NightingTales: Hugo's Journey Through South Africa (Cape Town, Franschhoek and Sabi Sands)

In March 2026, my wife Amanda and I travelled to South Africa for what turned out to be one of the most memorable trips we have ever taken together. From the dramatic coastline and incredible food scene of Cape Town, to the rolling vineyards of Franschhoek and finally the wild beauty of the Sabi Sands & Kruger National Park. It was a journey packed with unforgettable moments, amazing hospitality and some of the most spectacular scenery we have experienced anywhere in the world.

South Africa had been on our list for a long time and somehow it managed to exceed every expectation we had. It is a country that feels incredibly diverse; one moment you are hiking above the ocean with panoramic city views, the next you are sipping wine surrounded by mountains, before ending the trip watching elephants wander past your safari vehicle as the sun sets over the bush. It really is a destination that offers something for everyone.

We started our trip in Cape Town, staying in the beautiful Camps Bay area with its laid-back beach atmosphere and incredible backdrop of the Twelve Apostle Mountains. Waking up each morning to the sight of the mountains meeting the ocean never got old. Cape Town is one of those cities that immediately feels exciting; energetic but relaxed at the same time, with amazing restaurants, scenic drives and endless opportunities to get outdoors.

As always when Amanda and I travel, we quickly found ourselves gravitating towards long walks and beautiful viewpoints. Climbing both Table Mountain and Lion’s Head were two huge highlights of our time there. Table Mountain is obviously iconic, and standing at the top looking back across the city, coastline and beaches was even more impressive than we had imagined. Lion’s Head, particularly at sunrise and sunset, offers equally breathtaking views and gives you that feeling of being completely immersed in the landscape around you. If you enjoy active travel and spending time outdoors, then Cape Town is hard to beat.

One of the things that surprised us most about Cape Town was just how strong the food scene is. We had some genuinely exceptional meals during our stay. Pot Luck Club was an immediate favourite with its creative small plates, buzzing atmosphere and views across the city, whilst Kloof Street House had a more intimate feel tucked away in a beautiful old house lit by fairy lights and candles. We also loved Belly of the Beast, where the tasting menu experience felt exciting, theatrical and incredibly well executed from start to finish.

For something more relaxed, we found ourselves at Codfather’s in Camps Bay one evening, which had a lively atmosphere and some of the freshest seafood imaginable. Another memorable afternoon was spent at the wonderful Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel enjoying their famous Afternoon Tea. The hotel itself feels timeless and elegant, with beautiful gardens and classic old-world charm. It was one of those experiences where a couple of hours quickly turned into an entire afternoon.

We also stayed at the lovely Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel which made a perfect base for exploring the city. The service was incredibly warm and personal and it felt tucked away from the busier parts of Cape Town whilst still being close to everything.

One evening we wandered around the Oranjezicht City Farm Market which takes place near the waterfront. There was a great mix of locals and tourists, live music, local food stalls, cocktails and people gathering as the sun disappeared behind the mountains. It felt very local whilst still welcoming visitors and was one of our favourite evenings in Cape Town.

The botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch were another highlight. Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, they are some of the most picturesque gardens we have visited and the backdrop of the mountains made it even more special. You could easily spend an entire afternoon wandering through the different areas and enjoy the mountain scenery around you. We finished the day with a wine tasting and dinner at the amazing Beau Constantia.

Another afternoon was spent at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa where we had lunch overlooking the ocean. The views were absolutely incredible and whilst sitting on the terrace we could actually see whales swimming just off the coastline. It felt surreal. We later headed to Ellerman House for sundowner cocktails; elegant surroundings, perfectly made drinks and one of the best sunset views in the city.

After Cape Town we drove through the mountains into Franschhoek, which could not have contrasted more beautifully with the coast. The village has such a relaxed and refined feel and immediately reminded us of somewhere in the South of France. Tree-lined streets, vineyards stretching into the distance, mountain backdrops and fantastic little cafes everywhere you turn. It is impossible not to slow down and enjoy the pace of life there.

Our mornings in Franschhoek often started with iced lattes and long breakfasts in the village before wandering through the boutiques and galleries. The Saturday morning market was also brilliant; relaxed, friendly and full of amazing local produce.

Of course, wine tasting became a major part of our stay here. Using the Franschhoek Wine Tram was such a fun way to explore the vineyards and allowed us to spend entire days moving between estates without ever feeling rushed. Every vineyard seemed to offer a completely different setting and vibe. One of our favourite afternoons was spent at Boschendal where we enjoyed a picnic under the trees surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Another standout was lunch at Babylonstoren which is simply stunning; beautifully designed gardens, incredible food (and wine!) and one of the most peaceful settings imaginable.

We would also recommend having lunch at Haute Cabrière where the views across the valley were spectacular. Dinner at Chefs Warehouse at Maison was another highlight and perfectly captured the quality of food and wine that Franschhoek is so well known for.

We spent time visiting the beautiful Leeu House and Leeu Estate which both perfectly reflected the understated luxury that Franschhoek does so well. One of the reasons this part of South Africa feels so special is that nowhere ever feels overly formal or pretentious; just incredibly welcoming, relaxed and beautifully done.

A huge highlight of our time in Franschhoek was attending the wedding of some close friends which made this part of the trip even more memorable. Celebrating in such a stunning setting surrounded by vineyards and mountains was something we will never forget.

After the coast and vineyards, the final leg of our journey took us somewhere completely different. We flew into Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park before beginning six unforgettable nights on safari. This had always been somewhere Amanda and I wanted to experience together and it absolutely lived up to every expectation.

We stayed at a collection of incredible lodges including Lion Sands River Lodge, Lion Sands Narina Lodge, Savanna Private Game Reserve and finally the stunning Dulini Moya. Each lodge had its own personality and style but what they all shared was exceptional hospitality, incredible guiding and a real sense of connection to the surrounding wilderness.

Safari is difficult to describe properly until you experience it yourself. The excitement of early morning game drives, stopping for coffee as the sun rises over the bush, tracking animals through the reserve and then ending the day with sundowners whilst watching the sky turn orange and pink; it quickly becomes addictive.

We were fortunate enough to see all of the Big Five during our stay which felt incredibly special, but often it was the quieter moments that stayed with us most. Watching elephants wander silently through the trees, hearing lions calling in the distance at night from our room or simply sitting around the fire after dinner sharing stories from the day. It is one of those travel experiences that completely pulls you away from normal life and allows you to be fully present in the moment.

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The food and hospitality throughout our safari stay were also exceptional. Every lodge somehow managed to combine a relaxed setting with incredibly high standards of service and cuisine. After early starts and long game drives, returning to beautifully prepared dinners under the stars each evening felt pretty perfect.

Overall, South Africa completely captured our imagination. The variety of experiences within one trip is what makes it so unique; vibrant cities, world-class food and wine, dramatic landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters all combined into one incredible journey. It is the sort of destination that leaves you already thinking about when you can return before you have even boarded the flight home.

If you are looking for a holiday that combines adventure, luxury, incredible scenery and unforgettable experiences, then South Africa should absolutely be on your list. Whether it is climbing Lion’s Head at sunrise, enjoying a glass of wine overlooking the Franschhoek vineyards or watching a leopard climb a tree at sunset, it is a country filled with moments you will remember forever.

If you are interested in arranging a holiday like this, then please do make an enquiry online, give us a call or WhatsApp as we would love to help.