Episode 70 Epic Africa Adventure in South Africa

In episode 70 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy chats with seasoned traveller Tanya Munro about the first leg of her epic Southern Africa journey. The focus is on South Africa, from Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park to the scenic Garden Route and vibrant Cape Town.

Tanya shares what it was like to finally tick this long-awaited trip off her bucket list, including unforgettable safari experiences, exploring South Africa’s diverse landscapes, and sampling unexpected culinary delights. Along the way, she reflects on the country’s complex history, offers practical planning advice, and reveals the “wow” moments that made this trip so memorable.

If you’re dreaming of South Africa, this episode is packed with insights on safaris, city stays, food, culture, and everything in between.

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Episode 70 – What you’ll learn in this episode

📍 How to orient yourself in South Africa, including where to start your journey and helpful local insights for new visitors.
📅 Strategies for planning a well-paced itinerary and making the most out of limited time, from city breaks to road trips.
🚄 Tips for getting around South Africa – when to fly, when to take a tour, and why Uber is your best friend in Cape Town.
🛏️ Advice on accommodation, including recommended lodges, self-catering apartments, and where to stay for safety and convenience.
🥢 Insights into South Africa’s rich food scene, from game meats to Cape Malay cooking classes and must-try local dishes.
😲 How Tanya navigated surprises: from South Africa’s approachable costs and hospitality to the profound historical impact still felt today -and how to stay adaptable when plans change.

Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

Johannesburg: The gateway to many South African adventures, where Tanya explored Soweto and delved into the country’s complex history and legacy of apartheid.
Soweto Township: A significant location for understanding South Africa’s past, including Nelson Mandela’s legacy.
Kruger National Park & Greater Kruger Area: Premier destinations for safari lovers, where Tanya spotted nearly every animal except the elusive leopard, with unforgettable day and night game drives.
Thornhill Safari Lodge: Tanya’s chosen lodge in the Greater Kruger area, noted for hospitality and peaceful bush surroundings.
Blyde River Canyon: The world’s third-largest canyon, offering striking landscapes, the Three Rondavels, Burke’s Potholes, and a memorable boat cruise among hippos and crocodiles.
Cape Town: A scenic city nestled beside Table Mountain, famous for its coastline, beaches, and vibrant marina at V&A Waterfront.
Garden Route: The iconic South African road trip through stunning coastal and inland scenery (including Knysna, Mossel Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park, Stony Point, Hermanus, Wilderness, and the Map of Africa lookout).
Outshoorn: An inland stop en route to the Garden Route, famous for ostrich farms.
Cape of Good Hope & Bo-Kaap: Iconic sites near Cape Town, including cooking classes and dramatic landscapes.
V&A Waterfront: Popular hub in Cape Town for accommodation, dining, shopping, and safe walks.
Garden Route Game Lodge: A private reserve along the Garden Route, ideal for those wanting a compact safari with close-up wildlife encounters.

Foods

Game Meats (Kudu, Springbok, Warthog, Cape Buffalo): Local specialities, Tanya enjoyed sampling at various restaurants and lodges.
Ostrich: Lean and healthy, especially popular in Outshoorn and elsewhere on the Garden Route.
Crocodile: An adventurous addition to Tanya’s menu, found on some game lodge menus.
Bobotie: South Africa’s national dish—spiced minced meat with an egg-based topping, available in many Cape Town eateries and taught in cooking classes.
Samosas & Roti: Part of the Cape Malay cuisine Tanya enjoyed during her hands-on cooking class in Bo-Kaap.
Cape Malay Chicken Curry: A highlight from a cooking experience, reflecting the multicultural flavours of Cape Town.
Time Out Market (Cape Town): An ideal spot for sampling a diverse range of multicultural food options in a lively indoor setting.
Gold Restaurant: A Cape Town eatery offering a multi-course African degustation menu accompanied by live entertainment.

Words/Concepts

Gautrain: A safe, efficient train connecting OR Tambo International Airport to Sandton in Johannesburg.
The Big Five: Africa’s must-see animals – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo- are sought on every game drive.
Garden Route Tours (“BOK Bus”): Small group tours covering the Garden Route, useful for those preferring not to self-drive.