South Africa - Day by Day

As a perfect way to finish the year 2019, I flew to South Africa for ten days of pure magic. With the help of planes and a rental car, I managed to see some wonders of this country, only giving me the will to see more.

In this article you’ll be able to read a summary of each day spent on site and the activities. Don’t hesitate to click on the links to know more about them and discover South Africa with me.

South Africa is the largest country in Southern Africa and the 24th-largest country in the world by land area and, with over 58 million people, is also the world’s 24th-most populous nation. Therefore ten days only gave me the chance to see a part of it and the necessity to come back.

Day 1: Johannesburg and the Apartheid History

After a nice flight to Johannesburg and a lunch at Stanley 44, I got the chance to check in Satyagraha House.“Satyagraha” means the power of the truth, and this name has been given to this house after Mahatma Gandhi lived there a hundred years ago. Click here to see my top 5 of the South African hotels!

Once my luggage dropped, I went with a guide to visit the Apartheid Museum. This place full of heavy history was a great starting point to understand better where South Africa comes from and what it has been through. We then drove to Soweto, a 200 square kilometre township and drove passed Vilakazi street, the only street in the world that can boast having had two Nobel Laureates as residents: Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. There, we could also sadly admire the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum established to commemorate the Soweto Uprising of 1976.

Once back at the lodge, I got welcomed for a tour of the property including Gandhi’s bedroom, followed by a local, organic and vegan diner next to the fireplace.

Day 2: Saint Lucia

Time to fly from Johannesburg to St Lucia where I checked into Amazulu Lodge. Click here to see my top 5 of the South African hotels! That afternoon was simply made to relax and enjoythe hotel’s surroundings and facilities.

I got an amazing see food based diner at Ocean Basket. Check out my favorite South African restaurants here!

Day 3: Isimangaliso wetland park

After an early wake up, I got picked up by my guide for the day in his Safari car to go visit iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Santa Lucia lake on a flat boat. It was a magical spot with thousands of birds, different hippo families and alligators.After a breakfast on the river, the guide brought me back to the main land and drove towards Jabula Beach to relax for a bit before heading for another amazing activity.

Indeed, I then met with another guide with whom I biked around the reserve and got the chance to see different animals completely free. It was impressive to be so close to them, simply on a bike! Read more about my favorite South African safari experiences here!

Day 4: Zululand

On that day I drove towards the Zululand in order to enterHluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve. It was an amazing experience to drive in this park where all the animals are free to be and safe from hunters. After checking in the amazing place that is Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge and enjoying the breath taking view, I hopped in one of their safari car and went on my first real safari experience.

Click here to see my top 5 of the South African hotels and Read more about my favorite South African safari experiences here!

Day 5: Safaris

I woke up very early to enjoy the sunrise and another safari ride. I then came back to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon and massages before heading back under the rain to follow lion’s rumours …
Read more about my favourite South African safari experiences here!

Day 6: Bush Walk

What a day! I woke up very early in order to join two amazing guides native from the Zululand for a walk in the bush. A proper Zulu experience! It was unbelievable, to follow the animals’ noises, paw prints, to keep quiet and just be in the African Bush.

There we encountered a male rhino, not so happy of us being here. After this adventure, I went back to the lodge for a last evening around the campfire, my head still full of incredible and unforgettable memories. Read more about my favourite South African safari experiences here!

Day 7: From the Zululand to Cape Town

That day I left the reserve while still having the chance to see an elephant and zebras before crossing the gate and flew to Cape Town to check in the beautiful hotel La Grenadine. Click here to see my top 5 of the South African hotels. I then walked to Sea Breezerestaurant for a delicious sea food dinner before a great night sleep. Don’t hesitate to check out my review of the South African restaurants I’ve been at!

Day 8: Cape Town

I met in the morning with a new guide who took me through the city on rented bikes and gave me a historical tour. I had a delicious lunch at the Short Market Club before heading towards the Old Biscuit Millholding the heart of Cape Town’s designers. Read about my two days in Cape Town here. Then, I headed for an unforgettable diner at the Gold restaurant which celebrates the global African culture through seven dishes and a show. Don’t hesitate to check out my review of the South African restaurants I’ve been at!

Day 9: Cape of Great Hope

Time to wake up early to drive to the Cape of Great Hope, the most Southern point in the world. After a quick lunch at the organic Imhoff market, I arrived in the protected area of the cape and what an amazing feeling to be there, especially before all the tourists were. Read about my day to the Cape of Good Hope here. Back in the car, I drove to Muizenberg to have a sushi lunch at Live Baitwith a beautiful view on the ocean and th surfers. Before heading back to Cape Town, I stopped by Boulders Beach to appreciate the show of the last South African penguins. Back in Cape Town, I enjoyed a delicious cocktail and diner on the rooftop bar of the Silo Hotelbefore heading towards the Crypt, a Jazz Club in a church. Don’t hesitate to chck out my review of the South African restaurants I’ve been at!

Day 10: Cederberg

Took me a few hours of drive to leave the busy city and head towards the vineyard region of South Africa. There, I checked in Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge, a beautiful a peaceful place on the mountain with a breath-taking view. I spent two days there relaxing before heading back home and it felt magical. Click here to see my top 5 of the South African hotels!