Here’s a guest post to talk us through the amazing journey of travelling in South Africa. You may remember from my previous post ‘dreaming of 2013 Travels’ that I would love to go to Africa and particularly explore South Africa and see the big many sites of this diverse and interesting country. This helps me decide…

On average, most of us take one ‘big’ holiday a year and for two weeks, escape reality and head off for a little adventure, relaxation or romance. There are countless ways to spend that time away, and South Africa has several options for a fulfilling holiday. Here is just one which focusses on the south coast and the magnificent Garden Route.

Days 1-4: Cape Town

There is a vast amount to see and do in South Africa so when you book your holiday, arrange car hire; Cape Town is the gateway to the South Coast and the best place to begin any road-trip. Spend a few days here and climb Table Mountain, visit Robben Island where Mandela was famously incarcerated, dance a night away on Long Street, visit the V&A Waterfront for some luxury shopping or just relax on one of the many beaches.

Days 5: Hermanus Bay and George

After the heady, fast pace of life in Cape Town, slow things down a little with a few hours of whale watching at Hermanus Bay, before mooching about the stores and streets of George and then take the scenic drive inland along the winding, Montagu Pass to Oodtshoorn.

Days 6: Oodtshoorn

Part of the joy of travelling is returning home and making your friends, families and colleagues envious of your adventures. You will truly stun them when you explain that you took this gorgeous mountain drive, parked up the hire car and went ostrich riding.

Days 7-9: Knysna

Located around the bay of a lagoon, this seaside town is famed for its oysters. You can shop, dine, and experience a somewhat decadent few days here, but if you’d prefer something a little more traditional, take a drive up into the hills which surround the lagoon and visit the Rastafarian township. As one of the most community minded cultures on the planet, the local families here will truly embrace you as their own. Eat, dance and play here for a couple of days and experience a culture-shock when you return to real life and wonder why everyone doesn’t lead the simple and happy life that they do.

Days 10: Bloukran’s Bridge Bungee Jump

If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to make any holiday memorable it’s a terrifying, pant-wetting experience. Taking a leap from world’s highest bungee jump over a deep gorge should do it. As part of the experience you can buy a DVD to show the folks back home.

Days 10-11: Tsitsikama National Park

Once you’ve recovered from the bungee, you’re due some well-earned time out. Kick back and relax here for a few days in a national park which is a highlight of the Garden Route.

Days 12: Addo Elephant Park

No trip to Africa would be complete without a ‘Big 5’ experience. They don’t come bigger than the elephant and at this reserve which protects and rehabilitates them, you can feed, pet and play with the baby ones. You won’t want to leave. Ever.

Days 12-14: East London

If you rent a car through Holiday Autos car hire brokers, you have the option to collect your vehicle at one destination and drop it off at another. This means you don’t have to return to Cape Town at the end of your trip. Instead, you can spend your last few days in the coastal town of East London, soak up some rays on the beach, cool your toes in the Indian Ocean and reflect on everything you’ve seen and done on this trip. Has it really only been two weeks?…

The time would exceedingly fly by! Thanks very much, South Africa is on my top 10 list to visit!