered Kruger National Park in open 4x4 vehicles. Wearing neutral tones and armed with cameras and binoculars, we were ready. Our first elephant sighting was thrilling—he was using his trunk to reach leaves. We also saw giraffes, a hyena, and even a pride of lions with cubs. The rangers were fantastic at tracking animals. Brunch was provided by Hippo Hollow, followed by more wildlife sightings, including warthogs, birds, zebra, and buffalo. We returned to the hotel around 2:30 p.m. for a relaxing afternoon by the pool, watching hippos in the river.

Day 5 – Bush Walk and Buffalo Rock

Up early for a bush walk at Nkambeni. Our guides led us through a fenced reserve where we learned to track animal prints and saw impala, insects, and termite hills. After some downtime, we transferred by 4x4 to Buffalo Rock Tented Camp. With only ten tents surrounding a fire pit, the camp was well-equipped and atmospheric. After dark, rangers escorted us around the camp. A buffet lunch and a BBQ under the stars made for a magical evening.

Day 6 – Journey Through Eswatini

We left Kruger for the Battlefields of Zululand, traveling through the scenic country of Eswatini. Border crossings were smooth, and the landscape of rolling hills and green fields was stunning. We arrived at our hotel in KwaZulu-Natal for a two-night stay.

Day 7 – Battlefields Tour

A specialist guide led us through Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, recounting the dramatic history between the British and the Zulus. We had dinner at The Miner’s Rest, enjoying warm hospitality and a home-cooked buffet.

Day 8 – Flight to George and Arrival in Knysna

After a coach ride to Johannesburg, we caught a CemAir flight to George. Aboard a small plane, we enjoyed wine, snacks, and friendly service. We then transferred to Knysna and checked into the Marriott Protea—a lovely waterfront hotel. I recommend dining at The Drydock or 34 South.

Day 9 – Featherbed Nature Reserve

We took a boat to Featherbed Nature Reserve for a delicious buffet lunch and a scenic 4x4 ride to a stunning viewpoint. The optional walk back was a peaceful, beautiful trail. We returned to Knysna for souvenir shopping.

Day 10 – Wine Route and Arrival in Paarl

A scenic drive took us through the Winelands with a stop in Hermanus—perfect for whale-watching (in season). We enjoyed free time and a meal at La Pentola with ocean views. We arrived at Pearl Valley Golf and Spa Estate in Paarl for a luxurious two-night stay. The sunset views over the golf course were unforgettable.

Day 11 – Exploring the Winelands

Some guests played golf while others visited Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. We wandered past boutiques and cafés, and had lunch before a wine tasting and cellar tour at Neethlingshof Estate. Dinner was a delicious Cape Malay buffet.

Day 12 – Cape Town and Table Mountain

Originally planning to visit Table Mountain, we started at Kirstenbosch Gardens due to high winds. The gardens were lovely, especially the canopy walkway. Later, we had lunch at Harbour House on the V&A Waterfront. By afternoon, Table Mountain reopened, and we were lucky enough to ride the cable car for spectacular views. We ended the day with dinner at Time Out Market, featuring everything from pizza to steaks.

Day 13 – Cape of Good Hope and Penguin Colony

We drove the stunning Atlantic Seaboard to the Cape of Good Hope, visited Cape Point, and took the funicular to the lighthouse. Then, on to Boulders Beach to see the adorable penguins. That evening, we had dinner and were joined by Cristo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s prison officer and friend, who shared his touching story and gave us each a signed copy of his book.

Day 14 – Walk to Freedom Tour

We joined the optional "Walk to Freedom" tour, visiting District Six and Langa. We donated items to the community and visited a daycare where the children sang to us. A heartfelt experience. We had some free time for shopping at the V&A Waterfront before taking an Uber to Camps Bay for sunset drinks and a final meal at Bovine—highly recommended.

Day 15 – Departure

Time to head home. We flew from Cape Town to Johannesburg, then back to Heathrow. It was a full-on, unforgettable journey—a truly incredible South African experience. Highly recommended!