By Ashley Casorio
You always hear about how visiting Africa is a life-changing experience. What exactly makes it so magical? I had the opportunity to find out for myself this past October on a trip to South Africa. Plainly put: Cape Town and the bush beyond were nothing short of extraordinary. It is a destination defined by contrast in the best possible way. Refined city life set against dramatic landscapes, followed by raw, deeply moving moments in the wild.
Our time in Cape Town began at Cape Grace Hotel, a waterfront icon with sweeping views of Table Mountain. Mornings unfolded slowly, coffee in hand, watching the light shift across the mountain as boats drifted through the harbor. The hotel felt quietly luxurious and perfectly placed, offering both serenity and easy access to the city.
One of the most memorable days started with a helicopter flight down the coast to Boulders Beach, home to its famously endearing African penguins. From there, we continued to the windswept cliffs and endless ocean views of the Cape of Good Hope, where the scale and beauty of the landscape feel almost otherworldly. Afterwards, a leisurely winery stop followed for lunch with sweeping views before hopping into a motorcycle sidecar for a thrilling ride back into the city along the coast at sunset.
No visit to the Cape Town area would be complete without spending time in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s wine country, and it quickly became one of the highlights of the trip. Rolling vineyards, historic estates, and dramatic mountain backdrops set the stage for some of the most impressive wine tasting experiences I have had anywhere in the world. South African wines are exceptional, offering depth, balance, and character that rival far more famous regions. You’ll see a lot of hype right now about Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand, but don’t sleep on South African Sauvignon Blanc.
After several days immersed in the rhythm of the city and wine country, we flew the 90 minutes to Skukuza Airport, leaving the coast behind for the untamed beauty of the bush. Our destination was MalaMala Camp, located in the larger Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where we spent five unforgettable nights.
Right off the bat, our drive from the airport to the camp began our game drive and wildlife spotting. Where else in the world can you see giraffes and elephants on the way to and from the airport? Each day consisted of two game drives: one heading out in the early morning hours, returning to camp for a huge breakfast spread, and then an afternoon back out in the bush. Conditions permitting, we set up a makeshift bar out in the wild by pulling
up a table from the front of the jeep. There’s something unbelievable about enjoying a cocktail in an area that the lions had just passed through! The bush made me fall in love with Africa even more.
Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and safari together create a journey that feels complete. Urban elegance, world-class wine, and untamed wilderness woven into a single experience that lingers long after you return home.
