My South Africa fam trip with Contiki was unforgettable from the moment I landed in Cape Town. I was greeted by our incredible Trip Manager, and the excitement instantly kicked in as we set off to explore the city’s highlights.
Our first major stop was Table Mountain, where we took the cable car to the summit. The panoramic views over the ocean, city and mountains were breathtaking and the perfect introduction to South Africa.
The next day we travelled along the iconic Route 62, through mountain passes, vineyards and desert landscapes on our way to Oudtshoorn. A highlight was exploring the Cango Caves, Africa’s largest show cave system, where we discovered incredible rock formations and fascinating history.
That evening, I experienced one of my favourite moments of the trip – a sunset ride through the Swartberg Mountains followed by a traditional Karoo braai at a local farm.
From there, we travelled east to Addo Elephant National Park, where the safari experience truly began. We saw elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat and spotted a variety of wildlife including antelope and buffalo.
The following day was packed with even more wildlife encounters, including a visit to SANCCOB, which was both inspiring and educational. Our next stop was Amakhala Game Reserve for open-vehicle game drives, watching the sunset over the African bush while searching for the Big Five.
Our journey continued along the famous Garden Route, with stops at Jeffreys Bay and Tsitsikamma National Park, relaxing on white sandy beaches and kayaking through dramatic gorges. We then arrived in Knysna, where I enjoyed a marine safari in search of whales and dolphins, a meaningful township visit to learn about Xhosa culture and a sunset cruise on the lagoon followed by a seafood dinner by the water.
On our return to Cape Town, we stopped in Hermanus, one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Back in the city, we wrapped up the trip with a MasterChef-style African cooking experience, sharing food, cocktails and memories.
On the final morning, there was the option to take a helicopter ride over the coastline. As I flew home, I reflected on how this trip combined adventure, wildlife, culture and connection, leaving me inspired, energised and eager to return. It reinforced the value of selling from personal experience and has already translated directly into tangible sales.
Top selling tips
• South Africa is perfect for first-time Africa travellers as it offers diverse experiences in one trip.
• The pace is ideal, balancing adventure with downtime. Also, the social aspect really enhances the experience.
• Wildlife sightings are incredible, but I learned it’s important to set expectations that nature is unpredictable.
• The Garden Route is a huge highlight and appeals to a wide range of travellers, from beach lovers to adventure seekers.
• Cultural experiences, such as township visits, add real depth and are a strong selling point.
Book it
A seven-day Garden Route and Addo trip is priced from approximately £850pp.
contiki.com
Lowri Crocker
Aspire Travel
