I spent three weeks working in South Africa, which was an amazing opportunity. I got to explore the amazing cities of Durban and Cape Town and experience some world-class wineries and safaris. Here’s a summary of my time there.
Durban: Beachfront Neighbourhoods, Sunshine, And Brilliant Local Food
Durban was my first stop, and I spent a week there… it wasn’t at all what I was expecting. The 6km stretch of golden coastline fronting Durban comes with Miami-like skyscrapers and a beachfront promenade, but the feel is still South African.
You’re right on the Indian Ocean here. Durban itself is pretty spread out, but there’s lots happening in places like the harbour, there are great breakfast beach cafes, and an amazing food scene. Little India in Musgrave is now world-famous, and you can get yellow potato curries for under £2. Mostly, this coastal city comes with a relaxed beach feel. Florida Road is the main strip with lovely, white-painted colonial architecture and plenty going on. You’ll see locals meeting here in the day, endless bars and restaurants, and a good buzz once the sun goes down. There’s also the Durban Botanic Gardens, Suncoast Casino complex, uShaka Marine World.
We stayed at the Southern Sun Elangeni. It’s a glitzy high-rise that’s right on the beach. It offers amazing sea views from the poolside terrace and from all of its rooms, so I’d definitely recommend it. The weather was also gorgeous, so we got to sample local outdoor braii barbecues.
Cape Town: My Absolute Favourite, And Here’s Why
Cape Town won me over for its setting alone. It’s beachfront, artsy, interesting, and set in the humbling shadow of Table Mountain. I flew direct from Durban and stayed about a week.
What to do in Cape Town is really about what takes your fancy. Anyone wanting something bohemian they can head to the out artisan cafes in Bo-Kaap. Anyone with a street food appetite can eat their way through Neighbourhood Market. The rest of the city has craft beer breweries, offbeat boutiques, fascinating museums, and you’re within an hour’s drive for wineries.
For Cape Town, I’d definitely recommend the V&A Waterfront. The city meets the sea here, and it’s a prime dining spot. Restaurants like Wang Thai and the Green Dolphin offer everything from Asian bites to fresh-grilled seafood, so you can eat your heart out. Alongside the V&A’s great shops, there’s also an amazing aquarium, diamond museum, clock tower, and a ferris wheel.
I went up Table Mountain (you can get a cable car). Panoramic views here span the whole city, and they’re breath-taking. I also stopped by Camps Bay which has a stunning palm tree lined white beach and I’d highly recommend exploring the Cape Peninsula and visiting the penguin colonies.
I was really pleased with my hotel choice for Cape Town. The Southern Sun Waterfront is between the city and the V&A, so you get the best of both worlds. It’s also got a great outdoor pool with lawns and fantastic on-site food and drink.
Port Elizabeth: Smaller, By The Beach, Plus A Trip To Elephant Park Safari
After a major city like Cape Town, there’s a smaller feel to Port Elizabeth. It’s less built-up. You’re right on the Eastern Cape’s Algoa Bay here, and there’s a nice boardwalk which feels really laid-back. I didn’t get a chance to visit the beachfront Craft Market, but it’s brilliant for picking up wood-carved animals, seashell necklaces, and various souvenirs.
I did make the most of being in Port Elizabeth with a day safari trip to Elephant Park. This is actually a brilliant way to get a safari experience without booking a full game holiday. Also, it allows kids (a lot of reserves have strict age limits). Elephant Park can be done as a day drive, but you can also stay in a safari lodge. If you’re an animal lover and don’t have time for Elephant Park, absolutely go to St Croix Marine Reserve.
Port Elizabeth wasn’t quite as impressive as the previous stops, but the Blue Flag beaches here are gorgeous. The weather was also fantastic, and the biltong and barbecue dishes are just incredible. We stayed at the Garden Court Kings Beach. It’s got a great commercial centre across the road and you’re a stone’s throw from the beach. I was here for 4 nights, which I’d say is a good amount of time to experience the town.
Johannesburg: Hipster Neighbourhoods, Street Art, And Cracking Food
Johannesburg is nicknamed Africa’s “Big Apple”. I’ll admit, not every part of this city is scenic. Stay in the right places though, and you can really enjoy the offbeat feel. Sandton is probably the fanciest area. It’s got the Montecasino, Nelson Mandela Square, and a great boulevard with theatres, shopping, and organic markets. Soweto is more cultural with local restaurants and a feel for the country’s Apartheid past (but I’d recommend visiting it rather than staying in it). Downtown Melville also has independent boutiques, leafy streets, and the 27 Boxes shops and restaurants complex.
Grafitti street art also makes Johannesburg quite unique. It isn’t necessarily glamorous, but the urban murals and side-alley coffee shops are definitely an experience. I also liked that you’re well-placed for a drive to Pretoria. The Butcher Shop restaurant also gets a special mention from me- if you’re in JoBurg, go for a grill here.
We stayed at the Garden Court Sandton City. It’s over the road from Nelson Mandela Square and slap-bang in the best part of JoBurg there is- Sandton. It’s also got a nice outdoor pool with sunbeds and parasols. Price-wise, it’s also totally reasonable for what’s on offer.
In Summary: South Africa Is A Must
Whether you’re into beaches, barbecues, safaris, or the kind of wine list where everything is a great pick, this country’s got your name on it. We can also tailor an itinerary to your exact needs, so whether it’s just a bit of city and beach you’re after, or whether you have a specific interest such as the vineyards, wildlife or the activity sports, we can make a holiday yours. If you want some inspiration though it’s worth taking a look at our most popular itineraries on our South African Multi Centre page. Otherwise just give us a call, and we’ll be more than happy to help.
Why choose eShores?
One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
100% Tailor Made
We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
Fully Protected
Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
Competitive Pricing
As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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AlisonFletcher
Brilliant trip organised by Dave, included Helsinki, Tallin, Vilnius and Riga. (4 different countries) Everything ran smoothly. Dave organised hotels, flights, taxis, ferry and coach. Have used this company a few times and can't recommend highly enough they are fab 😀
Posted 2 days ago -
Sandra
As always, Chris was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He gave me good advice on my travel plans and booked the holiday on my behalf. I've used eshores a number of times, and will continue to do so.
Posted 5 days ago -
Harrison
We haven’t been on our trip yet but based purely on the experience of booking the trip we are pleased with the result. It started with a bit of a hiccup as we spoke to a member of staff who never came back to us but when we reached back out again we were placed in the hands of Andy who has helped us book a 2 week trip to India including the golden triangle and then a few days on the beach. Andy was very patient with us with our changes to our tailor made holiday, even when we asked him to explore different areas only to revert back to the original plan. He also recommended moving the holiday back one week which created a saving of over £700 which meant we could upgrade the room for our beach stay in Goa. Andy was also available on weekends if we wanted to speak and regularly picked up the phone as opposed to keeping it to purely email dialogue. Hopefully the holiday will be amazing but based on the booking experience I would recommend eShores if you’re looking to book a tailor made holiday
Posted 5 days ago -
Wendy
I spoke to Lynette who was extremely helpful in understanding the trip that myself and my sister in law wanted from Thailand. Myself and my sister in law are both 72years young and we are really looking forward to our trip.
Posted 6 days ago -
Dawn
Excellent service from Matt at eShores. So very helpful and nothing was too much trouble. I booked Mya holiday after all his hard work finding me the perfect holiday that I wanted. Superb service and not pushy all all.
Posted 1 week ago -
Amrik
We have booked two big holidays this year for a group of 8 and a group of 10, Rachel has coordinated our holidays with the utmost excellence, during the consultation we changed countires hotels and even flights but it did not phase Rachel one bit. Exceeds customer expectations by helping advising and supporting throughout the holiday. We are off to Thailand and Dubai in August and then followed by India and Thailand in November, I have rang emailed Rachel many times during the booking and I got very prompt responses even on her days off. Rachel is a credit to EShores and EShores is setting standards regarding customer focus.
Posted 1 week ago -
IainWilliam
I can’t praise Lynette at EShores enough. She has organised my trips perfectly to the point that I wouldn’t use anyone else. She listens to what I want or to the problem I have and comes up with a solution. Nothing is too much trouble. Try them out yourselves and I bet you become a repeater too!
Posted 1 week ago -
Kevin
At short notice, I needed a quote to travel through the USA (July the 20th) I emailed eShores with an idea of what I wanted to do, within a short period of time I had a response from Matthew, After several amendments to my holiday which wasn't any trouble to Matthew, Holiday all booked, now looking forward to travelling through the USA Have to say, the service I had through eShores was fantastic, well done Matthew for working through the changes,
Posted 1 week ago -
Marcus
Dealt with Adam who was great, I went back and forth many times, nothing was a problem for him. We got there in the end and Adam arranged a 3 place holiday to Malaysia and Singapore. We go on 5th August, will if update review when we return. EShores so far brilliant hats of to Adam.
Posted 1 week ago -
Jill
We as a family used eShores last year to go to USA, and they were brilliant, my husband and 1 are going to Italy with them this September and we have just booked again to go back to USA with them next May, very efficient and Matt is lovely to deal with
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