Paulette Darensburg

Beverly Hills, California Travel Agent

Explore South Africa

Explore South Africa Tourism and Travel Ideas With Me

My South Africa tourism vacation that I’d like to highlight for you begins with a flight into Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa. Here, my group and I had an excellent cultural experience, as we enjoyed a presentation on apartheid, given by a local expert. We then toured the locations in Johannesburg where famous scenes of the apartheid era took place. Our group stayed in Johannesburg for three nights. Next, we explored the most popular sites and local cultural experiences in Cape Town. We spent some time watching the Boulder Beach penguin colony, toured the botanical gardens, and journeyed to Table Mountain, a part of the Table Mountain National Park, and a huge tourist attraction. We stopped in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek – South Africa’s most famous wine districts – where we participated in wine tasting experiences. I’ve been to Africa nine times and it never grows old for me. Each time, I glean even more travel ideas I can pass on to my clients. My notes are overflowing with unique ideas for great travel experiences. 

Our much-anticipated, three-night South Africa safari began and, I must say, it was the highlight of our trip. Seeing the lions, elephants and many other wildlife in their natural habitat is always a wonder to behold, no matter how many times you’ve seen it before. After our rewarding safari, we returned to Johannesburg, where we awaited our flight home. 

One of my favorite parts of South Africa tourism is immersing yourself in the culture through dining at the local restaurants and interacting with the local population. The food is wonderful, and you get to sample all the local favorites if you choose. On my last trip, we visited an unmodernized African village and met with a local chief. We explored some of the native-made instruments and took in a musical concert. We even had dinner with a local family. I must say it is this kind of one-on-one experience with the locals that makes South Africa tourism life-changing and memorable. It’s one of the travel ideas I always give my clients: Make time to explore the local culture; it will enhance your overall experience. 

On the many Africa itineraries that I have prepared for my clients, I always include rich cultural experiences and a South Africa safari. An example itinerary for luxury South Africa tourism might include travel ideas like those in our Gilt-Edge Africa Itinerary. It includes your scheduled flights with VIP Tarmac, meet and greet, and assistance, as well as private road transfers, air shuttles, boat and train transfers.

The planned activities will include diverse travel ideas, such as: The Cape Peninsula Tour, including the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, as well as a Table Mountain Tour and Cape Winelands (with lunch). You’ll take a luxurious train ride aboard the Bush Tracks Express Dinner Run. Then you’d be off for a Sundowner Cruise on Ra-Ikane (a luxury cruise boat) and a private guided tour of Victoria Falls, including the national park fee. Afterward, enjoy a private guided shopping tour in Victoria Falls and lunch at the Lookout Café. You’ll spend a full day exploring Soweto, Johannesburg and the Apartheid Museum. With an expert advisor planning the itinerary, you’ll come away from your South Africa tourism experience wiser, fulfilled and satisfied. If any problems do arise, which does not happen often, but occasionally it might, I will be at your service to mitigate it. 

We stayed at the finest places in Africa: Cape Grace. Your stay might include nights at the sophisticated Savute Safari Lodge in a Luxury Suite, with all meals, activities and drinks included. Come aboard the Zambezi Queen for a relaxing two-night river cruise, including all meals, activities and drinks, as well as a luxurious Master Suite. You wouldn’t want to miss a stay in one of the world’s leading luxury hotels, so it’s onward to the Victoria Falls Hotel where a Deluxe Suite awaits you, with complimentary breakfast and five-star service. You might rub elbows with the world’s elite at this celebrated hotel. Experience a train ride like none other aboard Rovos Rail in a Royal Suite, with all meals, activities and drinks included. Take in the gorgeous South Africa scenery and sightings of wild animals. Revel in this unique luxury train experience - only formal gowns and suits are allowed in the dining car! Finally, you’ll enjoy a stay at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, with a Courtyard Suite. Here, every suite has its own unique personality, and breakfast is included. 

As you can see, I have a wealth of travel ideas and recommendations for South Africa tourism, safaris and luxury travel. Incidentally, with my personal trips to nearly every Caribbean island over the past 30 years, I am also an expert in Caribbean travel. Contact me today and let’s get started planning your ultimate lifestyle travel experience, wherever in the world you want to go.