When it comes to luxury travel, South Africa is a dream destination that offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and relaxation. Picture yourself staying at exclusive safari lodges surrounded by magnificent landscapes. You can embark on thrilling game drives to see the Big Five up close before enjoying private dining under the starlit sky. Explore the vibrant city of Cape Town, with its stunning beaches, gourmet dining scene, and world-class vineyards. There are so many unforgettable experiences that await you in South Africa and we are sharing just a few of our favorite moments from our recent trip. We cannot wait to VIP you on your own South African adventure!
What were you looking forward to most ahead of your trip? What surprised you the most?
Tammy: I was looking forward to watching Justin experience Africa. It’s been on his childhood bucket list for as long as I can remember. As we have planned our clients' Africa travels before, I thought I knew the things that would stir his heart, but actually experiencing it brought him to tears a few times. The beauty just steals your breath away. At home, I’m cheering if I sleep 5-6 hours. On safari, I dozed off twice just watching the lions sleeping in their den. It was so beautiful and relaxing to watch them in their habitat and only focus on them.
The most fun (and this may surprise you from this girly girl), but I absolutely lived for the off-roading. I learned this is something we would have missed if not staying on a private reserve. Not all safari lodges are created equal. Wow, I’m so happy I did not miss that!
Justin: I was absolutely buzzing with excitement to delve into Africa's stunning wildlife and breathtaking landscapes! What really took me by surprise, though, was the deep connection I felt with the local culture and the warmth of the people—it truly touched my soul.
What were some of your favorite VIP experiences in South Africa?
Tammy: Wow! There were so many. I think we started out the trip with a bang with the PS lounge we wrote about last week. As soon as we arrived in Johannesburg, we were met at baggage claim with help collecting luggage and escorted to our first hotel to rest before Safari the following day. This continued for each transfer to the next stop. The special dinner in the Bush and the last sundowner were so unforgettable, the views looked like something from a movie.When it comes to the safari drives, we had several rare sightings (white lion and Wild African Dogs). Wecannot guarantee this for every trip, but we were so thankful to see all Big 5, plus so much more. Seeing impalas and giraffes became normal. Sighting the elusive leopard was amazing. I could not believe how content I could be watching for extended periods as the gorgeous leopard searched to feed her young. We even chose to skip a sunset to keep watching!
Justin: Oh, where do I begin? Some of my favorite VIP experiences included spoiling myself in luxurious accommodations that felt like a dream, enjoying a private candlelit dinner under the stars surrounded by the bush sounds, and savoring sundowners while watching the most beautiful sunsets dip below the horizon after being feet away from Africa’s most dangerous wildlife—pure magic!
Besides Safari drives, what other incredible experiences await in South Africa?
Tammy: The food was amazing!! I didn’t realize how many nights I would be enjoying prawns and lobster. THE SUNSETS and sundowners are forever etched in my memory and will be missed!!
Justin: Picture yourself wandering through the vibrant streets of Cape Town, feasting on mouthwatering local cuisine, or sipping exquisite wines in the stunning Cape Winelands with a backdrop of rolling hills and serene silence.
What kind of unique accommodations are available?
Tammy: Tons! South Africa will be my new honeymoon recommendation - the variety was amazing, from free-standing bungalows to treehouses, houses on stilts, and beachfront bungalows — just wow!!
Justin: The unique and lavish accommodations were nothing short of spectacular! From luxurious tented camps that immerse you in nature, to stunning stilted lodges where you can watch animals drink from their water holes, to intimate beachfront lodges where you can hear the ocean waves lapping at your door, each place offered its own slice of paradise that will sweep you off your feet.
What was your favorite part about the food and culture?
Tammy: The locals! Everyone was so kind and generous with their time. They were so happy we were there! I asked a hotel employee if she could point me to her favorite jewelry store — she actually walked me 15 minutes away and waited to introduce me to the owner. During our walk, she told me she had been with the hotel for 10 years and how much her job meant to her and she thanked us for visiting South Africa. WOW!! It reminded me that your hotel is so much more than about the room!!
Justin: The food and culture were a vibrant tapestry of flavors and traditions! I loved how each dish told a story using fresh, local ingredients that reflected the region’s rich heritage. The warmth and hospitality of the people made every meal feel like a celebration of life! Everything I ate was delicious. Being from south Louisiana I loved that everything was so seafood focused!
Visiting Africa is truly a life-changing experience in so many ways and these experiences will be etched in our memories forever. We cannot wait for you to see the jaw-dropping landscapes and majestic wildlife and experience the welcoming culture of Africa that will truly touch your heart.
