stormygirl

This report is a bit past due but better late than never if it helps anyone else with their travel planning!

3 of us decided to spend the Christmas and New Years holidays exploring South Africa. We spent just under 3 weeks in the country and made all our own travel arrangements.

We all met in Johannesburg but had decided to only spend one night on our way to Kruger. We stayed in the Melville area in a very nice guest house called JeanJean. The house was immaculate and the host was wonderful and made a fabulous breakfast. We didn’t do much in Jo’burg besides have dinner in Santon City at The Butcher Shop which was good but nothing to rave about.

Then next day we rented a car at the airport and drove to Kruger National Park. The drive for the most part was very easy but the drivers in this area drive very fast, are very aggressive and a bit dangerous. In fact we saw a fatal accident right outside of the town of Nelspruit.

We were staying about 30 mins from the Crocodile Bridge entrance at the Grand Kruger Lodge. We loved it! We had a private guest house which had an upstairs with 2 beds and a bathroom as well as a downstairs with a double bed and a bathroom. A big front porch had nice outdoor chairs and a couch and we were a very close walk to the main house where meals were served and there was a pool.

We chose to drive ourselves around in Kruger and were soooo happy that we did! We spotted 4 of the Big 5 our first day and although we never did see the leopards guides who worked for our lodge said no one had in a month or so. Driving around in our little Nissan was so exciting- sometimes we wouldn’t see another car for an hour! Most of the animals had babies with them which was awesome! It was really hot and we stopped at different lodges as we came upon them for lunch, etc. Times flies when you are driving around- one day we were gone for 11 hours.

We did want to go on a night drive and for that we did have to go with a guided group but were very happy to get a small truck with just 9 of us- we saw many trucks that held 12- 24. Ugh. The night drive was really interesting and fun to see all the glowing eyes. This was our best encounter with a big male lion also.

Our breakfast and dinners were supplied by our lodge and we just grabbed lunch in the park during the day. We also found little stores between Crocodile Gate and our park- Marloth- to buy beer, snacks and even get cash at.

We spent 5 days in the area- 3 full one’s in the park – and loved it! We even had our own wildlife under our front porch- a warthog and her 2 day old baby!

Next up the Winelands

stormygirl

We flew from Nelspruit to Cape Town where we picked up another rental car and drove out to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands. We had rented a beautiful house across from the Corner Guesthouse just about 3 blocks from the main strip in town. Our house had 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a laundry, large kitchen, dining room and living room. Also a pool and great backyard patio. We walked into town the first night without reservations which isn’t such a great idea during the holidays.

I spoke with the manager at Ruebans and by the time we ordered a drink at the bar she had a nice little table for us outside. She said that most visiters were quite rude with demands for tables and reservations and she generally just told them no. We did see/hear many people being very rude to others in the service industry throughout our trip. Ruebans was good and we had a nice time there.

We spent the next 4 days driving around to the wineries and admiring the wonderful views. We were very happy we chose to stay in Franschhoek vs Stellenbosch or Paarl.

Other nice meals we had were at Haute Cabriere where we had an amazing lunch and ordered just about everything on the menu! Topsi which I would say is a not to miss experience in Franschhoek- she is a legend and a gem! Bouillebase was fun on our last night for a light meal tapas style and cocktails after drinking so much wine all week! (our meal at Ici in the QF was not good unfortunately).

Some of the wineries we visited were Beyerskloof and Meerlust (my personal favorites). Boschendal, La Motte, Haute Cabriere, Eaglevlei, Nederburg & Vergelegen. The wineries here for the most part do very structured tastings which end up taking a bit longer (at least the larger one’s did).

stormygirl

From Franschhoek we drove into Cape Town where we had rented an apartment in the SeaPoint area of town. Quite a nice area- easy to walk down and along the ocean and just up on Main a good Woolies grocery, atm and Nandos.

We kept our car for 2 days so that we could drive out to Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope one day. Fabulous scenery along the route!!

Another day we drove to Clifton Beach and then farther out to the 12 Apostles Hotel for sundowners.

After we turned our car in we relied on cabs. We took a very interesting tour of Langa one of the townships in CT- I highly recommend a half day tour.

We had some good meals in town but our favorites were at Fork for lunch and Savoy Cabbage for dinner.

Also took a sail around the harbour and of course up Table Mountain. Did not get to Robbin Island as everything was booked for a month.

We didn't experience any safety issues in CT but also stayed together, watched our surroundings and stayed in the better areas.

Beautiful city- lots to see and do!

Jed

Very good and helpful report. Looks like you kept busy.

Mohammed

Thanks, excellent report.

I hope to be carbon copying your footprints in 2 weeks with my family, with 2 children. Actually we stay in Kruger/Mpumalanga self driving in a Nissan X Trail for 10 days, gradually moving north, with 3 nights at BnD, 2 at Satara and 2 at Oliphants, then 3 nights touring the Panaroma route, finally flying from KMIA to CT for 5 nights in CT. Your report puts things in good perspective and we are really looking forward to our SA holiday.

stormygirl

You and your family will love the self drive- it is all very adventurous!

While driving the only thing to remember is to always have cash for gas as the stations don't take credit cards. You will be amazed at how easy it is to find amenities thought even while on safari.