An interview with our local travel expert in South Africa

South Africa has so much to offer, from incredible wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery to fabulous beaches and vibrant cultures. There’s more than enough excitement for a lifetime of vacations. Our passionate local travel experts in South Africa specialize in providing a deeper experience of this amazing country and are skilled at crafting the perfect itinerary for their guests. We caught up with Nick, the owner of one of our partner companies, to learn more about what South Africa has to offer. Find out what our local travel expert in South Africa has to say about this incredible destination.

Hi Nick, what is life like in South Africa? What is your fondest memory?

Life in South Africa is very different from life in Europe. Of course, there are pros and cons, but for us, the pros definitely outweigh the cons! Originally from the Netherlands, I moved to South Africa over 10 years ago. I traded a life of ‘security’ for the ‘unknown,’ sold all my belongings, and left behind family and friends, all in order to live in this incredible country. One thing that was very important to me was starting our own creche. So, while we work on creating exciting tours for our clients, we can hear the laughter of our kids and see them during breaks. It allows us to stay closely involved with our children, even though we work full time.

My fondest memory is hard to choose: maybe the moment at Amakhosi Safari Lodge when my girlfriend said ‘yes’ to my proposal. Or the incredible day on the beach at iSimangaliso Wetland Park when we actually got married. Or the day our baby girl, Ariel, was born at Richards Bay hospital. These are just some of the unforgettable moments in our journey here in South Africa.

As a local travel expert in South Africa, what is your favorite place in the country and why?

They call South Africa ‘The World in One Country,’ and I truly believe that’s accurate. It’s incredibly diverse: oceans, beautiful beaches, stunning mountain ranges, fantastic safaris, rich culture, cosmopolitan cities, and so much more. If I had to pick a favorite place, I’d choose my current hometown: the small town of St. Lucia Estuary. It’s completely surrounded by iSimangaliso Wetland Park, with savanna and forest on three sides, and the gorgeous Indian Ocean on the fourth.

What three words most represent South Africa for you and why?

Diversity, safari, and culture. As mentioned earlier, few countries in the world, if any, can offer the same level of diversity in terms of landscape, ecosystems, biodiversity, and attractions. It’s also an incredible safari destination, offering safaris through savannas, forested areas, and even semi or full deserts. With 11 official languages (and many more ‘unofficial’ ones), it truly reflects the incredible diversity of culture.

Do you know any cool facts about South Africa that most people wouldn’t know?

Kruger is NOT South Africa‘s first or oldest national park. In fact, there are three parks in the Elephant Coast alone which are are older: The famous Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the Pongolo Nature Reserve, and the St. Lucia section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

What is your favorite South African food?

It sounds clichéd, but I would say the ‘Braai’, South Africa’s equivalent of the barbecue. Not only is it a great social event, South Africa is renowned for its great quality of beef and venison meat. Partnered with a good South African wine of course!

What are the experiences people traveling to South Africa definitely shouldn’t miss?

The reality is that South Africa is so large and diverse that it’s impossible to see all the major highlights in one trip. That’s why South Africa has a great number of returning tourists. (We even have a group of people traveling with us for the sixth time this year!) For first-time visitors, we recommend spending two or three weeks on the Elephant Coast, just north of Durban. It offers a great mix of safaris and subtropical beaches. Those more interested in sightseeing and fine dining, rather than safaris, should definitely visit Cape Town and the Garden Route. For those coming for a second trip, consider exploring the northern part of South Africa, including the more remote (and less crowded) areas of Kruger National Park. Third-time visitors should look into the rugged Northern Cape with its wildflower displays and safaris in the arid Kalahari.

Do you have any top tips for any TravelLocal customers thinking of visiting South Africa?

South Africa is as large as all of Western Europe and 32 times the size of The Netherlands. Don’t try to see ‘everything’ in one trip. Pick a region, spend 2-3 weeks there, and truly enjoy it. We’re not going anywhere; there’s always a next time, whether it’s next year or in a few years, for you to come back and ‘experience’ another region properly.

What is the story behind your company? What inspired you to start the business?

Once upon a time, we traveled to South Africa and felt that most tour operators completely missed the point of ‘being on vacation in South Africa.’ They rushed through the highlights and crammed too much into the itinerary. This isn’t a vacation, we thought—it’s a race against time with hardly any chance for enjoyment or relaxation! No time to feel, to smell, to truly experience South Africa, no time to get to know the people and have meaningful interactions with them. And no time to unwind after a whole year of hard work. We saw this as a ‘gap in the market’ and seized it. Our motto is: Drive less, Experience more!

What have been your favorite and most memorable experiences as a tour operator and local travel expert in South Africa?

We feel humbled by the fact that some families who travel with us have saved for years to take their loved ones to an exciting destination like South Africa, and then trust us to make it happen! It motivates us to ensure their experience is not only amazing but also worry-free. Every single member of our team feels the same way and loves their job for this reason. We always celebrate receiving great feedback from our clients in the office.

Finally, we’ve got to ask, do you have a dream location that you want to visit?

Definitely! I’ve traveled quite a bit before settling in South Africa, but I haven’t seen enough of Asia. I’d love to visit Bhutan or Vietnam, as I’ve always been really curious about those two countries.

Make it happen

If our interview with our local travel expert in South Africa has inspired you to explore the country’s many attractions, or if you’re simply curious to learn more about this incredible destination, be sure to get in touch today!