You have decided to travel to South Africa to learn English. Excellent choice: you will get to know a beautiful country. Once on-site, make the most of the experience and undertake an amazing trip off the beaten tracks and, sometimes even, beyond the limits of time.
No need to win the lottery, or inherit a pretty sum from your great-aunt to treat yourself to this beautiful getaway trip after your language course. At most, you might have to forget about that trendy new outfit you had your eyes on or put a little bit of money aside… but an experience like this one is well worth this little effort!
Forget about your reasonable side. Cast off those pragmatic European reflexes. Just enjoy yourself, have fun and remember you should not miss out on the great opportunities life offers you, especially at this price. You only live once.
Check out our number one bucket list item.
In the bush, far from everything
Make a first stop in one of the most exclusive Safari Lodges in the country. In Makweti, you are welcomed like royalty: get settled in your private lodge, savour some succulent dishes in the dining room and admire the ornamental African works of art – you are close to paradise.
The natural reserve around Waterberg, to the north-east of the country, spreads over 380,000 hectares (!). Safaris are organised in Land Rovers either very early in the morning (get up at 5am and leave at 5.30am) or at night. Far from the hustle of urban life, you are all alone in the wilderness. If it weren’t for the few majestic lions, imposing elephants, slender cheetahs, elegant zebras, solitary buffaloes and watchful gazelles you cross paths with. For the price of a night in a 3-star hotel in Europe, have a magical stay and unforgettable experience in a picturesque environment.
Get some inspiration: watch a video on this extraordinary place.
Spa in the bush
You’ve been warned: your trip will surprise you! An hour and a half away from Johannesburg, the African Daytime Spa will soothe you in an amazingly gentle atmosphere, in the middle of nowhere. A cheerful troop of young women, dressed in bright colours, greet you on arrival, offering you a robe and inviting you to eat delicious African dishes in the traditional dining room. Between each dish, you can go out in the garden, sit down on the armchairs or lie down on the comfortable sofas and balance food delights with a relaxing massage (a blessing for your body and soul).
Knysna, the South African “St-Tropez”
Now head to the Indian Ocean. If you are curious to discover your new accommodation, you won’t be disappointed! Not far from Knysna, halfway from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, on the famous Garden Route, you will stay in a suite… built in a tree! You need to see it to believe it: you are living in a tree, a real one, in a suite with all conveniences and more than luxurious furnishings. Relax and enjoy. In Europe, you would pay more than twice the price for this kind of hotel.
Lie down, dream and seize the moment! In absolute quiet, interrupted at times by the chatter of a monkey or twitter of a multicolour bird, read the African tales which have been delicately placed on your four-poster bed by the attentive reserve staff. Take a stroll on the marked trails between the inhabited trees and treat yourself to a relaxing massage. Time comes to a halt, try to stay there as long as possible…
The next day, drive through the African forest onto the road leading to Knysna, the South African “St-Tropez”. This small seaside resort is known for its many artists and famous Knysna Mouth, a narrow passage between the lagoon, the harbour and the Indian Ocean. Out in the ocean, you can watch the silent ballet of whales.
It is now time to start the last part of your trip “you only live once” in South Africa:
Cape Town and the Stellenbosch region
Cape Town is very popular among students who want to learn English in a spectacular setting. But how contrasting with the bush! You would almost feel nostalgic about your Safari Lodge – if Cape Town’s bustling streets, lively music and cheap restaurants did not transport you right away into a colourful, vibrant world … simply irresistible!
10 RAND = 1 CHF/0.80 EUR
Escape further inland, where the famous wine-growing region of Stellenbosch awaits you. Spread over the gentle hills, these beautiful estates, with their impressive size, invite you to taste their best vintages – and again, you can appreciate the excellent value of South Africa.
You can’t deprive yourself of such a pleasure at this point!
The wine tastes superb, the setting is breathtaking – make the most of these last moments in the sun, while at home, the cold has already settled.
So, you see, this adventure wasn’t pure madness, not even an unaffordable luxury. Right after your English course in South Africa, you just took advantage of being on-site to set off for a unique trip across a no less unique country.
If you are not so much into tours, check out our tips for a budget stay in Cape Town!
What is your dream destination for a stay abroad? Where would like to experience an exceptional trip?
What do you think?