Travelogue from South Africa: Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Mauritius

In September 2018, our colleague Dennis travelled to South Africa and Mauritius. Read about his experiences here:

A city break in Cape Town followed by a safari in Kruger National Park and a beach holiday in Mauritius is truly the perfect combination of sightseeing, wildlife and relaxation. My girlfriend Maria and I were lucky enough to be given the chance to experience South Africa at close quarters in September 2018, and I can tell you that the memorable moments came thick and fact from the outset.

Cape Town – Multiple cities in one

From the moment you land in Cape Town, you see the country from its best side, and the view of the mountains surrounding the city is a sight to behold. The famous Table Mountain towers in the landscape, forming a beautiful backdrop to a multifaceted city. It soon becomes clear that South Africa is a country of contrasts where the differences between rich and poor are marked. The drive to the hotel offers views of Khayelitsha, South Africa’s largest township, and skyscrapers, which show the development of the city over the past 30 years.

Under apartheid, the city was divided into different districts, and the significant change between the areas in the city can still be seen to this day, particularly in the colourful District 6.

We had the pleasure of a guided walk around the city, where the guide, Manny, told us about the four decades of apartheid in South Africa with empathy and feeling. We finished off with a visit to Cape Town City Hall, where Mandela held his first speech as a free man. A hugely enriching experience!

Wine, cheese and Simpewe

South Africa, particularly the south-western part, is famous for its wine, and although we are not great wine enthusiasts, the wine country and the surrounding area of Stellenbosch were a must on our tour! We were given the opportunity to go on a full day excursion, visiting three different vineyards, and at each stop, we got to taste the wine, together with a wide selection of local cheeses.

The highlight of this tour, however, was without doubt our guide and driver Simpewe. Not only did he have such vast knowledge about the area and the places we visited, but when we asked him about his life and family, he gladly spoke about this, and with great pride in his country. The same could be said of all the South Africans we spoke to on our tour.

Joy of life, love and hugs

We also chose to visit Loving God Pre-school on our tour, and we were so glad we did. The children were happy to see us, and we were at the receiving end of hugs and lots of smiles and happiness. The kids wanted to play, and there was ample opportunity to play ball with all of them running around us. They also thundered out their national anthem, the pride shining in their eyes. You leave the place filled with a sense of joy and love. The children hang over the fence as the car drives away, and you want to come back right away!

Face to face with rhinos in Kruger National Park

Our tour also offered a safari in Kruger National Park, where the highlight was definitely when we were allowed to stretch our legs in the company of two white rhinos grazing just 20–30 metres away from us. Surprises and expectations are two things that describe a safari very well, as you never know what you are going to see next. One thing is for sure: You’ll return home with memories to last a lifetime.

Relaxation and beach holiday in Mauritius

Our heads filled with impressions and memories, we moved on from South Africa to stunning Mauritius. It was time to put our feet up and just enjoy each other’s company, and it has to be said that there is ample opportunity for this on the island in the midst of the Indian Ocean. It’s difficult to remember each and every detail of a long holiday, and although photos can help, the time you spend sitting completely undisturbed under a parasol thinking back over the different situations is invaluable. We will be going back to South Africa and lovely Mauritius one day, that’s for sure!

Dennis, TourCompass