South Africa
Cape Town | Johannesburg | Mabula
Adventure, Wildlife, and Thrills: Our South Africa Getaway
South Africa had been on our travel bucket list for a long time. So, when my sister sent out the classic “Who wants to go?” email, five of us immediately said yes (plus one adventurous friend joined in). We booked through Gate 1 Travel, which made the planning easy, and before we knew it, we were off on an unforgettable journey. Our tour manager, Lawrence, was an absolute gem—super knowledgeable, passionate about South Africa, and always ready with fun facts and local insights.
Cape Town: City Views & Adrenaline Rushes
Our first stop was Cape Town, where we spent four amazing days soaking in the sights, history, and—of course—epic adventures.
Day two kicked off with a city tour, hitting all the major landmarks before ending at the lively V&A Waterfront. After wandering around and grabbing lunch by the water, we found ourselves debating how to spend the rest of the afternoon. That’s when our server casually mentioned paragliding off Signal Hill. A quick Google search, some WhatsApp messages confirming the company’s 100% safety rating lol, and a 20-minute Uber ride later… we were literally jumping off a mountain! Talk about a thrill!
The following day was all about exploring the stunning Cape Peninsula. We stood at the Cape of Good Hope, climbed up to the old lighthouse for breathtaking views, walked among the adorable penguins at Boulders Beach, took a peaceful stroll through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and wrapped up the day walking to dinner.
For day four, while most of our group opted for an African wine tour, our little crew decided to turn up the adrenaline again—we went shark cage diving in Gansbaai! Luck was on our side, as the unpredictable weather often cancels trips this time of year. After a two-hour drive to Marine Dynamics, we had breakfast, got a safety briefing, and suited up before heading out to sea. The experience was insane—watching massive sharks swim just inches away, both from inside the cage and on the boat. The swells got pretty rough toward the end, but thanks to some well-timed seasickness meds, we all survived (and loved it).
Johannesburg & Mabula Safari Magic
Next, we flew to Johannesburg for the second leg of our adventure—three days of safari bliss at a game lodge. Upon arrival, we checked in, then wasted no time heading out for our first game drive. As the sun set, we stopped by a lake to enjoy a classic sundowner (aka drinks in the wild) while watching hippos pop in and out of the water.
The next morning, we were back out in the bush for another game drive. During our downtime, my sister and I decided to up the adventure factor and did a horseback game drive—just the two of us, riding through the reserve among rhinos, giraffes and zebras. Meanwhile, the guys unknowingly got signed up for an ATV game drive (classic sister move). Both experiences were unforgettable. That evening, another game drive led to a special dinner in the bush, complete with a bonfire and local entertainment—such an incredible way to experience South African culture under the stars.
On our final morning, we had one last game drive, and finally—lions! It was the perfect way to wrap up our safari before heading to the airport and saying goodbye to this incredible country.
Final Thoughts
South Africa was everything we hoped for and more—breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters straight out of National Geographic, and enough adventure to keep our adrenaline levels maxed out. Whether it was jumping off mountains, swimming with sharks, or sipping wine (for those who chose the less terrifying route), every moment was unforgettable.
If South Africa is on your list, GO. And if it’s not, add it now. Trust me, you won’t regret it.