South Africa

South Africa boasts landscapes made up of valleys, mountain ranges, stunning coastlines, even deserts and savannahs, and is home to some of the planet's most exciting wildlife species. The country has diverse cultures and cuisines and a complex history that has shaped it.

I decided to take a road trip to experience South Africa’s ever-changing landscapes, the pristine coastlines lined with white sand, its quirky small towns and the abundance of wide open spaces. I have documented some of my road trip and I would love to share my experience with you.

THE GARDEN ROUTE

Stretching some 200km, the Garden Route passes some stunningly beautiful beaches - it is the ultimate South African road trip.

My journey started in Cape Town, past Table Mountain along Chapman’s Peak. The road winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa — truly one of the most spectacular coastal drives in the world. Carved out of the west-facing cliffs with 114 bends (!!!), ‘Chappies’, as it’s known by locals, was constructed between 1915 and 1922 using convict labour. I am still perplexed by the 155m-long ‘half tunnel’ that surely defies gravity…

The plunging coastline beckoned me to stop at every lookout to ‘play tourist’ and make new precious memories.

Road Trip

I headed towards Cape Point - where South Africa’s two oceans meet — the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warmer Indian Ocean waters on the east. It is said that they are home to 26 recorded shipwrecks in the reefs surrounding the Point.

The journey continued through Simon’s Town and Fish Hoek, Muizenberg to Gordon’s Bay. Gordon’s Bay is north-facing - which means you get to enjoy the sun all day longgggg which is a bit surreal if you come from across the Equator, and huddles beneath the sheer mountains of the Helderberg. The journey continued to Hermanus - along the famous Garden Route, along seaside-villages oozing home-grown character. The picturesque town of Hermanus is the whale watching capital of the southern hemisphere.

I continued along the R44 past Kogel Bay (Cool Bay) which is essentially a surfers beach that has a long stretch of white, white sand.

THE STELLENBOSCH WINE ROUTE

The Stellenbosch wine route represents over 300 wineries. The town of Stellenbosch, which lies at the heart of this winemaking area, is a historical university town with some gorgeous Victorian and Georgian buildings. Stellenbosch is home to a number of excellent restaurants, welcoming coffee shops, lovely boutiques and arty galleries. I checked into a few wineries to enjoy a glass (or two) en-route.(Disclaimer: I did not drink & drive:)

Wine Tasting at Stellenbosch

All wine estates in the Western Cape are beautiful and all have a unique flair. The vistas from DeMorgenzon Estate embraces Cape Town, Table Mountain, Cape Point, Cape Hangklip, the Hottentots Holland mountains, Helderberg and Simonsberg with the ocean as a backdrop — just stunning! DeMorgenzon is a 91 hectare garden interspersed with 55 hectares of carefully tended vineyards. The DeMorgenzon Estate believe that music can influence the growth of a vine and the fruit it bears. Baroque, and early Classical music has been played to their growing vines in the vineyard, in the winery and in the cellar all day, and every day, for the past seven years. Visiting this estate is a truly inspiring experience.

The Uva Mira Mountain Vineyards nestle against the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Uva Mira translates as ‘The Wonderful Grape’. Six varieties are grown at Uva Mira, namely Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

The Golden Triangle area of Stellenbosch is internationally recognised for some of the best red wine soil in South Africa. The Stellenrust wine estate was established in 1928. It is one of the largest family owned wine estates in South Africa carrying through generations of winemaking. Stellenrust launched a fabulous venture giving the public the opportunity to come and make their own wine - you can pick, stomp and brew your own award winning wine.

The Jordan Wine Estate benefits from their close proximity to both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and enjoy a mild, Mediterranean climate with a maritime influence.

Gary and Kathy Jordan have been making world-class wines at this top wine estate since 1993 on a farm with a history going back over 300 years. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here.

PHEZULU VILLAGE AND THE VALLEY OF A 1000 HILLS

The Valley of 1000 Hills makes for an awesome scenic drive. The area is named after the thousands of hills which tumble down to the Umgeni River, which flows from the distant Drakensberg Mountains to the warm Indian Ocean.

ORIBI GORGE AND LAKE ELAND GAME RESERVE

The Oribi Gorge and Lake Eland Game Reserve is only a two hours drive from Durban which offers fantastic hiking opportunities. You can head off on a self-drive or a wildlife drive; I opted for the self-drive. The gorge is approximately 400 meters deep and virtually 5km wide at its widest point. High sandstone cliffs dominate this 24 kilometre-long gorge with stunning view and plenty of photo opportunities. Troops of baboons, antelopes, even leopards - as well as more than 250 different bird species inhabit the reserve. 

If you’re brave enough and you’d like to get your adrenaline going you can experience a ‘wobbly’ crossing over the 130m-high suspension bridge which only 6 people are allowed to walk across at one time; or enjoy some white water rafting, or jump off a cliff right next to the waterfall. Lake Eland’s zip line is the longest zip line tour in Africa which consists of 14 slides starting at the top of the Oribi Gorge.

The province was once the homeland of Zulu tribes and villages. There are many cultural villages that still occupy parts of KwaZulu-Natal and the Valley of the 1000 Hills. I visited the Phezulu Village to get a sneak-peek into the traditional lives of the local African people and feel the rhythm of Africa. The Zulu dancing was a truly unforgettable experience.

KWAZULU-NATAL COASTLINE

The KwaZulu-Natal coastline enjoys a 200 km stretch of subtropical Indian Ocean frontage stretching all the way south to the border with the Eastern Cape. I adored the long stretches of golden sand beaches, warm waters and tropical climate in the Durban area. I continued to drive 40 minutes north of Durban to reach the picturesque coastal town of Ballito. There is a walled tidal pool if you are nervous to swim in the open ocean.

The beaches in KwaZulu Natal pretty much offer something for everyone - from safe beaches for families to the wild beaches that are a surfer’s paradise. I particularly enjoyed the rock formations and lovely corals and sea urchins in the rock pools, just stunning!

COASTAL LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA

I adore coastal living and I had the pleasure of staying in a small beachfront community for part of my trip. Very much inspired by nature, this beach-style house is unique and stylish in its simplicity. The interior is a showcase of contemporary South African interior design. The emphasis on nature and relaxation carries through to the interior decor, which is defined by a fairly neutral colour scheme and incorporates some organic natural objects inspired by the wanderlust of the safari.

Huge folding glass doors let maximum amounts of light flood in - the house literally breathes in the sea air. The open-plan living space employs a monochrome palette, and furnishings are a mix of African heritage and contemporary costal design with some grounding elements as a way to retain a connection with nature. The kitchen light pendants make a stunning statement with its organic shape and open weave providing a simple way to add texture and architectural interest to the space.

My favourite item in this space is the three-tier coastal light pendant above the dining table. It is ‘beachy’ and romantic at the same time. The scale of the fixture itself is generous and it really creates a gorgeous statement that isn’t overpowering. I absolutely adore this piece.

I thoroughly enjoyed my South African adventure. I am lucky to have family living in this beautiful part of the world, and I am looking forward to my next visit. I hope you enjoyed my blog, and I hope I inspired you to experience the beauty of South Africa — and who knows, you might fall in love with this place as much as I did.

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Drift & Co