• Storms River Mouth
    africa,  hiking,  outdoors,  travel

    Garden Route National Park: Tsitsikamma

    Tsitsikamma is located in one of the most stunning parts of South Africa called the Garden Route. A mountainous region where rivers have carved their path to the Indian Ocean and home to fynbos vegetation. A place I can call a favorite because it left me awestruck just like many parts of South Africa.   GETTING THERE By car The best and most flexible option is to drive. I originally started my journey to Garden Route from Cape Town and Tsitsikamma was my last stop before returning back. There is a toll booth to enter this side of the Garden Route. The toll is R50 ($3). If you’re driving a…

  • View of Table Mountain from Bo-Kaap
    africa,  travel

    Best Places To Visit in Cape Town

    Cape Town is said to be one of the world’s beautiful cities and it truly is. I’ve been there twice and can’t wait to visit again! I have a thing for cities with quick access to mountains and beaches. Rio De Janeiro is another similar city that I like. If you’re trying to figure out when to visit, summer time in Cape Town is November through February with average temperatures of 73 °F (23 °C). May through August is winter time with average temperatures of 55 °F (13 °C). I haven’t been to all the tourist attractions but below are some of them. Some of these places will be better…

  • View of Table Mountain from Lion's Head trail
    africa,  hiking,  outdoors

    Hiking Table Mountain: India Venster Trail

    Table Mountain is Cape Town’s iconic landmark. It’s about 3280 feet (1 km) above sea level and the views from up top are amazing! Of course there are other trails that can lead you to the top, but India Venster trail is a popular hiking trail worth doing. I’ve visited Table Mountain twice. First time was by cable car and second time by foot.   GETTING THERE You’ll find the start of India Venster trail near the cable car station. Enter into Google Maps this address: Table Mountain Lower Aerial Cableway Station, Tafelberg Road, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa   I took a Uber to the meeting point so…

  • africa,  reviews,  travel

    Garden Route: Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge Review

    Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge is popular for a reason. The property is hidden in the forest and has stunning views. If you’re traveling along the Garden Route, be sure to check them out. It’s only a 5 minute drive from the N2. They are in Nature’s Valley. Booking Date: January 2019 (2 nights)   ATMOSPHERE The staff are warm and welcoming. If you need help booking any excursion, they are willing to help you. They booked my kayak and lilo excursion at Tsitsikamma National Park. There were families with kids, solo travelers, and couples staying on the property.  They have camp fires, a yoga room, piano room, and an open…

  • Bourke's Potluck in Mpumalanga (South Africa)
    africa,  travel,  travel stories

    Traveling Around Southern Africa

    There is nowhere like Africa. Obviously I am biased, but there is truth to that. It is a continent (NOT a country) that encompasses a wide variety of cultures, ecosystems, languages, and religions. Although Africa continues to be exploited by foreign interests, it has the potential to be great.   Just to give you some context, this trip was not my first time on the continent. But it was my first time exploring the continent alone. Nigeria was my very first encounter of Africa. Lived there for 2.5 years at age 7 and was last there in 2015. Countries visited: South Africa, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho* Total time spent: 5 weeks…

  • Table Mountain National Park
    africa,  travel,  travel tips

    Cheapest Way To Travel To South Africa

    Compared to Europe and Asia, Africa can be expensive to fly to, but there are a few ways on how to fly to South Africa for less. This isn’t complicated. If you have good credit, disciplined with credit cards, and willing to pay annual fees, then flying to South Africa for less money should be easy for you to achieve. DISCLAIMER: This post is geared for people from the United States.   Cheapest way to travel to South Africa Because I’m a United frequent flyer member, I used their awards travel tool to search for airfare to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Searched for two one-way tickets for October to November timeframe. Both cities…