South Africa: Cape Escape

Most Inspirational Moment

The Penguins! Both the walk along Boulders Beach in Simonstown, and the kayaking the following day were fabulous, and despite all the uncertainty and concerns over Covid-19, seeing the penguins instantly made everything better! I also really enjoyed the wine tasting in the Stellenbosch area - Stellenbosch itself is one of the most beautiful towns I have ever seen, and the visits to the vineyards were great fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Both Adonia and Ernest were great - nothing was too much trouble, and when our itinerary had to change they found other places for us to go. They were also amazingly helpful and reassuring when we were informed we would have to leave early due to Covid-19 - and despite that, we all still enjoyed the holiday very much!

Advice for Potential Travellers

If travelling in March, I would advise taking a windbreaker as it is surprisingly windy in Cape Town and surrounding area! It can also get quite cool at nights, so take a jumper or jacket too. Walking shoes/boots are a must for Table Mountain, and I'd recommend maybe sandals or shoes you don't mind getting wet for the kayaking!

Suggestions

A fab trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing hundreds of penguins at Boulders Beach was my top highlight but there were so many other great moments too. The wine tasting day was lots of fun and made me try wines I wouldn't normally feel brave enough to drink as I always stick to white at home. The evening dinners together were always great too. I got to enjoy delicious wine and food whilst learning more and more about my fellow travellers.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia and Ernest were absolute legends. From the first day to our last, they were always smiley, full of interesting information about South Africa and genuinely felt like part of the group. I'm sure I can speak for the rest of the group when I say that it was a sad moment to leave them at the airport when we flew back home.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this trip and explore the highlights of South Africa with other people in their 30s and 40s. The weather up Table Mountain and at Cape Point can be really windy so make sure you pack an extra layer on these days.

Suggestions

This was my second trip with Exodus and I'm sure it won't be my last. If you're in your 30s and 40s and want to explore a new destination with like-minded people, I would hugely recommend Exodus Edits!!

Most Inspirational Moment

The best part for us was the kayaking to see the penguins at Boulders Beach. It was a great activity and having never done sea kayaking before I, especially, was nervous, however I needn’t have been, the kayaks were easy to operate and the paddling was fine. The penguins were a pleasure to see, and watching them bob about in the waves not far from our kayaks was a real treat.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia was our guide and Ernest was our driver and they were fabulous. They were so friendly and helpful and had excellent knowledge of the area and history etc. By the end of the trip everyone felt like family, and we were sad to leave. Also, they were great when, through circumstances beyond their control, they had to make last minute alterations and organise things differently. 5 stars all round, thanks guys!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes, it can be very windy! Especially at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, so be prepared. :)

Suggestions

The food was delicious, and quite cheap compared to UK prices. We didn’t eat a bad meal at all, and the service was efficient, waiting staff friendly. The wines were also great too, I’m now a fan of Pinotage and a couple of good white wines as well! I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to this beautiful country, it was a truly memorable holiday! :)

Most Inspirational Moment

The natural beauty of the coastline from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope will really stick in the memory. The eyes are seduced by the magnificence of the white sandy beaches before being confronted by the dancing white horses crashing into rugged coves. As I gazed out to the horizon and with nothing but churning ocean for thousands of miles to the left and to the right, I reflected on my good fortune in being offered the opportunity to put into perspective mankind’s place on the planet. While I tapped away on my iPhone taking picture after picture of the magnificent landscape, I knew that in spite of all of the technology at my fingertips, mother nature will always have the final word.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adonia our tour leader and his able assistant Ernest were superb in very way. More so, in light of the challenges they were presented with on an hourly basis as the consequences of the South African Government's decision to impose travel restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 became apparent. At every turn, Adonia and Ernest kept us abreast of the situation and the implications on our scheduled activities. Where one activity was cancelled, an alternative was rapidly improvised. Too windy to hike to the top of Table Mountain. Ok, lets visit Signal Hill Nature Reserve instead. Bike hire company closed due to COVID-19? Let’s hike up to Cape Point Lighthouse. Highly knowledgeable, highly engaging and above all highly empathetic, Adonia and Ernest were there for us every step of the way. It really was sad to leave them in such abrupt circumstances.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are travelling on this trip towards the back of the South African summer, pack a windbreaker and a fleece as it can be really windy during the day and cool in the evening. Also make sure to pack a proper pair of waking boots as the hike up Table Mountain is largely on rocky steps so firm footing is required.