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Home | Elegant Traveller | A Love Letter to South Africa

Elegant Traveller

A Love Letter to South Africa

schedule4 Minute Read

02-May-2025 Anna Northeast

A Love Letter to South Africa

Including the highlights of my latest South Africa holiday...

South Africa really is an incredible country, it holds a magic that makes some of the most extraordinary moments readily accessible. I think there may be some uncertainty around this as a destination; I know "Is South Africa safe?" is a question that pops into many people's heads when they're considering it. But I've travelled to South Africa seven times before, and every time I go, it feels safer. It feels like people are missing out on something really moments because of their preconceptions.
When you get there, you can drink the best wines, stay at the most luxurious accommodation, be treated to incredible service, and it's really great value. If people are looking to step away from their comfort zone a little bit, it actually makes for a really great choice. If you embrace a luxury holiday to South Africa, it's just incredible.

My Latest Trip

Last month I headed to South Africa once again (because it doesn't have to be the once-in-a-lifetime trip that many believe it to be), and it was just incredible. I did two nights dedicated to safari at Earth Lodge, Sabi Sabi in Greater Kruger, then went down to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve on the coast which is very much about the fauna, flora and beautiful views.
Come to think of it, the whole trip was very outdoorsy and nature focussed but I guess that's what South Africa does best!

The Safari

View from seat behind the two guides in the safari vehicle
Guides on Earth Lodge safari
Earth Lodge, Sabi Sabi was epic - the game drives run by the hotel pulled it out of the bag. On one of the morning drives - just one game drive - I saw three of the Big Five: leopard, lion and rhino.
Selfie with leopard in background
Anna with leopard
A rhino and calf in the sun
Rhino and calf on safari

It's The Little Things

Something that I have to mention about Earth Lodge, Sabi Sabi too was how well they look after their guests. I don't drink alcohol and as I was shown to my room, they also pointed out this massive bar cabinet as it is an all-inclusive hotel. At first, I was a little disappointed, as it can feel a bit ungrateful pointing out that I wouldn't be drinking any of it.
To my absolute delight, they had taken out all of the alcohol and replaced everything with soft drinks, non-alcoholic wine, and even non-alcoholic Champagne! It was so touching.

A Hike 'Up' Table Mountain

I tried to walk up Table Mountain on Sunday morning and I've told everyone about that because I had to come back down again. I take pride in being a keen walker, it's safe to say I get my steps in. Yet I only got halfway up - having started at 7:30am. By 8:50 it was 30° with no shade.
So my main takeaway from this, is that if you want to hike up Table Mountain, make sure you think about your travel season. Or you could start earlier, maybe around 5:30am, but you might miss out on the views if you start in the dark.
View of cities, green spaces and mountains from Table Mountain
View from Table Mountain hike
I've got to say though, my guide was amazing. She goes up Table Mountain every single day and is also part of mountain rescue.
She knew all about the flora and fauna, telling me about them as we were going up. We found a very, very rare bird which she saw on a branch. She stopped other walkers around us to tell them too, she was so enthusiastic.
And when we came back down again, instead of finishing the tour there she suggested we go up to Signal Hill. Here, we saw the view and para-gliders, then we went down to put our feet in the cold sea which felt amazing on our tired feet after a long walk.

The Cape

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve was a really interesting experience. I left feeling so much more connected to nature.
The lodge gets the best of both the coast and the forest with its unique location on the Western Cape. I had a bit of a tour whilst I was there, learning about the area and I was struck by just how pretty it was. Our guide was pointing out some of the flora and fauna whilst you're surrounded by it, with the oceans in the background - this is what Grootbos is all about.
Man on a guide vehicle pointing at ocean behind him
Guide on tour with ocean views
They also host the most magical dining experience which was a standout memory for me. The second night I was there we had dinner in the forest surrounded by fairy lights. They've got this amazing milkwood forest that runs through the property. The atmosphere and uniqueness of it made it one of my favourite nights of the whole trip.
A stone open kitchen in the forest with trees decorated with fairy lights
Dining in Milkwood forest
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Anna Northeast

Anna Northeast

I began my travel career more than 24 years ago as an Australia and New Zealand luxury travel specialist and sharing my travel experiences is my passion. I was so lucky to be able to travel more and more in these beautiful areas and I'm on-hand to help you plan your next adventure.

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