South Africa: The Not-so-Hidden Southern Gem

We figured it’s only fitting to start with one of our favorite places in the whole wide world! Roelf grew up about an hour west of Johannesburg in Potchefstroom. It’s a lovely college town that has a homey feel to it. His family is the best part of South Africa, trust me! A night with the Pienaar family is good for the soul. Here are the things we recommend doing while visiting the southern tip of Africa.

Potchefstroom:

• A braai (America’s version of a barbecue) at the Pienaar household is one of the most fun things to do in Potch! They did just make their house into an Airbnb so you too can party like a Pienaar.
• If you like nightlife, Potch in South Africa has its own “Bourbon Street.” It’s a popular hang-out spot for students and young adults.
• Cuppa Caffe – a super cute coffee shop with incredible food.
• The Feather Hill Spa!! I had the best afternoon there being pampered by some of the sweetest staff members. The views here are incredible too. So pretty!

Johannesburg:

• Emperor’s Palace is where the Pienaars like to stay when they go! It feels like Caesar’s Palace in Vegas. Great food and shopping, all in all, a beautiful safe resort! Also, if you enjoy gambling, this is your spot.
• Taste of Mumbai (inside Emperor’s Palace) is one of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at!! Roelf’s Mom and I decided that every time we come back we will eat there. Not even a question!
• Mall of Africa-– if you like great shopping, this is a must! So many stores and great prices!! This is also one of the largest malls in Africa.

Sun City: you might recognize Sun City from the movie “Blended” featuring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Most of the movie was filmed at The Palace of the Lost City.

• My infamous crocodile pic was taken here! You can watch crocodiles being fed, and hold a baby croc.

• Pilanesberg National Park for a place to stay! Roelf and I had a lion walk in front of our car while driving into the resort (it’s perfectly safe!) There are options from luxury tent camping to resort-style accommodations, you are completely surrounded by wildlife. One of my favorite things we did.
• Go on a safari!! Want to see rhinos, elephants, and giraffes up close? Sun City is a great spot! Here’s the tour we went on.

Destiny’s Fav: Cape Town

• Table Mountain! You can take a cable car up to the top. I recommend booking tix in advance. Up at the top, we saw Cape rock hyrax, also known as “dassies!” They kept popping in and out of the trash cans but were so stinking cute.

• Go to the beach!!

Roelf’s Fav: Stellenbosch (Roelf went to college here for a year!)

• Wine Tours!! Def a must. There are SO many to choose from. Here are a few vineyards: Beyerskloof, Spier Wine Farm, Muratie Wine Estate.

• Conveyor belt sushi- so fun!
• My brother-in-law is head chef at Kleine Zalze. so obviously you need to go there! Ask for chef Theo!!

Now obviously, we haven’t even scratched the surface of things you can do in South Africa. It really is a magical place. The one thing you have to do is go on a safari!! Also, KFC is delicious in South Africa, trust me. Worth trying! My last recommendation is to try to find a place that does animal interaction. It varies from place to place and depends usually on if there are any babies to interact with. Nothing quite like holding a baby lion. Here is one of the places where we got to interact with baby lions.

These are just the things we have been able to do as a couple during the times we’ve been able to go home and see family! If you have any more recommendations or try one of ours out, let us know in the comments!

xoxo-

Roelf and Destiny