Happy to Be Back in South Africa

Iconic mountains, endless beaches, luxury safari camps, exceptional food and wine… and the added bonus of forever friends. Our trip to Cape Town and the Sabi Sands was the perfect reminder of how much we love time spent in Africa. Highlights of our visit: (note: explicit animal-world activity!)

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Table Mountain is not just a mountain – it’s a majestic guardian that stands tall and proud over the beautiful city of Cape Town and her beaches, reminding us of the natural wonder that surrounds us.

Lion’s Head

Situated just below Table Mountain is Lion’s Head in Cape Town, a prominent peak known for its distinctive shape and stunning vistas. Standing about 2,200 feet above sea level, this iconic landmark offers panoramic views of Cape Town, including Table Mountain, the cityscape, and the Atlantic Ocean. Popular for hiking, paragliding, and stargazing, Lion’s Head is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery. With its unique silhouette and cultural significance, Lion’s Head is a must-visit attraction for those exploring the natural beauty and outdoor adventures of Cape Town.

Lion’s Head holds a special place in our hearts as we hiked it with Ben on our very first day ever in Africa in May, 2008. Cape Town Outdoor Jam 2021 and 2022 (for the Ben Meyer Recovery Foundation) honored Ben by hiking Lion’s Head.

Paella & Sangria Welcome Party!

Longtime friends and owners of Khashana Travel, Will and Brandy, threw a Paella and Sangria party at their Woodbridge Island beach home and invited their Cape Town friends. So sweet of them! It was lovely to meet everyone, and to spend time with Val – ‘Wizzy’ – Will’s mum. So hard to believe that Val is 92 – she’s still a rockstar!

Out & About!

Olympia Cafe in the town of Kalk Bay, which sits on on the eastern side of Cape Town on the coast of False Bay, is THE place to go for mussels. Then off to the Country Grand Cafe in Franschhoek with its sweeping views of the Franschhoek wine region.

Kerala

Nestled just outside Cape Town, the private mountain reserve of Kerala is a stunning natural oasis that is sure to take your breath away. Covering over 2,500 hectares of pristine wilderness, Kerala offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of South Africa. Khashana Travel can help you book your stay here.

In addition to the exceptional service, we were also treated to outstanding meals during our stay. The chefs at Kerala use fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create a range of flavorful dishes that cater to all dietary requirements. Pizza making night was a big hit with the kids (of all ages!), and we especially enjoyed the Moroccan meal, which was a true highlight of our stay.

Kerala is surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature; a river runs through it! It was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Our guided hike through the rolling hills and valleys was an unforgettable experience, with stunning views of the rugged mountains and clear blue skies… and cave drawings!

Dulini Wilderness Safari Experience

Our last stop for this trip was a safari experience at the Dulini Reserve, one of the best-kept secrets of South Africa. Situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park in northeast South Africa, the reserve offers an authentic African safari experience that reminded us just how much we love the bush experience. ESPECIALLY when we’re treated to Will’s expertise, and Rhys’s growing expertise and hilarious commentary!

We stayed at The River Lodge, set above the banks of the Sand River. The lodge is surrounded by lush vegetation, and the rooms are designed to blend in seamlessly with the natural environment. Its location offers some of the best views on the reserve.

Dulini provides an unforgettable and sustainable safari experience, allowing visitors to appreciate Africa’s wildlife and natural beauty while promoting conservation and working closely with the local community. The reserve offers morning and evening game drives and guided bush walks, led by experienced guides who have an intimate knowledge of the flora and fauna of the reserve.

Elephants & Baby Elephants!

Lazy afternoon for this gorgeous kitty cat.

Another leopard wakes and decides to check out what is on the other side of the river. Photo cred for this and several others in this post: Will Taylor, Khashana

This is one of three lions that are hanging out together. Two males (brothers) and one female. The dominant male is mating with the female in 15 minute intervals, sometime for hours.

This guy is the brother of the dominant male….calling to his brother to try to find the “happy couple”

The male watching over the female.

After ‘asking’ her nicely a few times, romance blooms (explicit!)

Spotted hyenas are intriguing and highly adaptable carnivores found in various habitats across Africa. Known for their unique physical appearance, with a robust build and distinctive spotted coat, they are skilled hunters and especially good scavengers.

African wild dogs, also known as painted dogs, are fascinating and highly endangered carnivores native to Africa. These social animals are known for their unique appearance, with their striking coats adorned with colorful patches that resemble a painter’s palette. African wild dogs are highly skilled hunters, using their exceptional teamwork and endurance to chase down prey. They have complex social structures, living in close-knit packs and communicating through vocalizations and body language. These two had gotten separated from the rest of the 8-pack and spent a full day calling and calling for their buddies.

Hanging out in Dulini.

We never get enough of the awesome African sunsets.