My journey through South Africa took me to a country where vibrant cities, dramatic landscapes, wildlife and history all share the spotlight. I really didn't know what to expect, and South Africa surprised me. One of the things I enjoyed most was the variety. You can spend the morning exploring a city neighborhood and the afternoon watching the sunset over a nature reserve, mountain range or coastline.
Cape Town is often called one of the world's most beautiful cities, and I completely understand why. Stunning beaches, mountains and panoramic views are all within a short distance of the city center. It is a remarkable introduction to South Africa and a destination that offers much more than the traditional safari experience.
The men’s race was won by Huseyidin Mohamed Esa of Ethiopia in 2:04:55, setting a new course record. In the women’s race, Dera Dida Yami of Ethiopia claimed victory in 2:23:18.
Table Mountain is Cape Town's most recognizable landmark and one of the city's must-see attractions. Rising dramatically above Cape Town, it offers spectacular views of the city, coastline and surrounding mountains.
One of its most distinctive sights is the cloud cover that sometimes spills over the mountain's flat summit like a blanket—the famous “tablecloth.”
The mountain's rock formations are hundreds of millions of years old, and the surrounding Cape Floral Region is known for its extraordinary plant diversity. Table Mountain was also named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
One of the easiest ways to reach the summit is by the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. The cable car's floor rotates during the trip, giving passengers changing views as they climb.
I embarrassingly was unaware that the floor rotated and lost my footing when it started moving. A little bit of panic ensued! I'm sure the operator made an announcement, but I was too busy snapping away. It's always a good idea to pay attention to the announcements!
Once at the summit, there are walking paths and numerous viewpoints to explore. Weather is an important consideration: high winds and poor conditions can temporarily shut down the cableway, so it's worth checking before you go.
Table Mountain was one of my must-sees in Cape Town. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate for you too.
The idea is to deter the baboons rather than injure them, although I wouldn't want to be a baboon hit by a paintball!
Boulders Beach, about 30 miles south of Cape Town, is home to a colony of endangered African penguins, the only penguin species that breeds in Africa. The colony began in the early 1980s when a small number of breeding pairs settled here.
Boardwalks and viewing platforms allow visitors to get remarkably close to the penguins while helping protect their nesting areas. Watching them waddle along the sand and interact with one another was one of the highlights of my time around Cape Town.
About 45 miles east of Cape Town lie the picturesque Cape Winelands, home to the historic towns of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch, founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century, is one of South Africa's oldest towns, while Franschhoek is known for its French Huguenot heritage.
Surrounded by vineyards and dramatic mountains, the region is famous for its award-winning South African wines as well as its excellent restaurants. Winery tours and tastings are plentiful, and many can be booked in advance.We stopped at a couple of wineries, and frankly, not being much of a wine drinker, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the wines. The hosts offered a wide range of samples to taste, accompanied by local delicacies, which made for a very pleasant experience.
If you're not much of a wine drinker (like me), another South African product worth trying is rooibos tea, which is grown primarily in the Cederberg region of South Africa.
After harvesting, traditional rooibos is processed and oxidized, developing its characteristic reddish-brown color and distinctive flavor. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and contains various antioxidants.
One of South Africa's most remarkable natural areas is the St. Lucia Estuary, part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is particularly famous for its large population of hippos as well as crocodiles and abundant birdlife.
One of the best ways to experience the estuary is on a boat cruise, where you may see groups of hippos in the water and crocodiles sunning themselves along the banks. It offers a very different wildlife experience from a traditional land safari.
At night, hippos sometimes leave the water to graze and have even been known to wander into the town of St. Lucia. That must be quite a sight—although I wouldn't want to encounter one on my evening stroll!
A boat safari on the St. Lucia Estuary is another memorable South African experience worth adding to your itinerary.
Disney's "Fantasia"Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, named for the rivers that flow through the area, is one of Africa's oldest proclaimed game reserves. Covering roughly 370 square miles, it offers a classic South African safari experience.
The park is home to the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and African buffalo—along with many other species. It is particularly famous for its role in white rhino conservation, helping bring the southern white rhino back from the brink of extinction.
Photo Tip: Photographing wildlife from a safari vehicle can be challenging. There always seems to be someone with incredibly keen eyesight who spots a cheetah relaxing in the grass far in the distance!
My strategy is to take several photos in quick succession so I don't miss the shot and worry about choosing the best composition later. Wildlife doesn't exactly pose on command.
Kruger National Park, one of Africa's most famous wildlife reserves, covers roughly 7,500 square miles and is one of the best-known places in South Africa to see wildlife in its natural environment.
The dry season, generally May through September, can be an excellent time for wildlife viewing because vegetation is thinner and animals tend to congregate around water sources. Guided game drives are widely available.
Kruger has numerous rest camps and accommodation options, ranging from relatively simple lodging to more luxurious safari experiences. Gate and camp closing times vary by season and location, so it's important to know when you are required to return.
The guides are remarkably good at spotting wildlife. Their skill comes from trained eyes, experience and knowing where particular animals are likely to be found.
It was incredibly exciting to see giraffes and elephants approaching the road, seemingly composed and serene as they crossed in front of us. I never felt unsafe, but I was certainly happy to have an experienced guide.
One particularly memorable moment came when lions approached the road while apparently searching for their cub. I was thrilled—and also relieved that our jeep was a safe distance away. Watching these magnificent animals in the wild was an experience I won't forget.
Practical Tips: What I Learned on Safari
1. Get an early start.
Lines can form at park entrances, and early morning is also an excellent time for wildlife activity. Don't sleep away your safari!
2. Pay attention to other safari vehicles.
If several vehicles suddenly congregate in one area, there's probably an interesting wildlife sighting nearby. We quickly learned to investigate. I call it “clustering,” and it's perfectly normal safari behavior.
3. Dress in layers.
Early-morning game drives can be surprisingly chilly. I wore a beanie and gloves, and our driver supplied blankets. We were very cozy and warm.
4. Practice good camera etiquette.
Everyone in the vehicle wants that special photograph. Take your shots, but remember to sit down or move aside when necessary so others can get theirs. The people in my jeep were very considerate, so this wasn't really a problem—but it's a courtesy worth remembering. 😉
. 
. 
The contrast between wealth and poverty can be striking. Sandton, for example, is known for its luxury hotels, shopping centers and businesses, while significant economic inequality remains throughout the greater Johannesburg area.
As a solo traveler, I usually enjoy the “wandering” aspect of travel, but Johannesburg was one place where I was more cautious. We were advised to be aware of our surroundings, avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas—particularly after dark—and use reliable transportation when necessary. As a solo woman traveler, I think it's important to enjoy a destination while also knowing when to be cautious. Safety first.
Culturally and historically, Soweto is an important place to visit. Nelson Mandela lived there, and the township played a major role in the struggle against apartheid.
Another important stop is Constitution Hill , a former prison complex where both Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi were once held. Today, the site is also home to South Africa's Constitutional Court.
The Apartheid Museum provides another powerful look at the country's history of racial segregation and the struggle to end it. Visiting places such as Soweto, Constitution Hill and the Apartheid Museum gave me a much deeper understanding of South Africa's complicated history and the challenges the country continues to face.
