The effect that South Africa has on each individual can only be described as magical. After all, what is it about South Africa that holds that special charm and mystique that other countries on that continent can’t compare to? 

South Africa has certainly seen its share of unrest in the past. Nowadays, however, South Africa is a safe way to experience an African safari either in all its ruggedness or in superbly brilliant style. Top that off with magical hot air balloon rides, trips through the South African wine country and whale-watching without even stepping foot on a boat and you have summed up this country’s overall charm.

Cape Town

Johannesburg and Cape Town are the cities where most people begin their South African adventure. I started in Cape Town taking in all that this diverse city and its surroundings had to offer. Make sure you visit one of the shanty towns in the area, which offers a real look at South African life. Then venture out to the Cape of Good Hope, which is a must see with diverse habitats ranging from rocky mountain tops to beaches and open sea. The Cape of Good Hope is situated at the junction of the earth’s two main water bodies – the meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

If you really want a sense of adventure try shark diving. It’s all the rage in Cape Town nowadays as tourists go down into the ocean in a cage to watch the great white sharks swim around them while trying to figure out a way to turn the divers into a next meal.

While you are staying in Cape Town spend the weekend at the Steenburg Hotel. It’s a five-star property located on the Cape’s oldest wine farm. While you will feel like you are "in the country" you will only be 20 minutes from the heart and action of the city. The Steenberg has a fabulous history and while I stayed there I specifically ask to be allowed to spend the night in the haunted room. The first owner of this property was a feisty German woman named Catharina and it is said she visits the place on a regular basis, I was convinced, but you be the judge. While you are there do find the time to have dinner at Catharina’s namesake restaurant too.

Town of Hermanus - Whale Watching

About an hour outside of Cape Town is a lovely town called Hermanus. Hermanus is the primo whale watching destination in South Africa and during the season, which is September and October, you are almost guaranteed sightings of the Southern Right Whale from the shore (try Dreunkrans, Windsor Bay, Gearing’s Point and Kwaaiwater).

Hermanus is also the only town in the world with its own "whale crier" during whaling season. He walks the town blowing a kelp horn in a sort of Morse code to alert visitors and residents alike of the presence of whales in the bay.

While in Hermanus it’s a must to stay at Birkenhead House. An all-inclusive, small boutique hotel where guest rooms flow into the long dining and out to the stunning terrace where you can see the whales breaching and lob tailing in the ocean below from the cliffs, Birkenhead sits majestically overlooking the Indian Ocean.

After a few days it will be time to move south to Cape Town and perhaps a game reserve such as Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, only a few hours from the city.

Sabona Wildlife Reserve

For your first safari experience try Sanbona Wildlife Reserve in an area called Little Karoo and just a few hours outside of Cape Town. Many game reserves are all about just seeing the wildlife, but here you can also experience flora, fauna and cave drawings that are thousands of years old.

The reserve is nestled in the hills at the foot of the Warmwaterberg, which is an expansive group of rock formations, also including scrub vegetation. The name Sanbona is a combination of the "San" people who lived in the area hundreds of years ago and "bona" representing their vision. In all, there are 6500 plant species and 150 bird species among the wildlife that includes cheetahs, lions, elephants and rhinos, to name a few.

In fact, recently Sanbona Wildlife Reserve re-introduced white tigers to the area. This is the first time such an event has happened in many years and three cubs have been born since the reintroduction.

There are two separate lodges to choose from at Sanbona; Tilney Manor and Khanni Lodge. Tilney Manor has remarkable suites, private outdoor garden showers, and views that are never ending. Sanbona's second lodge, Khanni, is named after the San word for Eland - a magnificent antelope revered by the San as ruler of the animal kingdom. Tucked away in a secluded valley overlooking a natural watering hole, Khanni Lodge is an idyllic Klein Karoo summer house, with wrap-around verandas, high lime-washed ceilings and exposed beams providing a feeling of cool, airy space. From the verandah and rim-flow swimming pool guests can watch animals visiting the watering hole to drink.

Sanbona also offers a wellness center where you can relax and unwind with a massage or a number of other body treatment choices. At night when you arrive from your evening game drive you will find your bath drawn, a bottle of champagne at the ready and rose petals dotting the floor. It’s certain that while in Sanbona the romance and the spirit of the earth will remind you that your future is the place that dreams or made of day by day.

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