Curator’s statement
Cape Town and the Sabi Sands represent two sides of South Africa that I know deeply. Cape Town is layered and dynamic—a place where food, landscape, and culture collide, but only really shines when you know how to pace it properly. Sabi Sands is where South Africa slows down completely—private safaris here are less about sightings and more about rhythm, space, and connection to the wild. Together, they show why South Africa isn’t about ticking boxes, but about how a place makes you feel.
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Things to do in South Africa
Sleeping above the bush—where night sounds, stars, and stillness take over. Photo credit: Lion Sands Game Reserve
How I actually spend time in Cape Town & Sabi Sands:
First-light drives in the Sabi Sands: Before the radios get busy and the bush feels untouched—this is when safari feels raw and unfiltered.
Staying longer at the coffee stop than the sighting: Engine off, mugs out, listening instead of hunting the next moment. This is where safari slows into something meaningful.
A night at the Kingston Treehouse: Sleeping above the bush with nothing but canvas, night sounds, and stars—immersive, grounding, and quietly unforgettable.
Late-afternoon Atlantic Seaboard swims in Cape Town: Cold, quick, and more about the light and reset than actually swimming.
Leaving space unplanned: Whether in the city or the bush, the best days in South Africa usually come from what you didn’t schedule.
Places to eat & drink in South Africa
Food that’s about balance and flavor, not theatrics. Photo credit: Upper Union, Cape Town
Where I love to eat & drink in Cape Town (with safari kept simple):
Upper Union: A go-to for easy, confident dining. It feels current without trying too hard, and works just as well for a relaxed lunch as a buzzy evening.
The Pot Luck Club: Best when approached socially—sharing plates, good energy, and letting the room set the tone rather than overthinking the menu.
Thali: Bold, unapologetic flavors that reflect the city’s diversity. Casual, busy, and always full of life.
Kloof Street House: Less about trends, more about atmosphere. A dependable choice for long, convivial dinners that feel very Cape Town.
Lunch-led wine farms in the Cape Winelands: Chosen for setting and pacing rather than tastings—where lunch quietly becomes the main event.
On safari: Meals back at the lodge in the Sabi Sands—this is where dining belongs on safari. Thoughtful, comforting, and designed around the rhythm of the bush.
Need to know
Cape Town rewards good pacing—less is more, and trying to do everything usually dulls the experience. Distances in South Africa are bigger than they look on a map, so build in breathing room rather than back-to-back plans.
On safari in Sabi Sands, trust the lodge rhythm: Early starts, quiet afternoons, early dinners—fighting it only makes the days feel long. Safety is about awareness, not anxiety—move intentionally, listen to local advice, and you’ll feel at ease.
Most importantly, leave space unplanned—South Africa’s best moments tend to arrive when you’re not rushing toward the next one.
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