Travel is one of my biggest passions in life and I have always been an explorer at heart. I am South African, and I have had the privilege to grow up in a beautiful country. From its variety of cultures, people, wildlife, food, nature, art - the list is endless! 

The first place on my list of 3 best places to visit in South Africa is my hometown and the city in which I live;

1. Cape Town

Cape Town is known as the Mother City of South Africa and is a coastal region and economic hub of the Province of the Western Cape. The most famous landmark in Cape Town (as seen below) is Table Mountain, which of course resembles a beautiful table. One can explore the mountain by a trailed hike which takes no less than a few hours or cable car. Once on top: you can explore, take the most beautiful photographs, and even dine! There are cafes and restaurants on the peak, no pun to the table!

Besides the gorgeous mountains of Cape Town, you can visit the beautiful beaches and try an endless variety of cuisines, especially seafood. My favourite beach to visit is Muizenberg beach and it is the surfer's corner of Cape Town.

This picture was taken at Muizenberg beach. I visit Muizenberg often and I usually relax at a cafe with a warm cup of chai - especially these days, as the month of June marks the start of winter. The colourful houses are changing rooms in case you were wondering - so you can get your surfing gear on in private! 

There is a lot I can say about Cape Town but I'm afraid that I may run out of words. I'll leave a link to a video, which I found captured the natural beauty of Cape Town.

https://youtu.be/lXjAXnTEx18

2. Garden Route, Western Cape 

The Garden Route is a 300-kilometre (190 mi) stretch of the south-eastern coast of South Africa which extends from Witsand in the Western Cape to the border of Tsitsikamma Storms River in the Eastern Cape. Essentially, the Garden Route is a coastal journey in which you can explore various parts of the Province of the Western Cape while visiting heritage sites; stopping at various little towns; exploring nature; engaging with wildlife and much more! When I visit the Garden Route, I usually stopover in Mossel Bay and retreat with my family or friends. It is perfect to get a break-away from the city and the journey is only about 3 hours. A beautiful, scenic drive passing wildlife, mountains, and little towns. 

3. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province

Oh, majestic and gorgeous Durban! Home to the largest port in South Africa and known as 'the warmest place to be'! I recently had the opportunity to visit Durban and it was truly a wonderful experience. Durban is a coastal city and is largely influenced by Zulu and Indian cultures. On my visit, I got to explore various parts of the city and what it has to offer. I arrived in Durban and the first thing that I wanted to try was the renowned 'Bunny Chow', which is an uncut loaf of soft, white bread filled with curry. It was truly the most delicious curry that I have eaten in my life. 

Luckily, I still had time to take a picture before devouring this delicious Indian Mutton Curry! 

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes" - Michael Proust
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Thank you for reading my first-ever column; I hope that you enjoyed it and I hope to continue writing columns on topics which I think my students and the students and staff of Cafetalk will enjoy. 

Kind regards,
Sarah