Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
My latest South Africa trip was beyond anything I could have imagined. As much as I loved my first trip back in October, I didn’t expect to be even more impressed than I was the first time.
Forget being impressed — I was blown away. Staggeringly so. This trip was so much fun, I actually hurt from smiling too much!
I’ll be writing much more about South Africa in the coming weeks, and editing my best photos. For now, here’s a taste of some of my favorite moments.
Surfing During a Pink Sunset in Jeffreys Bay
By now, I’m pleased to say that I have surfed on three continents — Asia (Bali), North America (Mexico), and Africa (South Africa)! Quite badly, but I’ve done it!
Our time in the ocean was brief. Nadine and I only had time for a 45-minute lesson, but our instructor Tom gave us the basics as quickly as possible and led us into the ocean. While neither of us was able to actually look like a real surfer, we had a ton of fun. It was Nadine’s first time ever, and though she was hesitant at first, she was thrilled that she did it.
But the best part was that the sky turned pink around us, making it a colorful surfing experience unlike any I’ve ever had.
Visiting Mama Tofu’s Village in Cintsa
We visited a Xhosa village in Cintsa and were introduced to Mama Tofu, a feisty 93-year-old with a million one-liners and opinions on the sex lives of Xhosas. I bought some gorgeous necklaces from the ladies in the village, including the one pictured above.
But the moment that really hit me was when one of the women grasped my elbows and held on, her eyes shining. “Thank you,” she said emphatically. “When you buy from us, you help us. Thank you.”
This reiterated to me just how important it is to keep your spending as close to the source as possible. Forget gift shops and department stores — buy directly from the women who make the necklaces and they are the ones who benefit.
Road Tripping the Western and Eastern Cape
The single best aspect of road trips, in my opinion, is stopping anywhere that seems cool or unusual or fun. We had plenty of time on some days of our road trip — so in addition to stopping at every possible scenic outlook to Instagram the view, we also stopped at cool places like hot springs, weird desert shops like Ronnie’s Sex Shop, pretty towns, cool food places Simon loved, and more.
The Garden Route is such an amazing part of the world to road trip! It’s beautiful and fascinating. If you come to South Africa, I highly recommend traveling by car.
Gliding Through Sedgefield’s Lagoon
The moment that I stood up on my first paddleboarding excursion, I was a changed woman. At that moment, I resolved to move somewhere warm close to the water so I could buy a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and do it every day!
This sport was made for me. It was super-easy, yet a good workout involving a lot of balance. It was solitary, meaning that I could be alone with my thoughts and meditate while slowly paddling through the water. I couldn’t imagine a better place than Sedgefield’s lagoon, with perfect glassy water and blue mountains in the distance.
This won’t be the last time I paddleboard. Next up: trying it in the wild waves of the ocean!
Bunny Chow-Palooza in Durban
I had heard that Durban was the Indian part of South Africa and home to extra spicy curries, but I had no idea that I would love them this much! I’m not too big on them in general, but every single curry I had in Durban was amazing. Most of them were spicy enough that they made my lips burn, but not so spicy that I hated myself for eating them!
The absolute highlight, though, was bunny chow — curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread. They are dirt cheap on the street or in little shops (10-20 rand, or $1-2) and pretty cheap in restaurants as well. If I lived in Durban, I’d eat bunny chow every day.
Zipping Through the Tsitsikamma Forest
When passing through Storms River, we decided to check out the nearby Tsitsikamma Forest — but in a different way. By Segway! I had never Segwayed before, and I thought they were best confined to urban areas, but it turns out they’re a lot easier than you think. Soon you catch your balance and start doing some crazy maneuvers.
It was wonderful in the Tsitsikamma Forest. It smelled so green and lush, and as I rode through, the wind in my face, I wished I could take that moist air around with me forever.
Walking the Wild Beach of Cintsa
Cintsa was a highlight for me — I loved this part of the Wild Coast. It was rough, rugged, and felt deserted. (We also had the best view possible at Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers.)
We got to Cintsa just in time for a visit to a local brewery (run without running water!) and having some beers on the sand dunes at sunset. As the sun went down, the hostel guys invited us to walk back. A presumed 30-minute walk turned into an hour and us stripping to our undies so we could cross the river, holding our electronics above our head, and get back to the hostel. We laughed, we posed, we Instagrammed.
Seeing Dolphins in Plettenberg Bay
I’ve never been one of those girls who idolizes dolphins, wears dolphin jewelry, draws them all over her notebook in school. Even so, I found seeing dolphins in real life for the first time to be deeply moving. They were beautiful. They were elegant. They were dancing.
We watched them for about 10 minutes, dipping again and again above the surface, and it nearly brought me to tears.
Riding Through the Mountains of Swellendam
That morning, we had driven along the coast. By the afternoon, we were deep in the mountains, rising around us in hundreds of shades of green. My horse, Tequila, led me up the mountain and around, surrounded by bright green mountains in every direction. Golden hour was upon us and each mountain was bathed in the last delicious moments of sunlight.
It was so simple, but so wonderful. For the first time in my South African travels, I felt truly connected to the landscape of this beautiful country.
Getting Smooched in Cintsa
Our final morning in Cintsa had been spent with people — Mama Tofu’s village, then Cintsa East, where students were taking classes and learning how to use PowerPoint in The Big Green E-Machine, a mobile solar-powered computer lab.
We had a bit of extra time left, so we went to visit a creche and play with some kids. At that point, I went over to a swingset where two little boys were jumping around and playing. They loved my camera and posed hard — then I tried to get them to blow kisses to the camera. Instead, they started kissing me! So sweet and so adorable.
Cage Diving with Crocodiles in Oudtshoorn
One of the craziest things I’ve ever done? Hell yes! Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn offers several “animal encounters,” and this one was the most extreme one on offer. It’s only offered in two places in the world: here and Texas. (Either Texas or Florida would not surprise me.)
Nadine and I jumped into the cage, were lowered into the lagoon, and spent most of the time screaming — first at the coldness of the water, then at the crocodiles themselves. They were slow-moving, but actually got their noses and mouths into the cage! We pushed ourselves into the middle and continued screaming as we held onto the ropes.
It was an adrenaline rush and a unique experience I will never forget!
Swimming in the Indian Ocean
My final afternoon in South Africa was spent on the beach in Durban, the warmest city in South Africa, diving through the huge waves of the Indian Ocean.
I swim in the ocean whenever I can — but this was different. Parents weren’t yelling at their children. People weren’t being obnoxious. Surfers weren’t plowing into swimmers. People of all age and sizes and colors were just throwing themselves into the waves, over and over again, and shrieking as they got knocked over — because no matter who you are, the ocean affects everyone the same way.
Now, if that isn’t a metaphor for humanity, I don’t know what is.
South Africa is a place filled with fantastic memories, and I’ll be reliving this trip for a long, long time.
Essential Info
Island Vibe in Jeffreys Bay offers a variety of surf lessons for different levels and durations — contact them for specifics.
Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers in Cintsa offers a Xhosa experience visiting Mama Tofu’s village for 250-295 rand ($27-32) per person. You can also volunteer at the creche for a half day for 200 rand ($22).
AfroVibe Lodge on Myoli Beach in Sedgefield offers half day paddleboard rentals on the lagoon for 300 rand ($32).
Ocean Blue Adventures in Plettenberg Bay offers cruises from 400 rand ($43). We took the 1.5-2 hour Dolphin Encounter tour for 400 rand ($43) per adult or 200 rand ($22) per child. In Plett we stayed at Nothando Backpackers.
Cango Wildlife Ranch in Oudtshoorn offers crocodile cage diving for 320 rand ($34) with discounts if you book more than one encounter. This in addition to admission to the ranch: 120 rand ($13) for adults and 80 rand ($9) for children.
If you’re looking for accommodation for your trip to South Africa, you can find the best prices on hotels here.
I never travel without travel insurance. You never know what might go wrong, like a missed flight or getting sick, and travel insurance will help protect you financially. I use and recommend World Nomads.
This campaign is brought to you by the South African Tourism Board and is supported and managed by iambassador. Adventurous Kate maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site.
I am so glad you enjoyed your time in SA! Rather embarrassed to admit this but it looks like you may have done quite a few things here that I, after 25 years, have still not done :/ Ha ha.
Anyway, next time you should stop in Grahamstown to experience some Rhodes University festivities 😉
Would do it all in a heartbeat – minus the cage diving!
Looks like a wonderful time connecting with people and nature! We have to put this place on our family travel “to go” list for sure. Oh how nice!
Talk about some highlights! All amazing activities and that really motivates me to go to a place, but my favorite picture has to be the smooch!
I have a friend moving to South Africa soon, and your gorgeous photos and tales are making it easier all the time to convince ourselves to go visit her! I’m so excited for her that she has a chance to see all of these places.
I think I’d like to try the croc cage, but I’m just as afraid of the cold water as I am of the teeth!
I’ve always wanted to go to South Africa, but after reading this post, I’m completely set on going. I LOVE adventure activities and this looks like the perfect country to get your adrenaline going.
The links and prices you listed seem quite reasonable. Did you find the country in general to be cheap? affordable? expensive? How would it compare (price wise) to other countries you’ve visited? Thanks!
Kara, I find South Africa to be an EXTREMELY high value destination. You’re right that these activities are reasonably priced. South Africa is cheaper across the board than North America, Western Europe, and especially Australia or New Zealand.
Queenstown, NZ has always been one of my favorite places for adventure activities, but South Africa looks like it would be equally as fabulous. Especially if its a high value destination.
Looks like you had an amazing trip. I can’t wait to get back to South Africa! There’s so much to see and do. Cage diving with crocodiles, huh? Amazing! I went cage diving with Great Whites in Gansbaai a few months ago and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
Hi Kate,
What a lovely post! You’ve highlighted so many wonderful things to do in South Africa!
Love the pic of you and Mama Tofu! Can’t wait to hear more about her, she sounds like a right character!
Looking forward to more SA posts!
Helen xx
All these moments sound wonderful, but paddleboarding at the lagoon seems so perfect and peaceful!
I loved this post- especially the picture of the little boy kissing you, how adorable!
I LOVE IT that you loved our country so much 🙂
What an adventure! Can’t wait to hear more about it. And hope to have my own adventures from SA to write about soon.
I so envy you.. Looks like you had an amazing time.. Look forward to reading more about your trip 😀
Great account of your adventures. I really want to go to Africa some day and really enjoy your posts. Your pictures are also great.
I’m so inspired! I want to go to South Africa. Thanks for the beautiful post 🙂
What the What?! Cage diving with Alligators! That’s just crazy talk. Looks fun!
Sooo jealous about the alligator cage diving!!!
We were supposed to drive the garden route when in South Africa- but ended up swinging up to Namibia instead! Your photo makes me want to go back and re-do! Oh well, there’s just another reason to go back to South Africa again- One of the most insanely awesome places on earth!
Looks like you had a blast! Beautiful photos, can’t wait to read and see more.
South Africa is one of my fave countries. We drove along the Garden Route at the end of 2011 and it was stunning. It was the second time I’d visited the country and certainly won’t be the last 🙂
the cage diving looks pretty awesome – I would love to try that! Can’t wait to read more about your visit.
That looks like so much fun. South Africa really is the kind of place where you can do just about anything and everything, from adventure, to R&R to food to cultural sightseeing. My kind of place!
Great post. Felt like I was there with you (wishing.)
I adore SA! I’ve been twice and last time hugged the coast for 3 months + a visit to Jo’burg!
Looks like you had an opportunity to do a lot of things! Cage dive with crocs! eck. Scary.
Did you have a chance to ride an ostrich while there? I did it unexpectedly. Quite the crazy ride!
Honestly, Lauren, I chickened out when it came time to ride the ostriches! My friends Nadine and Simon did, though! And I did get pecked at by them…story to come.
This sounds like SUCH a great trip, Kate (and those prices quoted at the end are pretty great, too!). I can’t wait to read about more of these – especially the croc cage diving! Epic!
That photo of you getting a kiss is beyond adorable!
It all looks so amazing. South Africa hasn’t really been on my RADAR but I keep stumbling upon post like yours about it. Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.
Holy moly! That crocodile encounter looks crazy!
Ugh, and I totally want to try standup paddle boarding sometime on our trip. Looks like so much fun!
Seems like a great experience. Great photos too!
Wow..this is literally my dream life/job. Can’t wait to someday go to South Africa like you. What a beautiful place 🙂
Wauw, this made my dream of going to South Africa even bigger ;)! Beautiful pictures!!
I cannot wait to hear more about your trip! 🙂
Looks like a pretty unforgettable trip, and that cage diving with crocodiles looks incredibly terrifying! Yikes!
What an adventure….but cage diving with croc’s? I like to thnik I am adventurous but I think I don’t think I could stomach that.
Great pics and soooo much inspiration for when I am in SA. Can’t wait.
Wow, South Aftrica looks so diverse. Love the photo of the old lady and you. What a character. I can’t believe you dived with crocodiles. But I’d probably do this over diving with sharks actually!
Wow! I never knew there was so many amazing things to do in South Africa! I’m so inspired to go now. Not sure I’d have the guts to dive with crocs tho. Scary!
Looks like you had an awesome trip Kate! Looking forward to reading more! Will have to live vicariously through you until I get to visit South Africa myself! P.S. Love the photo of you & Mama Tofu!! 🙂
So glad you guys got to experience South Africa off-the-beaten track this time around! With so much to see, do and experience, it’s a pity to stick only to the main routes. Thanks for sharing the South Africa love!
That wasn’t just 12 moments but moments that worth millions of wonderful memories. What an incredible trip and amazing experience.
What a cool experience! I wish I could have a beautiful adventure like this in the near future. So where is your next destination after this?
This looks amazing! I’m already excited to read more about your trip! South Africa is very far up on my ‘To-Travel’ list and your experiences seem to confirm that exactly 🙂
xx
I’m bummed that I wasn’t able to cage dive with sharks while I was in S.A. Even more bummed now that I didn’t even KNOW about croc diving haha.
I looked online but couldn’t find any info on the croc dives in Texas? Do you happen to have any information on that?? Thanks 🙂
What an awe inspiring round up of your trip! Those Bunny Chow curries look a rather odd taste sensation but I’ve no doubt they were sensational. Home cooking always is. What a sweet lady with a seriously veggie friendly name! loving Mama Tofu!!
I didn’t know you could Cage Dive with Crocs in SA.. way cool!
The pics definitely capture the beauty we live with daily in SA
100 interweb points! 🙂
Whoa, dolphins…crocodiles and so much more! I’m actually surprised that I haven’t heard of / didn’t know about a lot of these activities…so much to do in South Africa! I’ve only been to JoBurg, so time to return…..!
Love, love, love Cape Town. But it’s so developed and modern it sometimes doesn’t feel like Africa. I lived there years ago and go back whenever I get the chance. Lori from AfricaInside.org
Looks like it was a great trip. And cage diving with crocodiles looks awesome! I want to try that 🙂
Surfing, SUPing, and cage diving with crocs?! That’s a bada$$ trip by any measure.
Great post, it seems that you had a great time over there. Nice pictures. From a long time i was looking for a good place to plan a trip with my friends and finally i got it. I am so excited and going to plan for it.
Amazing pictures, this one will be one of my next destinations for sure, I always wanted to travel to Africa.
Great sum up of South Africa. I got hooked once after a trip to SA and went back to live there for a year. I ended up staying a few years 🙂 It is difficult not to fall in love with the country and all you can do there. Thanks for sharing your experience!