Just Back: Jamie's Research Trip to South Africa
Having recently returned from a research trip to South Africa, our Africa specialist, Jamie, has plenty of stellar advice and up-to-date info for anyone looking to whisk off to the Rainbow Nation. From olive oil and wine tastings in one of Cape Dutch's oldest farms to running past dolphins on a coastal path and walking with cheetahs on an unforgettable safari – she's done it all. So, read on for the inside scoop on Jamie's travels...
- Where did you visit?
- What did you get up to?
- What made the trip special?
- Did you learn about any secret spots?
- What’s your favourite thing you ate?
- What new things did you learn?
- What was something you’d never done before?
- What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
- Did anything surprise you about the destination?
- What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
1.
Where did you visit?
I was lucky enough to spend two weeks in South Africa, so I managed to visit a lot of places. I started in Cape Town, before heading to the Cape Winelands and the seaside town of Hermanus.
After this, I turned inland for an Eastern Cape safari in the Samara, Lalibela and Shamwari game reserves. But I didn't stop there, I also had a short stay in Johannesburg before rounding out my trip with another safari in Madikwe.
2.
What did you get up to?
How long do you have? In Cape Town (where I grew up), I went to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, spotted penguins in Boulder’s Bay and took a cable car up Table Mountain. Then it was off to the Winelands for a few days of olive oil and wine tasting at Babylonstoren – one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms.
Then, while I was in Hermanus, I went on a lovely run along the coast and saw huge pods of dolphins and sea lions. After this, during my first safari stint, I walked with cheetahs in the Samara Karoo Reserve. It was truly magical.
3.
What made the trip special?
Seeing new parts of the country, specifically the Samara and Madikwe reserves. Samara was a real highlight as the landscapes of the Karoo are so different from what I’ve experienced elsewhere in South Africa and our guide, Ivan, was wonderful. Along with Rowan, our tracker, he made the experience truly memorable.
Of course, some of the most special moments are unplanned. Seeing a mother cheetah playing with her cubs while tracking on foot was certainly one of them.
4.
Did you learn about any secret spots?
I did! And you'll likely start to pick up on a theme here: it was Samara again. Although the reserve is a little out of the way, it's definitely worth the effort if you're self-driving. Where else would you be able to encounter cheetahs at such close range?
The landscape is also worth shouting about. Samara offers everything from game drives and bush walks to planting spekboom (a bright green succulent) to help prevent soil erosion. It's really in a league of its own.
5.
What’s your favourite thing you ate?
Now that's a hard question. There was so much great seafood in Cape Town and Hermanus – particularly the prawns!
Aside from that, eating in South Africa felt like one big walk down memory lane. For example, Woolworths stores still sell the same doughnut bites I remember from when I was a child.
6.
What new things did you learn?
Well, I learned that giraffes sometimes chew on dry bones. It's called osteophagy and they do it to extract minerals like calcium to supplement their plant-based diet. We saw this in action at the Shamwari Game Reserve, where some of the giraffes were chewing on antelope antlers. Fascinating!
7.
What was something you’d never done before?
I know I've mentioned it already, but my walk with cheetahs (yes, another Samara highlight). I'd never done it before, and being so close to those magnificent animals made for such a special moment. I'll never forget what that felt like.
8.
What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
I'm a firm believer that every trip to South Africa should include some time to explore the Cape Peninsula. There are so many amazing places to dip into. And, if you're self-driving, you can work on your own schedule and stop in all the little seaside towns. I'd highly recommend.
9.
Did anything surprise you about the destination?
Oh, absolutely! I was surprised by how vast Madikwe is and the benefits of each side of the reserve. Because of this, it's important to know what you're most keen on seeing ahead of time – in terms of landscapes and wildlife. That way, you can pick the best part of the reserve to stay in and really tailor your experience.
10.
What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
If your aim is to see wild dogs, Madikwe is a great option. Just keep in mind that when the alpha gives birth – generally around the May-June period – you might not see the pack for a while because they're very cautious about their pups.
During my trip, we were lucky enough to catch one pack right before they denned (hunkered down to give birth). But this isn't always the case. So, keep that in mind.
All images by Jamie Armstrong
More About
Jamie Armstrong
Writer at Original Travel
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When it comes to South Africa, our inspiration doesn’t run dry. Be it a wine-tasting tour by horseback, a photography course in Cape Town, a sundowner picnic up Table Mountain or a family-friendly safari in Madikwe, we’ve tried and tested the best. Our consultants have extensive experience with family travel in South Africa, and know the best lodges for young families in non-malarial locations. What’s more, with our conservation knowledge, we work alongside lodge owners and local communities so you can be sure your stay will have a meaningful impact.
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