South Africa

On my first visit to South Africa, I am ashamed to confess to having just average expectations.

I wasn’t truly sure South Africa was going to be my kind of place - how wrong I was! In fact, it is one of those places that stays with you and always leaves you wanting more.  The beautiful waterside city of Capetown where plush hotels and superb restaurants lie at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain.  There is so much to do here, visit Robben Island, hike to the top of Table Mountain or like me take the cable car, visit the penguins on Boulders Beach. 

A short drive to nearby Hermanus where at the right time of year you can whale watch from land or a bit further at Gansbaai take a boat out to Seal island so called due to the huge population of seals – It’s no coincidence that these waters are also home to the great white shark!

After the buzz and excitement of Capetown, next up was the Winelands, and my home for a few nights the beautiful Mont Rochelle, Franschhoek.

Part of the Virgin Limited Edition Portfolio this is a stunning property. I wasn’t prepared for the scenery; with a view to the Klein Dassenberg Mountain Range it is breath-taking. I spent a lovely morning exploring the art and craft shops of Franschhoek. Winery visits or a picnic in the vineyards, the neighbouring towns of Stellenbosch and Paarl… now do you see what I mean, one trip to South Africa will never be enough.

I haven’t told you about the dramatic garden route to Plettenberg or an Eastern Cape Safari… I’ll save that for another time!