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Six Weeks in South Africa


I’ve been travelling to South Africa for over a decade, and make sure to spend a significant period of time there every year.The things that keep me coming back include an incredible winter climate, some of the most dramatic landscapes I’ve seen anywhere in the world, a fantastic food and wine scene, the affordability of travelling around the country, and the lovely, kind people you encounter along the way.

 

A few weeks in South Africa charges up my batteries for the next twelve months - it’s all that sunshine, billtong and big open roads. I always feel the happiest when I’m driving the R45 to Franschhoek on the way to a wine farm for lunch, having started the day with a refreshing swim in the ocean and a great coffee.


This year I spent six weeks across multiple destinations - on a family holiday, then travelling to new destinations and remote working across some of my favourite places.For those of you travelling to South Africa any time soon, or anyone planning or dreaming about a trip, I thought it would be helpful to share links to the places I enjoyed visiting this time. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a good starting point. You can also view more photos here.




FRANSCHHOEK & STELLENBOSCH If you can visit one destination in addition to Cape Town, make sure it's the Cape Winelands - the area around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. The dramatic natural beauty combined with a super high density of world-class wineries, hotels and restaurants make this a region that's very hard not to fall in love with.



If you can visit one destination in addition to Cape Town, make sure it's the Cape Winelands - the area around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. The dramatic natural beauty combined with a super high density of world-class wineries, hotels and restaurants make this a region that's very hard not to fall in love with.



STANFORD & HERMANUS


These were two new destinations for me - and both became new favourites. I could have spent several weeks alone along this stretch of the south west coast.



In Hermanus, make sure to do the cliff path walk before a swim in the wild swimming pool. Also build in time for a long walk along wild Grotto Beach, ideally late afternoon to make the most of the incredible light that showcases the mountains behind the sea at their very best.



CHURCHHAVEN This natural idyll is - hands down - one of my favourite desintations on earth.

 

The combination of the turquoise lagoon, long white sand beaches and whitewashed fisherman cottages - all within a preserved nature reserve - creates an otherwordly sense of calm. This is the place I come to digital detox, rest and recharge.

 

Where to stay: Perfect Hideaways offers a great range of cottages within Churchhaven village and beyond.

 

My top tip: On the way there or back, spend an afternoon at Groote Post near Darling. You can do a game drive, cheese tasting and a wine tasting afterwards, all in one easy stop.



CAPE TOWN


The city where it's all happening between December and February. My list of favourite restaurants in this beautiful town is too long to list, but these are some of the places I loved this time - a combination of old favourites and new openings.




PLETTENBERG & TSITSIKAMMA


This part of South Africa is for outdoor activity lovers; between Plettenberg and Tsitsikamma you can swim and snorkel with seals, go shark diving, sea kayaking, cliff hiking, bungee jumping and much, much more.

 

The natural scenery - especially the long beaches - is a huge draw. It's not necessarily about fancy hotels and amazing restaurants, but rather the place to connect with nature. You could easily spend a week here doing back to back activities.


MONTAGU


Deep within the Karoo, Montagu has a bit of a wild west feel. In the middle of windy mountain roads, you'll find a main street with great little eateries, lovely owner-run shops and artisinal workshops, all decorated with white picket fences and thatched werfs, surrounded by orchards and olive groves.

 

 

This is a very special part of the country and worth a few days of your time.


I hope this list inspires you to visit South Africa - a country I would recommend everyone to visit once in their lifetime.

 

Don’t hesitate to reply to this email with any questions - I’ll be happy to answer them. And feel free to forward this to someone who will find this useful.Happy travelling,

 

Ellie x



 
 
 

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