Embarking on a journey with friends is always an adventure filled with laughter, shared memories, and new experiences. This particular trip holds special significance as we celebrate Frances' 60th birthday. It's a milestone that deserves to be honored in a way that is as unique and vibrant as she is. As we explore South Africa and immerse ourselves in different cultures, we are not only creating lasting bonds but also creating unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come. Traveling together allows us to celebrate the joys of life in a way that is truly meaningful. Happy 60th birthday, Frances - may this trip be filled with love, adventure, and cherished memories.

Initial thoughts about booking with TripaDeal: \240the advertised pricing of the “2 for 1 South Africa, ten day trip” was so good we quickly booked. \240So far the pre-trip information has been accurate. Tripadeal advertise the itinerary, giving possible accommodation venues and no flight details until 4 to 6 \240weeks prior to departure. We received our information package 5 weeks and 3 days \240ago, so no delay there. I had actually requested flight details in May which Tripadeal happily provided early. Our flights depart on Day 0 rather than Day 1,, another Tripadeal pre-warning, so do plan your working leave accordingly. The only change we needed was a quick phone call to our Travel Insurance company to change our departure date a day earlier.

I decided to start this travel blog in order to chronicle my experience with the Tripadeal package. Normally, I meticulously plan every aspect of my holidays - from researching airline routes, and aircraft layouts to selecting the perfect seats, exploring transfer options, and scouring through numerous hotel choices. I meticulously organize the daily itinerary to ensure the best possible holiday experience. The research alone is as fun as the holiday at times. \240However, this time we are taking a leap of faith and going in completely blind with this Tripadeal package!

Touching down in South Africa, we were pleasantly surprised by the service of our two economy flights with Singapore Airlines. Disembarked at 6am at Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, a Tripadeal representative greeted us as we passed through Customs. We were handed a letter announcing our early check-in at the nearby Radisson Hotel. After over 24 hours of travel, this unexpected gesture felt like a true miracle. We couldn't help but be impressed by Tripadeal's thoughtful gesture as we assuming we wouldn’t be able to check in till 2pm. We were even allowed a buffet breakfast. (Extra $ - Brad tipped the hotel bell boy ZAR 20)

Wednesday started off with a simple but sufficient buffet breakfast at the hotel at 6:15 am. A group of 12 of us gathered in the foyer at 6:50 am before embarking on a 5-hour journey in a minivan to our lodge, Nuthula. The two lodges offered by Tripadeal were conveniently located next to each other. During a 30-minute rest stop on the way, most of us grabbed a coffee and used an ATM, although there was a ZAR70 fee due to it being an independent company. The driver provided us with a menu to pre-select our lunch, which would be ready upon our arrival at the lodge. Each person was advised to pay a ZAR100 tip to the driver. Before heading out on our safari, make sure you have your warm clothing in your day pack as some bags had not yet been delivered to our tents when we departed for the park. The drive to the Kruger gate took about an hour in open vehicles, with the cool and windy weather making the 100km/hr drive a bit challenging. Our first afternoon at Kruger National Park was exciting. There is a toilet stop upon entering and leaving the park. We returned to the lodge around 6 pm and went straight to dinner under candlelight, although visibility was a bit of a challenge. The buffet dinner was average, with a variety of salads and hot meats that were an acquired taste. Every night we have to sit in our group table of 12. There were 2 other tripadeal groups as well, different start dates. After struggling with the time zone and early start, we retired early around 8 pm. Note - I won’t write anything about the animals we saw as each safari day isdifferent, the animals could be plentiful or in hiding. We had excellent sightings 2 of the 3 days. The other was a good day!

Thursday began with an early alarm at 4:30 am for a full day safari, departing at 5:15 am. Breakfast bags were provided, but the coldness of the yogurt made it seem like they had been left out all night. The drive to the park was freezing, with the need for additional warm clothing, gloves, and a beanie. Note to self - balaclava would have been ideal! The day's animal sightings exceeding our expectations. Around 9:30 am, we stopped at a shop for “breakfast” ( we had already eaten from our bag) , where souvenirs, toilets and cappuccinos were also available ( guide provided instant tea and coffee) . Lunch at the "golf club" allowed us to spend up to ZAR200 each, but we had to purchase our own drinks. Note- the restaurant only accepted cards no cash ( happy to accept cash tips though 😩) After a full day of safari, dinner was once again a buffet with reasonably priced alcoholic drinks.

Friday saw some of us opt for a half-day safari, with a similar early start and routine as the previous day. After a morning safari, we returned to the lodge for lunch from the menu, which was reasonably priced. Communication at the lodge is lacking, with no prior notice of a load shedding day causing half of the tents to lose power. Despite the hot weather, some tents still had air conditioning so find a friend! The massage services were popular, with a reasonable price of ZAR600 for an hour. Information on \240activities was provided via a piece of paper via trip a deal when we left Johannesburg. The lodge certainly doesn’t upsell with little verbal communications with the guests there is a small price list on the bar for the activities.

Today was transfer to Cape Town . A long day ! Finally got to eat our first buffet breakfast at the lodge. Probably the best meal. The omelette was nice. Our bar tab for the 3 nights \240was pretty inexpensive. We left the lodge at 9am and got to Johannesburg airport at 2pm. We had 2 leg stretches/ coffee/ toilet stops versus the first journeys only 1 stop with took 5 hours too. The 2nd driver was a bit of a cowboy driver though. Check in was painless and quick. There are official \240porters that meet the van and take you to the checkin counter for a small tip. The domestic airport has shops landside if you need some food. The plane was tarmac boarding ( although we walked up stairs to an airbridge at a different terminal to board the plane. We transferred from our boarding gate via a bus. The South African airways flight has great service with bar trolley first then a hot meal was served. Arriving at Caoe town it was raining and most of our bags were wet on the carousel ( not drenched). The Tripadeal rep was waiting for us and escorted us to the van ( undercover the whole way so didn’t get wet). The mini van was slightly larger than previous vans and the 12 of us fitted a lot better . No written \240instructions, the rep/guide verbally told us lots. The Hyde hotel is ok, an old building renovated. We all have apartment style rooms. Not sure if we will cook a roast dinner in our oven though . Bathroom drains give off a slight odour ( similar to Asian hotels must be no s- bends) . We just pop wet towel over shower drain and close basin plug. So far no one can get the TVs to work ! Hotel wifi ok but I can’t download files from my emails.

Today was the included Tripadeal Cape Town Tour. The guide and driver collected us. It was very informative . We spent sometime at signal hill as the cable car is closed in Winter for maintenance ( this years was extra long ). We were lucky with the weather . Otherwise the places visited was what was included in the your description. We had the option to be dropped off at the Waterfront shopping mall ( Sydney’s darling harbour feel ) for lunch and make our way back to Hyde Ahotel ourselves . All did . One couple needed help updating their Uber account, the weather was changing and a walk back to hotel would have got some very wert Travellers . Our Uber cost zar74 ( bigger car as we had 4 persons not 3 ) . The evening we safely walked 200m to a handful mmmm of restaurants fir dinner.

Today was an independent day. We caught an Uber to Franshoeck. We collected our tram/bus ticket for our wine tour. First stop was leLude winery. This was the most beautiful winery we saw. We splashed out and had the high tea ( pre-booked). Best high tea I have ever had. Next stop

Was Paserene i winery. We didn’t really fancy the wines offered. Maybe we should have had the premium wine tasting for a few dollars more. The gardens were beautiful. Time to swap the bus for the tram.