Experience South Africa: Cassidy’s Trafalgar Adventure
Experience South Africa with CAA Travel Advisor Cassidy on a Trafalgar guided journey, combining iconic landscapes, rich culture, and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.
South Africa is a destination that offers an incredible mix of wildlife, history, culture, and scenery, and recently, our Halifax-based CAA Travel Advisor Cassidy Royea had the opportunity to experience it firsthand on a Trafalgar guided journey.
From the dramatic coastline of Cape Town to unforgettable safari experiences in Kruger National Park and powerful historical sites in Johannesburg, the trip provided a deeper understanding of what makes South Africa such a captivating destination for travellers.
A Taste of Cape Town
After flying from Halifax to Cape Town via London, I arrived eager to begin exploring. Before the Trafalgar tour officially started, I spent some time wandering around the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, soaking in the atmosphere and beautiful views of the city.
I stayed at Hotel Verde for the night, and then moved to the Southern Sun The Cullinan, which served as our home base while exploring Cape Town.
One of the first experiences on the itinerary was something I'd wanted to do for years: shark cage diving.
Shark Cage Diving Near Cape Town
A 5 AM pickup took us to Gansbaai for a shark cage diving excursion with the White Shark Diving Company. The experience was incredibly well organized, and the staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about marine conservation. Guests could choose from a variety of diving options, and lunch was included.
While great white sharks once dominated these waters, our guides explained that sightings have become rare because of increased orca activity in the region. Instead, we encountered bronze whaler sharks, which made for an equally exciting experience. It was an unforgettable start to my South African adventure!
Exploring Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula
No visit to Cape Town would be complete without a trip to Table Mountain. We arrived early and avoided the crowds, taking the cable car to the top for spectacular views over the city and coastline. One thing that surprised me was how accessible the summit area was, with relatively flat paths and viewing areas for visitors who may not be comfortable with steep terrain.
Our day also included a visit to Cape Point, where another cable car brought us closer to the historic lighthouse. The views were breathtaking, though the strong winds made the climb feel a little more adventurous than expected.
We continued on to the Cape of Good Hope, often considered one of the most iconic locations on the African continent, before visiting Boulders Beach, famous for its colony of African penguins. Along the drive, we spotted baboons and even wild ostriches, making the journey just as memorable as the destinations themselves.
History, Wine Country, and Local Connections
One of the things I appreciated most about travelling with Trafalgar was the opportunity to experience places through the people who call them home.
We visited Victor Verster Prison, known as the place where Nelson Mandela took his first steps as a free man after 27 years of imprisonment. It was a powerful reminder of the country's recent history and the resilience of its people.
From there, we travelled through Franschhoek, a picturesque town in the heart of the Cape Winelands. The scenery alone was worth the visit, with vineyards and mountain views stretching in every direction.
Later, in Hermanus, one of South Africa's most famous whale-watching destinations, we enjoyed a Trafalgar Be My Guest experience at Penguino. Our host, Stefan, made the evening unforgettable with his warm hospitality, delicious food, and passion for sharing local culture. His red wine was also one of the best I tasted during the trip.
One of my favourite evenings of the entire trip was dinner at Gold Restaurant in Cape Town. The experience celebrated flavours from across the African continent, giving us the opportunity to sample a variety of regional dishes, including ostrich.
What made the evening especially memorable was the interactive drumming experience before dinner. Each guest had a drum at their table, and we were encouraged to join in while waiting for the meal. It was a fun, energetic, and immersive introduction to African culture and hospitality.
Journey to Safari: Kruger National Park
After leaving Cape Town, we flew to Hoedspruit aboard CEMAir, and the adventure started before we even reached our hotel. One of my favourite little surprises on the flight was that they served Simba chips, a popular South African snack, which felt like a fun introduction to the region.
When we landed, the wildlife encounters began almost immediately! Shortly after leaving the airport, we spotted a giraffe, giving us an exciting preview of what was still to come.
Our first stop was the Nyani Cultural Village for Trafalgar's MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience. Through traditional music, drumming, and dance, local performers shared the stories and traditions of South Africa's diverse cultures. We also spotted our first warthogs of the trip.
Later, we checked into the Radisson Safari Hotel, which exceeded all expectations. The property was absolutely stunning and provided the perfect place to relax before our big safari day. For supper, we had a BBQ buffet around a campfire!
The next day, we headed to Kruger National Park, which was everything I had hoped for and more. Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is difficult to describe until you've experienced it yourself. The excitement of scanning the landscape, watching wildlife behaviour, and never knowing what might appear around the next corner made this one of the most memorable days of the trip.
Before leaving the region, a group of us decided to fit in one more game drive at the Blue Canyon private reserve in hopes of spotting lions, rhinos, and leopards. Sometimes you just can't get enough safari.
Discovering Johannesburg and Soweto
After our safari adventures, we spent our final days in Johannesburg, staying at The Maslow Hotel while exploring South Africa's complex and inspiring history.
We visited Constitution Hill, a former prison and military fort that once held political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Walking through the site provided valuable insight into South Africa's journey toward democracy.
Another memorable stop was Regina Mundi Church, often referred to as "The People's Church." The church played an important role during the anti-apartheid movement and remains a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.
We also visited Mandela House in Soweto, where Nelson Mandela once lived with Winnie Mandela. Hearing the stories of what happened there helped bring South Africa's history to life in a way that books never could.
Final Thoughts & Travel Tips
This trip was an incredible introduction to South Africa and my first FAM experience. Travelling with Trafalgar made it easy to experience the destination in a deeper way, leaving me with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for everything South Africa has to offer.
A few tips for travellers:
- Bring some local currency for tipping, an important source of income for many guides, drivers, servers, and hospitality staff.
- Pack light layers for early morning game drives.
- Check with your healthcare provider before travelling for any recommended vaccinations or health precautions.
- Wear neutral colours on safari, such as khaki, beige, olive, or tan.
Ready for your adventure?
If South Africa is calling your name, let a CAA Travel Advisor help you make it your next great travel story!