South Africa: A Journey Through Years of Adventure, Nature, and Culinary Delights

South Africa holds a special place in my heart, not just for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant locations but also for the countless memories I’ve made over the years. From thrilling adventures to serene escapes, this country has so much to offer year-round. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from my various trips to South Africa.

At the end of the article, I’ve included a table with a few helpful links to make exploring South Africa even easier.

Western Cape: Penguins, Sunsets, and Scenic Drives

We also visited the penguins at Boulders Beach, another magical spot.

At Betty’s Bay, we arrived after closing time, but that didn’t stop us from taking a peaceful stroll along the beach, where we were lucky enough to spot a few penguins waddling about. This time at Boulders Beach, we went inside and saw them hanging out by the turquoise waters—it was such a beautiful sight!

I remember showing a photo of the penguins to my then 5-year-old nephew, who adorably asked, “Aren’t penguins supposed to be in the snow?” How cute is that? I was so impressed that even living on our tiny island of Mauritius, he already knew that much about them!

P.S: On previous visits to Boulders Beach, I didn’t even have to enter the main section because you can spot plenty of these adorable creatures from the wooden boardwalk leading to the beach.

Another unforgettable experience is the drive to the Cape of Good Hope, where the rugged coastline, mountain views and dramatic cliffs make you feel like you’re at the edge of the world.

Similarly, the Garden Route drive is pure magic. Stops like Knysna and Hermanus are must-visits. In Hermanus, you can park your car and stroll through the charming town.

A personal favorite stop is Fick’s Pool Restaurant, where the food is incredible, and the staff are so thoughtful—they even offered blankets to keep us warm on a chilly day.

Another cool experience we had was visiting an ostrich farm, and it was so much fun! One of the most memorable parts was standing on the ostrich eggs—yes, actual ostrich eggs—and watching in amazement as they didn’t crack under our weight. It’s mind-blowing to think that these eggs are so strong, they can hold up a full-grown person without breaking. We each took turns standing on them, laughing and marveling at how resilient they are.

There were plenty of opportunities to feed them too, which was both exciting and a little intimidating—let’s just say ostriches are not shy about grabbing food from your hands!

And, of course, there’s nothing like watching a South African sunset. If you want to make it truly unforgettable, try a sunset skydive—it’s not only a thrilling experience but also one of the most affordable places in the world to do it!

Thrilling Adventures: Bungy Jumping, Shark Diving, swimming with the seals and Sun city

For the adrenaline junkies out there, South Africa is the ultimate playground. One of my most memorable experiences was bungy jumping at Bloukrans Bridge, which, at 216 meters, is one of the world’s highest commercial bungy jumping sites. It was exhilarating!

In Johannesburg, I also tried bungy jumping at the Soweto Towers, a thrilling spot with a unique urban backdrop. Adrenaline experiences have always been my thing, but that day something shifted. My legs barely wanted to move for the jump. It was so unlike me, especially considering I’d already done skydiving before, which had been one of my favorite experiences ever. What happened? I’m not entirely sure—maybe life, maybe changes—but from that day onward, I’ve noticed something feels different when it comes to pushing my adrenaline limits.

Anyhoo!!! The second jump at Bloukrans, was just so exciting and Fun!!!!!

Shark cage diving in Gansbaai was quite an adventure, but not exactly one I enjoyed to the fullest. I got seasick from the strong smell of the chum they used to attract the sharks, and the cold, cloudy weather didn’t help. The boat rocked rapidly from side to side, making it hard to stay steady, and being positioned on the extreme right of the cage wasn’t ideal—I barely got a proper chance to see the sharks. To top it off, we didn’t spot any Great White Sharks, which was disappointing. I’ll definitely have to give it another shot someday to truly enjoy it!

We also got to swim with seals, and wow, what an interesting experience that was! Huge shoutout to our tour guide for the heads-up that seals like to playfully open their mouths as if they’re about to attack. Knowing that saved me from a mini heart attack because there were plenty of moments where they swam straight at me, mouths wide open. Thankfully, I kept my cool, knowing they were just playing around.

Domz, on the other hand, being his adventurous self, got a little too close—aaaand, yep, he got nipped. Nothing too serious, but let’s just say maybe he learned to respect their space a little more after that!

One thing I wasn’t so thrilled about? The smell. I’ve always loved seals, but this brought back memories of when I visited a seal beach in San Diego—let’s just say the smell is not part of their charm. Still, despite the stink, swimming with dozens of them and watching them glide around the reefs was an unforgettable experience.

Oh, and one tip: don’t swallow the water. It’s salty, gross, and, with seals around, probably not the cleanest. But hey, it’s all part of the adventure, right? 🦭

I also absolutely love Sun City, a resort that has become a regular feature in my South African adventures — and each visit is just as fun and exciting as the last. It’s a lively destination where there’s truly something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping water slides to serene pools where you can unwind.

One of the highlights of Sun City is the Temple of Courage, an iconic water slide that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted! This near-vertical slide drops you at lightning speed. Despite our best efforts, we couldn’t convince my sister to try it—she gave it a hard pass, which, honestly, I totally get!

However, she did gather the courage to try the other big slide, the one where the floor drops open from beneath you, and you’re sent hurtling down at high speed. Domz, being the persuasive adventurer that he is, managed to talk her into it.

We also explored the tree activities, which include ziplines, climbing challenges, and obstacle courses that are great for both kids and adults. Unfortunately, my 6-year-old nephew didn’t meet the 1.2-meter height requirement for most of these activities, which was a bit disappointing for him. But no worries—there were still plenty of things to keep him entertained.

Sun City is wonderfully kid-friendly, with lots of options for families. My nephews especially loved the children’s water park, which had smaller slides, splash areas, and other fun activities designed just for little ones. Even inside the resort, there were plenty of games and activities to keep them happy and busy.

Whether you’re in it for the adrenaline rush or the family fun, Sun City has something for everyone. It’s one of those places where memories are made—full of fun, laughter, and just the right amount of adventure!

Nature’s Wonders: Wildlife and Waterfalls

South Africa’s natural beauty is unparalleled. In places like Pietermaritzburg, you can stay in charming wooden houses surrounded by impalas, zebras, and ostriches roaming freely—a one-of-a-kind experience. And, at long last, we finally spotted the giraffe! On our first visit with Domz, we missed it, possibly due to the rainy weather. But on this recent trip, we were lucky enough to see it up close, standing majestically just as we were about to leave for our next accommodation. It was an unforgettable moment!

And no list of natural wonders would be complete without mentioning Blyde River Canyon, The Three Rondavels and God’s Window. Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, is breathtaking with its lush greenery and dramatic cliffs. Nearby, God’s Window offers stunning panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see, making you feel like you’re on top of the world. These iconic spots are must-sees for anyone exploring South Africa’s incredible landscapes.

Drakensberg: A Christmas to Remember (Mostly)

One Christmas, we ventured to the Drakensberg Mountains, and it was an incredible experience. The hikes were peaceful yet challenging, and the views of the towering peaks and lush valleys were absolutely breathtaking. Even the drive there was magical, winding through scenic landscapes that seemed straight out of a postcard.

However, spending New Year’s Eve there wasn’t our best decision. We attended a party—called Smoke Dragon, I think—but it turned into a bit of a disaster. We were supposed to get a tent, but they didn’t manage to set it up in time. A guard told us to take any available tent, which we did, only to find out later that it was already reserved for someone else. Feeling awkward and uncomfortable, we ended up sleeping in our tiny rental car, curled up in the cramped space. To make matters worse, we were so exhausted that we even slept through midnight without wishing each other a Happy New Year.

The next early morning, we decided to make up for it. We drove back home, which took a couple of hours, cooked an enormous feast, and spent the night enjoying good food and a very not-sober celebration. In the end, we salvaged the holiday in the best way possible!

Pilanesberg: Wildlife Up Close

We’ve been to Pilanesberg National Park twice, and each experience was unique. Both times, we were treated to incredible wildlife sightings—elephants bathing in the water, herds of zebras grazing, and rhinos so close it felt surreal. On our second visit, the rhinos were definitely the highlight, as they wandered right up to where we were parked.

One of the park’s gems is the serene lake view, where you can sit and watch animals gather at the water’s edge. While we saw many incredible creatures, the elusive lions always managed to evade us, giving us yet another reason to return.

Kruger National Park: Solo Adventures and Monkey Mischief

My first trip to Kruger National Park was a spontaneous solo adventure, just after South Africa’s domestic lockdown restrictions were lifted. I rented a tiny car and drove 7 hours straight, weaving through mountains and endless scenic roads. The moment I entered the park, two elephants appeared on the road, with one heading straight toward my car. Let me tell you, I freaked out! In my tiny rental, I felt like a sitting duck—it could’ve crushed me in seconds. But the thrill of that close encounter was unforgettable.

That trip also introduced me to the majesty of Kruger’s lakes, where crocodiles bask in the sun with their jaws wide open, patiently waiting for prey. It was incredible to see how animals coexisted—wild, serene, and deadly all at once.

On a later visit with Domz, we stayed inside the park overnight. It was his first time seeing Kruger’s mischievous side when a monkey with turquoise blue balls (yes, really!) stole his beloved Haribo cherries. The look on his face was priceless! We also had some magical moments, like getting up close to giraffes and spotting a lioness with her adorable cubs during a night safari. If you want to see some of these moments, check out my South Africa highlights on Instagram!

Find the turquoise balls 😉

Culinary Highlights

South Africa’s rich cultural diversity is beautifully reflected in its food scene, making every meal a new adventure. From Big Mouth in Johannesburg, where the seafood pasta and sushi never disappoint, to discovering hidden gems like Istanbul Kebab in Melrose Arch, dining here is always a treat.

One of my recent discoveries, Istanbul Kebab, completely blew me away with its authentic Turkish flavors. I’m not the biggest meat eater, but wow—their beef dishes are so good, I always find myself poking into Domz’s plate for a bite or two! The mixed pide is heavenly, and the baklava with honey and ice cream is the perfect sweet ending.

Then there’s Akido—an experience that truly refined our palates. The food was exceptional, with the nigiri eel being a standout. But for me, the highlight was their fried rice. I’ve always believed that Mauritius had the best fried rice, but Akido has officially taken the crown! And

don’t get me started on the mochi dessert—soft, chewy perfection. I’m already planning my next visit, hopefully before my upcoming trip!

We also love our regular spots like Tigers Milk, Tang, and Mama Samba, where each visit is its own little culinary adventure.

Tang: Sushi, Cod, and Sweet Cocktails

When I first started going to Tang, I was blown away by their sushi—it was a wow experience! But after a few visits, I found their sushi a bit too saucy for my taste. However, I’m so glad we gave them another shot because their cod with prawn potstickers and meat dishes brought the magic back. Definitely going again soon! And since you know about my love for sweet cocktails, the lychee martini is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth for alcohol.

Mama Samba: Tapas Heaven and Carnival Vibes

Ahhh, Mama Samba! We ordered a bunch of their tapas, and they did not disappoint. I’m already planning another visit just to indulge in more of their croquettes and tacos, which were absolute favorites for me. The vibrant atmosphere and flavorful dishes make it such a fun spot for a group night out.

PS: If you visit during Carnaval, you’re in for a treat! They host special performances that give you a lively, festive vibe, and it truly feels like you’ve been transported to Brazil. It’s an experience worth planning for!

Tigers Milk: Milkshakes, Pizza, and Memories

I have a soft spot for Tigers Milk—their vanilla milkshakes are so good that they’ve made my list of the few places in the world where I actually order milkshakes. Doppio Zero also makes a great one, but Tigers Milk is in my top tier. Their pizza is another favorite, and I rank it among the best in South Africa, alongside Saint Restaurant and Marble. If you’re a pizza lover, these three are a must.

Unfortunately, I did have a bad experience at Tigers Milk in Cape Town, but it wasn’t food-related. My bag, including my phone, was stolen late in the evening, right before closing time. To my shock, this popular restaurant chain didn’t have any camera footage, which was pretty disappointing and left a bad taste in my mouth. It’s definitely affected how often I choose to go there now.

Fusion Favorites in Cape Town

In Cape Town, the fusion dining scene is on another level. One of my favorites is Nikkei on Bree Street, which masterfully combines Japanese and Peruvian flavors. The creativity and quality of their dishes always leave me impressed—and craving more.

South Africa’s dining experiences go beyond satisfying hunger—they’re about discovery, flavor, and culture. With such a variety of places to explore, I’m always excited to see where my next meal will take me!South Africa: A Journey Through Years of Adventure, Nature, and Culinary Delights