South Africa: A Diverse Destination
While I have had clients and teams located in South Africa for years, I never managed to finagle a business trip there. And with it being at the very top of my travel wish list, I vowed that I would visit whilst on my current work sabbatical. I would not let the fact that no one close to me could make a two-week trip work with their calendar stop me. I decided to travel alone - as I have done so many times - and am so happy I did. Africa is perfect for soul-searching, even when you don't know you need it.
To really make the most of it, I decided to spend two full weeks in South Africa and to not travel elsewhere during that time. Why not hop around the continent? Well, if you know me or have read my blog, you know that I love to dive into local cultures when traveling. South Africa is a huge country with so much to offer. I neither wanted to limit learning about South African history and current issues nor did I want to waste entire days on long flights to other countries.
Though I typically book all of my own arrangements when I travel, this was my first trip to Africa and as such decided to use a travel consultant that came highly recommended from a friend. I can't say enough great things about my consultant Jackie and the entire team at Steppes Travel and their partner in SA, Ilios Travel. They thought of every detail, worked within my budget, catered perfectly to my preferences and made the trip so easy for me.
My Itinerary
1 night in Johannesburg to recover, early flight to Hoedspruit the next morning
2 nights in the private Sabi Sands Game Reserve
4 nights in the private Timbavati Game Reserve
4 nights in Cape Town
2 nights in Franschhoek (in the Winelands)
Why South Africa? Here are my top 5 reasons a visit to the southernmost African country is worthwhile:
A deep history. The obvious recent movement to and then away from apartheid in and of itself is fascinating. However, while there, I learned so much about the roots of SA's ethnical and cultural diversity from prior to the Dutch settlements in the late 1600's to its establishment of a Republic in the 1900's. The conquering of its native peoples, the colonization by Europeans and then the establishment of its own government makes for a very unique country. A History of South Africa by Frank Welsh is a great summary of SA's long history. Nelson Mandela's autobiography Long Walk to Freedom and Trevor Noah's Born a Crime are two of many wonderful reads on the impacts of apartheid in SA. The effects are still felt today; as an American, it was important to bear witness to this recent policy of discrimination.
Rich cultural diversity. Given its history, there are 14 official languages for SA. Influences of the the early settlers (Dutch, Portuguese and English) + religious refugees (Jewish, French Huguenots and Muslim) + those brought in or involved in the slave trade (native African and Indians) make for one of the most diverse countries on Earth.
Sea + mountains. Have you ever been asked if you are a beach or mountain person? In SA, you don't have to choose. The diversity of landscapes gives you beautiful coastline along two oceans (the Atlantic + the Indian), massive mountain ranges, rainforests, heavy bushland and vast deserts.
Focus on conservation. The SA government made really smart decisions in the early 1900's to establish national parklands to conserve its animal fauna (Kruger National Park) and flora (Table Mountain National Park) ecosystems. South Africa is one of only 6 floral kingdoms in the world. Though its the smallest, 70% of its flora is found only in SA.
A plethora of experiences. In a short period of time, one can enjoy safari, big city restaurants/shopping, outdoor activities and a beautiful wine country. There is something for everyone. A perfect place to find explore...and find yourself.
Footnote: This post is not a paid for plug for Steppes Travel, by the way. That said, if you use them and reference me, you'll get a credit towards your trip.
