As an outsider, I am allowed to say that what many foreigners think about Africa and especially South Africa is crazy and could not be farther from the truth. The fact is many are afraid to take this trip, even when it is on their bucket list. My question is why the fear, what is holding you back?

South Africa is a leader in all aspects within Africa. They are an extremely stable country with an economy fit for the time and have every major amenity and luxury that can be found around the globe. They are the fashion capital of Africa as well as the leader in tourism, not to mention the financial powerhouse of Africa. The country has such diversity from its topography to cultures to languages to resources. Cape Town is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa and around the world with beautiful beaches and coastline. It is also a top destination or surfers with some of the world’s best surf spots, including J-Bay as well as other outdoor adventures with cage diving with great white sharks and one of the world’s highest bungee jump. The wine made outside of Cape Town is world-renowned to go along with some of the highest quality fish and cuts of meat caught and farmed respectively. They also have a unique blending of cultures in this region which only makes the experience and food you can find that much better. The safaris are the best you can find in Africa and the Greater Kruger region is THE PLACE if you want to experience these majestic animals in their natural environment. South Africa works hard to protect them as well and every person who visits contributes to this quest to preserve the African Savanna. They are world renowned for their conservation efforts and are pioneers in protecting endangered wildlife and the fragile ecosystems that support them.

Before I tell you that South Africa is one of my favorite places I have ever visited, I feel the need to give you a bit of background of myself. I have had the privilege to have traveled with my mom from a very young age and have seen a good portion of North Africa, several Central American countries, as well as many countries in South America. I have also been to the majority of countries in Europe as well the Baltics, Russia, and Turkey as a part of the Asian continent and in addition to South Africa have traveled to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Egypt within Africa. I only feel that this is important because I have a great deal to compare South Africa with and yet it remains one of my all-time favorites. Why? First and foremost, each part of the country is very unique offering different terrain, experiences, and things to do. Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Greater Kruger were 3 drastically different regions of the country I had the opportunity to visit with different history and sites to see. This keeps you on your toes as a traveler because something new is always coming with your next step. Their history is truly remarkable with the arrival and rule of multiple foreign powers and a more recent rise of an independent South Africa that suffered under Apartheid rule for decades before Nelson Mandela led them to the South Africa of today. This nation is truly unique and is deeply rooted in its history and culture that has led them to the blossoming country that is presently. Finally, as someone with both a bachelors and master’s in biology with a focus in ecology, I’m a drawn to the African Savanna. The intertwined web of all species relying on one another where we do not reign and where one can clearly see the raw beauty and power of the wild. It is a dream for any science lover, animal lover, and outdoorsy type alike. It has been a trip that has stuck with me and remained at the top of my leaderboard. If you give it a chance, South Africa could soon be your trip of a lifetime.