Planning a Budget Luxury Adventure to South Africa: The Ultimate Bucket List Experience
By Fly Cheaper |
Updated March 02, 2024
Back in September 2019, after months of detailed planning, we set off on a dream trip to South Africa. This journey, filled with stunning locations and unforgettable encounters, easily topped our list of all-time favorite vacations. Upon sharing our experience, many people were taken aback by how much we managed to save on what felt like a luxe adventure. While not necessarily cheap, timing our travel strategically for lower south africa flights costs, scouting for bargain accommodation, and splurging on a luxury safari added up to a trip worth every cent.
Timing Your Visit
South Africa's pleasant climate welcomes travelers all year round, but the optimal time for a holiday in South Africa falls between spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May). The perks of traveling during these months, commonly referred to as the shoulder season, include discounted travel fares and changing landscapes that transition from winter to spring or summer to autumn.
Our decision to visit in September was twofold: we aimed to catch the best viewing season for a safari and bask in the blooming cape flora, a sight that is unique to this period.
Choosing Your Destinations
Cape Town held a significant allure for us due to its numerous attractions, making it our primary destination. We also wanted to soak up the beauty of the Cape Winelands during our trip. This region is home to three primary options: Stellenbosch, known for its world-class wineries; Franschhoek, with its rich history and captivating culinary scene; and Paarl, which is renowned for its scenic landscapes and architectural heritage. What ultimately swayed us towards Franschhoek was the lure of the wine tram, an experience that truly shouldn't be missed.
While there were safari options around Cape Town, we sought a more authentic experience with the safari big 5, which are not native to Western Cape. After extensive research, we narrowed down our options to Kruger and Port Elizabeth. The deciding factor was the appeal of a malaria-free environment around Port Elizabeth, and so, we chose the Amakhala Reserve.
Our final South Africa trip spanned over seven nights, starting with three nights in Camps Bay, Cape Town, followed by a night in Franschhoek, two additional nights in central Cape Town primarily for airport convenience, and culminating in a two-night safari experience at the Amakhala Reserve.
Securing Your South Africa Flights
When flying to Cape Town from Dublin, there are several routes available, all of which involve at least one stop. Airlines offering these flights include Turkish Airlines (with a stopover in Istanbul), Emirates (with a stopover in Dubai), Qatar Airways (with a stopover in Doha), and Lufthansa (with a stopover in Frankfurt).
We struck gold with a great deal on our flights, saving over €250 on standard fares. The downside was that it was a two-stop flight via Heathrow and Johannesburg. The overnight flight from Heathrow to Johannesburg worked well for us, and we also made use of internal flights from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, and then from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg on our return. An online travel agent facilitated this multi-stop booking.
Exploring the Region: The Best Way to Get Around
The most effective way to explore South Africa is by car, although public transportation options like buses and trains are available. The fact that South Africa follows left-hand side driving was an added advantage.
Despite reading a few unsettling stories about safety on the roads, our experience was entirely peaceful. However, we made sure to remain extra vigilant at all times for anything unusual.
Deciding on Accommodation: From Luxury Hotels to Affordable Hostels
We had a wide array of accommodation options to choose from in South Africa, ranging from high-end hotels to budget-friendly hostels. For the majority of our stay in Cape Town, we chose Camps Bay but we also considered V&A Waterfront and Seapoint. We selected this area for its safety, proximity to key attractions, and its stunning beach location near Table Mountain and Chapman's Peak Drive.
We stayed at the wonderful 3 on Camps Bay, a beautiful B&B with a view of the 12 Apostles Mountains. The hosts were incredibly welcoming, and the assortment of nearby restaurants was excellent, enabling us to walk to dinner each evening.
In Franschhoek, we lodged at Maison Cabrière - Boutique Suites, which stands as one of the finest places we've ever stayed. The only regret was staying just one night; we recommend this location wholeheartedly.
Our safari stay was at Amakhala Game Reserve. We decided to splurge on this segment of the trip and chose the luxury tents at Bukela Game Lodge. The reserve also offers other accommodation options at varying rates for different budgets.
Discovering South Africa: Coastal Views, Culinary Delights, and Safari Excursions
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
After landing and checking into our hotel in Camps Bay, we were immediately struck by the breathtaking views from our room. We decided to spend our first day exploring the local area. Camps Bay Beach was our first stop; the white sand, turquoise waters, and rugged cliffs offered a mesmerizing landscape straight out of a postcard. We ended the day with dinner at The Codfather and watching a stunning sunset over the Atlantic.
Day 2: Table Mountain and Robben Island
Day 2 began with an exciting trip to Table Mountain, an iconic landmark in Cape Town. We took a cable car to the top, choosing not to hike due to the hot weather. At the summit, we marveled at panoramic views of the city and ocean below. After descending, we spent the afternoon exploring the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, which is known for its shopping and dining.
Our day culminated in the enchanting seaside town of Kalk Bay, renowned for its superior seafood. We savored a delightful dinner there, immersing ourselves in the vibrant local atmosphere. Our final stop of the day was Muizenberg Beach, notable for its iconic, brightly painted beach huts, adding a pop of color to the captivating seaside scenery.
Day 3: Chapman's Peak Drive and Coastal Adventures
Day 3 was dedicated to a scenic drive along Chapman's Peak, one of the world's most stunning coastal routes. This road offered breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, and along the way, we encountered local wildlife, including baboons and ostriches. We visited the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point of the African continent, known for its historic significance as a point of reference for sailors.
A trip to Boulders Beach was next on our list where we got to see a large colony of African penguins. The sight of these cute creatures waddling around the beach was an absolute delight. Our day culminated in the enchanting seaside town of Kalk Bay, renowned for its superior seafood. We savored a delightful dinner there, immersing ourselves in the vibrant local atmosphere. Our final stop of the day was Muizenberg Beach, notable for its iconic, brightly painted beach huts, adding a pop of color to the captivating seaside scenery.
Day 4: Wine Tasting in Franschhoek
On Day 4, we left Camps Bay and headed to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands, an idyllic town known for its vineyards. The highlight was the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a charming tram journey taking us to 5-6 vineyards, beginning with a warm welcome in the form of a wine glass at 11:30 am!
This unique tram ride offered flexibility to hop on and off according to the timetable, allowing us to explore the vineyards at our own pace. Many provided pairing options, such as traditional South African sausage, boerewors, with chocolate, and some even served a more substantial lunch option.
After six hours of sampling fine wines, we returned to Franschhoek for a much-needed rest before dinner. We had reserved a table at Foliage (unfortunatly now closed), a well-regarded local restaurant, though the hangover had begun to set in by this point, making the complex tasting menu a challenge to appreciate fully. Day 4 was a testament to the charm of Franschhoek's wine culture, leaving us wishing we had another day in this captivating town, despite our protesting livers!
Day 5: Scenic Drive and Whale Watching in Hermanus
We stopped at Hermanus, a coastal town known for its whale-watching opportunities. September is peak humpback whale watching season, and we were thrilled when we heard the Whale Crier's horn, signaling a sighting. We joined the crowd at the shore, eagerly watching a humpback whale gracefully passing by the coast. This was indeed a surreal experience, reminding us of the bountiful wildlife South Africa offers.
After a day filled with these beautiful moments, we headed back to Cape Town. We had a reservation at The Pot Luck Club, one of the highly acclaimed restaurants in the city. The dinner was a delightful culinary experience and the perfect way to end our day.
Day 6 & Day 7: Safari in Amakhala Game Reserve
Our final two days were dedicated to a unique African Safari experience at Amakhala Game Reserve, a renowned wildlife conservation area located near Port Elizabeth. The reserve is home to the Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo, and various other species, giving us the opportunity to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
We stayed at Bukela Lodge within the reserve. The lodge was comfortable, offering great food, friendly staff, and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the landscape. But the highlight of our stay was the two daily game drives in a Land Rover with an expert guide. We got to see four out of the Big 5 animals, with a particularly close encounter with a rhino. Watching the animals from such proximity was both exciting and humbling.
The lodges were situated close to a watering hole, which attracted warthogs and groups of elephants, adding to our overall safari experience. It was a thrilling and memorable way to end our South African adventure, exceeding all our expectations. We would highly recommend this safari experience to anyone visiting South Africa. It truly was a trip of a lifetime.
As we packed our bags, kissed goodbye to the last views of South Africa's stunning landscapes, and settled into our return South Africa flights, we were filled with a sense of accomplishment. We had navigated our dream 'holiday in South Africa,' from the bustling streets of Cape Town, to the serene vineyards of Franschhoek, and even the untamed wilderness of Amakhala Reserve.
Must-visit Spots for Our Next South African Adventure
While our South African journey was packed with unforgettable moments, there were a few things we wished we had time for. The picturesque drive along the Garden Route, the historic and vibrant Bo-Kaap neighborhood, and the stunning Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden remained unticked on our bucket list. These compelling attractions provide more than enough reasons for us to plan a return trip to this incredible country, as South Africa continues to amaze with its endless potential for adventure and exploration.
If you ever dreamt of a trip to Cape Town or longed for a South Africa safari experience, we hope our journey gives you the inspiration and practical advice to make it happen. South Africa is more than a destination; it's a feeling, an experience, and most importantly, an unforgettable adventure. Here's to your next journey!