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South Africa Travel Expert

Planning a South Africa holiday?

Here’s everything you need to know

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  • Is South Africa a Realistic Destination for Accessible Travel?

    South Africa often appears on dream travel lists: safaris, coastlines, wine estates, and vibrant cities. But if you or your travel companion have mobility challenges, visual impairments, or need adapted facilities, the real question is simpler and more practical: Is South Africa genuinely accessible? or does it just say it is?

  • Group Tours or Independent Travel: Which Is Right for Your South Africa Trip?

    If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, one decision tends to come up early: Should we join a group tour, or travel independently? There’s no single right answer. Both approaches can work well — and both can disappoint if they don’t match how you like to travel. This guide lays out the differences clearly, so you can choose what suits you, not what feels safest by default.

  • Travelling to South Africa With Young Children: Is It a Good Idea?

    If you’re considering South Africa as a family destination, you’re probably holding two thoughts at once. On one hand, the wildlife, space, and fresh air feel ideal for curious young minds. On the other, questions come up around safety, long distances, health, and whether there’s truly enough for young children to enjoy.

  • How to Plan a 10–14 Night Trip to South Africa

    If you’ve got 10–14 nights for your first trip to South Africa, you’ve chosen a realistic window. It’s enough time to experience the country properly—without trying to cram in everything. The tricky part is deciding what to include, what to leave out, and how to keep the pace calm.

  • First-Time South Africa Travel: What Works and What Doesn’t

    If South Africa is your “one day” trip, your first proper look can feel exciting and a bit overwhelming. Safari, wine, coastline, culture, long distances, and a lot of opinions online. This guide helps you spot what usually works for first-time UK travellers, what often doesn’t, and how to avoid common mistakes that make a trip feel rushed or disappointing.

  • Is South Africa Right for You?

    If you’re a UK traveller thinking about South Africa, you’re probably feeling two things at once: excited (wildlife, wine, coastline) and unsure (safety, distances, “is this my kind of trip?”). This guide helps you decide, calmly and honestly, whether South Africa fits you, not just whether it looks good on Instagram.

  • How Do You Plan a Safari and Beach Honeymoon Without Stress (or Rushing It)?

    If you’re dreaming of a honeymoon that blends the wild beauty of an African safari with the calm of a tropical beach, you’re not alone. Many couples love the idea, but quickly find the planning overwhelming.

  • Is the Garden Route in South Africa Worth Adding to Your Trip?

    The Garden Route is one of the country’s most scenic drives, stretching between Mossel Bay and Storms River. It combines beaches, forests, mountains, and small towns into a single journey. But whether it’s right for you depends on your travel style, timing, and priorities.

  • Is the Drakensberg Worth Visiting on a South Africa Trip?

    If you’re planning a trip to South Africa, one question often comes up: “Should I add the Drakensberg Mountains to my itinerary?”The Drakensberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches across KwaZulu-Natal into the Eastern Cape. With sheer cliffs, valleys, waterfalls, and San rock art, it’s very different from coastal routes like the Garden Route. Whether it belongs in your trip depends on your interests, time, and travel style.

Our Travel Consultant

Quick transparency note: I’m Sandra Dowling, and I specialise in South Africa travel planning. I’ve written this article to give you honest, practical insights based on 36 years of living there – so you can make a confident, informed decision about whether South Africa is right for your travel style. Whether you decide to use a consultant, plan independently, or work with me, the goal is the same: empowering you with the knowledge to travel safely and meaningfully.

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Sandra Dowling lived in South Africa from 1982 – 2018 and now helps UK travellers assess whether South Africa suits their travel style. This article aims to provide balanced information for confident decision-making, regardless of which travel approach you choose.

If you would like tailored guidance for your trip, book a friendly call with me.

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