Question to the Phuthu Team:
Describe your ultimate 1-week holiday in South Africa.
Being realistic is optional.

Louise
I’d wake up and drive to Oribi Gorge with a bunch of adventurous girlfriends, cycle along the mountain bike tracks and into the valley where we’d cool ourselves off in the rivers and feel revitalized before heading over to the bridge swing to experience heart palpitations and a healthy dose of adrenaline. We’d then catch the late flight to Cape Town where we’d hire an old Landrover and spend the next 2 days visiting all the small arty towns in the Western Cape, stopping off at street side cafe’s, sipping on cappuccino’s and sinking our teeth into sinful, supersized pieces of chocolate cake, all the while contemplating where we’d eat our next meal. After putting on 5kgs we’d roll on over to the 12 Apostles spa and indulge in exotic body masks and paraffin pedi’s, taking in the ocean views whenever possible. Once set with pretty toenails and a sun-kissed spray-on-tan, we’d catch a flight to Richard Branson’s Game Lodge, Ulusaba, in the Kruger National Park where we’d be met by Sir Richard himself holding a tray of Champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Even if we didn’t even see a warthog or bush buck, that would be a pretty good ending to a holiday in South Africa don’t ya think? Yeah!

Katrine
Day 1-2
I would definitely start off with two days in the Kruger National Park. I’d like to go on a walking safari and sleep in a tent in the bush the first night, then stay in a luxury lodge the second night and enjoy both night and early morning game drives.

Day 3
Next I’d do a hike up to the Drakensberg‘s Amphitheatre (up the famous chain ladder) and enjoy the stunning view on top over a picnic, then afterwards fly down in a helicopter – taking a long detour to view the Berg’s most famous landmarks from above.

Day 4
It’s time to visit the beach and more specifically a quiet, deserted beach on the Wild Coast. I’d like to spend the day there and grill toasted sarmies on the fire before munching on fresh fruit, cinnamon pancakes and ice cream. Then go for a long, leisurely walk before spending the afternoon on a boat – perhaps doing some fishing or just cruising. In the evening I’ll enjoy the fruits of the ocean.

Day 5
Heading up to the Karoo I’d like to stop off in a little dorpie and live the ‘Country Life’ for a day – chatting to locals, visiting coffee shops and art galleries and exploring what makes this little dorpie so unique.

Day 6
Day six I am spending in the Kalahari Desert. I’d like to meet the San people, the desert animals and simply enjoy the solitude. I’ll sleep by a camp fire under the stars (as long as there’s someone with me who can keep snakes, spiders and scorpions away).

Day 7
Time to get back to civilisation for some serious shopping in Cape Town! Later on I’ll scrub up nicely after roughing it for a week and get ready for a night out with good friends, good food and good music – perhaps some live jazz on Long Street.

Elzet
The weather on day one would be just perfect - freezing cold and snowing - to stay over in a cosy cabin in the berg for two whole days. Just me and my man. After our berg retreat, we’d fly to Cape Town where we would rent a luxury yacht and sail around for a whole day and night, greeting the fourth day with a beautiful African sunset over the water. After replenishing our souls with all things natural, we’d go for a lazy carvery breakfast someplace with a view and spend the rest of the day on a private beach soaking up the sun. All very anti-social, I know. That’s the idea.

By now my motherly side would’ve kicked in with a vengeance and on the morning of Day 5 we’d be on our way to fetch our two little darlings to accompany us for the duration of our trip. We’d spend Day 5 at Sycamore Avenue Treehouse Lodge in the Midlands and rent the Fantasy Treehouse for kicks. Our day would consist of a short hike, a game drive, german lunch at the Bierfassl and meandering around. Day 6 would be spend at a very kiddie-friendly venue, simply because I have learned the art of compromising: Forever Resort Aventura, Blyde Canyon close to Graskop. This would include swimming, trampoline activities, horse riding, fishing, reading and a trip to Pilgrims Rest. One helluva long day, yes. Day 7: We would definitely decide to go home a day early. Why? Because we love our home.

We’d love to hear from you – let us know what your favourite hide-away spot is or where you love spending your time.