South Africa Travel Adventure - February / March 2025
Just the Facts
I’m traveling solo on a Gate1 Tour of South Africa, which includes the countries of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (Swaziland), and the famous Kruger National Park. This is my first visit to this part of the world, and it has been a bucket-list goal of mine since I was a teen.
Monday - February 23-24th - Travel / Cape Town, South Africa
My girls took me to the Tampa airport at about 2:00 p.m. for my flight to Newark on United Airways. I was eventually allowed to check both bags through to the final destination. The first flight was fine, and at Newark, I had to change to the International Terminal for my evening direct flight to Capetown, South Africa. After fourteen long hours, our plane landed from our overnight flight at about 5:45 p.m. local time. Our bodies were on breakfast time, but it was actually evening locally. Customs was easy as no Visa was required, just a U.S. Passport. I found the Gate1 transport and learned 23 people on my flight were on the same tour. We were soon on our way to our Hotel for four nights, the Southern Sun Waterfront Cape Town. We then met our primary Gate1 representative, Maggi, who had everything organized. We had a brief gathering where our room keys were distributed and passport requirements were fulfilled. I then retired to my nice room on the fourth floor. I then went down to the well-staffed Hotel Bar and enjoyed two very nice Striped Horse lager beers on draft. I visited with Maggi and other guests and passed on dinner as I retired for much-needed sleep. (BTW-Striped Horse = Zebra)
Tuesday - February 25th - Cape Town, South Africa I woke early on a bright and breezy day, then went to the lovely breakfast buffet in the hotel dining room at about 7:00 a.m. It was a wide selection of typical breakfast items, including an Omelette Station and my favorite type of Bacon. We had a group meeting at about 7:45 a.m. with Maggi, our Tour Host, before starting our half-day tour of Cape Town at 8:15. We were to do the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, but it was not operating due to high winds. We were taken to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, a botanical garden featuring indigenous plants and flora nestled at the eastern foot of Table Mountain. They have an Arboretum, a Conservatory, a Herbarium, and numerous walkways and outdoor trails. I didn’t walk much but found a bench with a fantastic view (photo). It was delightful to feel the breeze and hear the sounds of the birds in the large trees planted 180 years ago for Queen Victoria. Kirstenbosch has won 29 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show in 33 appearances. On the return drive, we passed the Rhodes Monument and the University of Capetown. We then did a panoramic tour in the older Capetown, passing the Castle of Good Hope, built by the Dutch in the 17th century, the Iziko Slave Lodge, built by the Dutch adjacent to the original Gardens and now a museum, and the Old Dutch Reformed Church. Also, the City Hall and Statue, where Nelson Mandela addressed a mass crowd upon his release from prison, and the monumental St. George Anglican Cathedral.
We then went to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a busy retail, dining, and entertainment district with gift and design stores, diverse museums, and a restaurant scene. Here, we visited a Diamond Museum and could stay the rest of the afternoon or return to the hotel. I returned but will later explore as our hotel has a shuttle service. I had a Striped Horse beer in the hotel bar before we met at 6:15 p.m. and went to our Welcome Dinner at the Beluga Restaurant in the Victoria & Albert Cruise Terminal. It was excellent; I ordered a local Wine, a wonderful Beetroot & Avocado appetizer, and a Rib Eye Steak with Fried Potatoes entree. It was good and part of the Tour. I retired upon our return to the hotel to update this blog and sleep. It was a great first full day in Capetown.
Tuesday - February 26th - Cape Town / Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
We had an early start for our day-long tour down the Cape. There was an early buffet breakfast, and then we were on the bus by 7:30 a.m. We attempted the Table Top this morning, but it again was closed due to both fire & weather, so we headed south, enjoying the scenic Coastal Towns, Beaches, and Mountains. Once we entered the National Park area of the lower cape, we saw Zebra and several Baboon Colonies. We visited the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa; it was beautiful and breezy at the Point. We then began traveling north, going up the cape and stopping at the Seaforth Restaurant for a wonderful seafood meal. We then walked over to the famous Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach. It was a great experience. After returning to the bus, our guide discovered that Table Top was now open, so we went north on a direct route and were successful on our third attempt to visit. We took the cable car to the top of the famous mountain overlooking the city of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. The view area is very good, with views of the north and south. Thanks to our guide, Maggie, for getting us there. Most guests were scheduled for the premium dinner tonight, so we only had a 15-minute stop at our hotel before again boarding our bus for the short trip to Golds Restaurant. This is a complete African Experience evening. It began with a drumming session that included the audience and was a mood setter. All of the staff are dressed in fine colorful Tribal Wear and there many African Tribal entertainers throughout the evening during dinner. We all had the 14-dish African Feast, which was very interesting and served in a family-style manner. It included Namibian Venison Pie, Mozambiquan Chili chicken Wings, South African Roosterkoek, Namibian Grilled Ostrich Fillet Salad, and more. It was a very entertaining evening. Once back at the hotel at about 9:30, I retired immediately after a busy day on the Cape and then Dinner. Check the links above for more information.
Thursday - February 27th - Cape Town, South Africa This is a rest day for me. The tour offered optional tours, and most visited the Wine Country. I went to the Hotel Buffet later than usual and enjoyed a casual breakfast. The omelet, hash browns, English bacon, and fruit were delicious. The hotel offers an hourly Shuttle Service to the Waterfront, and I took the 11:00 bus. A great place to shop and people-watch. I was very tempted to take a boat tour as the weather was very pleasant, but I passed on the thought. There are lots of activities and street performers. The most unique was a tall, thin African man dressed in leopard print and perched on a small stump about two feet in the air. He made unbelievable animal gyrations. You would think it was a large jungle cat. I saw a lot of nice dockside dining options but got a hotdog and fries from an attractive stand. I did buy some items and then took the 1:30 shuttle back to the hotel. I relaxed and updated this blog the rest of the afternoon. I packed and ordered room service: a hamburger and fries with ice and Coca-Cola. I had taken a nap that, in retrospect, may not have been good as I could not sleep later. I’ll mention the hotel for reference; it’s a highrise near the convention center and the Waterfront. The rooms and service have been great. It has been busy due to the G20 summit this week, but they seem to have a large staff, and there is no wait for anything. The food was good and the bar was very nice. I would not hesitate to stay here again. I didn’t take photos today. So, here’s a penguin photo from yesterday @ Boulders Beach.
Friday - February 28th - Cape Town to Hluhluwe, South Africa Today, we had a 3:30 a.m. meeting time in the hotel lobby for our flight to Durban to board a bus for our journey north. I checked out of the hotel and picked up my breakfast bag, and we were off to the airport at about 4:00 a.m.. We flew CemAir, a local carrier with excellent service to Durban Airport, where we arrived at about 8:30 a.m. We now have a new bus & driver for the balance of the trip. We were soon off to St. Lucia Lagoon in Kwazulu-Natal. We loaded onto a pontoon boat and were quickly on several groups of Hippopotamuses in the lagoon. Indeed not a common sight where I come from. On the way out, we also saw a colony of Yellow Weavers and their unique nests. We then stopped at nearby Jabula Beach, a vast beach on the Indian Ocean, for a photo op and a chance to see the Indian Ocean. Following an hour's drive, we stopped at Hluhluwe Lodge by ANEW, a beautiful rural location with lovely grounds. I took an hour nap before the 6:30 p.m. opening of the Dinner Buffet. I had Beet Salad, Carrot Salad, Beef Tenderloin, Lamb Curry, Roasted Potatoes, and Sparkling Water. Afterward, I had a local beer and watched the Zulu Warriors Show around a live campfire. I then retired. It was a great day in the land of the Zulus.
Saturday - March 1st - Hluhluwe Game Drive / Swaziland, South Africa Today, we had a 6:00 a.m. meeting in the hotel lobby to prepare for our first Safari Day. We received boxed lunches and then boarded our bus for the twenty-minute trip to the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, one of the original Nature Reserves in South Africa. I was assigned Jeep #3 and six others with whom I had already become friends. We met our driver, Patrick, and were off into the Park. The first wildlife we saw on this perfect, beautiful day was a large Warthog, next a Water Buffalo, and then a Zebra. These three will become common sightings throughout the day. A herd of Impalas was the first large group of wildlife we saw, and we saw many more through the day. We then stopped and had a Camp Breakfast of Eggs, Sausages, and Sweet bread. Very lovely, and I really enjoyed it. After breakfast, we had a solo sighting of a Monkey, then a pair of Elephants with a Baby. This was maybe the best view of the day. Two herds of Zebra mingled with the jeep. We did get a Rhinoceros sighting, but not a good viewing. Seeing the Water Buffalo take a group mud bath was interesting. Following the Safari, we entered the Kingdom of Eswatini, known by its former official name, Swaziland. We exited our bus and walked through South African immigration, then walked across the border and into Eswatini immigration. We travelled to a Tourist Handicraft Village featuring Crafts, including Swazi candles, a Cafe, and Toilets. In my allotted hour (4:00ish), I went to the cafe for a Sibebe beer, the surprisingly good local Eswatini brand. I also had an excellent Zulu Burger with Fries and Onion Rings. It was excellent. At about 5:30 p.m., we arrived at the Mountain View Hotel in Mbabane. An older lodge-type accommodation, but very lovely, and yes, it has a beautiful view. I passed on dinner, but I got some Coca-Cola and ice from the bar and retired to my room to do some online work & updating. The WiFi is slow, but I am happy to have it here in this rural area. It was a great day for a Safari.
Sunday - March 2nd - eSwatini (Swaziland) to Kruger Park, South Africa
We had a nice breakfast at the hotel before our 8:00 a.m start on our journey north. The first comfort stop was at the Ngwenya Glass factory, then we proceeded to the eSwatini / South Africa border crossing. The crossing experience was surreal, and we joined locals and travelers in the line extending from the road into a small building. The hustle & bustle of Sunday local visitors dressed in their Sunday best. We then walked across the border to be received back into South Africa. We then went to Matsomo Village, located at the border. We took a tour of the Zulu Village, but the best was the entertainment. The Singers and Dancers in authentic wardrobes did a wonderful show for our group. The harmonies and athletic abilities were amazing. After the show, we were served a very nice, full African meal in the restaurant. I couldn’t begin to name the individual items, but all were good. We then began our long afternoon drive to Kruger Gate Hotel, arriving at about 5:30 p.m. This is a beautiful timber lodge setting adjacent to Kruger National Park. My room is quite large and decorated with a nice upper-level view. At 7:00 p.m., we met at the outdoor dining area among the beautiful lighted trees and bonfires. The buffet was the best food of the trip. Again, we had a wide selection of African specialties, including salads, breads, entrees, and desserts. It was an amazing experience in the special African setting. After dinner, I walked a different route on the wooden walkways to my room, passing the beautiful pool and bar. Just across the pool was a Hippopotamus casually eating away at the grasses located there. It should be a great Safari day tomorrow.
Monday - March 3rd - Kruger National Park, South Africa
We were up early for our safari day and loaded into our vehicles at the hotel at about 5:45 a.m.. We entered the Park at 6:00 a.m. and watched the sunrise in the east as our exciting day began. Our first wildlife sighting was the reliable Zebra that we saw throughout the day. Our second wildlife sighting was several Giraffes, which was exciting as we hadn’t seen them on the previous safari. We then saw a Hyena walking down the road, passing us as we sat. More giraffes and hyenas as we came upon the rarest wildlife in the Park: a pack of Wild Painted Dogs. One was wearing a collar, and they are closely monitored as there are so few. We then saw our first Elephant of the day as we drove to a Rest Station where we could eat the snack boxes given to us at the hotel that morning. I bought a nice Scone and a Coca-Cola. We saw large herds of Impala as we would for the rest of the day. The next wildlife sighting was the best of the day: a large female Leopard high in a tree. Very impressive, and even the experienced guides were excited. All four vehicles in our group and a few others soon arrived, as this close and extended sighting is evidently rare. We came upon a very impressive group of elephants and saw lots of zebra and impala for the rest of the day. We had a good lunch at a very nice comfort station with a gift shop and facilities. While searching for Lions in the afternoon, we saw many more giraffes, impalas, and zebras. No one had seen a lion since 6:00 a.m. We returned to the Kruger Gate Hotel at about 3:00 p.m. for a cocktail and swim to cool off at the end of the day. We were fortunate that the weather was very pleasant all day. Our group met for cocktails at 6:15 p.m., and I went to dinner a bit early at about 6:45 p.m. I ate light but enjoyed a good Stir-fry plate of chicken, noodles, and vegetables. I immediately retired to bed, tired from the day's activities, but I woke in the night to update this review. It was a great safari day at the famous Kruger Park.
Tuesday - March 4th - Kruger to Johannesburg, South Africa
I was up early for a nice buffet breakfast in the Lodge before we boarded our bus at about 8:15 a.m. for the journey south to Johannesburg. The countryside scenery along the Panorama Route was wonderful, from mountains to plateaus in the Highveld region. Our first stop was at the impressive Mac Mac Falls tumbling 70m in two double streams with water rainbows. Our next stop was at J&S Pedestal, a farm store featuring fruits and local goods. Our final stop was at the Alzu Petroport, an impressive and popular stop on the Panorama Route. I’d describe it as a Buc-ees with restaurants and a view. The dining area overlooks a massive farm with a stock tank that is used by livestock and wildlife, including Rhinos, Eland, Ostriches, and more. I had a very nice Hamburger and dined on the balcony overlook. I thought all three comfort stops were well chosen on our route. We arrived at our Southern Sun Sandton hotel at about 5:45 p.m. We efficiently received our room keys, and I was soon in my room on the 6th floor of the high-rise hotel. Soon, my bags were delivered, and I was settled in for the evening. No need for dinner this evening. Before retiring, I had time to relax, catch up on the news, and use the WiFi. It was a fine travel day with sights along the way.
Wednesday - March 5th - Johannesburg, South Africa I had a long overnight's sleep, so I woke up early to update this blog and go to the hotel's early buffet breakfast. All of the breakfasts on this trip have been good, with a wide variety of choices. Our bus left at 8:30 a.m. for our trip to Soweto. In Soweto, we visited Vilakazi Street, the Hector Peterson Memorial, the Nelson Mandela House (photo), and the Apartheid Museum. The Apartheid Museum was an excellent history lesson and presentation. A must-see while here. We stopped at a Canbanos for African items and souvenirs. I did purchase a special belt before we returned to our hotel at about 4:40 p.m. We enjoyed a thunderstorm and rain this evening. At 6:30 p.m., our group had a Farewell Party for many as they leave tomorrow, and most of us continue to Victoria Falls. I knew we had a great group, but the party assured me of that with the Dancing, Photographs, and sincere new Friendships. We all went to a buffet dinner in the dining room. The usual SA fare with Roast Beef and wonderful Beets from the Salad Bar. The hotel served extra drinks as the service last night was lacking for those who went to the MDR. I retired after dinner as we have an early airport flight tomorrow. It was an easy and fun day in Johannesburg.
Thursday - March 6th - Travel / Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe I woke early for a 6:00 a.m. breakfast and our 6:30 shuttle to the Airport. Our group is now 21 people, and Maggi is still the Tour hostess and doing a great job. We took a smaller computer airplane to Victoria Falls Airport, arriving at about noon. We then went through Zimbabwe immigration ($45 Visa) and were soon on our way to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, which faces the Zambezi National Park. A large natural water hole attracts wildlife and can be viewed from the Lodge. Daily at 1:00 p.m., the Lodge wildlife person feeds the Vultures; it is quite an exhibition and attracts a wide variety of African Vultures. We enjoyed a cocktail and atching the Watering Hole until our rooms were ready at about 2:00 p.m. I then went to the Lodge Spa for a nice pedicure, which was nice. At 4:00 p.m., most went to enjoy a Sunset river cruise on the Zalbezi River, the fourth longest in Africa. We saw Crocodiles and many active Hippopotamuses in the water. Drinks and snacks were included. It was a fun river cruise, and the sunset was spectacular. Later at the Lodge, they had acapella singing by six gentlemen in African costume. My turn down service this evening included covering the bed in mosquito netting, that’s a first for me. I retired after a busy day of travel and fun.
Friday - March 7th - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe I again woke early for a 6:30 a.m. departure for a tour of Victoria Falls. The Falls is a waterfall on the Zambesie River located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the world’
s largest waterfalls, with a width of 5604 feet. A local guide took us to all 15 viewing points on the Zimbabwean side. We started at the Victoria Falls point #1, the Devil's Cateract, which also has a statue of David Livingston, the famous English explorer who was the first European to discover the Falls in 1855 and named them for Queen Victoria. This is also the location of the newer cut in the escartment of the Falls. Points 2-8 are primarily the new gorge. Points 9-12 are views of the main falls, each a bit different. Point 13 is at Livingston Island, which breaks the path of the water; Point 14 is a view of the Horseshoe Falls. Point 15 is called Danger Point, with a view of Rainbow Falls, the Boiling Pot, and the Bridge. We walked 1.8 miles in total; that’
s about 8800 steps for me. This was one of the most majestic waterfall experiences I have had. We returned to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge at about 9:00 a.m. in time for their famous Breakfast Buffet. It was the best of the trip. They had typical buffet items for those in a hurry, or you could order 6-8 items off of a menu. I had a sampler off the buffet and had Pancakes from a fresh station while waiting on my custom Omelet order from the menu. I had earned a good breakfast from the long walk. At 10:45 a.m., eleven of us were picked up at the Lodge and taken to
Zambezie Helicopters for the
Flight of Angels, a 13-minute tour of Victoria Falls. It was a great experience. I was originally planning to return to the Falls to walk over the bridge, but I’ve had enough walking today, so I had a relaxing hamburger late lunch at the Lodge overlooking the waterhole. Then, a relaxing afternoon and evening. I did have a final Victoria Cocktail at the Bar at about 7:45 p.m. and then retired to the room. I turned down the turn-down service this evening, so no mosquito netting tonight. It was a great day in Victoria Falls.
Saturday - March 8th - Victoria Falls, South Africa to Zurich, Switzerland
First travel day and beginning of my return home. I wake up looking at the sunrise over the African landscape from my balcony room at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, knowing that this Adventure is coming to an end. I woke at about 6:00 a.m. and packed before going to my last breakfast in Africa. The buffet was excellent, and it was a chance to say farewell to the rest of the group. Our shuttle to the Victoria Falls airport left at 9:30 a.m. We arrived at the Johannesburg Tambo Airport at about 2:30 p.m., and I checked in for my 8:00 p.m. flight with Swiss Air. All was good for the first leg, but no boarding information for my 2nd to the USA. The flight was tough for me @ 11+ hours of flight time. I’m glad I’m splitting up the two 11-hour flight segments.
Sunday - March 9th - Zurich, Switzerland We landed at the Zurich airport at about 6:15 a.m. this morning. It is colder in Switzerland. I negotiated Swiss immigration, picked up my luggage, and easily found my way to the Raddison Blu hotel located at the airport before 7:00 a.m.. Fortunately, they let me have my room that early. Even with the Early Check-in fee, it was supposed to be after 9:00 a.m. Thanks, and the Hotel is great. Since I still had no specific flight information about my new Swiss Air flights home, I walked over to the Airport and found the correct desk, and I was now checked in, and with one additional query at a special desk, I had my premium exit-row seat restored. Sweet. I then went downstairs to the railway station and took the 12-minute Express Train into the city center. I arrived in time for the melodic ringing of the Church Bells from the major Churches in the city center. Well coordinated and interesting. Other than the bells, there was not any real activity downtown. The weather was cool but pleasantly sunny, so I did my own walkabout. I went over the pedestrian bridges and viewed the Churches and the few medieval buildings. (file photo) Not really the type of old-town atmosphere of many European cities, but Zurich is not known for that. I had lunch at a McDonalds, why not? I found my return Airport Train much easier than I expected and within 12 minutes back at the Airport. Enough walking for me today, so I stopped at the Grocery, yes a full large-size Grocery Store in the airport for a liter of Coca-Cola for my room at the hotel. I have never seen so many long cases for ski poles in my life. Then, on TV, once back in the hotel, there were eight channels showing skiing. Interesting. I had a short nap, then updated myself with the news, sports results, and this Blog for the rest of the day and evening. I had a nice dinner in the dining room and then retired. A nice relaxing day as planned.
Monday - March 10th - Zurich, Switzerland to Tampa, Florida.
I woke early to repack, then had a nice breakfast buffet in the dining room.
