South Africa has always been a special place to me, and being able to explore it again as an adult made this trip even more meaningful. Spanning cities, vineyards, mountains, and the wild African bush, it gave me everything… from childhood nostalgia to wildlife thrills. It was a journey that truly stole my heart.
Our adventure began in Cape Town at the iconic, very pink Mount Nelson. Waking up here felt like a dream, with breathtaking views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head from my bed. There’s a refined elegance about the property, a classic sense of luxury with warm service that makes you feel instantly at home. It was the perfect introduction to South Africa: sophisticated, stunning, and effortlessly beautiful.
The location of this property is fantastic and allowed me to explore the city in full. I found myself wandering around the Oranjezicht Farmers Market and driving down to Boulders Beach to lie on the sand next to the penguins. Despite being in the heart of a bustling city, the hotel has this incredible sense of tranquillity, like its own little bubble of calm. You can fully switch off, yet still step out and explore everything Cape Town has to offer.
Next, we headed to Steenberg, a place that’s incredibly close to my heart. I spent many childhood school holidays here, even celebrating my very first birthday. Returning felt surreal. With our villa looking out onto the vineyards, I was flooded with memories I hadn’t even realised I had.
We kicked things off the moment we arrived with a wine tasting… especially special this time, now that I’m finally old enough to enjoy the wine made right on the doorstep. Spending just two days here wasn’t nearly enough. The villa itself was intimate and welcoming, with friendly and attentive staff. Being back in Steenberg reminded me why the Constantia Valley is so special.
From Steenberg, we moved on to Babylonstoren, keeping on the wine theme, a place that feels almost unreal in its beauty. The farm is kept to perfection, with immaculate gardens that you can wander for hours. Their wine cellar was a real highlight too; you don’t just taste the wines, you actually see how they’re made, which makes every sip feel more meaningful.
We stayed in one of the Fynbos Cottages, which quickly became a favourite. The mountainous views were breathtaking. But the standout experience was the mountain pool. We drove up into the hills to find a huge, secluded pool waiting just for us, along with a generous picnic – more of a feast, really. With a waterfall beside us and endless views all around, it felt like we were completely wrapped in nature.
Then it was time to slow the pace completely at Coot Club in Stanford. Waking up to the mountains right in front of my bed felt like stepping into a painting every morning. The tranquility here is incomparable. It is a place to reset, breathe, and truly appreciate the natural beauty around you. Every corner feels carefully curated, yet it never loses that sense of being part of the landscape rather than apart from it.
The interiors at Coot Club are equally beautiful, stylish and full of character, making the lodge feel both cosy and effortlessly luxurious.
A real highlight of our time at Coot Club was getting out on the quad bikes. As a bit of an adrenaline junkie, I loved racing across the sand dunes. An exhilarating way to take in the scenery and really get a sense of the landscape. We also went on a beach drive, off-roading in my favourite car, a Series III Land Rover Defender, which brought a whole load more fun and excitement to our picnic. While we didn’t spot any whales this time, even though the area is known for them, we did catch a few seals bobbing in the water, which felt like a little reward for the adventure.
For a fellow Cornwall lover, it felt like South Africa’s very own version of Cornwall.
And then… the safari. My first safari – one I will never forget, and one I hope I can return to again and again! Chitwa Chitwa in the Sabi Sands is where the wild really comes alive. As an animal lover, this was a dream. We saw the Big Five, including lion cubs, a six-week-old elephant, and even joined a wild dog chase, an experience that was every bit as thrilling as it sounds. It’s no surprise that we saw as many leopards as the number of days spent there, as Sabi Sands is known for having the second highest population of leopards in the world. A truly unforgettable wildlife highlight. The photos of these incredible animals are ones I took myself, showing just how close we got.
The wildlife was breathtaking, and while I could go on about it for hours, what truly made the safari unforgettable were the people. Sharing a vehicle with a honeymoon couple from New York, who were also experiencing their first safari, was a delight. We bonded over every single sighting, and by the end of the trip, it felt like we’d known each other for years. Then there were our guides, JJ and Ralph, whose knowledge of the bush was almost as incredible as their eyesight and tracking skills!
Our residence for this part of the trip was Chitwa House, which had its own unique charm. Combined with the warmth and friendliness of the staff, it made leaving Chitwa unexpectedly emotional. There is something about sharing awe-inspiring moments with both animals and people that stays with you forever.
Every place we visited was completely individual and incomparable, yet all shared the same underlying magic: stunning views, thoughtful details, and friendly staff. South Africa truly offered something different around every corner.
Travelling with my family made it even more special. Three weeks and no arguments… that tells you just how much joy was felt on this trip! I felt a deep sense of gratitude at every stop. South Africa captured my heart because it truly has it all – luxury, simplicity, adventure, and wild beauty. It’s a country you experience with all your senses, and I cannot wait to return.
