South Africa. The mere mention of this country results in myriad of responses. However, the two most common phrases that you’ll hear within a response are: “Apartheid” and “Mandela.” Neither are lost on South African citizens as both entities are deeply woven throughout the historical fabric of the nation.

Visiting South Africa has been an interest of mine since the 1990s. However, my first visits to the continent of Africa were to Ethiopia and The Seychelles a couple of years later. Suffice to say, both countries are distinguishably different in every way. When the opportunity to visit South Africa for the first time arose recently, I did what I always do before embarking on a trip to a destination for the first time: Arrive open-minded and expect the best. Fortunately, South Africa impressed me before I departed customs at the Cape Town International Airport. My initial impression was that this country, which was once the bastion for racial injustice, is now a place of harmony and progress, and this is due, in part, to its post-Apartheid leadership that is largely led by Black Africans. The sense of pride, unity, and a standard of excellence are things that pleasantly surprised me.

My trip to South Africa was unique because it explored key regions of the country through the skillful and well-researched guidance of Adventures by Disney. In similar style to other Adventures by Disney vacations, this 10-day group trip was all-inclusive just like a cruise (minus a few meals and beverages containing alcohol). International air travel, however, is a separate expense, but it can be arranged through Adventures by Disney. My fellow travelers and I were treated like VIPs as we experienced all the upscale Disney-coordinated activities and experiences.

Cape Town

As the second largest city in South Africa, Cape Town is a place that defies the typical “jungle and desert sands” impression of Africa that many westerners tend to have. This modern coastal city with commanding views from Table Mountain and Cape Point is blessed with lush surroundings, a relaxed environment, and upmarket amenities. 

The Adventures by Disney South African journey commences with a four-night stay in Cape Town, which allows visitors to experience a great deal of what this city has to offer in addition to the scope of the group trip. Pro tip: Arrive early to Cape Town to get your body clock in sync with the local time before connecting with your group and to take advantage of additional time to independently explore this exciting city.

After clearing customs, I met my Adventures by Disney representative, who introduced me to my driver. Within 30 minutes, I found myself checking into The Table Bay, a five-star Sun International property. This sumptuous seaside hotel is connected to the very posh Victoria & Albert Waterfront (V&A) shopping center. This trip includes two nights to experience some of the very best culinary offerings in Cape Town on your own. There are a plethora of restaurants at V&A for you to choose. If you are jonesing for a modern take on African cuisine, Karibu is the place for you. If you want to experience one of the best hamburgers on the continent, then Gibson’s Gourmet Burger & Ribs serves up some very innovative burgers utilizing South African beef. And bonus, this eatery offers over 300 types of milkshakes! If you’re looking something more familiar and upscale, then V&A’s Nobu is the place to dine. Pro tip: The US dollar goes very far in South Africa, so a three-course dinner for two, including wine, at a number of the restaurants will end up costing less than $70 with tip!

Before embarking on your daily exploration throughout Cape Town, be sure to experience the lavish breakfast buffet at The Table Bay. I found myself making a point to carve out extra time every morning to enjoy the deliciousness that is offered, especially the freshly squeezed juices, egg station, and bakery cart. And the coffee! WOW! What a way to jumpstart the day!

The tour of Cape Town will take you throughout key areas of the city that will educate and inspire. I was fortunate to have two amazing Adventure Guides for my tour, Craig and Jameel. While these two individuals work for Adventures by Disney, they are distinctly and authentically South African. Their insight about South Africa made the tour a very enlightening and educational experience while aboard our luxurious motor coach.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll experience during your tour of Cape Town over the course of your four-night stay:

Cape Town by Adventures by Disney

Knysna

After enjoying Cape Town, our group took a one-hour flight east, about 306 miles, to begin the next leg of the journey. Commonly known as the Jewel of the Garden Route, Knysna is located on a large warm water estuary and is renowned for its verdant and idyllic environs and enviable climate. While there, our group stayed at the modern and luxurious Pezula Nature Retreat, which consists of only suites and villas. During your downtime at Pezula, you’ll want to take advantage of the Pezula Wellness Quarter, which offers a multitude of treatments. The Rasul Escape refreshes and nourishes the skin through a natural salt scrub and a seaweed and eucalyptus mineral wrap before you’re placed within a Rasul Chamber.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll experience during your tour of Knysna over the course of a two-night stay:

Knysna by Adventures by Disney

Realm of The Lion King

After two nights in Knysna, our group headed northeast to Hoedspruitt via a private flight, which is an exclusive for Adventures by Disney tour group members, to spend three adventure-filled days in Kapama Game Reserve. Adventures by Disney truly went out of its way to ensure that our group had the chance to get a glimpse of the savanna life à la Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa while having the opportunity to retreat to comfortable accommodations at Kapama River Lodge. During the afternoons when you aren’t on safari, you should enjoy some of the of Kapama’s additional amenities, such as wellness treatments in the spacious spa that overlooks the game reserve, as well as, sporting activities like archery and axe throwing.

Here’s a sample of what you’ll experience during your time over the course of your three-day stay at Kapama River Lodge:

Adventures by Disney Enters the Realm of The Lion King

Typical of the grand style of Disney, our group enjoyed a lavish farewell dinner gathering at Kapama River Lodge. During which, we reflected on our epic time together while local performers entertained us with a combination of traditional and modern songs, dancing, and drumming and singing that will captured our hearts. In the morning, we began our journey home via Johannesburg, but the memories of this adventurous experience won’t be forgotten. Truly, this was a trip that was an over-the-top experience – one that could only be executed so flawlessly by Adventures by Disney.