South Africa

in #travel8 years ago

I'm new to steemit here and I though I should share my trip to Cape Town and other parts of SA for any other travelers curious about visiting this beautiful country.

I flew from Canada to Amsterdam which was an 8 hour flight from Alberta where I live, then I had an hour and a half layover and then an 11 hour and a bit flight to Cape Town. I have no pictures of this as it was torture to live through but well worth it in the end.

The first day I was there I walked around for a bit and got some amazing pictures of the ocean/city

I had planned to go paragliding on my first day but it was too windy so instead I visited Table Mountain, a must for anyone visiting Cape Town.





After I walked around the top for awhile they had a nice little gift shop and restaurant at the top, I had some fish, potatoes, and a local beer for about 60 Rand

I enjoyed a nice sunset that evening

My next day I went on a trip out to Gansbaii for shark cage diving. This was actually one of the things I was most looking forward to, and the company I went with was called Marine Dynamics. Very responsible when it comes to nature and sharks, they are truly trying to make a difference in the lives of Great Whites and I would highly recommend this for anyone going to SA. Biggest word of advice is don't take their warnings about sea sickness lightly, I took one sea sickness pill and it was nowhere near enough and I've never been seasick. This is my warning to you! Haha







Getting to see these creatures up close was an experience I'll never forget, they are so amazing.

The next day I flew out to Port Elizabeth. I chose to travel here because I was close enough to a major national park that would be a true safari, not so much a zoo surrounding Cape Town. I wanted the full experience. So this 2 day trip included a stop at the Daniel Cheetah Sanctuary that has alot of different rescued animals and again conservation is the goal with this place like alot of others in South Africa


Just like a big house cat really. Awesome experience.

Second day was an all day safari at Addo Elephant park




These elephants will walk right up to the car, it's a bit freaky and you definitely don't want to get out of the vehicle.


The hostel I stayed at was called Orange Elephant backpackers, I highly recommend them very affordable and a really great atmosphere

The next day I flew back to Cape Town, and visited the famous Bo Kaap neighborhood known for its colorful houses


That same day I went paragliding from Signal Hill. I was a bit nervous as I've never done anything like this at all and I'm not one for heights but it was one of the highlights of my trip. I went with a company called Cape Town tandem paragliding and it is something I cannot wait to do again. The flight was about 5 minutes long but I thought it was perfect.


The next day I took a trip with a company called Daytrippers which included a trip down to Cape point and the Cape of good hope, as well as a stop at boulders beach for the penguins! I feel this is another must for any one visiting South Africa. Part of the trip is riding a bicycle about 8-9 km but it isn't mandatory you can ride in the van, although I would suggest taking the bike, it's well worth it.






Boulders beach with a colony of African penguins




On my last day in Cape Town I walked up and down clifton and camps bay beaches. I was there in June which is considered their winter but the beaches were perfect. Not too busy, and about +27C.








Took a few more pictures around the city before I headed to the airport.







Overall I had a great time on my trip. South Africa is full of so many different cultures and personalities, everyone I met was so helpful and friendly and I didn't once feel unwelcome in Cape Town or anywhere else. I plan to go back in a year or two depending on how fast I can save, but personally CT was at the top of my list of places to visit and I couldn't of been happier with my trip, only if I had stayed longer. The women are beautiful and the weather is perfect. Hope anyone who has read this whole thing has enjoyed it and maybe thought more about a trip to South Africa if they weren't before!

-Jason

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Hi there, I am from South Africa, glad to see you enjoyed your holiday.
It's an amazing country!

Yes it sure is, what part are you from?

I live in Johannesburg but visit Cape Town at least once a week for work. I'll move there in a heart beat if the opportunity arise!

Ive heard Joburg is a fairly rough town! Cape town was so awesome though

@jmartens Amazing Africa!! nice sharing about africa, i'm from Indonesia glad to see you 😀

It looks like you rely took advantage of all the cool activities in CTN - awesome - i love it there ) - go check this out to support Africa -- https://steemit.com/africa/@gord0b/likeafrica-african-or-africant