Why South Africa needs to be on your bucket list

TIM Robards says this trip was more than a holiday, it was life changing. From the great value, to the beautiful people and epic landscapes, it’s not to be missed.

IT MIGHT not be on your bucket list yet, but if you’re looking for the ultimate place to disconnect from your busy work life, reconnect with yourself and nature all while getting great value of money, than look no further than South Africa.

I travelled to the ‘rainbow nation’ earlier this year, and it was one of those trips where I returned armed with more epic photos than we have wall space for and enough adventure stories to keep our friends entertained for years.

Here are five reasons to escape to South Africa.

1. GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY

Aside from having a great exchange rate at the moment, flights are competitive and you can get direct from Sydney to Johannesburg for under $2000 return on a regular basis, with some specials currently advertised for under $1400 with Etihad.

And when it comes to travel costs, a meal will generally cost just over half of what you pay for similar food here in Australia.

2. A CULTURAL HAVEN WITH PLENTY OF HISTORY

When you think of South Africa, most people immediately think of safaris. But there’s plenty to do before you leave the nation’s largest city, Johannesburg.

The view from Tim and Anna’s hotel in Johannesburg. Picture: Tim Robards

It has an emerging art scene full of fashionistas and curly moustached baristas. Be sure to check out the Arts on Main district with hip eateries and cafes. A visit to Nelson Mandela’s house is a must, and is a great contrast after seeing one of the prisons that previously housed him and Gandhi. It’s a truly surreal experience.

3. ADVENTURE

But of course a safari is a must. After an adrenaline-inducing ride in a tiny eight seater plane we landed safely for our adventure with &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge. From the glass walled cabins we slept in at night, to the amazing food which is only surpassed by the service of the friendly and always smiling staff, it was incredible.

Tim and Anna on safari. Picture: Tim Robards

And the park is huuuuuge! With 23,000 hectares to explore, each day we got up at 5:30am for a quick coffee and breakfast, before heading out for a four hour safari. And then after a long lunch break we were back out again to witness the amazing landscape turn every shade of red, and the animals become more lively.

Lions were just metres away. Picture: Tim Robards

The park was teeming with every animal we always wanted to see, and we left with a much greater appreciation of the circle of life.

4. ROMANCE WITH A LITTLE LUXURY

Look no further than the beautiful coastal wonderland that is Cape Town if you’re looking for romance. From wineries to penguins, traditional food to waterfront dining, there’s so much diversity.

Sunset at the Cape Town waterfront. Picture: Tim Robards

My top recommendations are:

— Tackle Table Top mountain, either by foot or take the 1km cable car to the top for an epic view over the city.

— Spend a night or two in the wine region.

— Take a sunset cruise over the harbour after an afternoon of shopping and exploring Fishermans Wharf.

— If experimenting is your thing, live on the edge and try some traditional food at Mumma Africa’s. Everything from ostrich, to crocodile and kudu is on the menu.

— If you’re game, you can go diving with great white sharks a few hours out of the city. We unfortunately had rough weather the morning we were meant to go so we opted to go see the penguins at boulders instead. While they didn’t get the adrenaline pumping, they sure are cute and I won some brownie points with the other half!

5. AN EYE OPENING EXPERIENCE MONEY CAN’T BUY

There’s something about South Africa that stays with you.

There is such a rich cultural history being merged with a more modern European influence. This is however not without its problems and there is a big social divide. This was more evident in Johannesburg. With so many desperate people living among many well off, be prepared for people trying to make a buck any which way they can. Some with good intentions and some not so good.

From my experience, keep a close eye on your handbags and luggage when leaving the airport. Have a driver sorted to pick you up and escort you from the airport. Johannesburg is the only place I didn’t feel carefree, but it just meant being sensible and talking to the guides about where you should and shouldn’t venture.

This is a country that has been through so much, and the heart and passion of the people who live there is palpable. From the downtown streets of Johannesburg, to the rural missions you can visit in the countryside, and from the mansions of Camps Bay to the underdeveloped townships on the outskirts of Cape Town, your values will be challenged.

Tim and Anna visiting a school in South Africa.

After witnessing things like an impala being hunted and killed by a leopard, and the rich tie the people have to their land, you cannot escape the fact that we are all part of the circle of life. We are all connected and rely on each other, from the animal kingdom, to the rich environment and the differing cultures.

South Africa is more than a holiday, it's a life changing experience. Great value, history, cultural diversity, beautiful people, epic landscapes and unforgettable wildlife make South Africa one to put at the top of your bucket list!

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