From Big Five encounters to Cape Winelands and Cape Town’s coast, YOU Travel & Cruise Bethlehem explores South Africa’s extraordinary richness firsthand.

WORDS LIZ FRENCH

Most travellers to South Africa have wildlife top of mind, then discover so much more in a country of remarkable depth and diversity.

YOU Travel & Cruise Bethlehem’s Brenda Stephen and Lydia Haydon each visited this big, beautiful country recently. Both returned raving, and not just about their safaris. From vibrant cities to untamed wilderness and world-class wine regions, they got a tantalising taste of the best of South Africa.

Getting to South Africa involves just two international flights. Brenda and Lydia agree that any uneasiness you may anticipate is completely allayed by the hosts of the tours they can organise for you, ensuring you’re wrapped in an exhilarating bubble from the minute you step off the plane.

A LAND REVEALED

Between them, Brenda and Lydia experienced three private game reserves and that being a guest confers pertinent privileges. Thrill at wildlife sightings from the comfort of a purpose built jeep with guides who have an intuitive (aided by technology!) ability to get you up close and personal with elusive and unforgettable beasts in their natural habitat. Game drives typically start before sunrise, with golden light spilling across the savannah, and are repeated from late afternoon for entrancing evening encounters.

Brenda stayed at the Lion Sands River Lodge in the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It borders Kruger National Park, a public reserve often congested with traffic. Add the luxury of a suite above the river where wildlife wanders past your deck, and the benefits of a private reserve richly reward your investment.

The luxury continued at Ngala Private Game Reserve with extraordinary encounters with rhino and elephants, and wild dogs on the hunt. The Ngala Treehouse experience where guests spend a night open air under a star spangled sky was described by Brenda as the perfect honeymoon or once in a lifetime stay.

Lydia arrived by air at Phinda Private Game Reserve in the KwaZulu Natal region, an equally amazing private reserve with six luxury lodges spread out over varied habitats and safaris into areas where the ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) roam freely. The abundance of wildlife and the proximity of unsoiled coastline and spectacular reefs make Phinda the perfect bush and beach adventure.

CITIES, COASTLINES AND CABERNET

South Africa is much more than the big five. Brenda found Johannesburg (Joburg to the locals) far beyond expectations. Learning of the country’s journey to democracy on a visit to Constitution Hill proved a “poignant eye-opener”, and an inspection of the legendary Rovos Rail (The Pride of Africa Train) encouraged her to recommend this luxury rail journey.

Of all the most lauded hotels Brenda stayed in on her tour, the waterfront Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town was a favourite, perfect for exploring one of the world’s most beautiful coastal cities, where style, culture and cuisine is ever framed by the silhouette of Table Mountain. Excursions to Chapman’s Peak (cited as the most scenic drive in the world), to windswept Cape Point, and to see the penguins at Boulders Beach were among many highlights.

Lydia relaxed and imbibed happily in the Cape Winelands, staying at the utterly gorgeous Franschhoek Country House and Villas, where vineyard covered valleys meet Cape Dutch architecture. A day trip from Cape Town to the wine country gave Brenda a taste of its charm and vintages.

In just under two weeks, these YOU Travel & Cruise consultants experienced the wonder of wildlife in superior private reserves, cultural richness, scenic beauty and historical significance in the cities, renowned wine regions and culinary experiences – all enhanced by luxury accommodation, each exuding unique character. What’s not to love? Lydia’s well qualified to name South Africa, “one of my top three travel destinations”.

Brenda’s and Lydia’s trips were aimed at achieving a lot more than having a wonderful holiday. Like many others taken by the YOU Travel & Cruise team, their South Africa journeys were all about gaining personal experience they can share with their clients. YOU Travel & Cruise believes that by investing in knowledge, they add genuine value as travel advisors and facilitators, and enhance the enjoyment and satisfaction travel provides – not to mention the peace of mind of having a professional on the job as you plan and embark on much-anticipated adventures worldwide.

*Sundowners at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.*

If South Africa is on your radar, the experts at YOU Travel & Cruise in the Bethlehem Town Centre would love to share their first-hand knowledge of what makes this country an extraordinary destination, and to curate an unforgettable holiday for you. YOUTRAVELBETHLEHEM.CO.NZ

INTO THE WILD

ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS