HIGH FIVE: What Tops Your List in South Africa?

By Maureen Jones (Star Patcher)

It seems to be everyone’s dream to experience a safari and South Africa would be my choice. It’s a wonderful country, and I recommend you have a few extra days in Cape Town and the wine region which is an easy drive out of the city.

Many travelers wonder why the exotic printed giraffe and zebra are not included in Africa’s Big Five, lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, leopards and rhinos. This term originally referred to the most difficult animals to spot. While safaris have evoked into visual adventures, the famous expression had remained unchanged until now.

Today, you are encouraged to discover your very own Big Five, comprised of everything from epicurean forays to adventurous outings. We share five spectacular reasons to visit South Africa and for the thrill of the hunt, tracked down a few not to be missed experiences as well.

With its bounty of vibrant cultures, South Africa boasts a rich and complex heritage. Trace the legacy of former President Nelson Mandela with a stay in the Saxon Villas and Spa’s Presidential Suite where he penned his famed memoir. Then, venture to Robben Island for a poignant visit to the cell where Mandela was imprisoned for l8 years.

Another vital part of South Africa’s rich backstory includes tribal ritual. Join ancient traditions in Shakaland, an authentic tribal village in KwaZulu-Natal. Stay in an original beehive hut overlooking Phobane Lake and witness the raw energy of the Zulu’s thundering war dance or participate in an authentic Zulu wedding ceremony brimming with ethnic food, music and dance.

An endless variety of dramatic landscapes and temperature weather make South Africa an adventure haven year round. Fronted over 1800 miles of coastline, many of these thrills lie just beneath water’s surface. Set out on some of South Africa’s best hikes, such as the Drakensberg Walk, in winter, the higher reaches become spectacular snowscapes and in summer it is idyllic with wildflowers, and cool steams cascading through gorges and rock pools.

Swim along the purple and yellow Thistle Coral Reefs in Cape Point, alive with tropical beauties ranging from manta rays, leatherback turtles, to colorful butterflyfish. Go round Cape Agulhas, Africa’s southernmost tip to explore historical shipwrecks just off the coast and cape dive among great whites in Shark Alley near the fishing town of Gansbaai.

From the arid Karoo desert and rugged Wild Coast to the spectacular mountain ranges in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa is a scenic wonderland. Within a collection of game reserves call Sabi Sands, overlook the vast savannah from Sir Richard Branson’s extravagant Ulusaba Cliff Lodge on the Ulusuba Private Game Reserve.

Track an elusive leopard with an experienced guide or simply watch elephants or zebra wander past as you enjoy a dinner prepared by your personal chef on your suite’s terrace. Take a hot air balloon ride over the Garden Route, a famous path skirting the Western Cape’s coastline for 150 miles.
Revel in a romantic two day journey from Pretoria to Cape Town aboard Rovos Rail, touted as the world’s most luxurious train.

My husband Roy and I enjoyed our private safari, just the two of us with a driver and an armed guide in an open jeep. We flew by small private plane between the lodges, and thought it was worth every penny we spent.

Going on safari is not an inexpensive holiday.

Without air fare, you can expect to pay a minimum of $10,000 each for a ten day trip, in a small group. Customized itineraries like we did cost much more. We flew on Emirates Airline to Dubai, had a two night stay there to break the journey up then flew into South Africa. A much better way and quicker than going thru London.

This is not a holiday you can put together on your own. You definitely need the expertise of an African travel specialist. There is so many different safari options to choose from, whether it be a tented camp, or a luxury lodge.

There are some discounts to be had if you put together a group. It is a wonderful trip for grandparents to take their family on the trip of a lifetime. All ages of the family enjoy the experience.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street, Los Altos. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.

Previous columns by Maureen:

• Abu Dhabi- A destination apart
• Lima, Peru’s Crossroads of Past and Present
• Why Use A Travel Agent?
• Your Travel Specialist Maureen Jones: On Assignment in Europe.
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
• Scotland, The British Open 2015.
• Delectable Dining - Hawaii’s Farm Fresh Table Temptation.
• Themed River Cruises.
• Islay, A whisky lover’s delight!
• Your Local Travel Expert On: Different Perspectives of Australia.
• Exotic Cruises.
• The Kimberley, Cruising the Australian Outback.
• Tips for the perfect family vacation.
• Ciao Italy.
• Four countries in harmony.
• Latin Luxury.
• Adventure Travel - With a Difference.