Part 2 is finishing our trip to Johannesburg and going on to the second leg of our trip in Cape Town, a very eye-opening trip, as it was very sophisticated and European.

JOHANNESBURG

A safari was on my mother’s bucket list and I was so happy that she was able to see one of her dreams come true. We started out around 8am in the morning and made our way to the park.

We were loaded into a big jeep that was open on the sides and back so we could take pictures. Right away we were treated to the sight of zebras and giraffes.

When you see a zebra up close, you can really appreciate the contrast of the black and white stripes. They are incredible.

The giraffes surprised me because they had so much personality and were so playful. At one point, we had to stop so the males could escort the females across the road. So majestic. It makes me want to go to those places where the giraffes come up to your hotel windows so you can pet them.

The next animals we saw were the buffalos and the elephants.

The Africans buffalos are on conservation status which means they are threatened by disease, habitat loss and their population is decreasing. You can tell the one below is very skinny and it makes you very sensitive to the plight of animals.

It was so hot that all of the elephants were in the water. They were shooting water out of their trunks at each other and basically just chilling.

I think the antelopes were so used to seeing humans that they didn’t even seem phased when we drove past.

Most of the hippopotamus’ were in the water, but this lone one was being brave and just moseying along.

As we wrapped up the trip, we reminded the guide that we wanted to see the lions. He had told us in the beginning that we might not see them because they usually don’t come out in the high sun. Their favorite time was at dawn and at sunset.  I was highly disappointed because I’m a Leo and lions are my favorite, but overall it was a fantastic safari.

The next day we went to a park that showed the many different tribes of South Africa, what kind of houses they lived in and what their culture was like before the Industrial Revolution.

There are too many to count, but I tried to take pictures of a few that were the most interesting. It all ends with a picture of me and one of the actors. So much fun!

CAPE TOWN 

After having a jam packed 7 days in Johannesburg, we headed to Cape Town. Known for Table Mountain, its wineries and cosmopolitan lifestyle, it really reminded me of San Francisco, especially when you were at Victoria Wharf.

Here’s a picture of Table Mountain, but it was covered in clouds so you really couldn’t get the full effect. Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming the most prominent landmark overlooking Cape Town.You can take a cable car or hike to the top, but we were on a very tight schedule in our tour group and could not make it. It’s definitely on my list of things to do in the future.

Coming to the Wharf, we really saw the history of Cape Town and could imagine the ship captains steering their boats into the port with all of their wares back in the day.

There was a mall with restaurants and shops as well as the Ferris Wheel. We walked around the mall, had lunch, bought wine and then went outside to walk around. I have to say, South Africa’s pinot noir is the best pinot noir I’ve ever had in my life.

Mom is enjoying herself.

As night time came, all the lights were a wonderful sight. Everybody was scared of heights except me, so I went on the Ferris Wheel by myself and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Although it seemed like we only scratched the surface of this great country, it was all at once educational, joyful, eye-opening, adventurous and miraculous.

From thinking about how Apartheid has shaped this country and what a long way they’ve come, I would definitely go back to definitely explore the wineries, hike Table Mountain and immerse myself in the culture a little more.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to South Africa and what your favorite part was.