My South African experience by Chris Smith
Our South African experience was one of the best holidays we've ever had, certainly the number one international experience we've had. There's just so much to offer and such great diversity in this very friendly country.
Our 10 day trip took us from Johannesburg Soweto, onto the Sabi Sands and Timbavati Private Game Parks, on the outskirts of Kruger. It ended in magical Capetown. We had some exceptional tour guides... guides who knew where we had to go, what we needed to see, and what we needed to know about this ever-changing country. Our very detailed itinerary was superbly and professionally planned. But the calibre of ground operators cannot be over-estimated. We felt like we were being escorted by incredibly patriotic friends.
Unbelievably, we got to see 'The Big Five' amongst other animals in the two amazing game parks we visited: Lions Sands and Ngala Lodge. We were totally mesmerized by the whole game safari experience. Our 30 minutes with a Leopard and her cub, and the lion cubs only a few metres away, was just out of this world. We experienced extraordinary luxury and pampering in the middle of the African Bush. There is nothing quite like getting up at first light all rugged up ready to take off on an animal spotting adventure. Then stopping in the middle of nowhere for your morning coffee knowing you are surrounded by...
My South African experience by Chris Smith
...the incredible wild animals of Kruger National Park. And that Amarula in your mug, adds spice to it all. Yum!
We finished our trip off with a 4 night stay in Capetown which is somewhere you could easily live. Great food, awesome wineries, beautiful beaches and rugged coastline; not to mention once again the wonderful African people.
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and will remember it for many years to come; in fact we're now planning on returning and taking our jealous kids, who will soon be of an age to enjoy and qualify for one of those thrilling game drives. If you haven't been to South Africa, you had better put it on your list, high up!
Chris Smith
Radio 2GB