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Julia Purcell's avatar

I lived in SA for 18 years and a lot of my friends and family are based in the Cape still. I can safely say this guide nailed it! Thanks for sharing SA’s beauty! ✨

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Julianna Cassata's avatar

Wowow you have absolutely made my day!!! Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to share this with me!! I hope to get back to South Africa and explore more of it, I’ve been aching to get back ever since returning a month ago. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been!

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Julia Purcell's avatar

I can highly recommend the East Coast for safaris and beaches!

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Julianna Cassata's avatar

We weren’t able to fit in a safari this trip but it is very high on my list. Will definitely look into the East Coast for next time!

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Katharina's avatar

Johannesburg definitely had a very different feel than Cape Town. It felt less touristy and more like I could immerse myself in the culture there. But at the time when I went, you definitely had to watch your safety a bit more than in Cape Town (I basically took an Uber everywhere, walking wasn't an option). I am not sure if that's changed now.

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Julianna Cassata's avatar

That’s good to know! We took a lot of Ubers in Cape Town too, always at night and sometimes during the day when going further distances. Where we stayed in Sea Point, and in other busy/touristic areas, we felt safe walking around during the day. Was it like this when you were in Cape Town?

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Katharina's avatar

I walked around quite a bit. I do have to say though that I probably overdid it sometimes and could have ended up in some precarious situations. But I made sure to stay inside after it got dark as I was traveling by myself at the time.

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Zimasa Mabuse's avatar

Hello - Johannesburg resident here! You are right, Joburg is less of a walking city compared to Cape Town and you do require transportation (Uber, Bolt, Gautrain). However, it's also rich with history, markets, and VERY affordable luxury and cafe food experiences. I shall put a guide together one of these days and share the link xx

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Julianna Cassata's avatar

Please do share when you put your guide together! I'd love to plan a return trip to South Africa and Johannesburg is definitely intriguing.

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Katharina's avatar

I would love to read your guide! I really enjoyed my time in Joburg - for the culture, the food and the people.

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Shana Weisberg's avatar

Wow such a dreamy trip! I so agree about having to go to markets when traveling (maybe just in general everyday life to be honest!) it looks like you saw so much in a relatively short trip. The Bo-Kaap neighborhood is really striking, I've never been to South Africa but think I'd add this to my list. And Maison Cabrière looks like perfection 🤌 I want to go!!!

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Julianna Cassata's avatar

Ahh it makes me happy to know that this inspired you to want to go to South Africa! The markets were amazing, it was really hard not to come home with more but alas, luggage allowances haha. The only thing I wish we had time for was a safari but will be fun to plan a separate trip in the future dedicated specifically to that! Maison Cabrière was a great spot to close out our trip - relaxing and rejuvenating which was needed after recovering from food poisoning 😅

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Kev Cassata's avatar

I feel like we’ve only scratched the surface of Cape Town and South Africa! Should we go back for a month next winter????

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Julianna Cassata's avatar

The 'next time list' is abundantttttt. Definitely need a return trip!!!

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Katharina's avatar

Yay, the guide is finally here!! I traveled to South Africa by myself (to visit a friend) in 2016 and it's been one of my favourite countries since. I spent most of my time in Johannesburg plus did a few short trips to Kruger National Park and Cape Town. I've been dying to go back and show my husband how beautiful the country is. And honestly, to see more of it! Your trip looks like a dream.

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Julianna Cassata's avatar

Yay! Thank you so much for coming back to check this out 😊 Love hearing about your trip there. What did you think of Johannesburg? I sat next to a girl on my flight home who suggested going for an even more diverse and cultural experience than Cape Town. Would have LOVED to go to Kruger but with only 11 days, we didn't feel that we had enough time. Next time!

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