Thursday, September 23, 2010

A Taste of South Africa

I was recently invited to visit South Africa and I can honestly say that the trip wasn’t long enough! The group and I spent 5 wonderful nights in a country that is as beautiful as its people.

We started in Cape Town, a city rich in history and culture, and it does not disappoint. It seems every turn you come upon a part of history you never thought you’d have the opportunity to experience. From Robbin Island to the City Hall made famous by Nelson Mandela’s speech in 1994, you just can’t describe the feeling that overwhelms you as you look upon these influential places in history.

We spent the first two nights at the Table Bay Hotel with its beautiful views of the cape and harbor. This hotel truly has a unique placement in the city. I would highly recommend this hotel for any visitors traveling to Cape Town.

On our third night we had the pleasure of staying at the Mount Nelson Hotel, located right in the heart of the city. As the oldest hotel in Cape Town, you can almost feel the vibe of the city from within its historic walls.

On day four, we left Cape Town and traveled to Kapama Game Lodge on the western edge of Kruger National Park. From the moment your plane touches down, you begin to see wildlife beyond your wildest dreams. The experienced Rangers from Kapama meet you at the airport and from here your experience begins. While departing from the airport in your open vehicle, you literally pass through one gate and you are in the reserve. Before we had even arrived at the lodge, we saw a family of rhino and a two and half year old lioness feasting on the days catch, an incredible beginning to a wonderful few days!

Each day you wake up early for a 6am game drive. I know it sounds crazy but you are just so excited for what the day might have in store that you can’t help but be up as early as possible! Giraffe, wildebeest and impala greet you as the vehicle makes its way through the reserve. Add in the lions, rhino and elephants and incredible doesn't begin to describe it. Once you see these animals in their natural environment, you will never be able to go to a zoo again. Simply breathtaking.

As if the wildlife wasn't enough, the staff are great too. The people at Kapama are true professionals, which makes the fact that the accommodations are top notch almost insignificant. They treat you as one of their own, which as far as I have found in South Africa, this seems to be the case everywhere here.

This trip was amazing. As I mentioned before, my only complaint was that it wasn't long enough! You'd probably need at least a month to explore everything South Africa has to offer. So I guess that just means I will have to go back!

I want to thank our gracious hosts, Springbok Atlas, South African Airways and the South African Tourist Bureau for providing the entire group with an unforgettable experience. I can't wait to see you all again!

Dustin Sorge
Senior Account Executive