South Africa has been a dream of mine for many years, but I never managed to decide going to this awesome country. You might wonder why…
Drakensberg and Tugela River at Sunset. Photo Courtesy Miquitos
As strange as it may sound, I didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of traveling solo in South Africa. I traveled alone in Venezuela, which is not exactly a peaceful country, and went around Guatemala at a time when the guerrilla was still in place.
How could I have possibly felt concerned by South Africa?
I do not have the answer and simply think that there’s a time for everything in life. Maybe I got influenced by my recent participation to the wonderful Passports with Purpose Project, collecting fund to support the building of 2 libraries for the children of Zambia. Whatever the reason, the time to discover South Africa has now come.
Like most of my recent trips, I decided and bought my flight very quickly. Now it’s time to make a bit of research and figure out a possible itinerary, although I prefer not having a tight schedule and be open to changes, ideas and opportunities that might come out while I’m on the road.
Bushveld Sunset. Photo Courtesy Martin Heigan
For the time being, there’s only one thing which is already fixed: my stay in Johannesburg. And here comes in the power of Social Media, as a wonderful way to get in touch with people and gather new, real friends.
As soon as she read that I was coming to her country, Clare Appleyard (avid traveler, diamonds expert and helping people earning money while having awesome holidays in dream destinations) invited me to stay at her home. Just like that, in a very simple and spontaneous way. Isn’t that wonderful? We’ve been in touch for a long time via Twitter and Facebook but will meet in person for the first time in Johannesburg. And I am thrilled at the idea to get to know Clare, as well as to learn a few things on South Africa from a local perspective.
Once again I could feel the power of friendship coming from Social Media
For the rest of the journey, I have a few haphazard ideas and would welcome any tips and suggestions on places not-to-miss and places to skip.
My random thoughts on discovering South Africa?
A pair of African penguins, Boulders Beach. Photo Courtesy Paul Mannix
♦ A journey on-the-road
♦ Getting around with the BazBus and possibly by train (maybe renting a car to go to Kruger Park)
♦ New Years’ Eve… in Cape Town!
♦ Seeing the penguins (that would be the first time and they are one of my favorite animals)
♦ Spotting the whales
♦ Relaxing in the Cape Winelands
♦ Hiking in the Table Mountain National Park and/or Tsitsikamma Coastal National Park
♦ Admiring the Drakensberg
♦ Finding and stopping at the nicest places along the Garden Route
♦ Enjoying anything that strikes my imagination
Have you been to South Africa? Would you like to help me building up a possible wonderful itinerary taking into account that I most love nature and the outdoors?
So beautiful – thanks Simon for this – South Africa is amazing! I love the shot of Drakensberg. Can’t wait to hear how it all turned out – hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed it!
I’m really having a wonderful time in South Africa, Brian. And… yes… the Drakensberg photo is awesome… Cause it’s not from me!
Hello there!
Wow! This would be an extremely awesome travel and vacation for you Simon. Enjoy every minute there! Hope you could post some of your photos. Happy holiday!
Hey, Samuel, why don’t you join me?
I mean it seriously!
Simon, I’m very keen on travelling to South Africa as well
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Sounds like it’s going to be a wonderful trip, Simon! I can’t wait to see the photos you come home with.
What a great travel goal Simon and a nice way of putting together what I’m sure will be a very cool itinerary. Having never been to South Africa myself I’m not much use in helping shape your travel plans but I’m definitely going to watch this space to see how things work out for you.
I’ve been dreaming of going there since being captivated by World Cup Fever!
Oh… I’d be really glad if you’ll follow me throughout South Africa. My dream is soon becoming reality and I’m sure you’ll soon realize your as well. Thanks for stopping by. Cheers
I envy you the time and opportunity you have to follow your dreams to visit and experience South Africa. Perhaps I am approaching the time in my life when I need to break free from my daily trials and tribulations and seek out my dreams too!
[beautiful photographs
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Not only am I happy to meet you in person and to accept your lovely invitation. I’m also glad to have the opportunity to visit Johannesburg and its surrounding and to get to know more about the city and more generally South Africa.
And I’m pretty sure that I’ll fall in love with your country! Shall we bet?
Thank you so much for the mention Simon and it would be a pleasure to host you in Johannesburg! Contrary to what people believe, there is plenty to do and see here and I can’t wait to show you around and dispel some of the negative myths about our beautiful country