Last fall I took the journey of a lifetime to South Africa. It almost didn’t happen. When one of my friends presented the trip to me in April of 2019, I almost let fear stop me from going. Although I love to travel, I don’t like flying, especially for 24 hours, which was the total time for our journey to Africa. So, I stalled for five days by putting my flight on hold until I absolutely had to book it.

But baby, once that flight was booked, I was definitely going! I have a group of friends I’ve traveled with for the past three years, and two of them are absolutely amazing with researching and planning trips. This trip was no different. One of my friends found a roundtrip flight deal with Qatar Airlines from Philadelphia to South Africa for $645, and the other friend found two wonderful Airbnb houses that we would split six ways. So, not only was it affordable, but it was also well organized.

By August, our itinerary was finalized and we were making plans to meet in Africa in September (11th-24th) from Chicago, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania. We did so much on this trip, that it is hard to narrow it down to a few things, but I have to, otherwise this blog would damn near be a book.

The 24 hours of travel actually wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Qatar airlines has great service and entertainment, and our layovers gave us ample time to stretch and walk around the airport to get food and drinks before the next flight. So, journey with me as I take you to South Africa through words and pictures that capture my 14-day voyage through Cape Town and Johannesburg. I’ll give you details about my favorite places, events and experiences.

Travel Time:

Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar - 12 hours

Qatar to Johannesburg, South Africa - 9 hours

Johannesburg to Cape Town, South Africa - 2 hours

Total Flying time: 24 hours

Cities Visited:

Cape Town - 7 days
Johannesburg - 3 days

Cape Town

We spent seven whole days in Cape Town (travel time and the time zone difference were factored into the total number of days for the trip). It is a breathtaking city. During our stay we took in the beauty of the mountains and beaches as Toni Braxton played on the Uber drivers’ radios (they love her like we do!). We had a full itinerary, which I will share at the end, but these were my top three experiences in Cape Town.

Table Mountain - You get amazing views of the city at 3,500 ft as you take a cable car up and when you get to the top (some people hike to the top which takes 1.5-2 hours). It was cloudy on the day we went, with some breaks in the clouds for great pictures. We hiked around for a few hours and took in all the beauty as well as a huge Ostrich out there living his best life.

Robben Island Tour - Our trip to the island where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were incarcerated, including our tour guide Sipho Msomi, was a sobering experience. Sipho’s first-hand accounts of his activism and time there were invaluable.

Paragliding off of Signal Hill - More great views for the adventurous traveler who doesn’t mind getting them by flying over the city.

Imizamo Yethu Township Experience and Volunteering at the Sakhisizwe Youth Development Project - This experience in a town of about 14,000 Black families gave us a firsthand view of the economic disparity that still exists between Blacks and Whites in South Africa since the fall of Apartheid in 1994. It was hard to see the poverty as we toured the town, but despite the circumstances, entrepreneurs, leaders and a spirit to survive and make the best of what they have, was prevalent during our visit. We learned about the town’s history and ate lunch with our fabulous tour guide, Mhinti Pato at Mama Mirriam’s house as we sat around the table and discussed the similarities of the effects of Apartheid on Blacks in South Africa and Segregation on Blacks in America as well as life in their town. We ended the tour at the Sakhisizwe Youth Development Project where we spoke to the youth about overcoming obstacles, our careers, and Rihanna, among other things. They also blessed us with their beautiful voices by singing a few songs for us before we left.

Johannesburg

It was Spring during our trip, so it was chilly during the first few days and at night, but it warmed up during the second half of the trip to 70 degress in the daytime. Cape Town was amazing, so we looked forward to our three-day stay in Johannesburg, where we were told there were more Black people thriving economically and the weather was nice and hot. These are the experiences I loved most in Johannesburg.

Mandela House - Nelson Mandela and Winnie Mandela, who lived in this house in Soweto for many years, are honored tremendously. I enjoyed seeing family photographs, letters, cards and more that commemorated their contributions to the fall of Apartheid.

Pilanesberg Safari - We were in the wild for hours, but it didn’t feel like it. I was in awe seeing lions, elephants, baboons, giraffes, zebra, cheetahs and other animals up close and personal.

Apartheid Museum - You receive a randomly selected ticket to enter the Apartheid Museum. You ticket gives you admission through a separate entrance for Whites and Non-Whites. It’s hard to put the experience into words, but the weight of how Apartheid degraded, diminished and attempted to eradicate Blacks in South Africa is felt throughout the exhibits in the museum. The fight and resilience are felt too.

South Africa Full Itinerary

Cape Town

Bay Harbour Market Food/Shop

Coco Nightclub

Neighbourgoods Market (Old Biscuit Mill)

Robben Island Tour

Si Cantina Sociale Restaurant

Kirstenbosh Botanical Gardens

Moyo Restaurant

Table Mountain via Cableway

Paragliding Experience from Signal Hill

Bo-Kaap Tour

Zeitz MOCCA Museum

V&A Waterfront

Cape Wheel

Groot Constantia

Simon’s Restaurant at Groot winery

Penguins at Boulders Beach & Cape Point

Imizamo Yethu Township experience

Kloof Street House Restaurant

Johannesburg

Mandela House

Mandela Square

Grillhouse Restaurant Sandton

Pilanesberg Safari

Apartheid Museum

Marble Restaurant

Sumo Nightclub

Delicious Festival