Caving Exeter
On Location Nov 08 – South Africa
Does the bizarre nature of travel ever leave you a bit dazed? One moment trudging down the M4 in the dreary drizzle, 12 hours later dining on a gourmet breakfast on the Western Cape whilst watching the beautiful Southern Right whales breech & flip their tails in the Atlantic Ocean? It certainly had my husband confused but absolutely ecstatic!
South Africa is such a wondrous country, its diversity astounding:- two oceans, cosmopolitan winelands, arguably the best and most diverse game viewing in Africa, breathtaking marine life, magnificent flora and fauna, hip cities, adventure sports including the most terrifying shark diving, deserts, swamplands, snow capped mountains, fascinating and sometimes eye opening culture – the list is endless.
The best part of South Africa I find is the hospitability and the food. It is heaven for any wine and food lovers.
I decided my husband needed to escape the doom and gloom of England’s current economy and potential recession and with British Airways offering such fantastic airfares it was an opportunity I could not miss. The icing on the cake was the GBP pound became so strong during my time there, it was amazing value!
So he had an action packed four nights. From seven course meals overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve on the Atlantic Ocean, where one can watch whales and dolphins, seals and sharks, ride horses in stunning countryside to the north of Cape Town, to farming communities where an old family farm has been converted into a beautiful lodge, reminiscent of an English country house – all candelabra & silverware. Surrounded by mountains, with a beautiful lake for fly fishing, and acres of land full of plains game for you to walk or cycle until your hearts content. For those that just wish to unwind…it is heaven. My favourite part was watching the weavers work away making their nests just under your nose.
From there we made the short journey to Franschhoek winelands – where the culture is either to sip wine in the huge variety of wine estates, or to dine in the many beautiful restaurants that line the town. We were very lucky to stay in the historical Grande Provence wine estate, where the Owners Cottage is a private villa to be sold exclusively to guests. Five bedrooms, beautiful lounge and dining area finished off by a gorgeous swimming pool. One must not refuse the wine tasting nor the gourmet dinner that is offered too.
From there Cape Town is a necessity – from the hectic waterfront, where the hustle and bustle wakens up your senses after the peacefulness of the winelands. Our stay was only very brief but we saw Table Mountain in all its glory without its usual blanket of cloud. After once again visiting more wine estates in Constantia (yes the detox is a must upon return to England!) my husband flew home.
The amazing part is you can leave the UK late Wednesday evening, fly home Sunday night and be in the office by 9am for work, giving you four fabulous days holiday but only two days annual leave and no jet lag!
The next part was for me an absolutely amazing experience – Tintswalo Atlantic. A newly opened lodge in the private reserve of Chapman’s Peak near to Hout Bay and thirty five minutes from the city bowl. The lodge is nestled right on the oceans edge, with waves crashing around you – you really feel part of the elements! Beautiful & extremely stylish décor but kept low key and with minimal impact on the nature that surrounds it. For those that love the ocean and want to watch whales from your bed this is truly second to none. I shall do my best to put it into every itinerary I can!
My journey then ventured from the spring like Western Cape to the desperately dry Kruger National Park. My first experience was Rhino Walking Safaris (and I have to say that in one game drive I saw at least 30 rhinos!!). My two night visit included a rather dramatic African storm and being rescued from our sleep out excursion! The camp itself is a rather colonial, historical camp – no frills but hot running water and flush toilets. We did see all the Big Five in the first game drive, very impressive.
also ventured to Sabi Sands, to the gorgeous Exeter properties – where a morning drive involved a two hour lion hunt and some of the most thrilling hours I have spent on a game drive recently. Followed by the Sabi Sabi concession with four lodges that vary from the old, to the current and the future. I stayed overnight at Earth Lodge. A stylish, eco interpretation of the future, all clean smooth lines created to merge into the backdrop, almost becoming invisible. At night it is like dining in a candlelit cave, all mood and atmosphere.
From there I travelled further north to Tintswalo Safari in the Manyeleti Reserve concession – a lush, exclusive lodge nestled between the Timbavati Private Reserve to the north, Sabi Sand Reserve to the south, and open to the Greater Kruger National Park on its fenceless eastern boundary. Heaven for romance – the suites are just stunning. I enjoyed my breakfast with two huge elephant bulls playing in the waterhole in front of me.
My final stop was the Timbavati Game Reserve to the funky, fun and family orientated Motswari. Family run and beautifully designed with a rawness that I have not experienced for a while – this is Africa as I remember it. For those who wish to relax and feel like home away from home for the family – this is perfect.
Please note: We are offering amazing deals to South Africa until 15th December due to the Rand’s recent decline, so if you need some sunshine and a great holiday, do contact us on 01285 880980 to discuss further, you will not be disappointed!
About the Author
Steppes Travel specialise in China holidays and South Africa safari.
Bullets and Octane – Caving in