South Africa’s garden route, one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world, is worthy of exploring at your own leisure. This huge, diverse and incredibly beautiful country is the size of France and Spain combined, and its gastronomic offering arguably gives both countries a run for their money with five star service in many establishments.
Arriving in Cape Town, South Africa’s most cosmopolitan city, Camps Bay is a fabulous base to explore, and the most luxurious and hip area to stay, nestled behind the jaw-dropping Table Mountain. Beach bars and palm trees line the streets and a number of restaurants allow you to explore your epicurean side whilst watching the wild coastline.
If you’re looking for the ultimate dining experience, spare an evening for dinner with unsurpassable service at the Azure Restaurant at the 12 Apostles hotel, located in a serene coastal spot just beyond Camps Bay. Arriving there before sundown allows you to enjoy the panoramic Atlantic Sea views from the elegant (and azure) gentleman’s club style dining room. Roberto de Carvalho’s signature Cape Fynbos-infused menu has established itself in Cape’s contemporary cuisine. We chose the head-turning seafood platter, which more than comfortably fed two people.
Guests may take advantage of the regular shuttle service to Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront, but before you go look up to the night sky and try spot the Southern Cross constellation (only to be seen in the southern hemisphere) among other of the sky’s treasures away from the city lights.
A trip to Africa is not complete without a safari and the Addo National Park – a Big Five reserve – provides some of the best viewings of elephants that you’ll see in South Africa. A night or two in the main camp or luxury private lodges allow you to get up early enough to avoid the sizzling temperatures and catch live game, basking in the early morning coolness – elephants, warthog, buffalo, kudu, and even lion if you’re lucky. Further east along the Cape, private game reserve, Sibuya is the quintessential safari experience where guests are collected by boat from Kenton-on-sea and taken up Kariega River for a game excursion and overnight stay in luxurous tents, followed by local dishes served by candlelight.
The journey of discovery in South Africa is endless; food, wine, wild life, the people, and each and every African sunset which is deep and different. It’s no wonder that it has been said, “The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to.”
