South Africa had long been on our travel wish list, but finally, this year, that trip we’d always dreamed of become a reality. And the vacation of a lifetime.
Adventures by Disney’s completely-guided itineraries are carefully selected to immerse travelers in the people, places and cultures of the region they are visiting. With 37 adventures over six continents, travelers have many choices to deep-dive destinations throughout the world.
Here are some highlights from our unforgettable journey to the Dark Continent.
Arriving in Cape Town
My husband and I and our group of intrepid travelers began our epic 10-day Southern African journey in Cape Town, on Africa’s southwestern coast. The vibrant, culturally-rich city is known for its stunning natural beauty, fascinating history and diverse population.
Table Bay Hotel, situated in the picturesque Victoria and Albert Waterfront was our home for three nights as we ventured out to explore some of Cape Town’s best sites.
Sunset in the South African bush. (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Because Table Mountain was shrouded in fog and we couldn’t take the aerial tramway to the top as planned. Our creative guides pivoted and instead headed to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the seven most magnificent and diverse botanical gardens in the world.
Our District Six tour was poignant as its chronicled the injustice and racial intemperance of South Africa's apartheid period. Lunch at a locally-owned eatery with traditional dishes was followed by an amazing first-hand rendition by a South African who personally experienced apartheid’s massive discrimination.
Nelson Mandela is far and away Cape Town’s and South Africa’s favorite son. Though he passed away in 2013, the legacy he left behind for his beloved nation will live on forever.
Evening brought a very special event with interactive drumming and entertainment by African dancers and music. Our tour group participated in the celebration of African culture while dining on a multi-course traditional African dinner.
Junior explorers were entertained at a separate table with child-friendly foods and activities.
Cape of Good Hope and Penguin Parade
Not only is the Cape of Good Hope the southernmost point on the African continent, it is an incredibly picturesque headland characterized by steep, rugged cliffs that rise dramatically from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The historic Cape provides breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and provides definite photo opportunities.
As we headed by private coach to our next nearby stop, Cape Point, all guests were excited about seeing the South African penguins.
Early morning safari trek. (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
On the way, we were unexpectedly treated to a wildlife show along both sides of the highway to a pack of baboons – too many to count. This became one of the day’s highlights, along with spotting ostriches and elands in the wild.
We’ve seen our share of penguins, albeit in the zoo – but nothing could be more fascinating than seeing hundreds of these charming African penguins waddling like wind-up toys at a Boulders Beach cove and on the rocks. A great way to top off the day.
Eagle Encounters in the Countryside
When you put two of South Africa’s treasures together, it makes for one awesome experience!
Spier Wine Farm is not only one of South Africa's oldest wineries, but it also sports a rehabilitation and conservation center where patrons can get up-close with eagles, hawks, owls and vultures at the Eagle Encounters. This was a delight to not only the junior explorers but adults as well, followed by wine tasting and lunch in the winelands.
Knysna’s Garden Route- Birds, Monkeys, and South Africa Vineyards
After a short flight from Cape Town, to George, we arrived ready for our drive and more adventures in Knysna (pronounced Nysna).
Our home away from home in this area couldn’t have been more ideal. Pezula Nature Retreat is located on the Garden Route with rooms and suites blending perfectly into the stunningly picturesque natural wonders.
Though we were aware we were heading to a bird sanctuary, I don’t believe any of us could have imagined how incredible the experience would be.
The private tour wound through the lush tropical grounds of Birds of Eden, the world’s largest indoor free flight aviary and bird sanctuary, located near Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape. This was a photographer’s dream with multi-leveled walkways showcasing more than 3500 birds and 200-plus species.
After a delightful Mediterranean lunch at Bramon Wine Estate overlooking the vineyards, it was time to witness the amusing antics of the lemurs, gibbons, capuchins and more in Monkeyland, the world's first primate sanctuary, housing 18 species of primates roaming free in a high canopied forest. Adults and kids alike were thrilled, and the bold primates were more than willing to hilariously perform on their home turf.
Featherbed Nature Reserve and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
Ferrying across the Knysna Lagoon, we docked at the spectacular Featherbed Nature Reserve with its massive sandstone cliffs—the Knysna Heads. Hardy off-road 4-wheel drive Unimogs were our group’s bumpy transportation to the top.
Knysna Heads viewpoint. (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
Perhaps the biggest surprise of our trip were the spectacular views. These sweeping, almost indescribable vistas were nothing like we thought South Africa would look like. Here we got our first glimpse of the Indian Ocean, and the mix of azure and tourmaline waters with white foamy swells crashing against the rocks was breathtaking.
An outdoor buffet lunch fit for royalty was followed by another fascinating animal adventure – a guided walking safari at the sprawling Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary that featured lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and more. Jukani is the forever home for these magnificent rescued big cats who now roam in a large natural habitat built specifically for their needs.
Safari Time at the Realm of the Lion King!
Yes, we had to get up at the crack of dawn, but it was so worth it as we boarded a private chartered jet to our final and most-anticipated destination – Hoedspruit.
The safari experience began immediately after exiting the small airport as each Adventures by Disney group was assigned a ranger, tracker and 4X4 land cruiser who would be our crew for the entire four-days at the luxurious Kapama River Lodge on a private reserve near Kruger National Park.
Family of baboons on the way to Cape Point. (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
No sooner did we enter the long, windy dirt road heading to the lodge– we saw them. Giraffes, zebras, antelopes, impalas, and Southern hornbills (think Disney’s Zazu), and we weren’t even on our first official game drive yet.
Each day started and ended with a game drive. Mornings commenced at 6:45 am, and at 4:30 pm, we began our epic three-hour sundowning/evening adventure.
Safari Bush Braai dinner. (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
An outdoor safari Bush Braai dinner was a magical experience with twinkling lights, lanterns and a bonfire as ambience to a sumptuous and exotic barbeque feast. Known in Afrikaans as a ‘braai,’ it featured some of the best South African dishes and our favorite dessert, Malva pudding, a sweet, creamy, milk tart.
Searching for the Big “5”
In Africa, the Big Five game animals are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, African elephant, and cape buffalo. And of course, it’s a right of passage to say you’ve seen all five during your time in the bush.
Lions at Kapama Game Reserve. (Photo Credit: Noreen Kompanik)
With more than 40 other mammal species and over 350 types of birds, we spotted a host of wildlife on every game drive. And each game drive was different and exhilarating. We spotted elephants, white rhinos, hippos, prides of lions, cape buffalo, honey badger, zebras, warthogs, duiker, porcupine, impala, hyena, greater kudu, nyala, and so much more.
Though one group did manage to spot the elusive leopard, we never did see one. But then again, that miss is a prime reason to go back.
Final Thoughts of Adventures by Disney
Although this was our first Adventures by Disney trip, it won’t be our last. Our guides were absolutely amazing, born and raised in South Africa. The itinerary was well thought out and planned, and filled with many unannounced surprises along the way.
One incredible treat was meeting Christo Brand, who spent 18 years as Nelson Mandela’s prison guard and became his dear friend. The book Brand wrote about the experience was personally signed and presented to each Adventures by Disney guest.
Hand-selected safari rangers and trackers at Kapama provided Disney adventurers with an over-the-top experience in the bush.
In addition, these trips offer the perfect balance for families, with both adult and kid-focused activities meeting everyone’s needs. And though the itineraries are chocker-block full, guests truly get the total Adventures by Disney experience.
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