Meet South Africa, One Of My Favorite Countries On Earth

As I sit here, watching the live Meet South Africa Travelblogger Event on Google+, listening to some of my favorite travel bloggers, like Uncornered Market‘s Audrey and Daniel, discuss the importance of our craft, I am inspired to write a post (or many) on the beautiful, fascinating country of South Africa.

Chan enjoying the lovely beaches near Hermanus

Questions I am so often asked: What are your favorite countries? What have been your favorite trips or travel experiences? (These are very common questions for travel bloggers and writers to receive, or even just folks who travel a lot for work or leisure).

My response usually goes something like this: Hmm, that’s tough to answer because I love so many countries for so many different reasons.

Then I go into an explanation that might sound accordingly: I love the culture and scenery in Southeast Asia. People in Laos are incredibly friendly, and the setting is stunning. Thailand has the best food in the world, bar none (although Italy gives it a run for its money). Vietnamese folks can’t stop smiling and just want to get to know you.… Then there are countries with such fascinating history and magnificent architecture in Europe, my favorites being Croatia, Italy and Spain (and I’ll add Belgium for the chocolate and beer). Although two of my all-time favorite trips have been to Guatemala and Peru, in Central and South America respectively.

Cape Point

But Africa! Oh, I how I LOVE Africa! There is something about the raw beauty in its nature that is so powerful. There really aren’t words to describe it; you’ll just have to go there and experience it for yourself (and if you have been, you know exactly what I’m talking about)!

Addo Elephant NP

Last July, during my third visit to the continent, I spent about six weeks traveling around the Southern African region. For almost half of that time, I was in the country South Africa. My sister and I embarked on a self-tailored, ten-day road trip, just the two of us gals, taking in the striking scenery, divine wine, and amazing animal life.

Driving around the Cape

Daniell Cheetah Project

Enjoying SA (ZA) wine @ our digs in Swellendam

Our route started in Port Elizabeth (after stopping overnight in Johannesburg) and took us West along the Garden Route all the way to Cape Town, where we spent several days. I spent an additional week there on my own before joining a G Adventures Tour through Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and back to South Africa.

Originally, I planned on writing some blog articles on Singapore and Bali and Sulawesi in Indonesia for the next several weeks. I’m switching gears, though, and jumping on the Meet South Africa band wagon!

Stay tuned for photos, stories, tips and tales on caving, wine tasting, driving on the wrong side of the road, holding baby lions, hiking, great white shark diving, and much much more!!