My South Africa (with the family)

After twenty years from my first visit, I returned to Cape Town, one of the most fascinating cities in Africa with its combination of culture, design, wine, and cuisine, as well as its marvelous landscapes. This time, for our family stay, I chose the Belmond Mount Nelson, one of the oldest hotels in the country, dating back to the mid-18th century. An oasis of tranquility in the vibrant city center. The interiors retain the colonial atmosphere of yesteryears, but everywhere you can feel the elegance and sophistication of contemporary hospitality. Within minutes of our arrival, they greeted us by name, as if they already knew us. We immediately felt at home. And even though we would never have left the magical atmosphere of Mount Nelson, we took advantage of its strategic location to visit the city and the Cape Peninsula, amidst high cliffs and wild beaches. We made our way to Boulders Beach, a beach protected by large boulders where a colony of African penguins lives, a species at risk of extinction.

After leaving Cape Town, our journey continues along the Garden Route, a 700-kilometer scenic road that runs parallel to the Atlantic coast, passing through Cape Agulhas (the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet) and continuing to Port Elizabeth, one of the main port cities in South Africa with a colonial atmosphere.

After a stop in Hermanus, one of the best spots for whale watching, we arrived at Grootbos, an eco resort with a vast private reserve surrounding it, acquired lot by lot from small landowners to convert it into fynbos, the indigenous vegetation of this latitude. It has a few essential yet elegant rooms with fireplaces and large windows that allow guests to be in touch with the beauty and nature, creating an enchanting symbiosis that stretches from the hills to Walker Bay, a small bay where whales train their young to swim. Grootbos is also a place that supports the local community with tangible projects ranging from computer lessons to sports camps. The concept of environmental and cultural conservation here is accompanied by a great sense of hospitality, with a very refined cuisine, fine South African wines, and daily activities. With Tiaan, our guide, we ventured on marine safaris among seal colonies and giant humpback whales, botanical excursions, visits to prehistoric caves, horseback riding, and an exciting sand dune bike ride with special bikes for racing on the sand.

The itinerary continues towards Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, the two jewels of the coast overlooking the Indian Ocean. The landscape changes, becoming almost tropical, and the winter air becomes milder thanks to the warm currents from the North.