Getting Wild in Africa

Ok, excuse the cheesiness of the headline, but how else to describe a safari in Africa??! It was truly a wild and spectacular experience. At the end of our South Africa trip we stayed at Naledi Bushcamp on a private nature reserve bordering Kruger National Park and had a few days of a pretty authentic safari. The beauty of the bush at dusk and dawn was a sight in itself, that coupled with roaming wild animals felt right out of a travel magazine.

Sunrise

Sunset

Although we unfortunately didn't see any cats (I was a bit disappointed), it was one of the most fun activities I've done in my 6-month journey, definitely not an experience to miss while traveling in Africa.

Falling in love with Capetown

Perhaps it was a result of the most spectacular love-filled wedding weekend on the Umtamvuna River, perhaps it was the fascinating mix of cultures, religions, colors and landscape co-habitating together in a cosmopolitan urban oasis, or perhaps it was the strikingly beautiful and interesting men roaming the streets….whatever the cause I fell… hard for Capetown and I have a hunch this feeling might linger.

After a wonderful wedding celebration for Tina and Chris outside of Durban, I made my way to the other side of South Africa to meet up with my mom and sister who would continue on the African journey with me. We began our trip towards Capetown driving along the "Garden Route" and stopping in a few quaint towns along the coast on the way.

Bride and Groom

Driving on the other side

beautiful coast of Hermanus

playing with elephants in Knysna

Once we arrived in Capetown, I could feel the energy of the city already and it wasn't just the chill from the mid-winter breeze. Our hotel, centrally located in the city, was the perfect homebase from which to set out exploring everything from fine dining to live music, local artisan crafts, one-of-a-kind handmade shoes, museums, colorful neighborhoods, tourist attractions and everything in between. I hadn't had much of an idea for what the city had to offer and any expectations I had were certainly exceeded. I loved the mix of urban culture with a laid-back vibe. It was a big-enough city yet felt manageable, the people were friendly, the neighborhoods each had their unique distinctions and life overall seemed to be good. Now of course, you can't know a city in 5 days, but I have to say Capetown…you have my heart, I'll be seeing you soon…

on top of tabletop mountain

Bo-Kaap neighborhood

Grandt Mason Original Shoes showroom

view of the city