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9 Things We Wish We Knew As First Time Skiers
Winter season doesn’t have to be boring. It can actually be so much fun, if you know what you’re doing. We will share our first time skier tips and what you need to know for your first ski experience.
While planning our Norway trip, we spoke about learning to ski & laughed with our 5 year old nephew who said he would teach us. Well, let’s just say they are SO good at skiing as they go very often during the winter season. The conditions while we were there were absolutely on point, with fresh dusty snow and sunshine – which was amazing! Made us so happy.
Being sporty our whole lives, we really thought that we would be good at it! Let’s just say, it is a lot harder than it looks.
We really underestimated things we wish we knew as first time skiers. I mean, our Norwegian family was meant to give us all the in’s and out’s.
In this blog post we talk about things that we wish we knew as first time skiers and hope this helps with your next vacay planning.
Where To Start As First Time Skiers
Here are pointers that will make your first skiing experience a fun one.
1.) What to take with
- Some places allow you to bring your own food. You will need to refuel and get some hot coco to keep you warm
- Sunblock
- Change of clothing and fresh socks
- Sled to pack all your items in while you ski (dual purpose for carting the goods and sledding down the hills)
2. What to wear from top to bottom
- Sunglasses or goggles
- A buff
- Wool top
- Warmer top
- Waterproof or insulated jacket
- Wool pants
- Waterproof pants
- Wool socks
3. What to hire
- Helmet
- Ski boots
- Skis
- Ski poles
4. What to expect
- Experience of a lifetime! If you follow our 9 things to remember for first time skiers.
- Buy a ski pass if you are visiting for a longer period of time. You can save bucks and not be limited to a set time on the slopes, allowing you to practice during your whole vacation.
First Time Skier Terminology For Beginners
Pizza.
Just know the word pizza and know how to do it. This is what a ski instructor will teach you when you are learning to ski for the first time.
Julia talking about pizza while in Norway and me thinking she was talking about food all the time…. 👀
It’s all good taking the lift to the top of the slopes, but you need to know how to slow down safely. The pizza move involves pointing both your skis towards each other, making a “V” shape. If you want to pick up speed again, return your skis to a parallel shape. I learnt this the hard way…
Julia showing me the correct pizza move in the picture below.
Everything Ski Boots For First Time Skiers
Are ski boots comfortable? No.
And yes.
If you have never put on a pair of ski boots before, you will feel very awkward putting them on, walking in them and everything in between. The only pleasant time is when your ski boots are on and you are on your skis, ready to go down the slopes.
They might feel very heavy, especially when you are walking in them for the first time. We both had to help each other when walking from the ski hire centre to the smaller slope area. A huge lesson is to put your skis on right away when your boots are tied up. Walking in the snow in snow boots can be uncomfortable, as you are not walking in your normal posture. Get those skis on, and start manoeuvring to the slopes.
How To Know What Size Ski Boots To Wear
Go according to your everyday shoe size and size up one or two sizes.
Since we were on holiday and not planning on purchasing our own skis, we decided to rent equipment from the ski resort. This of course has pro’s and con’s. Wearing your own skis will get more comfortable in the long run than hiring ski boots that everyone else has worn before.
Ski boots are a solid hard boot and you want to be comfortable in your ski boots, as you might be in them for longer periods of time, depending on how long you plan to stay at the ski resort for.
Ski Boot Fitting
Don’t be afraid to try the ski boot on and if it doesn’t fit, tell the ski instructor or person at the hire shop.
We are usually a size 37 and asked for a size 37… well our feet were so cramped up in there and made walking in the boots a little uncomfortable. So, we would really suggest going one or two sizes bigger to have more room for movement. Also remember that your socks are a huge factor too. If you are wearing thicker socks, you want to factor that in too.
It is important to know that you don’t want the ski boots too big, otherwise you will be slipping and sliding. Your toes will be sore from trying to get grip inside the ski boots and can also impact your balance on the slopes. Being outside in minus degrees, you don’t want ski boots too big or too small. Getting feet and toe cramps is not fun.
How To Know What Clothing To Wear
Ask locals! They know best.
Perfect ski conditions, but don’t have the correct clothing to wear? That can make your first ever ski experience a very unpleasant one.
Layer up. Add layers so that you can take your clothing off accordingly. Skiing is a workout and you will work up a sweat.
1.) Waterproof gloves or mittens
Your hands will get wet, so make sure they are waterproof and keep the warmth in.
2.) Wool top and pants
We wore woolen tops and pants under our waterproof jackets and pants and this was sufficient.
3.) Waterproof jacket and pants
Jeans won’t cut it.
4.) Buff
This helps big time covering up your neck and face from the elements.
5.) Ski goggles or glasses
You will be surprised at how you can get sunburnt from the sun’s reflection off the snow.
If you don’t have these items, as many first time skiers won’t. Borrow from family or friends. They will always have extras.
There are second hand shops where you can buy cheaper ski gear / winter clothing. While walking around town after a day of skiing, we found a second hand store, Omatte, who are all for promoting a sustainable future by reusing items. You can tell we love them, by us going back twice during our trip and the clothing that came home with us 😊 The owner is a young local Norwegian, who opened up the shop with her mom and we definitely plan on going shopping there on our next Norway trip.
Get to know off two wander
Read about where we have traveled to so far and what we have got up to in other blogs.
Where To Get Waterproof Snow Gear
Borrow or buy.
Borrow from friends or family if you are visiting for a few weeks. If you are planning on moving to a snowy country, consider buying for the long run. You will be using it more often than you think.
Our favourite shop in Norway is the Sports Outlet. They had everything that we needed and maybe bought a little too much from there. What we highly recommend is going shopping that week between Christmas and New Years. Many of the shops have huge sales where you can buy some decent items for up to half price!
It is best to purchase items from the country that you are visiting, as you can get the best quality and gear that is suitable to the climate. We took plenty of items from South Africa that we didn’t end up wearing because it wasn’t suitable for Norway’s snowy conditions. We even bought some items in Sweden and the climate is so different between the two countries. We weren’t able to wear some of the Swedish items in Norway.
The locals are also able to give better insight on what clothing items will be suitable for your activities that you have while in the country.
The Best Wool Clothing For Skiing
We bought our wool clothing from the Sports Outlet of course.
Karla thermo wool pants and top are the items that kept us super warm during our first winter holiday and during our first ever skiing experience. These items are a combination of wool and polyester, keeping us warm and comfortable even when layering up.
Many people thought that we were crazy to leave South African summer to have a cold snowy Christmas, but it was so pleasant having the right woollen clothing. We were able to spend lots of time outdoors, walking around with snow up to our knees, and playing in the snow with our nephews, without getting wet, best! We will always say, having the correct clothing for a winter vacation is key, and this applies to going on any vacation (@lauren for always overpacking).
First Time Skier Tips: Hire a Ski Instructor
**Highly recommended**
They have been skiing for many years and are the experts in teaching beginners how to ski.
Ski instructors know the layout of the ski resort, therefore creating a safe space, as well as show you everything that you need to know as a first time skier. Give you a little confidence too! 🙂
We didn’t think of hiring an instructor when we arrived at the ski resort. Watching the younger local kids own their skiing time, made us feel like we could also just own it! As mentioned, we have participated in most sports while growing up, just not skiing. In fact, I had never seen snow before our Norway / Sweden Christmas trip. So the hype was real!
First Time Skier Tips: What Not To Do
Don’t be like us. Or don’t be like me. Here’s a little story time.
We let our brother and nephews do their thing and enjoy the morning skiing, while we enjoyed being surrounded by lots and lots of thick snow. A quick lunch break for the kids and off they went again. That’s when we decided that it was our time to get onto the slopes.
Let’s go with the kids. This is like second nature to them, but yes, let’s do it!
One, two, three we are taking the lift to get higher up the slopes. Lack of thinking or just somewhat taken aback by the excitement of skiing for the first time ever and being surrounded by such beauty, I went right up to level 5 with the kids and found myself freaking out about how to “get down”. Let’s just say, I flew out of the resort into 2024, without falling and breaking any bones. Not quite sure how I didn’t fall and injure myself..
Julia’s turn to ski:
Julia was of course filming this very first ski experience and went running to save me from landing up in thick snow below the slope. I was so traumatised and told Julia exactly what NOT to do…
Once Julia was ready to tackle the slopes, she took to the slopes at a slow pace and started at level one and worked her way up to level three, slowly. How it was meant to be done. There is no way to describe the freshness in the air, the adrenaline pumping, the snow filled mountain views together with the sun shining, but to actually experience it yourself.
I guess we will have to go back, and hire an instructor and do this all the “proper way”. It will take a lot of convincing to build my confidence up and get back onto the slopes. Either way, Julia had the best time!
Things To Remember Once You Are Done Skiing
Don’t take your boots off until you are 100% sure you are finished skiing for the day.
Walking in your ski boots can be uncomfortable, but putting your ski’s back on after walking in thick snow, is not fun. You have to clear the snow from your ski boots so that they can fit snug into the ski again. We had to help each other do this, as it is not so easy for first time skiers.
We also didn’t know what a mission it would be to clear the snow from the ski boots and that this was the reason why we couldn’t get out of the skis properly.
Learning to ski can be a daunting experience, especially if you are going with seasonal skiers.
It is loads of fun and if you follow these 9 tips that we have mentioned in this blog post, we think that you will make amazing memories on your winter vacation in the snow.
Layer up, wear appropriate snow gear, hire the instructor and head to the slopes!
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Glamping in Stanford: The Perfect Way To Experience The Outdoors
Keen campers, but not keen on being cold in your standard camping tent? That’s us.
For those who aren’t so keen on the rough side of camping, Africamps Boutique Glamping, is then the ideal glamping experience for you.
Heated bed blankets, inside fireplace and an inverter – what more could you ask for! Absolutely makes luxury camping more pleasant.
We celebrated our birthday this year by booking our very first glamping getaway. Choosing the location was a rock paper scissor situation and the winner decided on glamping in Stanford. We wanted to make a pit stop in Hermanus for our birthday breakfast, and were set on going to Frances At Auberge.
And let’s say, we will definitely be visiting all of the Africamps glamping sites throughout the country! Yes, Africamps currently have 16 glamping sites in various parts of South Africa.
In this blog post we will cover what glamping is and how to make the most of your first glamping experience.
What is glamping?
Glamping = glamorous camping
Self catering kitchen, running water, comfortable beds (not a mattress that has lost all its air that you have ended up sleeping on the hard ground) and a spacious deck area to enjoy a braai with family and friends.
Glamping has become more popular over the last few years, and is most definitely a top choice for families wanting to experience nature and the outdoors with sophistication.
A road trip to Africamps Stanford is a mere 2 hour drive from Cape Town, and allows you to see more of South Africa’s scenic routes, including the famous whale watching destination, Hermanus.
Is glamping worth it?
Yes! So much yes!
Everyone has to do this sometime in their life. Depending on your budget and preferences play a factor in whether you are a glamper or not.
We love that everything is there already. You just need to arrive at the glamping destination and have a good time! No setting up campsite and blowing up mattresses… you get the vibe.
Luxurious Glamping Accommodation
Africamps Stanford has 10 tents with wood-fired hot tubs and are located on the Stanford Hills Wine Estate. Make sure that you book the correct tent when proceeding with the booking online.
The tents are tucked under the Klein River Mountain range and are located quite a distance from the wine farm restaurants, making your stay secluded and more private. The tents are also well spaced out so that you don’t hear what your neighbor has to say, making the glamping in Stanford experience peaceful and relaxing.
Our Polo VW got us up the hill to our glamping tent, so you don’t need a 4×4.
Self Catering Tents
The glamping tents are all self catering units, with a full equipped kitchen, crockery and cutlery and a gas stove for those load shedding days. Each glamping tent can accommodate up to 5 people, consisting of 2 double beds and 1 of the double beds having a single bunk bed above.
The outside deck is spacious where you can sit watching the kids in the hot tub, friends braaing or simply listen to the sounds of the birds amongst the protea flowers.
You can purchase wood for the indoor fireplace, outdoor braai area or the wood-fired hot tub from the Stanford Hills Estate reception area. Stanford Hills manage the Africamps Stanford glamping tents and are contactable via Whatsapp.
Their customer service is something that stood out for us, always making sure everything was in order and that we were having a wonderful stay.
3 Other Glamping Getaways That We Considered Booking
All three glamping getaway experiences are within 1.5 – 3 hours from Cape Town, making it an ideal road trip destination. End work early on a Friday and hit the roads for a glamping staycation.
1.) Africamps at Doolhof, Wellington
With the fairly new restaurant, Mila at Doolhof, on the same premises as the Africamps at Doolhof, I think that gives you enough reason to want to visit this Africamps. They are located on the Doolhof Wine Estate and lie on the banks of the Kromrivier. A must for any wine and nature lover!
Top tip: make sure you don’t miss the turnoff. If you are heading towards the Bainskloof Pass, you have gone too far.
2.) Africamps at Kam’Bati, Swellendam
The perfect family glamping experience located on the banks of the Breede River. Plenty of kid friendly activities to keep the kids busy, some including fishing, rope swinging into the river and cycling around the resort too. As for the adults, learning more about the Swellendam town History and watching sport at the resort bar.
3.) Africamps at Pat Busch, Robertson
Located in the Pat Busch Mountain Reserve, which is just outside of Robertson and +-2 hour drive from Cape Town. Just like all the other Africamps, the Robertson glamping tents are also surrounded by nature and perfect for your outdoor experience. Wine tasting, picnics on the Breede River and views of the Langeberg Mountain Range – what more can you ask for?
Other accommodation in and around Cape Town
The Perfect Way To Experience The Outdoors
There is never enough time to do all the activities that you set out to do, and of course you will come across new spots that you would like to explore while you are at the destination.
Depending on your interests, here are a few of our suggestions for activities to do during your glamping in Stanford getaway. We might be doing the first bullet point real soon!
Activities to do in and around Stanford
- Whale season (June – December every year)
- Nature walks
- Hiking trails
- Stargazing
- E-biking
- Wine tasting
- Coffee, lunch and dinners
- Fishing
- Viewing fauna and flora
But first, coffee
We had to stop by at the lovely Ou Meul in Stanford during our e-biking tour.
Best Time to Visit Stanford
We prefer to stay away from the crowds, so ideally off peak season (March – October) and mid week. However, that isn’t always the case for some of us in office jobs… (Julia). Stanford is a small town, which allows you to explore the surrounding areas like Hermanus and Gansbaai.
A glamping in Stanford road trip during whale season must be a beautiful time of the year to travel. Whale season in South Africa takes place every year between June and December. Sightings depend on various aspects, such as predators in the bays, water conditions and calving seasons. Hermanus is known for whale watching and can get really busy with plenty local and international crowds.
We’d suggest to take a day’s leave and explore during the week 🙂
How To Book Your Africamps Glamping Trip
Are you ready to book your glamping in Stanford getaway yet?
If it’s a yes, here’s how to book:
- Open up Google (or your preferred search engine) and paste this into your search tab “https://africamps.com”
- Select your preferred camp and put in your dates and search for live availability
- If there is a special, select the special that can apply to you (eg midweek special) or click on the standard rate
- Select the amount of tents (1 tent for a family of 4)
- Add the amount of adults / kids
- Add any extras (breakfast or braai pack) you can also order this when you are there
- Add your personal information
- Add your payment details
- Read T’s and C’s and proceed with the payment
- You will receive a booking confirmation on email once the payment has been processed and a Whatsapp message on the day you check in
Get booking
We highly recommend going in the winter months, as it is cosy with the hot tub, heated blankets and indoor fireplace.
We would recommend booking in advance, especially during school holidays as families book their glamping getaway months in advance. Because we went during the week, it was a lot quieter and suited us perfectly.
If you are deciding on booking a last minute glamping experience with Africamps, we would recommend requesting a specific tent, for example we stayed in tent 6 which was on the outskirts and not smack bang in the middle of all the tents.
So, what dates have you booked your glamping getaway for?
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Staycation at Shark Bay Hotel
A staycation at Shark Bay Hotel in Langebaan is the ultimate place to unwind, relax and rejuvenate.
Whether your staycation is to relax or have fun, there are many activities to do in Langebaan and it’s surrounding towns. Just a mere 1.5 hour drive from Cape Town, it’s not too far for a weekend staycation.
For those who are new here, we are twin South African travel bloggers, inspiring you to travel more! Our page is to create travel content, and showcase our travel tips and experiences. Itinerary planning can be quite time consuming, but with Lauren’s travel background, it’s like second nature to her.
In this blog post, we go into detail about our staycation at Shark Bay Hotel where we celebrated our 30th birthday!
Where is Shark Bay Hotel located?
The Shark Bay Hotel is nestled on a hill in Langebaan which overlooks the Langebaan Lagoon and West Coast National Park. The villa’s are sparsely located and surrounded by picturesque flora and fauna. Currently, there is a lot of construction work in the area so hopefully there is still space and privacy between units in a few years time. Langebaan is renowned for it being a fisherman’s town, where kitesurfing is very popular for locals and tourists and it’s a close enough drive for a weekend getaway.
How to get to Langebaan
Langebaan is approximately 1.5 hours from Cape Town, depending on how many stops you make / speed limit. Remember this road has cameras which track your average speed and fines are rather hefty.
Head onto the N7 towards Malmesbury and take exit 31 which merges left from N7 onto Melkbosstrand Rd/M19. (If you’re in need of a little coffee pitstop, the Melkbosstrand Caltex FreshStop isn’t a far detour off the main road and has a takeaway Seattle Coffee Co inside.)
Directions to your staycation at Shark Bay Hotel
Exit Melkbosstrand and turn left onto the R27 towards Langebaan and drive for +- 86km. Turn left at the Engen West Coast 1 Stop onto Langebaan Weg. The road name changes to Oostewal Road, and continue traveling straight until you get to the Langebaan Yacht Club T junction. Turn left onto Sunbird Drive, right into Park Drive and right into Stompneus Drive. The destination Shark Bay Hotel will be on your right hand side.
When returning home from your staycation at Shark Bay Hotel back to Cape Town, enter the West Coast National Park gate and take a leisurely drive and hopefully you’ll spot a few animals. You’ll most likely spot many ostriches, as there is an abundance at the moment. (Make sure to contact WCNP to check what is required when entering the park and the payment methods they take).
Villa and Hotel Overview
Hotel or villa? How do you choose?
We cannot stand sharing a bed, so we always look out for twin beds for all our destinations. The best suitable accommodation for us and our parents was Villa #5 which was absolutely LOVELY. The main hotel does not split beds into twins, therefore the reason why we opted for the villa over the hotel. We walked into the light open villa, which smelt so good of room spray (Julia has an obsession with clothing detergent and room spray).
We checked out all the rooms and were jealous of dad picking the main room in the house. Guess we will have to go back for another staycation at Shark bay Hotel to secure that main room 😉
Main room:
This large room has large corner windows which look out onto the diverse fynbos and lagoon while laying in the comfortable queen bed. A large bathtub is located behind the bed (with a wall divider), a shower and enclosed toilet.
Room 2:
Double bed, cozy and crisp bedding with an ensuite shower and toilet. The blockout curtains were a winner, even though we woke up early for the beautiful sunrise.
Room 3:
Twin beds, large ensuite with toilet and amazing shower. Perfect for us two.
If you are wanting the ultimate relaxation holiday where you do not want to cook meals and take outs are the solution, we would suggest staying in the main hotel at Shark Bay Hotel.
Shark Bay Hotel Rooms vs Freestanding Villas
Hotel
Security: The main hotel at the Shark Bay Hotel is located at the entrance of the hotel and therefore 24/7, making one feel safer if you are safety conscious.
Food: Restaurants on repeat. There is a restaurant inside the hotel for you to have breakfast, lunch and dinner all a walk away.
Bedding: Sharing beds for the win! All the hotel unit beds cannot be split into twin beds.
Location: Within walking distance to the lagoon and one of the safest spots for smaller children to swim at – Shark Bay Beach
Views: Lagoon views
Villa
Security: The villas do have alarm systems and are freestanding homes. You can set the alarm, however, you won’t be able to move around in the villa without the alarm going off. There is a security company that roams around during the day and night.
Food: Full on self catering villas with a kitchen equipped with everything that you need.
Bedding: A variety of bedding options, including twin beds in one room.
Location: Located a little further away from Shark Bay Beach. One can take a leisurely walk to the beach and the main hotel. For kids to move between the villas and the beach, might be a bit of a worry for parents as it’s slightly further away and the road is the same road that cars take to get into the WCNP from the Langebaan side.
Views: Surrounded by nature with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Facilities
Spa lovers
For those of you who know us, know we love a good old Swedish massage.
Here at The Shark Hotel, you can spoil yourself with their Spa facilities and unwind overlooking the Langebaan lagoon. You deserve it!
Restaurant
Breakfast, lunch and dinner views overlooking the Langebaan Lagoon.
The Restaurant is located in the main hotel, which is very convenient for guests staying in the main hotel rooms. Depending on which villa you are staying in, this may be a little walk, but manageable – perhaps the dessert option can be an enticement to walk back after your meal…
Conference room
Conference by day, nature walks by night.
We know remote/hybrid working is the new in thing and we’re all for it! Sometimes we need a little team meet up/ morale booster and what better way than booking a getaway for your team to work hard during the day and unwind in the afternoons at the peaceful Shark Bay Hotel.
Your team will return home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to get back to the work routine.
Staycation at Shark Bay Hotel - where to check in?
You’ll find the friendly reception team at The Shark Bay Hotel. This is where they will assist with check in, hand over keys and answer any queries. If you are staying in one of the villas, you will be guided on how to get there, including a road map of The Shark Bay area.
Address: 8 Grysbok Close, Shark Bay Langebaan, Western Cape, 7357, South Africa.
Travel to the heart of the winelands
Interested in traveling to Franschhoek? Read more about our suggestions for a one night stay in Franschhoek.
Our Favourites
The indoor fireplace
We spent the evening at the villa and made a delicious dinner and watched the tennis. We visited during the winter months and dad made a fire, which warmed up the lounge area.
Being surrounded by nature
The lounge has beautiful views of The Langebaan Lagoon and Table Mountain can even be spotted on clear days! The villa’s are sparsely placed and you’re surrounded by fynbos, birds chirping, tortoises slowly moving along and absolutely amazing starry nights. You need to experience this yourself.
How to book your staycation at Shark Bay Hotel
Online booking and teams are available on Whatsapp.
Need a city getaway and love the idea of being surrounded by nature? Whether it is a solo winter getaway or family summer vacation, book your staycation to Shark Bay Hotel today.
Alternative dining options in the area
If you’re not eating in the restaurant, the villa’s are equipped with fully functional kitchen’s and outdoor braai areas. The kitchen is stocked with all the utensils we needed and a few extra’s too, including a coffee plunger!
We love the fact that Langebaan have eat out specials and allow for visitors to restaurant hop the specials each night.
Windtown Hotel – have specials every night of the week. They have a cosy fireplace to enjoy your meals during the winter months. A must have meal – chicken burger with chips. The rooftop area looks amazing and we envisioned going back for sundowners with friends real soon.
The Langebaan Country Club – we supported The Range Cafe by Soldato for breakfast and chatted to the lovely owners. They recently took over and have great vision with where they want to take the restaurant. Bonus that they have alternative milk options – oat milk all the way 🙂
We didn’t get to all the restaurants, but here are a few we plan on going back to:
- RocXi Beach Restaurant (located centrally near to the Spar and Waterpark)
- Pearly’s Restaurant (we’ve been here before for delicious pizza and sundowner and located centrally near to the Spar and Waterpark)
- Kaapstadt Brauhaus Langebaan (located on Mykonos side of Langebaan)
Make sure to book a spot, as they can fill up during busy seasons.
Activities to do in and around Langebaan
West Coast National Park
- Bird watching & photographing
- Fauna and Flora sightings & photographing (flower season is absolutely stunning and a must during August and September)
- Hiking
- Biking
- Braaing
- Swimming
- Boating and watersports if you own a boat
Club Mykonos
- Jet skiing
- Gambling at the casino
- Tennis and table tennis
Langebaan & Surrounds
- West Coast Fossil Park
- Thali Thali Game Drive
- Aquila Safari
- Langebaan Country Estate Golf Course
- Sunset Cruise
All of these activities are lovely outings for families. The West Coast Fossil Park is a great educational for both children and parents and not a far drive from Langebaan.
If you have any questions about our travels to Shark Bay Hotel, comment below and we will get back to you asap. We hope you have an amazing staycation at Shark Bay Hotel.
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Exciting 5 Day Travel Itinerary To The Victoria Falls
Do you ever want to go on a vacation, but don’t have many leave days? That is always the issue isn’t it? Yes, we totally understand… Why not consider travelling to a neighbouring African country? The Victoria Falls is one destination to consider when deciding where to travel.
You might be thinking, but why?
Why travel to the Victoria Falls?
Southern African countries have so much to offer and are all very unique in their own way. Being in the travel industry, I have been exposed to travel itineraries, including countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Namibia, Kenya and Uganda. The list could go on, but these are the Southern African countries that stood out the most to me, and I hope to tick them all off as we wander around on our travel adventure.
Read more about our travel adventure in our blog Welcome to our travel blog.
Working in travel during peak season (summer holidays in South Africa which is December/ January) while everyone is living their best life on the beach, on vacation or just completely in relax mode is tough, real tough and demanding. Going right through Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve (you get the drift) in full speed mode, just to ensure your clients are happy, while you miss out on the summer fun.
During the beginning of peak season in December 2018, I felt like I needed some motivation and inspiration to get me through the fast approaching peak season.. I couldn’t take much time off from work, due to the working environment already starting to get busy. In my off time, I thought of places somewhere closer than a 10 hour + flight.
“Next time you’re thinking about your next vacation, why not consider the Victoria Falls or another Southern African country?”
With lots of research and discussions, we narrowed our final options down to Zanzibar vs Victoria Falls. We were sold with Victoria Falls/ Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, because we could include an African safari in our itinerary – for those of you who know us, we both love a safari trip! The thought of viewing the natural beauty of the falls from above in a microlight, also sold it for us! Not to say that we wouldn’t travel to Zanzibar, but we had to make a decision somehow. Obviously, we will have to add Zanzibar to our extensive travel wishlist in the near future.
How does the Victoria Falls look?
From above, it’s a whole new world! Birds eye view is best, forget about your fear of heights for 30 minutes and you will thank us afterwards. I would highly recommend splitting your accommodation up with a 3 night/ 2 night combo in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. The view from each country is so unique!
Where is it located?
The Victoria Falls is located in the north western part of Zimbabwe, bordering Zambia. When based in Victoria Falls Town, it is very easy to travel into Botswana and Zambia during your trip.
How to get there?
Direct flights for the win! Yes, it will cost you a little extra to fly a more direct flight to your destination, however, when you are limited for time, this is your best option. A couple of hours in transit vs having extra time to explore your destination, it’s a no brainer for us.
Kenya Airways offers direct flights from Cape Town International to Victoria Falls International, with a flying duration time of 2h 50 min. It always helps if you are flexible with your travel dates, as some days are cheaper to fly than other days.
Another airline option is Airlink, they also offer direct return flights to and from Cape Town. We usually fly with Airlink when traveling to the Kruger National Park, and have always been super impressed with them!
It makes life a lot easier to book everything with one company. We used Shearwater Adventures to book our airport – hotel transfers, as well as our activities.
“Make sure that the park fees, entrance fees and conservation fees are included..”
Our 5 Day Victoria Falls Itinerary
Day 1:
– Depart from Cape Town International to Victoria Falls International
– Transfer from the airport to your hotel
– Unpack and explore the hotel and surrounds
– Night 1 at your accommodation
Day 2:
– Half day morning Victoria Falls National Park tour – you can do a self tour as there is signage along the route
– Half day afternoon Microlight/ Helicopter tour- this is wind dependent, so make sure you are flexible to change your itinerary around if need be
– Night 2 at your accommodation
Day 3:
– Chobe National Park full day – you will be exhausted after this jam packed day
– Night 3 at your accommodation
Day 4:
– Half day morning spa
– Half day Zambezi sunset cruise – there are a couple of options to choose from, always make sure you read the description before booking
– Night 4 at your accommodation
Day 5:
– Half day morning souvenir shopping
– Transfer from your hotel to the airport
– Depart from Victoria Falls International to Cape Town International – try get the latest flight as possible to get to any last minute things that you wanted to still do
6 tips when travelling:
- When booking your activities, make sure that the park fees, entrance fees and conservation fees are all included, so that you don’t have to lay out extra money when you are there
- The full day activities can be busy. Try to split your itinerary into one full day activity, one half day activity, so that you can also breathe and take it all in
- Take lightweight clothing, as it can get really hot and humid
- Sunblock, sunhat and sunglasses! African sun is hot hot!
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera – if possible a waterproof camera, especially for your tour to the Victoria Falls National Park
Next time you’re thinking about your next vacation, why not consider the Victoria Falls or another Southern African country?
If you did have to consider one African country, where would you be adventuring to?
**Please note that our itinerary was planned in 2018, and due to covid some flights and activities may be on hold until further notice.
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Top 5 Places To Visit In New Zealand
New Zealand, the beauty and all. What a beautiful country to travel throughout. There are endless places to visit in both the north and south island. Your travel time frame will decipher whether you will be able to travel every part of New Zealand flat, or just specifically the touristy areas within the country.
Where to travel in New Zealand
We were lucky to have been able to travel to New Zealand for 2.5 months, where we were able to explore various parts of the country. The north and south islands being so very unique in their own ways, I can’t even tell which part of New Zealand was my favourite, because I loved so much of both islands.
It is sometimes daunting to plan an itinerary from scratch, when you don’t even know where to start. Especially when you have never travelled internationally before. So, we have decided to blog about various aspects of our 2.5 month road trip around New Zealand. Read our blog Welcome to our travel blog if you are new here, and want to find out more about us.
“Being South African, I tell people that it reminds me of Stellenbosch on Robben Island, just to give them an idea.”
How to travel throughout New Zealand
If you have read other travel blogs, I’m pretty sure that they all suggest travelling through New Zealand with a motorhome. Well they are 100% correct!
Motorhomes are the most common method of transport for those exploring New Zealand and there are so many reasons why travellers decide to do this.
Transport and accommodation in one, what more could you ask for? It might be a bit scary driving this bigger vehicle, but with practice, you will get used to it. Let me tell you that driving the south island, even in a standard car, is not for the faint hearted… some of the roads are windey, narrow and there are crazy cliffs below!
If you have accommodation secured with family or friends, having your own standard vehicle to get around, is also pretty cool. There is so much more you can see when you have your own transport.
Public transport is really good, especially in the bigger cities. There are public busses that run between cities for reasonable prices. We used InterCity when travelling from Bulls to Wellington – so convenient and really comfy!
We would recommend hiring a motorhome for part of your trip, as it can work out pricey if you hire one for the full duration – obviously budget depending.
“The north and south islands being so very unique in their own ways“
Our Top 5 places to visit in New Zealand
In this travel blog we will be writing about the Top 5 places to visit in New Zealand. There are obviously many more top places to visit through New Zealand, however, we feel that these are the destinations that stuck out the most to us.
1.) Waiheke Island
One place that I tell everyone to add to their New Zealand itinerary. Being South African, I tell people that it reminds me of Stellenbosch on Robben Island, just to give them an idea.
Waiheke Island was previously a rat infested island that nobody wanted to know of. Today, Waiheke is a beautiful tourist hotspot, with stunning beaches, breathtaking views and wine farms.
Where is Waiheke Island?
- a small island off Auckland
How to get there?
- Waiheke Island is a small island north east of Auckland. Ferry transfer is the transport method, so take some sea sickness tablets just in case. It is +- 40 min via ferry. The ferry travels frequently to and from Auckland and you can find Fullers360 timetable on their website.
3 wine farm suggestions in Waiheke Island
- Stoneyridge Vineyard
- Batch Winery
- Mudbrick Vineyard
Our favourite activity on Waiheke Island
- If you are going to be based near Auckland, travel by ferry over to Waiheke Island for the day and do the Hop on Hop off wine tasting bus. Even if you are not one to drink, the views from the bus and venues are breathtaking. There is a guide that speaks throughout the bus trip and gives you a detailed history lesson about the area.
- If you can stay the night or two on Waiheke Island, we would highly recommend that.
- Need a map of Waiheke Island? We got you covered. See the Hop on Hop off detailed map of vineyards, roads, beaches, bus stops and more.
2.) Rotorua
This region is known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. It is such an amazing cultural experience to be able to learn more about the Maori culture and lifestyle.
Where is Rotorua?
- Rotorua is on the north island of New Zealand, between Tauranga and Taupo.
How to get there?
- Auckland to Rotorua: +-3 hour via the State Hwy 1
- Wellington to Rotorua: +- 6 hour via the State Hwy 1
- We suggest that you always give more time to travel, because the roads are foregin to you. Your trip will take a little longer, because you are going to want to stop and see all the views along the way! Plenty little coffee shops to stop at too 🙂
Our favourite takeaway about Rotorua
- Seeing the haka on television is a hair thrilling experience, but experiencing it right in front of you, is so so special. A suggestion from us is to explore Auckland, hire a car/ motorhome and drive south from Auckland to Wellington stopping in Rotorua and Taupo along the way.
3.) Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman is the country’s smallest national park and has many golden sandy beaches. The area is also known for its granite cliffs and world famous coast track. Kayak, swimming, snorkeling, boating and walks are some of the few activities you can get up to here.
Where is Abel Tasman National Park?
- North of the South Island
How to get there?
- If you are travelling from Wellington, you would have to take the ferry across from the north island to the south island.
- There are two ferry companies that travel between the north and south island
Our best highlight of Abel Tasman National Park
- The amazing beaches along the way. Even before Abel Tasman National Park, there is a beach called Kaiteriteri Beach and it was the perfect spot to tan, relax and swim all day.
4.) Milford Sound
Renowned for its high cliffs, waterfalls, marine wildlife and magical mountain views. Take a rain jacket for the boat cruise, as the captain/skipper loves to get as close as possible to the falls.
Where is Milford Sound?
- Fiordland National Park along the west coast of the south island.
How to get there?
- Travelling the south island is not an easy task. Always estimate a few more hours on your travel time. We took the ferry from Wellington and made our way down south , travelling the west coast of the south island, with a hired vehicle.
- Car hire – Nelson, Reefton, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown-, bus to Invercargil
- See our travel route that we took (look at our notes)
- There are companies that pick up in Te Anau, where you will travel via bus to the boat terminals. See the company that we went with below.
Must do in Milford Sound
- The best way to admire the views is by boat or helicopter if you’re feeling extra. There are many companies to choose from. Southern Discoveries is a recommendation to book with.
5.) Fox Glacier/ Franz Glacier
Most definitely a must when travelling New Zealand. Frans Glacier and Fox Glacier are known for being amongst the most accessible glaciers around the world and only +-25 minutes driving distance between the two.
Where is the Fox Glacier/ Franz Glacier?
- In the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.
- This area is located on the west coast of the south island. The two glaciers are not far between each other. If you have the time to visit both, that is great, however, if you are limited with time, visiting one of the glaciers will give you an idea of what the area is about.
How to get there?
- Via State Hwy 6.
- 5 hour drive from Queenstown and Christchurch.
Which glacier to visit between Fox Glacier and Franz Glacier?
- Depending on your fitness levels – Fox Glacier has a gradient incline, whereas Frans Glacier is steeper.
- You are able to do a 30 – 45 minute self walk to the glaciers, of course with a barrier at the furthest point you can get to.
- Both are beautiful in their own unique ways! Perhaps book accomodation in the area for a couple of nights to be able to see both the Fox Glacier and Franz Glacier. We stayed one night at the Franz Alpine Retreat. They have a variety of room categories and a short distance from the glaciers.
- What we would recommend, is that you take the famous helicopter trip to have a complete glacier experience with views from above. Unfortunately our budget did not allow for this, however, next time we have both said it is a priority on our to do list!
Of course there are so many more spectacular places to visit throughout New Zealand. There are the top 5 that stood out to us the most while we were travelling both north and South Island. When you are travelling with a limited time frame, it is tricky to decide what to do and what to leave our for next time. We know there will be a next time travelling to New Zealand! For now, we going to spend time focusing on domestic travel throughout South Africa and travel blogging all about it. Wildlife, nature and travel are our three main pillars that we want to showcase while travelling locally and internationally.Have you travelled to any of our top 5 places to visit in New Zealand? If so, comment your favourite below.
