By: Madonna Elkadiri, Customer Service Asst Manager & CTA Senior Travel Consultant
“Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself” I heard these words growing up, and was able to ‘see for myself’ on South African Adventure with Trafalgar! Sitting in the green grass, listening to the water nearby, sounds of the herd of wild gazelles, a big difference from my normal travels.
The Republic of South Africa is such a huge and diverse country, teeming with wildlife and culture. Just the right amount of everything – modern cities, wonderful National Parks with subtropical woodlands, beautiful mountains, friendly people and my favorite- wild animals in their natural habitat.
I stayed at a very pleasant, and well established safari reserve at the south end of Kruger National Park. The game drivers were always happy to go for a drive, and always knew when and where the best sightings were.
Related: Get Up Close To Amazing Wildlife In Africa With Trafalgar!
When I asked different drivers how much they enjoyed their jobs, each without hesitation, would speak nonstop of their parks, animals, and making their visitors happy.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a pack of large lions coming my way, breaking apart to give chase to the nearby herd of zebras. I thought, for just a split second, that I might turn into an afternoon snack! I promise I could hear my own heart beating.
To see my favorite giant of all time, the African elephant, as it walked a few feet in front of me was, to say the least, breath taking and mesmerizing! The way the herd just followed the monarch, as she led them all to a safe area of the river was just so amazing to watch.
Related: Explore Everything Africa Has To Offer With Trafalgar!
These animals were only 2 of the many incredible animals we encountered; cheetahs on the hunt, playful zebras and so much more. I have truly found an adventurous playground.
Near Port Elizabeth, I had a chance to meet and greet the locals in the “township” that Nelson Mandela help start for the local residents. I learned about the vibrant and important history of the area with unique art and culture. It was eye opening to learn all about a way of life so different from my own.
Traveling westward, I was able to stop along the way in small cities and Bays, such as Oudtshoorn and Hernamus – Westcliff. Betty’s Bay was teeming with wildlife. We ended in Cape Town, which was just the icing on the cake.
This city has a cool urban edge, too. Excellent art galleries, hip coffee shops and world renowned restaurants. There are design-savvy shops that are home to Africa’s innovative artists and designers, drawn in by the city’s innate beauty. Home of Southern Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, this place also has pristine white beaches by the Atlantic, with curves defined by giant, granite boulders to bake on.
The proximity of nature is a constant source of amazement here, whether it is spotting zebra and wildebeest grazing on the slopes of Table Mountain from the highway, or watching whales breach from a restaurant deck overlooking False Bay. You can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town. All this in-your-face beauty with the Cape Floral Kingdom, it is the smallest yet richest in the world.
Don’t close your eyes for a second….because you just might miss something on your South African Adventure with Trafalgar
By: Madonna Elkadiri
Customer Service Asst Manager & CTA Senior Travel Consultant
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