South Africa with the Family: On the Road of Wonders
Safari, Ocean, and Unforgettable Memories
Some journeys mark a turning point — enchanted parentheses that you never really close again. In October 2017, I took my family — my daughters, my mother, my sister, and her children — on a timeless adventure, where South Africa reveals all its magic: between wild savannahs and ocean spray.
Timbavati, where it all begins...
The journey kicked off with a bang in the private Timbavati Game Reserve, deep in the bush. From our very first game drive at Simbavati River Lodge, nature gifted us a rare spectacle. A leopard, perched lazily on a tree branch, dozed off, unfazed by our presence — as if posing just for us. Moments later, another leopard approached — slow, majestic — brushing against our vehicle. The children held their breath. So did we.
The next day, the scene changed tone: a solitary lion finishing its meal, the traces of the hunt still fresh. A giraffe drifting off into the distance. The bush doesn’t pretend. It shows life in its rawest, truest form.
Cape Town: between penguins and postcard views
After the intensity of the safari, we set course for Cape Town. A short but sweet stop, a gentle urban interlude before hitting the road again. One highlight: the penguins of Boulders Beach. With their clumsy waddle and uncertain flapping.
But the road was calling once more. Next stop: the legendary Garden Route, that coastal ribbon where nature seems to endlessly outdo itself.
De Hoop: the call of the ocean
First stop: the De Hoop Nature Reserve. Here, the world seems to pause. Endless white dunes cascade into the sea. The wind hums softly. At low tide, the horizon feels infinite.
Plettenberg Bay and Robberg: the crown jewel of the coast
We then settled in Plettenberg Bay, a forever favorite. The trail winds between cliffs and hidden coves, with the ocean as a backdrop. Colonies of seals play in the waves, visible from the heights. And in certain spots, you can even dive into the sea.
That evening, to cap off a perfect day, we dined at Emily Moon Lodge. It’s more than a restaurant — it’s an experience. A magical interlude under the stars, with soft lights and breathtaking décor.
The giants of Knysna
Before completing our loop, one last encounter awaited: the elephants of the Knysna sanctuary. This center rescues elephants and offers them a peaceful, renewed life.
A journey to relive... again and again
This was more than just a holiday. It was an immersion — a weaving of memories across generations, a shared breath of wonder.
The safari + Garden Route combination is simply perfect for a family getaway. And October, with its soft light, pleasant temperatures, and awakening nature, offers the ideal backdrop to discover a different side of South Africa.
So, if you're seeking an extraordinary adventure — where the stars watch over your nights and each day brings a new surprise — start packing. South Africa is waiting.
