Our Amazing Safari in South Africa

Martina Forde 30 July 2019
Earlier this year my husband Ronnie and I took a 3-week holiday to South Africa. In the past few years, South Africa has raced to the top of many travellers’ must-visit lists and has now become one of my bestselling destinations for Honeymoons, Bucket List and Family Holidays. It was my second time in the region and Ronnie’s first. We wanted to experience a Safari and travel the Entire Western and Eastern Cape Garden Route (featured in my next blog) which is a route that many of my beautiful clients have taken in the past.

We flew overnight from Dublin to Capetown via Addis Ababa in Business class with Ethiopian Airlines. It was a fabulous experience and well worth the extra cost if your budget allows. After arriving refreshed the following morning (there is no jetlag as the time difference is only 2 hours) we took an internal flight to Port Elizabeth. There we picked up our hired car and drove the very short distance to our hotel in Port Elizabeth, No 5 by Mantis.

Located in the heart of Port Elizabeth, and nestled in the affluent beachfront suburb of Summerstrand, No5 by Mantis is less than 10 minutes from Port Elizabeth Airport and within 100 meters of the rolling Indian Ocean. A beautiful Boardwalk and Promenade in Port Elizabeth is just on your doorstep. No5 offers contemporary and luxurious suites in a secluded landscaped setting with South African art collection is featured throughout the hotel, complimented by fine dining and impeccable We stayed here for 2 nights. On one of the days Ronnie had the pool area all to himself whilst I had 3 fabulous hours in the SPA. Treating myself to a Facial, Massage and Pedicure for a fraction of the price at home.

After our two relaxing days and nights here, we dove an hour and a half to our next destination, the Shamwari Game where we stayed at Founders Lodge. Founders Lodge in the Shamwari Game Reserve is truly an amazingly luxurious retreat, from the arrival welcoming, to the room accommodations where Rhinos were 20 feet from our patio, to the sunset and sunrise game drives - with custom drinks, to the divine staff. The game drives were amazing. We got to see the BIG 5 and would certainly have this up there as one of the best places I have stayed in my 34 years in the Travel Business. After 3 amazing days and nights here we were sorry to say goodbye to this little oasis, but we will be back and sooner rather than later.

If you need inspiration on your next adventure or wanting to see the BIG 5 is on your bucket list, contact me and I can create a tailormade holiday just for you.