The Travel Café Blog

First Namibia Travel Café Mini group March 2026

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:36:55 GMT

First ever Namibia Mini group organised by Travel Café

Reporting to you live from Sossusvlei, Namibia

Our very first French mini group adventure with Travel Café is in full swing, and what a place to experience it.

So far the group has explored some of the region’s most iconic landscapes — Dune 45, Big Daddy, Sesriem Canyon, and the famous Deadvlei. Endless dunes, ancient trees, and those incredible desert colours that make Namibia so special.

And of course, we’re doing it the Travel Café way.

A super comfortable 14-seater vehicle with AC, one driver, one French guide, and only 8 participants.

That’s what we mean by mini group travel

More space, more comfort, and a much more personal experience.

We can’t wait to share more moments from this incredible Namibian adventure.

Ready for adventure? https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/namibia-essentials-small...

#TheTravelCafeCapeTown #Travel #Namibia #MiniGroup #SouthAfrica #adventure

Private Game Reserve VS. National Park🦁🦒

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 17:48:07 GMT

What’s the difference between these two, and which safari option is right for you?

Test Title

What’s the Difference & Which Safari is Right for You?

When planning a safari in South Africa, one of the first questions that often comes up is: Should I book a Private Game Reserve or a National Park? What is the difference between the two, and which one is better?

The short answer? It depends on what kind of experience you're after.
The long answer? That’s where this blog comes in.

Let’s break it down further...

What is a National Park (NP)?

National Parks are government-owned and managed wildlife areas, protected by law to conserve biodiversity. South Africa’s most famous example is the Kruger National Park — a vast and iconic wilderness spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers.

In National Parks:

You typically self-drive or join large group tours.
You’re required to stay on designated roads.
Sightings aren’t guaranteed, and can depend on luck and patience.
Accommodation ranges from camping to basic chalets and rest camps.
Entrance fees are more affordable, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

What is a Private Game Reserve (PGR)?

Private Game Reserves are privately-owned pieces of land, often bordering or even embedded within National Parks. They’re managed independently but often share ecosystems with adjacent parks. A popular example? The Sabi Sands Game Reserve , which shares an unfenced border with Kruger.

In Private Game Reserves:

Safari drives are guided by experienced rangers and trackers.
Vehicles can go off-road for close-up sightings.
Group sizes are smaller, and experiences are more personalised.
Lodges are typically luxurious and all-inclusive.
Sightings are more frequent due to expert tracking and communication between guides.

Examples of Both

National Parks (NP):

Kruger National Park
Addo Elephant National Park
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Private Game Reserves (PGR):

Sabi Sands (Greater Kruger)
Timbavati (Greater Kruger)
Kapama
Shamwari
Phinda

Pros & Cons: Private Game Reserves vs. National Parks

Private Game Reserves – Pros:

✅ Off-road driving = closer wildlife encounters
✅ Expert rangers and trackers
✅ Fewer vehicles at sightings
✅ Exclusive, luxury lodges
✅ All-inclusive: meals, drives, drinks

Private Game Reserves – Cons:

❌ Higher price point
❌ Less freedom (you can’t self-drive)

National Parks – Pros:

✅ More budget-friendly
✅ Great for self-drive adventurers
✅ Large variety of camps and routes

National Parks – Cons:

❌ Must stay on tar/gravel roads
❌ Sightings aren’t guaranteed
❌ Can get crowded at sightings
❌ No guided game drives unless booked separately

Did You Know? Private Reserves Are Often Part of a National Park

One of the coolest facts about South African safaris is that many Private Game Reserves border National Parks and have no fences . This means animals roam freely across both areas, making for a seamless wildlife experience.

A lion doesn’t care about park borders — and that’s exactly what makes these connected ecosystems so special.

The Concept of “Greater Kruger”

Ever heard the term Greater Kruger ? It refers to the collection of Private Game Reserves that border the Kruger National Park and are open to it (no fences!). Together, they form one of the largest conservation areas in Africa.

So when you stay in a Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger, you’re still experiencing the magic of Kruger — just with a few extra perks:

More intimate game viewing
Fewer people
Off-road access
Premium lodges

It’s the best of both worlds — Kruger’s wildlife with Private Reserve luxury.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

Still torn between a Private Game Reserve and a National Park?

If you’re after an adventurous, budget-friendly, self-drive trip with flexible timing, a national park like Kruger or Addo National Parks might be your perfect match.
But if you’re looking for a stress-free, higher-end, and far more immersive safari with top-notch wildlife sightings, then a Private Game Reserve is the way to go.

And here's the secret: You don’t have to choose just one. Many of our travellers at The Travel Café love combining both for the full experience!

Ready to plan your safari adventure?
We’ll help you choose the perfect combination of Private Game Reserves and National Parks — tailored to your budget, style, and dream sightings.

�� Contact us to get started — your wild escape is just a click away.

https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/

#Travelcafe #Gamereserve #Safari #NationalPark

❄️ WINTER IN SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦🏔️

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 15:07:35 GMT

While the Northern Hemisphere is soaking up the summer sun, it’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere—and the Drakensberg mountains have turned into a snow-kissed wonderland. ��

Dreaming of South Africa? Start planning now to ensure you travel during the correct season based on your plans.

☀️Visit during summer (November to March) for beach days, safari sunsets, and vineyard strolls under blue skies.

❄️Or plan a winter escape between June and August to witness the rare beauty of snow-covered peaks, cozy lodges, and crisp mountain air and benefit from reduced rates.

No matter the season, South Africa offers something unforgettable. ✨

https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/south-africa

When will you be joining us?

#TravelCafe #SouthAfricaWinter #Drakensberg #SnowyEscape #SouthernHemisphereMagic #SeasonalTravel

🌿 Did You Know? The Travel Café has an Eco Mountain Lodge in Montagu! 🌿

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:20:57 GMT

Tucked away in the foothills of the Langeberg Mountains, Starry Starry Night is the definition of tranquility.

Just off Route 62, it’s the perfect stopover between Cape Town and the Garden Route—or a destination in itself if you’re looking to properly switch off and recharge.

��Cascading waterfalls & natural rock pools

��Scenic hiking trails through fynbos

✨Endless views & dazzling night skies

��Pet-friendly (by prior arrangement)

One of our guests put it best: “Starry Starry Night is tonic for the soul.” We couldn’t agree more. Stay a while, breathe deep, and let nature do the rest.

��Book your stay: https://www.starrystarrynight.co.za or via The Travel Cafe

#TravelCafe #StarryStarryNightSA #EcoEscape #Route62 #MountainRetreat

✨ Your Big Day Should Be About You – Not Logistics ✨

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:02:48 GMT

Planning a destination wedding? Don’t let hotel bookings, rental cars, and guest itineraries turn you into a full-time travel agent. You’ve got enough on your plate already!

That’s where we come in. As specialists in destination wedding travel across Southern Africa, we’ll make sure your guests are taken care of — from day tours and transport to safaris and sightseeing. ✨

✅Day tours to help guests explore SA

✅Personalized travel itineraries

✅Shuttles to your venue

✅Hands-on travel support

✅Dream honeymoon planning

And the best part? Our services are completely free for the wedding couple.

Let’s take the stress out of planning so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating love. ��

��Chat to us to find out more: Wedding Travel Specialists: https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/weddings

#TravelCafeSA #DestinationWedding #SaffaWeddings #WeddingTravelSpecialist #BigDayBliss #StressFreeWedding #HoneymoonGoals #SouthernAfricaWeddings

🇿🇦Name a better way to start off your day in Cape Town🌎🧗🏼‍♀️

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:22:41 GMT

The best way to start your day in Cape Town? Certainly top of our list is a hike to the summit of Lion’s Head. It is spectacular!��

So we decided to take our team to the top and have our morning meeting there (just kidding). We were far too busy enjoying the sun rise while ascending ��.

Expect sweeping views of Table Mountain and the city, as well as the sparkling Atlantic Ocean and the blonde beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. ��

A moderate level of fitness�� and good head for heights is required. You can hike up the mountain unguided (always with a buddy, never alone). But a local guide with his unique insight and stories makes for a richer experience. ��

#lionsheadmountain #startyourdayright #thetravelcafecapetown #dreamteam #visitcapetown #southafrica

🌍 TODAY’S DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA 🛶🐘

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:56:36 GMT

Welcome to one of Africa’s last true wildernesses – a maze of lush islands, glistening water channels, and untouched wild beauty.

Whether you're gliding through the Delta in a mokoro canoe, watching elephants from your luxury tent, or flying high above it all in a scenic chopper ride — every moment here feels magical.

✨Best time to visit? Winter (June–Sept) for prime wildlife viewing, boating, and full channels.

�� Want more value? Consider spring or autumn for great sightings at lower rates.

��Bird lover or budget traveller? Summer brings baby animals, brilliant birdlife, and big savings.

Let us help you design an unforgettable Delta adventure – no matter the season.

�� Let's start planning: https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/the-okavango-delta

#TravelCafeSA #OkavangoDelta #BotswanaSafari #LuxurySafari #MokoroAdventure #SouthernAfricaTravel #WildAfrica #BucketListTravel #SafariDreaming

Your dream destination awaits!!!🌎✨

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:39:20 GMT

Southern & Eastern Africa offers something for every kind of traveler—from the vast deserts of Namibia to the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya, the iconic Victoria Falls to the unspoiled beaches of Mozambique. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a once-in-a-lifetime safari, there's a perfect place waiting for you.

Not sure where to start? Let Travel Cafe craft your ideal itinerary, tailored to your travel style. ��

https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/your-dream-trip

#TravelAfrica #BucketListAdventures #SafariDreams #TravelCafe

THROWBACK // SOSSUSVLEI & THE NAMIB DESERT

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:28:30 GMT

��17 October 2024 (The Travel Cafe educational adventure of Namibia)

A place that truly takes your breath away – and not just because of the dunes. ��

Soaring silently over the world’s oldest desert in a hot air balloon, with nothing but the wind guiding us and rust-red sand dunes stretching to the horizon… it's one of those moments that just stays with you. ��☀️

We explored the eerie, otherworldly Dead Vlei, where time stands still and thousand-year-old trees remain frozen in place. Hiked towering dunes like Big Daddy, and felt completely humbled by the scale and silence of this place.

Sossusvlei isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling.

Let's start planning your trip: https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/namibia

#Namibia #Sossusvlei #NamibDesert #TravelThrowback #HotAirBalloon #DeadVlei #AfricaTravel #DesertDreaming #TravelCafeMoments

🌄 Golden hour at Fish River Canyon—a moment we won’t soon forget.

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:32:47 GMT

Standing at the edge of the world’s second largest canyon as the sun dips below the horizon is a truly humbling experience. Vast, silent, and impossibly beautiful, this natural wonder is reason enough to add southern Namibia to your itinerary.

From dassies on the rocks to oryx antelope at dusk, and an 8km birthday hike for François—this stop was packed with magic.✨

��Curious to hear the full story and follow the rest of our journey? Head to our blog to read more about our time in Fish River Canyon (and beyond) with The Travel Cafe Team: https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/fish-river-canyon-in-namibia

#FishRiverCanyon #NamibiaDiaries #TravelBlog #NamibiaAdventures #TailorMadeTravel #TheTravelCafe

✨ Tailored Namibia Itineraries — Just for You ✨

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:15:29 GMT

From the burnt-orange dunes of Sossusvlei to the wild Skeleton Coast, vibrant tribal culture of the Kaokoveld and epic wildlife in Etosha, Namibia is unlike anywhere else on earth. ��

Whether you're dreaming of staying in epic luxury lodges, a remote budget-friendly adventure with a 4x4 and roof-top tent, or a mix of both—we design every itinerary around your travel style, timing, needs, and budget.

��Want more inspiration? Head to our website to explore some of our favourite Namibia itineraries which can be completely customised to your style, requirements and budget: https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/itineraries-in-namibia

#NamibiaTravel #TailorMadeTrips #AfricaUnfiltered #TravelCafeAdventures #NamibiaDreaming #DesertMeetsWildlife #NamibiaItinerary

🌍 TODAY’S DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA 🦁🌿

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:55:04 GMT

Welcome to one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations—the legendary Kruger National Park and its surrounding private reserves.�� Whether you're chasing Big 5 sightings or looking for a slower safari under open skies, the Kruger Region has something unforgettable in store.

��Why Visit?

✔️The Big 5 & much more – Lion, leopard, rhino, elephant & buffalo, plus cheetahs, wild dogs, pangolins, giraffes, gorgeous birds, reptiles, insects and much more

✔️Two unique safari styles – Self-drive Kruger Park or luxury lodges in the exclusive Greater Kruger private reserves

✔️ Intimate wildlife encounters – Off-road game drives and guided bush walks in Sabi Sands or Timbavati

✔️Incredible landscapes – From riverbeds and baobab forests to wide-open savannahs

✔️Legendary sunsets – Best enjoyed with a sundowner in hand and the sounds of the bush around you

��Best time to visit? Anytime, just don’t miss it. May – October is the dry season when game-viewing is a little bit easier because of less vegetation. However, ever season has its pro’s and con’s and you always see loads - especially when you staying in a private game reserve.

��Explore Kruger with us: https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/kruger

#TravelCafeAdventures #KrugerNationalPark #Big5Safari #LuxurySafari #SouthAfricaTravel #SafariDreaming #AfricaAwaits

Kenya, tailored to you. 🧡🇰🇪

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 14:24:08 GMT

From the wild plains of the Masai Mara to the white sands of Diani — your dream Kenya adventure starts here.��✨

Whether you're after a budget-friendly bush & beach escape or a luxurious lodge-to-lodge honeymoon, we’ll craft a personalised itinerary just for you — tailored to your dates, budget, and travel style.

��Safari in the Masai Mara

��Views of Kilimanjaro from Amboseli

��Relaxation on Diani’s turquoise coast

Tell us what you're dreaming of — we’ll take care of the rest.

��Click the link for our detailed Destination Guide, including information on When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya: https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/kenya

#TravelKenya #KenyaSafari #TailorMadeTravel #TravelCafeAdventures #MasaiMara #DianiBeach #BucketListAfrica

PROCHAIN DÉPART POUR L'AFRIQUE DU SUD 🇿🇦

Tue, 27 May 2025 15:02:41 GMT

VOYAGE 100 % ORGANISÉ PAR DES FRANÇAIS DE L'AGENCE THE TRAVEL CAFÉ AU CAP (groupe de 8 personnes

maximum + guides francophones)

INSCRIPTIONS sur notre page http://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/.../afrique-du-sud-circuit...

PROCHAINS DÉPARTS :

- > Du 31 octobre au 14 novembre 2025 (2 places disponibles sur 8)

- > Du 14 au 28 novembre 2025 (8 places disponibles sur 8)

- > Du 28 février au 14 mars 2026 (8 places disponibles sur 8)

Prolongations possibles de 3 nuits aux chutes Victoria ou de 2 nuits à Johannesburg.

Et voici quelques photos de nos 4 participants du dernier mini-groupe de mars 2024.

Je vous laisse découvrir par vous-même. Ils ont passé deux semaines au soleil, dans une ambiance conviviale et de superbes paysages.

Merci encore pour votre participation ! ��✈️��⭐️⭐️N

#sejourafriquedusud #thetravelcafecapetown

🌍 TODAY’S DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: SERENGETI, TANZANIA

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:55:38 GMT

The Serengeti isn’t just a place—it’s the heartbeat of Africa. �� A land of endless golden plains, acacia-dotted horizons, and wildlife like nowhere else on earth.

Here, you’ll witness nature’s greatest spectacle: The Great Migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras move in a relentless cycle of survival. Add in iconic Big 5 sightings, epic predator action, and breathtaking landscapes, and it’s easy to see why this is the world’s ultimate safari destination.

At Travel Cafe, we don’t just take you there—we craft unforgettable, crowd-free experiences, ensuring front-row seats to the magic of the Serengeti. Let’s plan your dream safari!

For more information about this incredible destination and the best time to travel to Tanzania and Seregenti, please have a look at our Destination Guide.

��Where in Africa is calling your name? Drop a �� in the comments!

#TheTravelCafe #SerengetiSafari #GreatMigration #BucketListAfrica #WildlifeWonder

Etosha // Ghost elephants 🐘🦓

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:37:58 GMT

Our final stop on this exploration of Namibia is Etosha, an iconic wildlife and safari destination in the north of the country. Etosha is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper connection with nature. The incredible landscapes, the rich biodiversity, and the chance to witness the raw power of wildlife in their otherwordly natural habitat make this a place like no other.

Desert-adapted elephants that appear seemingly out of nowhere, strutting to a waterhole across a shimmering salt pan, parched, their skin encrusted with mud to help remove ticks and parasites. This is one of the images that will stay with us forever. Along with spectacular sightings of giraffe coming for a sip, oryx, springbok "pronking" in high arched jumps, scores of zebras, lion, wildebeest, the list goes on….

September marks the end of the dry season ahead of the summer rains, and is an excellent time to visit. Not only are the temperatures mild during the spring of the southern hemisphere, but a general lack of water ahead of the summer rains mean the animals congregate in breathtaking numbers around waterholes. It’s a truly special experience to sit there and watch all kinds of wildlife come and go in their natural rhythm.

Our safari field guide shared some fascinating insights that left us in awe of nature’s wonders.

For example, did you know that oryx (one of the mot famous antelope species of Namibia) are brown colour instead of grey like adults? This helps them blend into the winter vegetation which is primarily brown at the time they are born, protecting them from predators. As they grow older, they develop the characteristic striking black-and-white coloring we know oryx for. Also, oryx can survive up to 8 years without drinking water, getting all the moisture they need from the plants they eat. Nature is truly amazing! �� ️

For more info about Etosha and to start planning YOUR very own Namibia adventure, visit us here

Spitzkoppe & Damaraland ⛰️🌞

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:37:21 GMT

The breathtaking mountain regions of Namibia. ⛰️��

As we continue our journey northwards through Namibia, our next stop was Spitzkoppe where the remarkable monolithic granite peak rises a staggering 1,728m into the air. Also known as the ‘Matterhorn of Namibia’, it is a truly impressive view to behold. Here we took the afternoon doing a walk to a rock arch, admired some ancient rock paintings and watched the sunset sitting atop these ancient rock. ��

As you leave Spitzkoppe you’ll find many small markets stalls next to the road selling shimmering gemstones from quartz and amethyst to garnet and fluoride. This is a great option to find some souvenirs and support the locals in the area. ��

From Spitzkoppe we continued to Damaraland, where we learned more about the rock engravings (also known as petroglyphs) from hunter-gatherers who once called this area home. We then did a 10km mountain biking trail on electric bikes, the perfect way to explore the rocky area.

Up next is Etosha National Park, 325km away for spectacular safaris in an otherworldly location. ��

Explore more about Damaraland here

Walvis Bay & Swakopmund 🦎🌊

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:37:18 GMT

It was a big drop in temperatures as we arrived compared to Sossusvlei, due to the proximity of the icy cold Atlantic Ocean.��

Walvis Bay means “Whales Bay” as hundreds of whales �� can be found here every year. There’s plenty to do and to see in this leisure town as it is home to many animals like seals, �� whales �� and pink flamingos.��

Our 4x4 driver took us on an exhilarating drive of the famous “Sandwich Harbour” in the Namib Naukluft National Park, which is bigger than Switzerland, boasting kilometres of desert ��️ sand dunes that fall into the ocean.

We also had the privilege to be taken in the desert early morning by another knowledgeable guide to look for living animals like chameleons, lizards ��, snakes, �� and many other cute animals.

Our favourite was definitely the web-footed gecko, �� which can only be found in this part of Namibia. Can you believe it manages to survive in the desert by licking water that condenses on its eyes from its eyes, when fog rolls in from the ocean? Nature is just so incredibly clever!

For more information about Swakopmund, visit us here .

Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert 🐫🏝️

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:33:32 GMT

A sea of sand, and soaring over rusty red dunes in a hot air balloon. �� ️☀️��

The world’s oldest desert is spectacular. A landscape that could easily be from another planet. Some parts are so dry, they get less than 10mm of rain per YEAR!

Here, we visited the iconic Dead Vlei. �� This used to be a marsh with an acacia tree forest. Then the river got cut off, the marsh dried and the trees died. This happened 1,000+ years ago, but the tree skeletons still stand. So dry is this desert the trees couldn’t even decompose, burnt black they stand forever more, frozen in time and place.

The Namib Desert is also where you will find some of the tallest dunes in the world. Like Big Daddy, topping out at 325m and dwarfing the other dunes in the desert.��

A certain highlight, in more ways than one, was gliding silently over the desertscsape, weightless, in a hot air balloon. �� There is something truly poetic about using the oldest form of manned flight to admire the world’s oldest desert from above.

For more info about Sossusvlei, visit us here .

Ghost Town: Kolmanskop 🏚️🏜️

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:32:47 GMT

Destination 3: Kolmanskop. Ghost towns, fields of diamonds and Champagne by the gallon.

Driving through the vast desert landscapes from Fish River Canyon to Lüderitz is an experience like no other! ��️

After spending the night at the Shark Island Light House in Luderitz on the Atlantic coast, where the views were incredible, we visited Kolmanskop Ghost Town.

At one point home to 300 miners during the diamond rush in the early 1900s, the town was abandoned when mining moved elsewhere. Now, the old house are buried by sand, as Mother Nature slowly reclaims the area.

At its heyday, when diamond fever reached its peak, Kolmanskoppe was buzzing with life, opulence and decadence. Our guide shared stories of what was at its time one of the most advanced towns in the world. Electric lights and telephones were installed in all buildings long before that was common elsewhere in the world.

Shop ledger entries tell of caviar, Champagne and exotic meats. The miners certainly knew how to live it up!

Walking through this ghost town, we saw how time has frozen the area, leaving behind stories of its diamond-rich past. The mix of history and sand was unforgettable

For more information about Namibia visit us here .

Fish River Canyon in Namibia 🌵🌅

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:28:09 GMT

We've arrived at Fish River Canyon, our second stop in Namibia.

The Fish River Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world and the size is jaw-dropping. We visited the canyon during golden hour around sunset and what an incredible sight it was! ��

During our visit to the canyon we enjoyed a few minutes of silence to take in the vast openness and beauty this area beholds as the sun set over the canyon walls.

While we drove home from the canyon we saw dassies sunbathing on the rocks and a few Oryx (large antelope species) next to the road - which the meat-eaters among us tried for dinner that night.��

�� To celebrate Francois' birthday today, we enjoyed an 8km morning hike before the desert heat kicks in. What a magical place to celebrate a birthday on The Travel Café team!

Up next is the coastal town of Luderitz, 420km North East and the ghost town of Kolmanskop.

Explore more information about Fish River Canyon here .

Paddle down Orange River 🚣‍♀️🇳🇦!

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:28:05 GMT

Just across the border from SA, is the Orange River, which actually forms the natural border between South Africa & Namibia.

The Orange River starts high up in the Drakensberg Mountains in SA and ends in the Atlantic Ocean.

As soon as you cross the border, everything slows down including the staff at the border ��

We took our team on a half day rafting �� excursion on the Orange River which flows all year long and feeds hundreds of table grape ��& tomato �� plantations for export.

The 16 km journey on a canoe �� was a good, but not too intense exercise after eating big portions of meat, which is very popular in Namibia. ��

While we paddled our way down the Orange River, we saw plenty of bird life �� - from fish eagles, cormorans and darters to weavers, egyptian geese and more.

Our Next stop will be Fish River Canyon, a 250km drive from Orange River.

Explore more about Namibia here .

Next stop Namibia! 🇳🇦☀️😎🏜️🥰

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:23:25 GMT

The Travel Cafe team has set off on an epic two week educational tour of Namibia. We are beyond excited to showcase this spectacular country to our team members Hanjia and Ovayo, and discovering unique and authentic experiences, ahead of launching our own new Namibia minigroup tour in 2025.

Keep an eye on our social media channels and join us on the adventure.

Our first stop was the Cederberg Wilderness Area about 4hrs north-east of Cape Town. It is an awe-inspiring landscape of otherworldly rock formations, vast vistas and Khoi-San rock paintings 5,000+ years old.

Find more details about the Cedeberg here :

VOYAGE PETIT-GROUPE AVRIL 2024 🇿🇦

Thu, 16 May 2024 13:01:40 GMT

VOYAGE EN AFRIQUE DU SUD �� ORGANISÉ PAR FRANÇOIS DU TRAVEL CAFÉ CAPE TOWN (groupe de 8 personnes + 1 guide francophone)

INSCRIPTIONS sur notre page

Retour clients: voir vidéo

PROCHAINS DÉPARTS :

- > Du 1 au 15 novembre 2024 (4 places restantes sur 8 ��)

- > Du 15 au 30 novembre 2024 (4 places restantes sur 8 ��)

- > Du 29 novembre au 14 décembre 2024 (8 places restantes sur 8 ��)

Extensions possibles de 3 nuits aux Chutes Victoria ou 2 nuits à Johannesburg.

Et voici quelques photos prises par nos 8 participants lors du tout dernier mini groupe d'avril 2024.(6 personnes de l'île de La Réunion et 2 de Lyon).

Je vous laisse regarder par vous même. Ils ont passé deux semaines sous le soleil ☀️ avec une très bonne ambiance, une bonne humeur et des paysages grandioses.

Merci encore pour votre participation! ��✈️��⛵️⭐️⭐️N

#sejourafriquedusud #thetravelcafecapetown

Voyages petit-groupe mars 2024 🇿🇦

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:52:17 GMT

VOYAGE EN AFRIQUE DU SUD �� ORGANISÉ PAR LE TRAVEL CAFÉ CAPE TOWN (groupe de 8 personnes + 1 guide francophone)

INSCRIPTIONS OUVERTES sur notre page .

PROCHAINS DÉPARTS :

- > Du 01 au 15 novembre 2024 (8 places restantes sur 8 ��)

- > Du 15 au 30 novembre 2024 (6 places restantes sur 8 ��)

- > Du 29 novembre au 14 décembre 2024 (8 places restantes sur 8 ��)

Extensions possibles aux Chutes Victoria ou Johannesburg.

Et voici en image quelques photos prises lors du tout dernier mini groupe de mars 2024 qui témoignent de la joie de vie et de la diversité des paysages de notre circuit francophone accompagné que nous organisons plusieurs fois l'année. Merci encore pour votre participation! ��✈️��⛵️⭐️⭐️N

#sejourafriquedusud #thetravelcafecapetown

NEW: We are launching our own Peninsula Tour 🤩🐧

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 15:25:36 GMT

We are beyond happy to announce that visitors to Cape Town can now book an unforgettable day of exploring the Cape Peninsula aboard our very own Penguin Express. This new full day tour starts and ends in Cape Town and runs every Tuesday and Thursday during the summer season.

From the rugged beauty of Cape Point and the rowdy penguin colony at Boulders to the sweeping curves of Chapmans Peak Drive, you will get to experience all the must-visit highlights along with many other gems.

Bookings now open at: https://secure.activitybridge.com/book?activityid=16711

For more information, check our website at https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/day-tours-transfers

Our knowledgeable guide will help you get a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped the scenic peninsula, as you travel along in the Travel Cafe's comfortable and air-conditioned "Penguin Express" minibus. Visiting the Cape Peninsula is a must-do activity while in Cape Town, we cannot wait to share its beauty, secrets and history with you.

#peninsulatour #ILoveCapeTown #bouldersbeachpenguins #capeofgoodhope #capepeninsula #chapmanspeak #daytourcapetown

Happy festive season 🇿🇦

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:45:23 GMT

Happy festive season from the Travel Café team �� !

Sending you loads of sunshine☀️ from sunny Cape Town �� and wishing you an amazing time with your friends and family.

François, JD and the rest of the team ��

Circuits accompagnés décembre 2023 🇿🇦

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:28:59 GMT

Et voici notre dernier mini groupe de 2023 en images!

Nous terminons l'année en beauté avec la participation de 6 aventuriers français qui ont vadrouillé 15 jours en Afr ique du Sud �� en décembre 2023 avec notre guide expérimentée Florence, tout cela orchestré par notre équipe du Travel Café Cape Town.

Voici quelques photos qui témoignent de la joie de vie et de la diversité des paysages de notre circuit francophone accompagné que nous organisons plusieurs fois dans l'année. Merci encore pour votre participation! ��✈️��⛵⭐⭐ N

PROCHAINS DÉPARTS: Vous trouverez les dates de nos prochains circuits accompagnés en Afrique du Sud �� et les places restantes sur notre site internet à https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/.../afrique-du-sud...

#sejourafriquedusud #thetravelcafecapetown 3

Donations to Isibane Se Afrika

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:04:58 GMT

"Make your adventure matter". That is the philosophy behind The Travel Cafe's Pack for a Cause initiative. We encourage all our guests coming to South Africa �� to bring a few items with them from a list of much needed essentials (even just 1 or 2 items). Donations are then in turn given to township communities, with the help of our charity partner Isibane se Afrika where it really makes a difference!

A huge thanks to our guests Emma and her mother Nancy from Canada ��, who not only had a super time travelling through the Western Cape with our curated itinerary, but took the trouble to really help out those in need by donating so many books, food, games and sanitary items to our philanthropic project that the Travel Café team has been supporting now for over 5 years. ��

Thanks again Emma and Nancy, your HUGELY generous donations greatly appreciated and already being out to good use ��

#makeyourtravelmatter #forceforgood #packforacause

Circuits accompagnés 17 novembre au 2 décembre 2023 🇿🇦

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:17:45 GMT

Voici quelques photos de notre mini groupe de 8 participants de Novembre 2023 qui vient juste de se terminer aujourd’hui même après 15 jours en Afrique du Sud ��! Ils repartent avec pleins de souvenirs en tête et beaucoup de photos ��. Merci à toutes et à tous pour votre participations et merci �� à notre guide Mat.

PROCHAIN DÉPART: Vous trouverez les dates de nos prochains circuits accompagnés en Afrique du Sud �� et les places restantes sur notre site internet à https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/fr/afrique-du-sud-circuit-accompagne-francophone

#sejourafriquedusud #thetravelcafecapetown #voyageafriquedusud #circuitafriquedusud

South Africa's locally grown Rooibos

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:50:11 GMT

Just in: South Africa's locally grown Rooibos is among the season colours at the 2024 New York Fashion Week, taking a little piece of our country to the far corners of the globe. ☕��

Pantone LLC, the global authority on colour and provider of professional colour standards for the design industries chose the Rooibos Tea Pantone as one of the Top 10 standout colours of 2024, that will be shaping trends and design.

�� The benefits of Rooibos extend far beyond wellness with the full-bodied red colour, imbued with rich, woody notes, now being taken up by brands like, Gucci, Zegna, and more.

Just as people often use Rooibos to revitalise themselves, the colour palette can be equally refreshing. We cannot wait to see what clever creations designers come up with, using the tones from one of our favourite drinks. ��

#rooibos #newyorkfashionweek #proudlysouthafrican #rooibospantone

South Africa: not just your standard safari destination

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 14:09:02 GMT

Think of a safari in Africa, and your mind immediately takes you to a pride of lions, watching elephants at a watering hole all the while sipping a G&T at the back of Land Cruiser, glancing over that classic sunset. And you wouldn’t be wrong.

But what if you have already seen the Big 5 many times over and long for something new, something different? Perhaps something a bit more immersive –that really gets you up close and personal with nature?

Chances are you will walk away with a newfound appreciation of the wonders of the natural world, and fortunately South Africa has no shortage of alternative safari options to consider.

South Africa is home to several biodiversity hotspots – areas with significant levels of biodiversity. The Cape’s small fynbos biome for example is so rich in different species that just on the Table Mountain National Park alone there are more different types of plant species than in the whole of Britain. Many of these plants occur nowhere else on earth other than our flat-topped mountain. Similarly, South Africa is also home to more than a third of the world’s succulent species.

You may not see the big 5 everywhere in the region, but once you have checked these large mammals off your list you will quickly realise how much more there is to see and discover. Expect to be impressed with nature’s intricate dance. With endemic species such as the geometric tortoise, endangered Table Mountain ghost frog and the endemic cape Sugarbird, to mention a few. One of the most interesting and significant of these special animals is a tiny insect known to have the longest proboscis – nose – relative to body size.

Pint-sized powerhouse

Moegistorhynchus longirostris , a species of flies in the family tangle-veined flies, is the exclusive pollinator of 20 long-tubed flowered plants on South Africa’s West Coast. If it goes extinct, so will many species of plants. The lions and elephants might be the stars of the show and for good reason, they are incredible in their own right, but they are far from the only animals worthy of your attention.

The Cape has undergone very little change over millions of years, so plants and animals have co-evolved. Thanks to very little disturbance, a diversity of species could develop undisturbed over millennia. On first impression, some of the Cape’s landscapes might seem desolate with the lack of trees, but strolling the veldwith a guide brings this landscape to life. Grootbos in the Overberg is one five-star lodge in South Africa that has no large game but has managed to capture the magic of the surrounding flora and convey it to their guests.

These are some of the secrets of the fynbos, which only tend to be revealed with an expert guide. The Cape isn’t known as the biodiversity capital of the world for nothing after all. Home to the highest diversity of species, with every slope privy to a unique ecological phenomenon, there are many other relationships of codependence between flora and fauna, with several new species discovered every year.

A safari for every season, and species

If plants or insects don’t take your fancy, you can still go on other immersive wildlife tours across South Africa. From birding experiences (did you know that Kruger National Park alone is home to more bird species than the whole of Australia?) to following trails of the rare and illusive cheetah.

Samara Reserve in the Great Karoo for example has a cheetah tracking experience where a guide shows you how to track the old-fashioned way, pointing out signs of the cats’ presence. This immersive experience is one of the most educative and fascinating adventures out there.

Or how about a meerkat experience? At Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, guests can get up close to meerkats in the wild, seeing how they socialize, scan the horizon for predators and go about their day.

W hatever you may think you know about safaris, perhaps it’s time for a revision. A wildlife experience in South Africa will not only change the way you view safaris, but your overall impression of nature. And best of all, you’ll still be able to enjoy that G&T and the classic sunset afterwards.

Movies and documentaries for an African adventure

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:11:39 GMT

Liyana (2 017)

A Swazi girl embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue her young twin brothers. This animated African tale is born in the imaginations of five orphaned children in Swaziland who collaborate to tell a story of perseverance drawn from their darkest memories and brightest dreams. Their fictional character's journey is interwoven with poetic and observational documentary scenes to create a genre-defying celebration of collective storytelling.

- Apple +

Into the Okavango (2018)

A film about a story of human triumph over adversity. A passionate conversation biologist brings together a river bushman fearful of losing his past and a young scientist uncertain of her future on an epic, four-month expedition across three countries, through unexplored and dangerous landscapes, in order to save the Okavango Delta, one of our planet’s last pristine wildernesses.

- Disney

Penguin Town (2021)

Penguin Town is a 2021 Netflix Original documentary television series narrated by Patton Oswalt . It follows a group of endangered penguins in Simon's Town , South Africa as they search for mates, raise their young and interact with other penguins.

- Netflix

Paradise: A family tale (2022)

As the Kalahari Desert faces a worsening dry season, prides, packs and herds of all kinds must rely on the power of family to survive. This eye opening documentary directed by Renée Godfrey reveals the challenges faced by wild animals.

- Netflix

Aerial Africa (2017)

Aerial Africa reveals the fascinating stories you'd never find if you weren't in the air. This series highlights the natural wonders of the southern African landscape and considers humanity's impact on it. From Namibia's Fish River Canyon to the sprawling metropolis of Johannesburg, diamond divers at Port Nolloth to herds of buffalo and elephant on Chef's Island, this is an adventure for the mind and the senses.

- Apple TV

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

My Octopus Teacher is a film shot in False Bay in the Atlantic near Cape Town, South Africa. The film is a gorgeous wildlife documentary and a moving tale of how a man in crisis found joy and purpose through immersion in nature and a remarkable relationship with an octopus.

- Netflix

Vanishing Kings: Desert Lions of the Namib (2015)

In a merciless, desolate furnace an unexpected predator survives. Equipped with exceptional survival skills, desert lions roam the Namib. But with so few remaining adult males the small population is under treat. A brotherhood of five youngsters, known as the ‘Five Musketeers’ holds the key to the future of their kind.

- National Geographic

I am Samuel (2020)

Filmed by Peter Murimi, I am Samuel covers a Kenyan man as he feels conflicted by his traditional family and his hope to live openly as a gay man. Witness five pivotal years of his life torn between family and his identity.

- Apple TV

New Paragraph

Whale Season is here! 🐋

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 15:00:55 GMT

Winter is here, and so are the whales! The first southern right whale baby was spotted in Walker Bay in late June and this indicates the start of the incredible whale season in Hermanus, just under 2 hours drive from Cape Town.❄️��

From June to late November, 100's of Southern Right Whales �� migrate to these waters from their Antarctic feeding areas to breed, care for their young and play in our shallow waters for roughly 6 months every year.

The sight of these massive, gentle and inquisitive creatures is truly exhilarating for everyone – and for those that love nature, it is completely mind-blowingly astonishing. ��❤️

Whale watching in Hermanus can be experienced in various ways; either from land, by boat or from the air via a scenic flight. For the thrill-seekers, the closest encounter out there, is a guided ocean kayaking trip that promises to ignite your spirit of adventure and offers a unique way to explore the pristine coastlines.

�� Book your whale watching tour now through our team at The Travel Café Cape Town for an unforgettable adventure: www.thetravelcafe.co.za/contact

#hermanuswhales #whaleseason #whalewatch #southernrightwhales #whalewatchingtour

Dazzling night skies

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:46:37 GMT

�� Dazzling night skies is one of South Africa’s secret little pleasures our guests are treated to. This is especially true when visiting remote areas where the sky is free of light pollution to distract you from what’s twinkling in the sky.✨��

Here are our 4 favourite stargazing spots in South Africa:

1. Sutherland: This remote location in the desolate Karoo tops the list as South Africa’s premier stargazing destination. The tiny town is home to the largest telescope in the southern hemisphere where a flat landscape allows unobstructed views of a surreal and magical night sky.⭐��

2. Kruger National Park: Not just famous for its safaris, the Kruger region is also ideal for observing the hidden jewels of the night sky with no light pollution or anything else besides the occasional sound of wildlife to distract you. The areas located further north on the reserve is favoured by many stargazers.��

3. Cederberg: Although celestial constellations are constantly moving, the one that can be admired year-round in the Southern Hemisphere is the Southern Cross. Visit the Cederberg Observatory where star talks happen every second or third night to learn more about our night sky.

4. The Little Karoo: Along the iconic Route 62 you will find Starry Starry Night. Home to JD and François, this beautiful eco mountain reserve is the perfect accommodation spot for stargazing - even from the comfort of your antique brass bed, which boasts a stargazing window overhead. ��

www.starrystarrynight.co.za

Looking for a stargazing adventure in South Africa? Make sure to contact us and we will weave together a magical adventure for you that makes the most of the night sky!

https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/contact

#stargazing #southafricannightsky #nightsky #sutherland #krugerstars #cederbergstars #montagu #cederbergobservatory

The Smoke That Thunders🤩

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 15:00:05 GMT

�� "The Smoke That Thunders" - that is what locals call Victoria Falls. And oh my what a spectacular sight it is of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River. It sure does deserve its prime position as the largest waterfall in the world. �� Is this destination on your bucketlist?

Did you know this about the Falls?

- It measures a gargantuan 1,708m wide (5,604ft)

- Is 108m (354ft) high

- Locally is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya ("The Smoke that Thunders")

- It straddles across the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

��Summer (Dec – March): At The Travel Café, our favourite time to go to the Victoria Falls is late summer (March). We recommend going just before flood season, to reduce the amount of spray and mist so that you are able to see the falls clearly.

❄️ Winter (June to September): Our second favourite time to visit Victoria Falls is winter (July). The force of the water is receding, allowing for beautiful views that are less obscured by mist and spray.

�� Autumn (April – May): This is when the Falls are at their peak and in many ways not the ideal time to visit the Victoria Falls, where the vast amount of mist and spray actually hinders your photographic opportunities.

�� Spring (September – November): Our least favourite time to visit Victoria falls is spring, as the Victoria Falls are at their lowest flow and completely dry up in parts.

�� However, if you are coming specifically to swim in Devil’s Pool or Angel’s Pool, then spring and the beginning of summer are the only seasons safe enough to offer that activity.

Plan your adventure to Victoria Falls with The Travel Café by contacting us at https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/victoria-falls

#victoriafalls #waterfall #Zimbabwe #Zambia #devilspool

🇫🇷 CIRCUIT ACCOMPAGNÉ - March 2023 🇿🇦

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 09:20:53 GMT

Nos aventuriers français prennent l’avion ce soir avec pleins de beaux souvenirs.

J’étais ravis de les avoir accompagnés et nous avons passé de fort moments ensemble comme en témoignent ces quelques photos à travers ce beau pays qu’est l’Afrique du Sud .

Pour ceux ou celles qui aimeraient joindre mon prochain groupe, voici le lien

https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/fr/afrique-du-sud-circuit-accompagne-francophone

#petitgroupe #afriquedusud #circuitaccompagné

Street art in Cape Town 🇿🇦

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:56:32 GMT

Welcome to street art in Cape Town��

These beautiful art pieces made by local and international artists can be found all over Cape Town, especially in the area Woodstock.

��Little history lesson about this amazing art - In 2011, the South African artist Ricky Lee Gordon wanted to change the area's reputation and so he launched a project to bring some colour to Woodstock. He did so by highlighting Woodstock's history and community through art.��

��Taking a stroll through Woodstock and viewing these art pieces is a must!

#woodstock #arttour #colourful

❗NEW❗Golden Triangle, All-Inclusive mini group✈️

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 16:08:00 GMT

Join JD & François on a Luxury All-Inclusive Mini Group called The Golden Triangle in May 2024.

Maximum 8 participants.

Language spoken: both English �� and French ��.

Destinations Visited: Cape Town (including the Winelands and Cape Peninsula), Kruger (for Big 5 safari) and Victoria Falls (including Chobe Park in Botswana)

✈️ Scheduled Dates: 2-16 May 2024 (14 Nights). More dates in to be added soon.

�� Minimum Group Size: 4 adults in solo room (single supplement applies)

�� Maximum Group Size: 8 adults, sharing in 4 twin/King rooms

��Physical Intensity: 3/5. For maximum enjoyment you should be able to walk 5km with reasonable ease (please discuss any physical concerns with us first)

�� Age: This group is best suited for travellers 55 - 75 years old with good mobility

-> Included :

�� Skilled local Travel Companion for entire duration of tour (either JD or François or both)

�� All transfers between accommodation, airports and activities

✈️ All domestic and regional flights

��️ Accommodation in luxury 4* and 5* properties

�� Three meals daily: Breakfast, lunch and dinner and selected drinks

�� All activities and excursions described in itinerary

�� Specialist guides and local experts to ensure immersive travel experience

�� Covid insurance in case of border closure

�� Smartphone app to access day-by-day itinerary

�� Whatsapp on-the-ground support after arrival

One of our favourite travel experiences of 2022

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 13:33:13 GMT

#immersivetravel

One of our favourite travel experiences of 2022, was spending some time with the fascinating Khoisan people in Botswana. We were intrigued equally by their ancient history, unique click language and the cute little hip wiggle at the end. It truly is like looking through a window way back to the past to a distant past.

Part of the oldest tribe in the world, the Khoisan are known as the world’s “first people”. Recorded history of their existence, captured through stunning rock paintings dotted across Southern Africa, date back to a staggering 20,000+ years. That is some 16,000 years older than the Egyptian pyramids!

Do you enjoy meeting people from exotic cultures?

#khoisan #tribe #clicklanguage #tribesofafrica

Want to read more about Botswana?

🇫🇷 CIRCUIT ACCOMPAGNÉ - NOVEMBRE 2022 🇿🇦 = SUCCÉS 👏🏽

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 16:17:17 GMT

C’est avec bonheur, émotions et fierté que vient de s’achever notre premier circuit accompagné francophone en Afrique du Sud �� pour un petit groupe de 7 Français(es), organisé de A à Z par le Travel Café.

Après 15 jours d’aventure, de découverte, de rencontres inoubliables, de moments uniques, nous tenons à remercier les 7 participants pour leur confiance, présence et pour avoir fait de cette première édition un grand succès ��

Voici quelques photos pour vous donner une idée de ce voyage unique, enrichissant et varié que nous proposons.

Entre la ville du Cap ��☀️ , sa péninsule �� et ses vignobles renommés�� , avec un détour dans le petit Karoo à Starry Starry Night �� pour rencontrer François et JD, et le Blyde River Canyon et le mythique Parc du Kruger �� , nos 7 voyageurs sont repartis avec des étoiles plein les yeux. ��

Merci également à notre accompagnatrice Audrey pour sa bonne humeur et énergie.

Ça vous donne envie ? Notre prochain voyage est programmé en mars et novembre 2023. Réservez dès maintenant :

-> Mars 2023 : COMPLET

-> Novembre 2023 : 5 places restantes

Pour plus de renseignements, visitez notre page internet

À très vite ! ��

Audrey, François et JD.

Lune de Miel en Afrique du Sud 🇿🇦

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 16:08:44 GMT

Merci à Diane et Guillaume de nous avoir partagés leurs jolies photos faites lors de leur Lune de Miel en Afrique du Sud �� organisé récemment par l'équipe du Travel Café Cape Town. ��♥️

Bon retour sur l'île de La Réunion. A très bientôt nous espérons. François, Audrey et JD.

----------------------------------------------------

Thank you Diane and Guillaume for sharing with us your lovely photos taken during your Honeymoon in South Africa �� recently organised by the Travel Café Cape Town team. ��♥️

Have a safe trip back to Reunion Island. We hope to see you very soon.

François, Audrey and JD.

#lunedemiel #honeymoon #TheTravelCafeCapeTown #afriquedusud #southafrica #surmesure #bespokeholidays

Wonderful Vitamin Sea

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 16:01:20 GMT

Our final stop on our exploration of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and Northern Kwazulu Natal is the perfect climax to what has been a magical tri p.

From Kosi Bay, just 6km from the Mozambican border, we headed back south again towards Sodwana - one of the country’s finest scuba diving hotspots �� and home to endless miles or golden unspoilt beaches.

Here we’ve marvelled at sea views, refreshed our scuba diving skills, seen some exquisite lodges, gone for loooo oong walks on the beach and admired the natural beauty. Just love this place!

Isimangaliso - the “miracle land of lakes”

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:45:48 GMT

From Hluhluwe we’ve headed to Kosi Bay, within the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here we snorke lled in crystal clear water �� and kayaked in the lake system, watched fish eagles swoop low over the water and enjoyed a traditional fish braai on the beach (with a fire-roasted butternut veggie option for JD).

Our most magical experience of all? Watching a female Loggerhead sea turtle hauling her massive bulk onto the sand dunes to deposit her 100 or so eggs before disappearing again in the surf �� Witnessing this wildlife experience, as old as time itself and like something out of a National Geographic doccie, will stay with us forever! ��

#kosibay #thongaland #isimangaliso #loggerheadturtle #isimangalisowetlandpark #turtlenesting

Kwazulu Expedition

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:40:01 GMT

��It’s Pineapple Lolly Time! ��

Day 1 of our Kwazulu Expedition and already we are blown away by this unspoilt tropical region in the far north of South Africa, right on the border with Mozambique. First up - safari time at Thula Thla, home of iconic conservationist and best-selling author, Lawrence Anthony.

It was at Thula Thula that Lawrence’s first book plays off - The Elephant Whisperer. The real-life tale of South African Lawrence, who falls in love with chic Parisienne, Françoise, moves halfway around the world, and end up adopting a rogue herd of elephants to save these majestic beasts from being culled. �� It is the stuff of legends!

We loved spending time with the herd, learning about each of the different elephants and their unique characteristics and getting to hear more about Lawrence and Françoise’s story and the incredibly important conservation work that Lawrence started and Françoise continues after his death.

South Africa’s North Coast

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:30:24 GMT

We’re headed to South Africa’s North Coast, and we’d like to take you along . ��☀️��

During the next week François and JD will be sharing their experiences as they travel through the most north-eastern part of the country. This is where you find the oldest game reserve in the country, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, as well as the strikingly beautiful Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Along the way we’lll be going on game drives, watch turtles nest on a beach, go snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving, relaxing on golden beaches and try palm wine. We look forward to sharing our favourite finds with you in the coming days ��

#exploring #isimangalisowetlandpark #hluhluweimfolozi

CIRCUIT ACCOMPAGNÉ FRANCOPHONE 🇫🇷 - AFRIQUE DU SUD 🇿🇦 - MARS 2023 et NOVEMBRE 2023.

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:56:11 GMT

CIRCUIT ACCOMPAGNÉ FRANCOPHONE �� - AFRIQUE DU SUD �� - MARS 2023 et NOVEMBRE 2023.

Fermer vos yeux et imaginer vous sous le soleil d'Afrique du Sud �� en mars ou novembre 2023 pendant que vos amis sont au coin du feu en France. ��

Rejoignez ce petit groupe de 8 personnes à la découverte de paysages magnifiques, de cultures différentes et d'animaux sauvages et majestueux. Tout cela bien sûr accompagné d’un guide francophone pour ceux qui ne maîtrise pas l’anglais.

Pendant ces 15 jours en pension complète, vous serez totalement pris en charge et accompagné par l'équipe du Travel Café en commençant par la magnifique ville du Cap, ses manchots �� , ses plages et ses vignes , le petit Karoo (région semi désertique), le Blyde River Canyon (3e plus grand canyon au monde) avant de terminer en beauté par des safaris dans le grand parc du Kruger. ��, le petit Karoo ��✨ (région semi désertique), le Blyde River Canyon �� (3e plus grand canyon au monde) avant de terminer en beauté par des safaris dans le grand parc du Kruger. ��

Cela vous donne envie ? Alors découvrez le programme complet et le tarif en cliquant sur ce lien :

https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/fr/afrique-du-sud-circuit-accompagne-francophone

En attendant, voici un avant-goût avec ces quelques photos. N’hésitez pas à partager et à en parler à vos proches ��

Novembre 2022: *COMPLET*

Mars 2023: *7 places restantes*

Novembre 2023: *8 places restantes*

#AfriqueduSud #Voyage #Aventure #francophone #TheTravelCafeCapeTown

The Conscious Kitchen

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:44:51 GMT

Going out for a nice vegan dinner in town is always nice but when you know that your money will help towards the construction of a crèche in Khayelitsha. Even better.

W ell done to Lilly and Dana for organising.

#SinethembaCommunityOrganisation #capetown #charity #thetravelcafecapetown #khayelitsha Sinethemba community Organisation

Heritage Day in South Africa

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:40:29 GMT

Today is Heritage Day in South Africa, and at The Travel Cafe we have decided to celebrate our country’s heritage of rich and extremely diverse botany. One we have inher ited from our fathers but truly borrow from our children.

Did you know there are more different species of plants just on Table Mountain than in the entire United Kingdom? The country is also steeped in medicinal plants, some with history dating back tens of thousands of years. This we experienced firsthand today at the impressive #montaguherbfestival in the village of Montagu, near our sister lodge Starry Starry Night .

François and JD attended fascinating talks about a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants - that heal mind, body and spirit. Learning about the ancient plants used by Khoisan, the legalisation of cannabis in South Africa and how to make a “smudge stick” with indigenous herbs. Also known locally as “mphepho”, these sticks are burnt to bring good luck, ward of evil spirits and clear negative energies so fortune may follow. Needless to say François and JD intend to burn their stick often!

We are recruiting!

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:45:35 GMT

We are recruiting! Are you a passionate Travel Consultant who speaks French and based in Cape Town, South Africa?

Calling all romantic adventurers, passionate travellers and disruptive explorers – who speak French.

We do travel. And we do it different. Better.

Challenging ourselves to create a magical experience for our guests, at every single turn.

After building a strong foundation we are now looking to grow our 5-year merry band of passionate travellers and trip designers with a French-speaking destination specialist – are you the one we’ve been looking for?

More information on the job and how to apply at https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/travel-designer-jobs

The Travel Café Cape Town is 5 years old! 🎊🎉

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:41:33 GMT

The Travel Café Cape Town is 5 years old!

JD, François and the rest of the team couldn’t be more proud as we celebrate this month our 5th birthday! This milestone has given us a chance to reflect on just how far we have come, the highs, the lows and all the incredible guests we have met over the years, many of whom have become our friends.

What’s certain is that it hasn’t always been an easy ride. The Travel Café officially opened in September 2017. A year later, in 2018, Cape Town went through a massive drought which had a very negative impact on tourism. Then in 2020, we went through two very challenging years due to Covid-19, which dealt our business a pretty big blow. But we survived thanks to our passion, determination, motivation and our loyal guests - you!

When we started back in 2017, we were only covering South Africa but we very quickly expanded to include Namibia , Victoria Falls and Botswana. Then, few years later, we added Eastern Africa; Tanzania including Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro and last but not least Kenya. More recently, we have also added the beautiful Indian Ocean islands to our portfolio such as Reunion, Maldives and Seychelles as well as some off-the-beaten-track luxury options like Mnemba, Pemba and Bazaruto.

In terms of service, we started the business by assisting guests with bespoke itineraries. Then we developed our mini group activities, especially with people coming to Cape Town and South Africa for weddings. Next month, we will be launching our very first scheduled departure group for a Francophone mini group in South Africa.

We firmly subscribe to Maya Angelou’s philosophy: “When you learn, teach. When you get, give”. That is why very soon after starting our company, we adopted a vibrant traditional choir run by the inspirational Andisiwe. Together with her we have grown and developed the group now known as Isibane Se Afrika. Isibane se Afrika

Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention that in the middle of the pandemic, we moved our family and base to the Little Karoo to set up a Eco Mountain Lodge on Route 62. Strategically located halfway between Cape Town and the Garden Route, we named it Starry Starry Night N . Once you have stayed in our cottages and gazed up at the dazzling night sky, you will agree the name is a perfect fit.

That’s it for now! JD, François and the rest of the team would like to personally thank each and everyone of our guests who’ve put their trust in us and rewarded us with beautiful 5-star reviews in the last 5 years! We could never have done this without you, and we can’t wait to continue the journey together by creating magical adventures in Southern and Eastern Africa as well as the Indian Ocean Islands. But first, we intend to crack open a bottle of chilled Champagne!

Much love, and sunny regards from Cape Town,

François & JD

Isibane se Afrika - Rugby Sevens World Cup opening ceremony!

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 11:31:16 GMT

Bravo Isibane se Afrika and group leader, Andisiwe Gaqa. You smashed it at the Rugby Sevens World Cup opening ceremony last night! We couldn’t be more proud of you.

Baby you’re a firework, you just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine.

#MemorableMoment #rugbysevens #rugby #capetownstadium #RWC7s

Last-minute Availability // South Africa Essentials 10-night Itinerary // December 2022

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 09:14:15 GMT

** Travel from 25 Dec 2022 - 04 Jan 2023 **

Because of a last-minute cancellation we have this unique package available over the Festive Season. The 10-night itinerary takes in the best of Cape Town, the Garden Route and a Big 5 safari and is the perfect introduction to the country during a period that is in extremely high demand.

Includes:

��10 nights in 3* accommodation (5 nights in Cape Town , 3 nights at Starry Starry Night⛰ , 2 nights Safari on the Garden Route�� )

�� Fully insured rental car for 11 days

��Return cable car tickets for Table Mountain

��‍☠️ Cruise on a Pirate boat from Waterfront Cape Town

�� 4 safaris to see the Big 5 (Elephant, Rhinoceros, Buffalo, Lion & Leopard)

�� The Travel Café support on-the-ground

��‍♂️ Covid-19 insurance

Package price: 985 EUR* / 830 GBP* / 990 US$ per person.

Interested? Contact us via our website at https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/contact

*T&C's apply

#southafrica #capetown #familytravel #safari

CIRCUIT ACCOMPAGNÉ DE NOVEMBRE 2022: COMPLET 🥳🎉🎊

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 07:12:56 GMT

Audrey, JD et François sont super ravis d'avoir un petit groupe de français, françaises qui ont répondu à l'appel et nous avons hâte de leur faire découvrir l'Afrique du Sud ��

Mais rassurez-vous ! Nous en avons programmé un autre pour mars 2023 ��

Prochain départ : du 17 mars au 1 avril 2023 ��✈️��

Si vous êtes intéressés, contactez-nous dès maintenant pour réserver votre place.

Découvrez le programme complet en cliquant sur ce lien :

https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/fr/afrique-du-sud-circuit-accompagne-francophone

#afriquedusud #TheTravelCafeCapeTown #francophone #circuit #PensionComplete

🇿🇦MANDELA DAY🇿🇦

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 17:32:08 GMT

Last Monday, on 18th July in South Africa, we celebrated Nelson Mandela International Day also called "Mandela Day".

Every year, South Africans are encour aged to give a bit of their time to help others in need for 67 minutes.

Why 67 minutes? It’s to commemorate the 67 years that Nelson Mandela spent fighting for human rights, justice, and equality in South Africa, after the difficult time of apartheid.

Men and women from all walks of life, skin colour and origins are encouraged to gather with their families to help people in need. The idea is to make the world a better place ��

On that particular day, two of our Travel Café guests (Sandrine and Sylvain) and our employee Audrey spent a full morning in one of Cape Town townships and helped locals to clean and remove plastics nearby charities like Isibane se Afrika

Of course we don’t have to wait until next year to change things! Let's help each other every day in whatever way we can.

And you, what did you do for Mandela day?

#MandelaDay #southafrica #help #travelcafecapetown #TheTravelCafeCapeTown #IsibaneSeAfrika #charity

What to do in Cape Town when the weather is not nice 🌧🇿🇦

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 14:05:07 GMT

A good spot to spend an afternoon when weather is not the best in Cape Town is to go to the Mocaa Museum and have yammy food and drinks at the V&A a Waterfront. ��

#T heTravelCafeCapeTown #vawaterfront #mocaamuseum #Travelcafe #SouthAfrica #afriquedusud #southafricaistravelready #agencefrancaise #dreamteam #capetown #lecap

CIRCUIT ACCOMPAGNÉ EN AFRIQUE DU SUD 🇿🇦 - NOVEMBRE 2022

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 10:18:22 GMT

Fermer vos yeux et imaginer vous sous le soleil d'Afrique du Sud �� en novembre 2022 pendant que vos amis sont au coin du feu �� en France.

Pourquoi ne pas rejoindre ce mini groupe de 8 personnes à la découverte de paysages magnifiques, de cultures différentes et d'animaux sauvages et majestueux. Tout cela bien sûr accompagné d’un guide francophone pour ceux qui ne maîtrise pas l’anglais.

Pendant ces 15 jours en pension complète, vous serez totalement pris en charge par l'équipe du Travel Café en commençant par la magnifique ville du Cap, ses pingouins�� , ses plages ☀️�� et ses vignes �� , le petit Karoo ��✨ (région semi désertique), le Blyde River Canyon �� (3e plus grand canyon au monde) avant de terminer en beauté par des safaris dans le parc du Kruger. ��

Cela vous donne envie ? Alors découvrez le programme complet en cliquant sur ce lien :

https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/fr/afrique-du-sud-circuit-accompagne-francophone

En attendant, voici un avant-goût avec ces quelques photos. N’hésitez pas à partager et à en parler à vos proches��

#AfriqueduSud #Voyage #Aventure #francophone #TheTravelCafeCapeTown

When is the best time to come to South Africa? 🇿🇦

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 15:33:37 GMT

South Africa is a great destination to visit year-round, as each season brings its own delights. As the country is so vast and boasts many different climates, there is always a region which will be at its best no matter what time of year you travel. It can, however, be a bit tricky to know when to visit, as South Africa’s two most famous destinations – Cape Town and Kruger National Park – are situated in two different climate zones with opposing rainy seasons, but rest assured it is possible and JD, François and the rest of The Travel Cafe team will be happy to assist!

For a more detailed breakdown, visit https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za

��
https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/fr/Afrique-du-Sud

#southafrica #traveltosouthafrica #kruger #capetown #blyderivercanyon #holidaytosouthafrica

CIRCUIT ACCOMPAGNÉ EN AFRIQUE DU SUD 🇿🇦 - NOVEMBRE 2022

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 15:30:09 GMT

Ce circuit de 16 jours, tout inclus, vous permettra de découvrir l'essentiel de l’Afrique du Sud en toute sécurité, avec l’accompagnement du Travel Café et d’un guide francophone sur place pendant tout le long du voyage. Parfait pour un premier voyage pour des personnes ne parlant pas un mot d'anglais.

Qu'est-ce qui est inclus dans ce circuit ?

✈️ Vols A/R entre Paris et l'Afrique du Sud

✈️ Vols domestiques entre le Cap -> Kruger -> Johannesburg

��‍♀️ Accompagnatrice française qui parle anglais

�� Transferts entre les aéroports, hébergements et activités

�� Hébergements de charmes et de qualités

�� Tous les repas / Pension-complète

�� Activités tout au long du voyage

�� Assurance Covid en cas de fermeture des frontières et interdiction de voyager

��Application portable pour afficher l’itinéraire détaillé jour par jour

�� Assistance téléphonique WhatsApp et assistance sur le terrain

Pour plus de détails, visitez notre page : https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/fr/afrique-du-sud-circuit-accompagne-francophone

Ou bien mettez votre nom en commentaire ainsi que la personne avec qui vous aimeriez voyager �� et nous vous enverrons plus de détails.

Si cela n'est pas pour vous, mais vous connaissez quelqu'un qui ne parle pas bien anglais et qui aimerait visiter l' Afrique du Sud, n’hésitez pas à partager. ��

Au plaisir de vous rencontrer.

François, JD et Audrey du Travel Café.

PS: Le Travel Café Cape Town est une conciergerie de voyage à taille humaine basée au Cap, Afrique du Sud.

#afriquedusud #circuitaccompagne #thetravelcafecapetown #parcdukruger #lecap #blyderivercanyon #voyageafriquedusud

Join us on our honeymoon to Botswana - Makgadikgadi National Park

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 09:10:00 GMT

From swamps to salt pans - our next and final honeymoon destination in Botswana couldn’t be more different from where we have already been. Located in the heart of the country, the Makgadikgadi National Park feels like sleeping on the moon… ��

Bright white salt-crusted flats, vast herds of zebras ��, billowing bedouin tents under bright starry skies, meerkats and bushmen make this one of the most unique travel destinations in Southern Africa and we are just blown away by its unique beauty.

#meerkatsofinstagram #meerkatmadness #makgadikgadi #makgadikgadipansnationalpark #botswana #safarihoneymoon #botswanahoneymoon #botswana2022 #honeymoondestination #honeymoon2022

Final Day. After almost two weeks in the Botswana bush, our honeymoon has come to an end - with a massive highlight. We got to spend the morning with a group of Khoisan (also known as bushmen) to learn more about their language, culture, plant medicine and history. It was incredible and inspirational.

This ancient tribe has a history of living in the region going back 20,000 years or more. They speak in clicks, have a deep knowledge and respect for nature and have a great sense of humour. While the Khoisan have certainly also evolved along with the 21st Century, walking with them was like looking through a window into the past.

Thank you for joining us on our travels through Botswana. Travel is François’ and JD’s biggest shared passion (after Isabella of course), and we have truly enjoyed sharing this very special adventure with you.

We have also learned loads and we return to Cape Town feeling inspired and ignited for our future. For everybody taking their honeymoon soon - enjoy it to the fullest, it is a truly magical travel experience ��

#mostromanticplace #safarihoneymoon #africahoneymoon #honeymoondestination #honeymoon2022

Join us on our honeymoon to Botswana - Okavango Delta

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 16:18:43 GMT

The most pristine wilderness - that is what sets Botswana apart from so many other safari destinations, and the Okavango Delta is the crown jewel of this spectacular country.

Both of us have been blown away by the exceptional natural beauty of the Delta and the exquisite lodge where we are staying.

Feeling beyond privileged to experience such unspoilt natural beauty, and to see so many gorgeous animals, large and small.

#sandibe #okavangodelta #botswana #safarihoneymoon #mostromantic

Our adventure in Botswana’s Okavango Delta continues to blow us away. Driving through the flooded plains with water coming up to our 4x4’s doors is a lot of fun, and we cannot believe the diversity and number of animals we have seen. François really loves checking the sightings off in our beautiful Guide Journal. ��

#okavangodelta #Botswana #thetravelcafecapetown

Snorkelling in the Okavango Delta was such a great experience ��

#botswana #safarihoneymoon #okavangodelta #botswanahoneymoon #botswana2022

https://youtube.com/shorts/ubx9u1N39eU?feature=share

Join us on our honeymoon to Botswana - Savuti region

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 16:14:09 GMT

The last two days we’ve spent disconnected from the outside world, and immersed in the Savuti region of Botswana. Here we camped expedition style in canvas tents, falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush, our hot water heated over the fire before shower time.

We’ve seen lions and leopards and elephants and lilac breasted rollers and dung beetles and honey badgers and hyenas and it’s been gorgeous! Next stop: Okavango Delta ��

PS: Apologies for poor picture quality (taken from screen of my DSLR)

#botswanahoneymoon #botswana2022 #savute

Join us on our honeymoon to Botswana

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 16:08:02 GMT

“Where would you go on your own honeymoon?”, is a question we’ve been asked quite often over the years. Well now you know the answer - Botswana ��

And since we believe travel is one of those things that is better when shared, we’d like to invite you along on a journey over the next 10 days while François and JD will be travelling to some of the most magical, remote and wild parts of Botswana for their honeymoon.

Day 1 started with a whistlestop visit to Victoria Falls, after we landed in Zimbabwe. From there we continued onwards to Chobe in Botswana ��, where we are sleeping at a gorgeous lodge right on the river front tonight. Highlight of the day? Watching an elephant swimming and munching just metres away from our boat. ��

Two Canadians guests in Southern Africa

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 15:58:34 GMT

Thank you Marie-Eve and Linda for sharing your beautiful pictures from your recent trip to Namibia �� , Victoria Falls �� and Chobe Botswana �� that we organised for the two of you.

What is for sure is that our two Canadian �� guests couldn't experience more diverse landscapes during their holiday between the unspoiled dunes of the Namib desert �� , the wild animals of Etosha / Chobe and the majestic water cascades of Victoria Falls ��

Their itinerary was rich in unforgettable encounters between the Himba tribe from Namibia and of course the magnificent Big 5 during their safaris in the bush. ��

If you are interested in visiting Namibia �� , feel free to click on the links below where you can find more information about the country itself as well as some itineraries.

https://www.thetravelcafe.capetown/namibia

or https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/fr/La-Namibie

#Namibia #etosha #himbatribe #victoriafalls #chobe #thetravelcafecapetown

One of our favouritest types of travel adventures, is weddings !

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 03 May 2022 14:30:24 GMT

One of our favouritest types of travel adventures is weddings.

Recently we had the pleasure of handling all the travel logistics for overseas guests attending the Winelands wedding of the lovely Jana and Ewen.

From organising safaris, and Cape Point day tours to dealing with all the add-on trip guests wanted to do before/after the wedding (e.g. Victoria Falls, Namibia, Kruger or Botswana). But the cherry on the cake had to be planning the happy couple's utterly romantic honeymoon at a secluded and intimate Maldives resort.

How dreamy is the aquamarine colour of that water!!?? Take me there. Now!

#weddingdestination #weddingincapetown #weddinginsouthafrica #maliveshoneymoon

No more PCR tests for fully vaccinated travellers !

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 03 May 2022 14:23:26 GMT

No more PCR tests for fully vaccinated travellers.

Following the South African president’s address tonight, travellers will no longer be required to present a negative PCR test if they are fully vaccinated.

These measures will take effect from Wednesday (23 March 2022) once the new changes are gazetted.

At The Travel Cafe we couldn’t be happier, and support the government’s decision to remove this costly, unnecessary stumbling block that stood in the way of eager travellers. Now SA is truly open again, and we cannot wait to welcome you home. #nopcrtest #freedom #southafrica

Since then, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya, and many other countries have followed. For up-to-date information, refer to https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/coronavirus and https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php

The Travel Cafe design itineraries for groups

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 03 May 2022 14:09:41 GMT

Today was an important day at The Travel Cafe with the kick-off of a 5-day destination wedding in Cape Town.

From hotels and boats to wine tasting and cablecars, we’ve taken care of everything.

Thank you team for making it happen but especially to Audrey for doing such a great job.

Why Cape Town is the greatest city in the world to visit right now

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 03 May 2022 13:50:29 GMT

We couldn’t agree more ...

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/.../cape-town-greatest-city...

Travel Cafe tourists in Namibia 🇳🇦

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 03 May 2022 13:46:20 GMT

So nice to see some Travel Cafe tourists enjoying the wild open spaces of Namibia, after 2 years of waiting for life to return to normal.

Everyday travel is getting easier and more open. PCR tests are being scrapped, lodges have re-opened, airlines have resumed routes… We predict a bumper year for travel in 2022. Beat the crowds. Travel now. And benefit from amazing travel deals.

#lifeaftercovid #sossusvlei #travelnow #postcovidcation #bucketlistadventures #Namibia #etoshanationalpark

Gouvernement must scrap requirement for PCR tests

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 03 May 2022 13:34:59 GMT

More and more countries such as such as Switzerland, UK, Ireland and Germany are starting to scrap PCR tests at arrival for fully vaccinated tourists and opt for cheaper tests.

We are hoping our SA tourism board (SATSA) will manage to lobby our government as it just adds a layer of uncertainty for tourists wishing to travel again. #scrappcrtest

https://www.moneyweb.co.za/.../govt-must-scrap.../

Tourists arriving at Cape Town Airport !

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 16:13:32 GMT

Best present for the New Year! Tourists arriving at Cape Town Airport!

Since last Thursday, French tourists are allowed to come to South Africa with just a negative PCR test. France has just followed what many other countries had already implemented such as USA , Canada , Germany , UK , Netherlands , Israel ...

Seeing international airlines landing at Cape Town airport last week was definitely the best news in many months, almost years!

Warm welcome to our Travel Cafe current and future guests!

2022 will be the year of travel and adventure

UK will remove all Southern African Countries from their red list!

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 16:48:21 GMT

Finally a good news! From tomorrow, UK will remove all Southern African Countries from their red list! That's a great news for travel. Now, let's hope the rest of Europe follows.

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-59653236

#Omicron #ukredlist #SouthAfricaisTravelReady #southafrica #Namibia #Botswana #Mozambique #zimbabwe #Zambia

South Africa and Omicron

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 16:44:03 GMT

South Africa and the Southern African region should be praised and not penalised for discovering the omicron variant. Let’s get it right by lifting the travel bans ASA P #FactsNotFear #omicron

-> Powerful statement below :

OMICROM

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 15:22:38 GMT

Who could have imagined that South Africa would make headline Covid-19 news again, this time with another variant dubbed omicrom. While we understand the concern you may have about how this could impact your travel plans to the region, now is the time for facts not fear.

Here's what we know right now: A new variant has been identified by South Africa's research experts. As a "precaution" the UK placed a temporary ban from midday Friday until 4am Sunday. Other countries have placed similar temporary bans in place. We don't know if this ban will be extended. Naturally we hope not, especially since the UK's Chief Medical Officer says the new variant is "less worrying than Delta" while Sir John Bell, one of the UK Government's most senior advisers, said the new variant may end up causing no more than "runny noses and headaches" in those who have been vaccinated.

If there is one thing we have learned since the whole Covid epidemic, it is that life by its very nature is chocabloc with uncertainties. That's why we firmly believe in Carpe Diem as our life motto, seize the day, make today matter. We will continue to keep our finger on the pulse to update our guests currently in SA and arriving soon, and we will also continue to focus on facts, not sensational headlines.

#carpediem #LifeWithCovid #omicrom #southafrica #southernafrica #satsa #SouthAfricaisTravelReady

UK government has announced South Africa is no longer on its travel Red List

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 14:01:39 GMT

As Britain slashes travel Red List, South Africa queues freshest fish & chips to welcome back Brits to Africa after 564 days .

Yes we know it's a cliché, but on a day of celebrations we just cannot help ourselves After exactly 564 days (nearly 2 years!) that British travellers could not easily visit South Africa , a prime holiday destination for sun-seeking Britons, the UK government has announced South Africa is no longer on its travel Red List. Woohoo!!!! At long last Brits can travel freely to SA, and many other parts of Africa .

From next Monday, 11 October 2021, the UK will stop imposing a quarantine to their residents when returning from the majority of Southern Africa, Eastern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, which The Travel Cafe covers.

This includes travel to South Africa , Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Réunion add Seychelles .

So please help us to celebrate the BIG NEWS by Liking our post and Sharing it to all the Brits you know and tell them that JD & François are ready to welcome them and plan a holiday of a lifetime to this bright, beautiful continent we get to call home.

www.thetravelcafe.capetown
François & JD
+27 63 639 852 2

No More Quarantine for Dutch Travellers from South Africa!

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:51:16 GMT

We zijn meer dan blij dat reizen naar en van Zuid-Afrika voor Nederlanders een stuk eenvoudiger geworden is nadat he t Nederlandse ministerie van Volksgezondheid de verplichte quarantaine voor reizigers die uit ZA naar huis terugkeren, heeft afgeschaft.

Nou in Afrikaans... Ons is opreg opgewonde om ons vriende uit die Koningklike Nederlande in ons pragtige land terug te verwelkom vir die somermaande, wat sopas hier begin het.

Opsoek na 'n onvergeetlike Afrika reis-ervaring en safari? Kyk nie verder as The Travel Cafe Cape Town. Ons help graag!

Happy World Tourism Day!

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:45:00 GMT

On 28th September 2021, François and JD were reminded that travel should never be taken for granted, as we celebrate World Tourism Day.

If there is one thing Covid has taught us, it is that our lives are far richer, more colourful and more rewarding thanks to the amazing travel adventures we've been privileged to experience.

Here's to many more life-changing adventures! We are soooooo excited to see travel getting easier again now, as lockdown restrictions are lifted and airlines resume regular service. Perhaps the time has come to (finally!) check that magical African safari off your bucketlist?

We are pleased to share with you some "throwback-Tuesday" photos of some of François and JD's African adventures.

Happy World Tourism Day!

Let’s get South Africa removed from the UK's Red List! 😷🚫🙏

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:31:31 GMT

After a recent update, we are very disappointed to see that SA - and most African countries - remain on the UK’s Travel Red List. Not only does this make travelling to South Africa extremely difficult (and costly as you have to pay for quarantine upon re-entry), but the decision to keep SA on the list has been made without a shred of scientific basis.

Please help us to get South Africa off the Red List by signing this petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/589382 to have the issue discussed in Parliament. It can only be signed by British Citizens or UK residents .

Here are some additional facts:

- SA has less new Covid infections per million people (under 100) than the UK (500), and less than most EU countries

- New infections have halved in the last two weeks and continue its downward trend

- Keeping SA on the Red List is having a devastating effect on the country’s travel industry, and leading to large amounts of job losses and company closures

- More than 15m people in SA have been vaccinated to date, nearly 50% of the adult population, and the scheme continues strongly

- Up to 80% of South Africans may have already been infected with Covid-19, leading to a natural “herd immunity”

Germany , France , the Netherlands , Switzerland , the US China and many other countries have all reopened travel to South Africa. The UK however is not following its own conditions by putting South Africa on its Amber list even though it meets the criteria. We cannot wait to welcome our guests from the UK back to our sunny shores, especially with summer approaching. Thank you for taking 2mins to help us with this important issue.

Ethical Animal Encounters

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 08:20:28 GMT

Keen on an authentic up-close-and-personal animal encounter, but don't want something that feels like a zoo? An encounter where you know the animals are treated kindly, and with dignity? An animal experience filled with magic, and zero guilt? We know where to go

Fact is, not all animal sanctuaries are equal. At The Travel Cafe Cape Town we take a strong stand for animal encounters where everybody wins - especially the animals. In real terms this means supporting sanctuaries, rehabilitation centres and educational organisations; rather than modern zoos where animals are kept in sad conditions, treated badly and forced to endlessly ''perform'' for guests .

In South Africa there are sanctuaries for all sorts of animals from elephants, rhinos and cheetahs to leopards and lions . There is even one for the cute African penguin (The Travel cafe's mascot). It's called SANCCOB, and it is one of our favourite non-profits. SANCCOB does amazing work in saving all sorts of seabirds, from penguins to cormorants and albatros. They rescue sick and injured seabirds, deal with oil spills and rehabilitate birds so they can return to nature. Now that is the type of animal encounter that is worthy of support.

If the thought of visiting an ethical conservation and rehabilitation sanctuary appeals to you, send us an email or messenger message. We would love to help you design your dream African adventure.

Big 5 Reasons To Plan Your Africa Adventure. Now.

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 07:44:37 GMT

There has never been a better time to visit Africa. No Crowds. Social Distancing by Design. And amazing travel offers to mention just some. Read on for our Big 5 Reasons why now is the time to start dreaming again about your adventure in Africa. Following the positive Covid-19 developments locally, we are proud to say #SouthAfricaIsTravelReady .

Here's why:

1. Africa is Amazing for Social Distancing

Here in Africa, we were practicing Social Distancing before it was cool. In fact, some places in the Namib desert, Botswana's wilderness and the endless plains of the Serengeti are so wonderfully isolated that days may well pass before you see any people, other than those in your troop.

2. Africa is a Bucketlist Destination, You Deserve

After surviving a seemingly-never-ending lockdown and missing out on lots of travel opportunities, perhaps it's time to check something off your bucketlist that you have always dreamed of. Like an adventure in Africa. Heaven knows you deserve something magical after the dreariness of the past 18 months.

3. Africa is Warm When Your Hometown is Cold

Right now spring is arriving in the southern hemisphere, bringing with it bucketloads of sunshine and a loooong, warm summer. Start planning now for when you will need to escape from the short, cold, gloomy days between November and March. There is nothing that beats some Vitamin Sea (and Sun and Sand) to lift the spirits.

4. Africa offers something for Everybody

The diversity across our continent is mind-boggling, and whatever it is you desire from a holiday, at The Travel Cafe we can help you experience that. From unspoilt natural wilderness and an unforgettable safari experience, to exotic beach-side bliss or buzzing nightlife in cosmopolitan Cape Town. We love designing African adventures that are rich in its experiences, authentic and change lives.

5. Africa is Much Safer Than You Think

Despite the challenges of Covid-19 we are very proud of how well the countries where we operate have coped. In keeping the virus under control, but also ensuring travellers have a safe and stress-free visit. From convenient PCR tests at your hotel to stringent hygiene control your well-being is placed first.

So there you have it, our Big 5 Reason why now is the best time start planning your adventure to Africa. The only question is this - What are you still waiting for? It's time to make YOUR African Dream, a reality!

#YourAfricanAdventureStartsHere #AuthenticTravelExperiences #CarpeDiem

The romantic adventure continues...

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 14:18:04 GMT

After visiting gorgeous Cape Town our honeymoon couple travelled to the wild and unspoilt Kruger region, where they were treated to an unforgettable safari.

From a strikingly beautiful Out-Of-Africa-style canvas tent and romantic treats and game drives spotting the Big 5, at The Travel Cafe we love designing dreamy safaris our guests will remember for a looooong time.

Best of all, while travel slowly restarts in South Africa you often have these wild spaces all to yourself. No crowds. No need to "socially distance" - just breathe the fresh air, forget about the worldly worries and marvel at the magnificent natural beauty all around.

Best Restaurant in Africa - It’s Official

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 14:17:32 GMT

We are beyond chuffed (although not exactly surprised) that one of our favouritest restaurants in Cape Town has just been voted Best Restaurant in Africa, and 13th Best in the world for the second year running by Tripadvisor.

La Colombe truly is very unique and memorable, and an experience we often recommend to foodie guests. Described as "modern French" with a subtle Asian twist, the two of us were blown away by the combination and delicacy of the flavours.

Travel Cafe guests are often pleasantly surprised when they realise our travel service not only includes designing an unforgettable African adventure, but also extends all the way to making restaurant bookings (often months in advance), to ensure our guests get the best tables at the magical eateries.

#lacolombect , #capetown2021 , #westerncape , #capepeninsula , #explorecapetown , #discovercapetown , #visitcapetown , #capetownbound , #capetowntourism #constantiavalley #constantiaroute #capetownrestaurants #finedining #finedininglovers #eatout #eatoutawards #instaeatscapetown #instaeats #instaeatssouthafrica #lacolomberestaurant

Situation in South Africa August 2021

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:31:21 GMT

Few guests from The Travel Cafe have started to look at dates to visit South Africa in 2022 and have been asking me about the situation in South Africa right now. I thought I would share with you my answer to Marie-Josée from Quebec who is planning to visit SA in 2022.

Dear MJ:

Thank you so much for reaching out and for asking feedback on the situation in SA from a local perspective. Here are the key points I thought I would share with you which should reassure you to continue preparing your lovely trip in 2022.

Borders: Our borders are open to anyone in the world and have been opened now for a while (we only closed our border for 6 months in the last 18 months since the start of Covid-19 in March 2020).

Covid-19: We have successfully navigated the peak of our 3rd wave, where the highest number of case per day was 20,000. Right now we have around 6,000 new cases per day and it’s dropping, so the measures put in place by the government have been efficient and continue to fight properly against the virus. I’m pretty proud of SA for wearing masks outside the houses, for gel dispensers at every shop or restaurants and for people respecting social distancing and greeting with an elbow shake or fist bump.

Entries in South Africa: Anyone can enter SA as long as they bring a negative PCR test issued 72 hours before arrival. For now vaccinated people entering SA also require to bring a negative PCR test, though we expect this will change in the near future with the arrival of an international health passes.

Vaccination: Despite a slow start as a result of vaccine supply issues, almost 3 million South Africans have now been fully vaccinated with another 8 million citizens having received their first dose. Anyone in SA over 35 is now eligible to get vaccinated and we are expecting to vaccinate the over 18, very soon. Most of our friends and family in SA have now been vaccinated.

Mask: Masks have always been compulsory outside your house in SA since the start of Covid-19 in March 2020, and it is interesting for me as a Frenchman, that South Africans have embraced mask-wearing more than some of the western countries, including France .

Tourism sector: Similar to the rest of the world, tourism has been badly affected in SA. Many establishments had to close down (especially restaurants and hotels). However, there’s still enough establishment to truly enjoy SA when holidaying, and we are impressed with the unique grassroot options that are popping up to fill the space.

Restaurants/Activities: Restaurants are open and alcohol is allowed, including but not limited to wine tastings. All activities such as Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope and Kruger Park are open for business as usual. All parks and beaches are also open.

Safety: You might have heard about the isolated riots taking place a few weeks ago in Durban and Johannesburg. These were caused by supporters of the ex-president of the country, Jacob Zuma. Following years of trials accusing Zuma of corruption, the ex-president was recently found guilty and imprisoned. Although we strongly disapprove of the way the protests were conducted, we feel proud that justice prevailed and the strong anti-corruption message it sent out. The riots have now died down, and there were no riots in the Western Cape where Cape Town is based, Kruger Park, or anywhere else apart from these two cities in SA.

I hope this put your mind at ease when looking at travelling in 2022 to our beautiful country. South Africa has always been a magically beautiful country, with an incredible richness in diversity, culture and natural beauty. Despite the hardship of the past few months, locals are welcoming internationals with bright smiles and an eagerness to help you have the most memorable holiday.

Let me know if you have any other questions and I will be happy to answer them.

Talk to you soon.

Merci

François

#southafrica #travelwithcovid #southafricaistravelready #iwanttotravelagain

Visitors coming back !

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 12:12:12 GMT

Finally! After 15 months, we finally welcomed some Travel Cafe guests from Europe to South Africa ��! Judging by their photos, they are having a grand time in the country right now

The last international guests we had was from March 2020 right before the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Who would have thought it would have taken a year in a half for the dust to start to settle!!?? Man it feels good!!! ��.

We can't wait to welcome more people now that the vaccines are being rolled out worldwide including South Africa. �� Africa is waiting for you!
#lightatendofthetunnel #visitsouthafrica #honeymoon2022 #staysafe

Your African Adventure Starts Here // The Travel Cafe

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 08:11:09 GMT

It's here...at long last... our beautiful, sparkly, new Travel Cafe intro video ��. And we couldn't be more proud of the final result. ��

Thank you so much Josh and Salomé from @joshua.captured for beautifully distilling the essence of The Travel Cafe into such a dynamic little video.

Here's to many more unforgettable, magical and life-changing adventures for our guests in Southern and Eastern Africa. ��✈️ ��☀️❤️��

https://youtu.be/V_CNTgzYCZ8

#visitsouthafrica #visitkenya #visitvictoriafalls #visitbotswana #visittanzania #visitnamibia #visitmozambique

Celebrating World Female Ranger Day

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:05:41 GMT

Today we salute the dedicated, fearless and passionate ladies who work to keep our animals safe on this, the very first World Female Ranger Day.

We say thanks to groups like Black Mambas, an anti-poaching unit in Balule Nature Reserve who are committed to protecting our endangered rhino population. The Travel Cafe guests have loved spending time with this unique group to learn more about their day-by-day experience and challenges.

And we say thank you to individuals like Octavia Makhubele and Agnesia Makgotla, who fly in helicopters and criss-cross the land to assist animals in need, not to mention hundreds other female rangers...

Thank you for your tireless work ladies, from us at The Travel Cafe, and also on behalf of our wild animals. Your passion for your work shines through everything you do.

#worldfemalerangerday #wfrd #sanparks #krugerthroughmyeyes #femaleRanger

The Safari Continues at Camp 📸😍

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 27 May 2021 12:45:04 GMT

Not many first-time visitors realise this, but in Africa the safari often continues when you are back at camp - and not only on the 4x4 during game drives.

Many lodges don't have any fences around the camp, which means animals are free to come and go unhindered, and guides have to accompany you to and from your room to keep you safe.

Sipping on your G&T with a herd of ellies munching away just metres from you is magical beyond words! Now this truly is the ultimate armchair safari.

Have you always dreamt about an African safari? Please get in touch with François and JD, and allow us make your bucketlist dream a reality.
#makeyourlifeunforgettable #letsgosomewhere

by the talented @viaggiaredasoli

A Hole In My Mountain Sole

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 11 May 2021 10:56:31 GMT

There can be no better way to get up close and personal with the spectacular mountains that cradle Cape Town than donning some comfortable hiking shoes and hitting the trails.

And oh my, what wonderful trails await. From short and easy to seriously challenging, they are all rewarding and beautiful in their own way. At The Travel Cafe our guests often enjoy hiking, and we just love how they gush with wonder when returning from the guided hike we included in their South Africa itinerary. It is seriously magical.

Do you have any favourite South Africa hikes?

#hikeyourownway

= the talented @instacptguy

Autumn = Amazing African Safaris

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 11 May 2021 09:14:42 GMT

As autumn arrives in Africa, we at The Travel Cafe are getting all hot under the collar about the wonderful safari options that become possible at this time of the year.

Like visiting the Okavango Delta. And gliding silently across the water in a "mokoro". The traditional dug-out canoe is expertly steered by your guide using a long stick (similar to punting in the UK), and as far as we are concerned it is right up there as one of the ultimate game-viewing experience in the world.

Watching elephants come to the water for a sip, admiring local birds and hearing the grunt of a hippo safely from your mokoro is an experience you will savour all your life.

Botswana is open for international travel. All you require is a negative Covid-19 test. Isn't it time you check "Do An African Safari" off your bucketlist? Simply send us a direct message now, and let's make it happen.

#africansafari #visitbotswana

Cape Town Fire fighters

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 18:11:01 GMT

As Cape Town continues to shake off the ash from the fires that ravaged a number of historic buildings, we give thanks to the tireless men and women who keep our cities safe, and know the Mother City will rise like a phoenix as she always does - brighter and even more beautiful. #selfless #capetownfirefighters

Inspiring Post-Covid Cation

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 10:03:48 GMT

As it's Friday and Europe is slowly but surely opening up again (many Britons have enjoyed their first pint out , vaccines in Europe...) we would like to inspire you for your post-Covid cation with a 12-night 4* itinerary around Victoria Falls, Chobe and Cape Town.

Combining the majestic Victoria Falls with a top-notch Chobe safari and some quality beach time in pretty Cape Town, this winning formula is guaranteed to please. Learn more...

This itinerary is completely customisable, and can be completely tailored until it fits you like a glove.

Highlights include:

+ Marvel at the thunderous Victoria Falls

+ Get an eagle-eye view of the Falls from a microlight

+ Up-close 4x4 game-drive safaris to see Big 5

+ Sunset game cruises on the “Mighty Zambezi” river

+ Eye-opening cultural experience of Johannesburg

+ Sea, sand and sunshine in gorgeous Cape Town

Your adventure includes the following:

+ 1-night accommodation in safe neighbourhood in Johannesburg

+ Philanthropic township visit in Soweto

+ Tour of bustling creative and arty urban district in Johannesburg

+ One-way flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

+ 2 Nights accommodation in Victoria Falls in a 5* hotel on B&B basis and 2 nights accommodation in a 4* lodge in Full board basis

+ Guided Tour of Victoria Falls

+ Microlight Flight over the falls

+ Guided safari game drives on open 4x4 in Botswana

+ All transfers included

+ One-way flight from Chobe to Cape Town

+ 6 nights accommodation in Cape Town in a 4* B&B near sea

+ Car rental in Cape Town for 6 days with comprehensive insurance

+ Self-drive instructions for Cape Point and Penguin highlights

+ Table Mountain return cableway tickets

+ Kayak excursion to see dolphins

+ Mobile phone app to view itinerary, incl. directions & recommendations

+ WhatsApp hotline with on-the-ground support from The Travel Cafe team

+ Concierge service for restaurant bookings and recommendations

Possible Add-Ons or Variations:

+ Swim in Devil’s Pool at the Victoria Falls

+ Helicopter ride in Cape Town

+ Yummy Cape Winelands gourmet picnic

+ Wine tasting and cellar tour

+ Sunset cruise in Cape Town

+ Whale watching in Hermanus

+ Shark cage diving around Cape Town

Cost from R70,900 / $4,090 / €3,450 / £3,090 per person sharing*

* For travel between now and December 2021. Cost is per person calculated on basis of two people sharing. Final cost depends on availability. This example itinerary can be fully customised to your unique requirements.

1 Year Anniversary of Our First 🔒 Lockdown in SA

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 11:21:58 GMT

This weekend is the one year anniversary of our first lockdown in South Africa due to COVID-19!

I often compare what we went through as a boat paddling through a storm trying to stay right way up. It was tough, still is very tough to be honest, but we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Cheers to us and to The Travel Cafe Cape Town for still being alive, eager to grow and stronger than ever.

PS: I couldn’t resist to celebrate It with a nice Corona beer

#coronavirus2020 #stillstanding #visitafrica #southafrica #Namibia #Botswana #Tanzania #victoriafalls #Mozambique #kenya

Human Rights Day 2021

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:35:55 GMT

Today in South Africa we honour the brave souls who fought for equality and freedom. On this day in 1976 a peaceful protest of students was met with police violence and the loss of many lives.

Locally known as Soweto Day, students were revolting against Afrikaans being used as language for tuition. Although this public holiday remembers a dark day in our country's history, all we can do is learn from it and hold it up as a torch to light our way forward.

At The Travel Cafe our favourite way of diving into the bright, complex, sad and beautiful history of Soweto is by bicycle, and our guests love how immersive that experience is. Visiting a township while travelling through SA (through a safe, culturally sensitive and empowering tour) is highly recommended.

Did you know Soweto is home to the only street in the world that once was home to two Nobel Peace Prize Winners: Nelson Mandela, and Desmond Tutu. #HumanRightsDay2021 #Soweto #nelsonmandela #DesmondTutu

Romantic Getaway in the Western Cape

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 08:20:09 GMT

Calling everybody living in and around Durban / Kwazulu Natal, this "Romantic Road Trip package" from Cape Town to the Garden Route via the route 62 in the Little Karoo might well be the perfect fit for a post-Covid escape.

-> Start with 4 nights in Cape Town to relax and enjoy all activities (Table Mountain, Boulders' Beach to see penguins, Cape of Good Hope, kayak, local cuisine cooking class and more)

-> In Cape Town collect your rental car - we will take care of all bookings - and continue to the Garden Route with a relaxing 2-night stay at a brand new Eco Mountain Reserve where you will be able to hike and fully relax among the foothills of the Langeberg Mountain

-> Next up is the verdant Garden Route as you continue towards Knysna and Sedgefield for a gorgeous 3 night stay in a lovely B&B from where you can enjoy the beach, the forest and the nature. The final stretch of your adventure takes you to Port Elizabeth, where you will catch a flight home to Durban.

Total investment: ZAR 9,745* per person sharing (ZAR 19,490 for 2 people)

Package includes:

-> All accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis

-> A car Rental from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth

-> Domestic flights between Durban & Cape Town & from Port Elizabeth to Durban

-> Self-drive Cape Pensinula tour (Cape Town)

-> Cable Car tickets in Cape Town (Table Mountain)

-> Free mobile phone app to view itinerary, incl. directions

-> Free WhatsApp hotline with on-the-ground support

-> Emergency evacuation

Show your interest by commenting below or by contact us via our website www.thetravelcafe.capetown/contact

*T&C's apply #RoadTripSouthAfrica #romanticgetaway #southafrica #gardenroute #littlekaroo #capetown #knysna

Tanzania's Serengeti Region Safari

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:34:04 GMT

Anyone fancy joining a mini group (max 8) departing on 21st April 2021 for a 6-night safari Tanzania's Seregenti region - in many ways the ultimate safari destination in the world?

This adventure is perfect for solo travellers or couples. This safari will be with an English-speaking guide.

Price per person is $2,475* / €2,071* / £1,775* all inclusive (full board, all entry fees, transport, guide, activities and more)

Here are more details:

-> 1 night in the Lake Manyara National Park

-> 2 nights in the Central Serengeti

-> 2 nights in the Ngorongoro Crater

-> 1 night in the Tarangire National Park.

Possibility to add few nights before on the Zanzibar or Pemba Island.

If you are interested, contact me at francois@thetravelcafe.capetown and I will send you more details. You can also look at our itineraries online at https://www.thetravelcafe.capetown/itineraries-in-tanzania for more travel inspiration.

*T&C's apply

Positive Covid-19 Situation

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 09:35:37 GMT

We're happy to report that the Covid situation in SA is looking very positive currently. Here is a quick update:

1. Our second wave is definitely over, according to the most recent stats and the number of daily cases recorded. Currently there is approximately 1,000 new cases per day, down from 20,000 cases during the peak of the 2nd wave.

2. SA has now moved to Level 1 since 1st March 2021 which means pretty much everything is opened, with the exception of clubs. Curfew is now only between midnight and 4am. Bars, restaurants and beaches are opened, and alcohol can be bought easily without restrictions. In public spaces mask-wearing remains required.

3. Vaccines have arrived in SA and is being administrated to the most vulnerable people first. More vaccines have been ordered and will arrive in the coming weeks.

4. Main airports like Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg airports are opened for domestic and international travel. A 72-hour valid PCR test is mandatory to enter the country.

5. The Travel Cafe is open for business and has seen an increase in requests for quotes from locals Saffas who want to travel within the country and few international requests from people who want to be ready to travel when they can travel again. And, since business is quieter than usual, we also use our time to test some activities that we never had time to do before Covid, like renting beautiful Dutch-orange bicycle on the Seafront promenade This is a perfect activity in Cape Town for families or individuals.

So, if you're getting itchy feet and dream of exploring a beautiful new part of our continent, simply complete our Travel DNA form with your details and we will be in touch in no time with a quote for your 2021-22 holiday.

www.thetravelcafe.capetown/your-dream-trip

Here's A List of our Favourite Books To Read In the Meantime

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 13:25:02 GMT

2020 was the year of Covid and staycation

2021 is the year of getting your vaccination

2022 will be the year of travel adventure realisation

If you are missing Africa, we can't blame you. It's a pretty darn special place . Fancy planning un unforgettable travel experience through our continent? If so, now is the time to start planning and dreaming, as many of the best lodges are filling up fast!

In the meantime, why not loose yourself in the pages of one of our favourite books to read, and fuel your dreams of visiting Africa in the meantime. Enjoy!

Are there any books you feel definitely belong to this Must Read List? Please let us know in the comments below

www.thetravelcafe.capetown/books-to-read

#TheElephantWhisperer #BornFree #CryofTheKalahari #WildLife #TheOldWay #IDreamedOfAfrica #AnAfricanLoveStory #AffluenceWithoutAbundance #LongWalkToFreedom #BornACrime #DontLetsGoToTheDogsTonight #ThePoisonwoodBible

How far in advance should I contact the Travel Café?

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 19:11:48 GMT

This is a typical question we get and it's a fair one!

In the last 3 and a half years, we've been creating travel magic for hundreds of guests and on average, people contact us between 9 to 12 months before travelling to Africa. This is definitely the best way to do it for few reasons:

Firstly . You have access to the BEST FLIGHTS and LODGES ! By contacting us in advance, we include the best accommodation, for the budget you have in mind, and that makes things easy for both parties when designing a holiday of a lifetime! The most unique and beautiful lodges are always the ones that get snapped first.

Secondly . YOU get to take your TIME . Magical itineraries (like great design) takes time to be tweaked and adjusted until you are 100% happy with your itinerary. Give yourself the breathing space to prepare a holiday and get familiarised with what you will see and experience in Africa. Most of our guests come from far away and visiting Africa is a "once of a life trip" - it's worth spending some time to make sure you get it right.

Thirdly , as travellers weren't able to come to Africa in 2020 and 2021, many of these bookings were moved out to 2022 which means we can expect a BUSY travel season next year. It is better to be ready with the perfect itinerary in mind when you decide to come!

And finally , there is NO RISK when booking through The Travel Cafe. All our itineraries are now postponable *, should your plans have to be delayed because of Covid.

So if you are keen on experiencing the magic of Africa from the end of 2021 onwards, it's definitely the right time to ask for a quote NOW so we can start designing a magical itinerary in line with who you are, your budget and your personality. Yes, that's right, all our adventures are perfectly tailored to YOU!

You can browse our itineraries in South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, Victoria Falls to get inspired at https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/small-groups

*as long as there is availability and same booking class / level

Exploring Cape Town in 2021

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 18:09:49 GMT

What a peculiar way to start 2021 in Cape Town. Empty beach since it’s forbidden, no alcohol being served only mocktails, hardly any foreigners, only locals...curfew at 9pm so early nights...However, JD and I and our daughter Isabella are feeling super hopeful for a better year with the arrival of the vaccine across the world .

Our beautiful Cape Town is here, stunning as ever, and waiting to welcome you as soon as you feel ready and able to travel . We can’t wait to welcome you! Happy New Year to you!!!

#capetown #COVID19 #vacation2021 #holidayafrica2021 #africa2021 #thetravelcafecapetown #southafrica2021 #southafrica

François and JD explore new lodges in Kruger

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:44:37 GMT

Every few months François and JD hit the African road to explore new lodges, check our ones that have been newly renovated or changed ownership, and to explore magical new experiences for our guests.

This is our way to stay sharp and on top of our ever-changing industry. And while Covid forced us to cancel some of the adventures we’d planned, we are thrilled that we were able to visit the gorgeous Kruger region.

Keep an eye out over the next few days as we share some of our favourite memories!

#krugernationalpark #SOUTHAFRICA #safaris #thetravelcafecapetown #africanadventure #traveldesigner #travelconcierge #lgbtsouthafrica

Specialised Covid-19 Units at Airports

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 10:12:39 GMT

More and more airports such as London, Paris and most recently O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, are opening specialised Covid-19 units. These facilities will help to quickly perform a test at the airport before boarding, in order to get a Covid-19 negative certificate required when travelling international.

This is great news for South African travellers who can now get tested and collect their certificate at the airport before to departure.

National Health Laboratory Service ( www.nhls.ac.za ) is operating three mobile Covid-19 Test Units in clearly identifiable vans located opposite the InterContinental Hotel, in front of the Police Station, on the lower level of the airport complex. The service is available 24/7 according to Port Health Services, at a cost of R600 (cash, cheque cards and credit cards are accepted, except American Express). Children under five years do not require a test.

Results are available in four to six hours and the traveller is advised by SMS that the test result and certificate are ready for collection. After testing, travellers can wait for the SMS at the airport or nearby, collect the certificate, and proceed to fly. Alternatively, the test may be done a day or two prior to departure if preferred, and the certificate collected on the day of departure.

The official list of laboratories within South Africa can be found at https://www.nhls.ac.za/covid-19/nhls-testing-laboratories/

We, at The Travel Cafe, have kept updating this page which has a handy summary of travel requirements for each country in our region.

https://www.thetravelcafe.capetown/coronavirus

"Local is Lekker" Week 4

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 11:23:37 GMT

Week 4 of our "Local is Lekker" campaign - Special offers for South African Residents or Nationals.

Romantic Getaway to Victoria Falls (4 Nights)

http://www.thetravelcafe.capetown/romantic-getaway-in...

Escape to magnificent Victoria Falls and enjoy the thunderous cascade of water, sunset cruises on the Zambezi and topnotch gameviewing.

Your romantic adventure to Victoria Falls includes:

Return flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls (direct flights)

2 nights accommodation in a 3* boutique hotel on B&B basis

2 nights accommodation in a 5* boutique hotel on fully inclusive basis

All necessary transfers

Guided visit of the Falls

Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi

4x4 Safaris in Zambezi National Park including guided walks

Mobile phone app to view itinerary, incl. directions & recommendations

WhatsApp hotline with on-the-ground support from The Travel Cafe Cape Town team

Concierge service for restaurant bookings and recommendations

Possible Add-Ons or Variations:

- Scenic flight by microlight or helicopter over the Falls

- Swim in Devil’s Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls

- 2-night Safari to Chobe

- 3-night Safari to Okavango Delta

Cost from: R19, 900 per person*

*Rate exclusively for South African residents or nationals.

* For travel between now and December 2021. Total cost is for 2 people. Final cost depends on availability. This example itinerary can be fully customised to your unique requirements.

South Africa Borders Reopened to the World

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 08:29:28 GMT

This was François when he first heard that South Africa's president is opening our country's borders to the world! Everybody is now welcome to visit - no matter your colour or creed, you just have to pass a tiny Covid test beforehand. That's all

We were thrilled when SA's borders first opened early October after a very long and strict lockdown, but annoyed by the complicated "red-list" of countries that weren't allowed entry because they were deemed too high risk.

The new approach starting from today, is much fairer in our opinion. It is linked to individual behaviour, rather than discriminating against an entire country. Then again, in South Africa we know a thing or two about blanket discrimination

When we recently travelled along the Garden Route and rest of the country, we were very impressed how local businesses are following strict hygiene protocols. That in addition to other prevention methods will help ensure everybody visiting us will be kept as safe as possible.

Well done Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa , SATSA and Tourism Business Council of South Africa . You've done us proud. #southafricaistravelready

To whet your appetite...visit our itineraries to Southern and Eastern Africa and get in touch to prepare your well deserved 2021 post-covidcation! www.thetravelcafe.capetown/itineraries

"Local is Lekker" Week 3

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 15:36:35 GMT

Week 3 of our "Local is Lekker" campaign - Special offers for South African Residents or Nationals.

The Classic Bush & Beach combo - iSimangaliso & Hluhluwe - Deluxe 4* itinerary (5 nights). Full information at www.thetravelcafe.capetown/kwazulunatal-staycation

What’s included in this itinerary to iSimangaliso & Hluhluwe?

- 3 nights Full Board accommodation in a 5 star lodge in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Game Reserve including 2 game drives + 1 Bushwalk per day, park & conservation fees

- 2 nights Full board accommodation in a 5 star beach lodge at one of SA’s most pristine wilderness beaches including activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, guided forests walks

- A Toyota Rav (or similar) for 6 full days to pick up and drop off at Durban or O.R Tambo airports, automatic car, low deposit & fully insured

- Mobile phone app to view itinerary, incl. directions & recommendations

- WhatsApp hotline with on-the-ground support from The Travel Cafe team

- Emergency evacuation

- At additional cost: Scuba-Diving, Open Ocean Experience, Turtle Tracking (in season), Possibility to add domestic flights.

"Local is Lekker" Week 2

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 11:07:37 GMT

Week 2 of our "Local is Lekker" campaign. Special offers for South African Residents or Nationals.

Enjoy the best of the beautiful Cape with this romantic itinerary worthy of a honeymoon. From quaint boutique hotels in the Winelands, wonderful culinary adventures and boat-based whale watching to the grand finale.

Your beautiful Cape Gourmet Adventure includes the following:

Return flights from Johannesburg or Durban to Cape Town

Accommodation for 6 nights in 4* and 5* boutique hotels on B&B basis

Rental car for 6 days with comprehensive insurance

Helicopter flight along Cape Town coastline with jaw-dropping views

Self-drive Route for Cape Point and Penguin highlights

Culinary walking tour of historic Cape Town

Delicious Winelands gourmet picnic

Historic cellar tour in Franschhoek with luxury wine tasting

Unforgettable boat-based Marine Big 5 Safari

Mobile phone app to view itinerary, incl. directions & recommendations

WhatsApp hotline from The Travel Cafe team

Emergency evacuation

Concierge service for restaurant bookings and recommendations

For more information about this Romantic Cape Town Gourmet Adventure, visit https://www.thetravelcafe.capetown/cape-town-staycation...

We have reached 700 fans!

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 09:17:20 GMT

JD and I are thrilled to see that our Facebook page has reached 700 fans, a new milestone for The Travel Cafe which was only born 3 years ago!

THANK YOU for following our stories, our lives and our adventures in AFRICA...and for being such great ambassadors and for referring us. We can't wait to build your own magical adventures in Africa.

François & JD

"Local is Lekker" Week 1

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 09:11:36 GMT

Special offers for South African Residents or Nationals.

Kruger & Blyde River Canyon 4-night combo from R11,990* per person sharing:

2 nights in a luxurious boutique lodge near the Blyde River Canyon including breakfast and a 1-hour massage for 2 persons

2 nights in a beautiful private lodge in the Timbavati Private Reserve including 2 game drives per day per person, all meals, park & conservation fees

Track wildlife on foot at the Private Game Reserve 30mn scenic microlight flight above the Blyde River canyon and the Kruger Park

An automatic & fully insured Toyota Rav (or similar) for 4 full days to pick up and drop off from Johannesburg O.R Tambo airport

Mobile phone app to view itinerary, incl. directions & recommendations

WhatsApp hotline with on-the-ground support from The Travel Cafe team

Emergency evacuation

Interested? More information on this page www.thetravelcafe.capetown/kruger-staycation

Namibia's Simplified Border Entry Requirements

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 08:46:27 GMT

Namibia has just simplified its border entry requirements YESSSS!

Starting from today 22 October 2020, you just need to provide a negative covid-19 certificate obtained 72-hour before departure. That's it! No further test required on day 5. And no restrictions based on country. Any visitors from any countries are welcome.

So if you are looking for the best post-covid holiday, Namibia is the one! To whet your appetite, check few sample itineraries that we've built athttps: https://www.thetravelcafe.co.za/namibia

-> Itinerary number 1: Cape Town + Namibia Adventure / Comfort 3* Itinerary (16 Nights)

-> Itinerary number 2: Namibia Essential / Deluxe 4* Itinerary (15 nights)

-> Itinerary number 3: Sea Of Sand Namibia Adventure / Super Luxury 5* Itinerary (8 nights)

Safe travel!

PS: For border entry requirements specifications for South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Mozambique and Tanzania, check this page www.thetravelcafe.capetown/coronavirus

#ilovenamibia #covid19namibia #holidayinnamibia #deadvlei #sossusvlei #swakopmund

2020 - BEST Deals in Africa

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 15:36:59 GMT

There is no denying that 2020 has been a heck of a crazy year. Should we travel? Do we dare cross borders? What if a second wave hits? Will the borders close? Re-close?

It’s a question we all ask ourselves, and the general consensus seems to be let’s wait and book once everything has calmed down a bit. Of course, we can’t argue with that logic, it makes perfect sense!

But as always, there are two sides to every argument, and in this case, we feel like we would be remiss not to attract your attention to the fact that 2020 is also the year of insane travel deals. And best of all, at no risk to yourself with complete flexibility built-in from the start, as well as strict hygiene practices!

With hotels and lodges desperate for clients, never before and never again will your hard-earned money afford you so much in return! That's why we compiled a list of our top 5 deals in Southern and Eastern Africa. With up to 77 % savings, these are mind-blowing, once in a lifetime opportunities.

Contact us now to secure a quote and secure your chance to experience 5-star luxury on a shoestring budget until February 2021, when we expect these special offers to be discontinued.

www.thetravelcafe.capetown/contact

Cape Town Dams Overflowing

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 13:30:29 GMT

Cape Town celebrates as dams reach 100% capacity and overflow 2 years after devastating drought. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
South Africa's "Mother City" has had a wonderfully wet rainy season, and for the first time since 2014 the city's dams have reached full capacity. This just 2 years after the city battled the worst drought it had experienced in decades. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Extensive water-saving measures have played a huge role, and locals have been urged to not rest on their laurels. “Climate change studies undertaken by the City indicate that droughts such as the one we have experienced will occur more often and last longer,” says Water and Waste representative Xanthea Limberg. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
The good news comes just days after South Africa reopened its international borders following lockdown, wlecoming its first international visitors to the country in nearly 6 months. ⁠⠀

#capetowntourism #waterwise #theewaterskloofdam

Online Retreat

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 14:24:43 GMT

Press the reset button now by joining our friend Edward on a 4-week Online Retreat in preparation of the physical retreat which The Travel Cafe is organising in South Africa in March 2021, in the spectacularly beautiful Cederberg Wilderness.

In these challenging times, Edward is inviting you to reconnect with your power and sovereignty. Over 4 weeks, you will be guided through a series of mind, body and sound therapy explorations and receive the tools you need to:

-> Connect with your body and inner knowing

-> Get deeper clarity on your life, work and relationships

-> Return to your inner authority and sovereignty

-> Feel relaxed, rejuvenated and inspired

-> Boost your immune system

-> Live and work with more freedom, authenticity and joy

Who This Is For?

-> People who are in a period of transition in their life and/or work.

-> People who feel a little stressed out, stuck, lost, isolated and/or unsure.

-> People who need to press the reset button on their lives.

-> People who are curious to try something different

To know more about the Online Retreat and to join Edward, visit www.edwardpike.net/return2origin

The Travel Cafe quoted in "Rapport" newspaper

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 10:35:32 GMT

Oh look at that! The Travel Cafe is quoted today in "Rapport newspaper" the Afrikaans equivalent of the Sunday Times, talking about the importance of tourism in the country now that our international borders are reopened. Feeling priviledged to be asked to weigh in on such an important issue #SouthAfricaisTravelReady #thetravelcafecapetown #SouthAfrica2020 #afriquedusud #SouthAfrica2021 #rapportnewspaper RapportWeb

SA Borders Reopen

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:47:15 GMT

Across South Africa, animals are practising their smiles in preparation for the return of international guests . The SA president announced today that international borders will reopen 1 Oct. 2020 following the continued decline in Covid-19, woohooo!!!

After entering a strict lockdown on 27 March, which saw all international borders close, we are thrilled to prepare for the SAFE return of international guests to our shores for some sunshine, seaside fun and safaris .

#thisissouthafrica #thetravelcafecapetown #southafricaistravelready #southafrica2020 #afriquedusud

My Octopus Teacher

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:23:07 GMT

Looking for your next Netflix fix? Look no further than "My Octopus Teacher", shot just off the coast of gorgeous Cape Town and launching on Netflix TODAY. It’s a beautiful tale about one man’s unique friendship with an octopus, and the importance of ocean conservation.

While at The Travel Cafe we often focus on the Big 5 and other wildlife our guests can see above ground, the coastline of Southern and Eastern Africa teems with life - southern right and humpback whales , orcas, turtles, great white sharks , dolphins , gargantuan whale sharks, mantas, penguins , seals and loads more.

Spotting an octopusmight not always be guaranteed, but we can promise a wonderful time while frolicking in the surf with seals near Cape Town! You can check out our seal snorkelling adventure with JD's sisters here - we had such a blast! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOS8cCrvvTE...

#SouthAfricaisTravelReady

West Coast National Park

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:15:50 GMT

What a spectacle!!! Spring is in the air in the southern hemisphere, bringing with it a colourful explosion of wildflowers in a part of South Africa that is otherwise quite arid. #flowerpower #namaqualandflowers #wildflowers #flowercarpet #flowerbeauty @ West Coast National Park

Domestic Travel is now Allowed

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 08:29:26 GMT

Now that domestic travel within SA is allowed again (YAY!!!), we are thrilled to introduce you to The Travel Cafe's beautiful and shining-new #Staycation itineraries.

**************

Click through the images to learn more, or check them out at:

➡️ https://www.thetravelcafe.capetown/staycations-itineraries-in-south-africa-for-south-africans

***************

Specifically aimed at locals keen to discover new corners of our gorgeous country, and revisiting old favourites in a new way. There is a staycation for all styles and budgets. ��❤️��✈️��️

Farewell To Our Intern

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 08:29:23 GMT

Big thank you to Natalie who just finished a 6-month internship at The Travel Cafe after studying for a tourism diploma at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) . The entire team is going to miss you but we know you now have the "travel bug" after being with us and that you are 100% ready to spring your wings for new adventures. All the best and thank you again for your hard work!

#bestinternever #internship #thetravelcafecapetown #romanticadventuresinafrica #isibaneseafrika

Romantic Adventures

Sat, 22 Aug 2020 08:29:11 GMT

Calling all Romantic Adventurers - this one's for you ��. Because in our humble opinion there is nothing more uniquely memorable than a night with your beloved in a treehouse or starbed under a dazzling star-studded African sky. This is the ultimate million-star hotel.

https://www.thetravelcafe.capetown/africa-14-most-spectacular-open-air-suites

Drifting off to sleep under a spangling sky that reminds you of a De Beers diamond sorting table✨, and waking up to an ochre African sun stealing across the flat-topped acacia trees. These are memories that will stay with you all your life, and inspired us to create the list.

The Travel Cafe team have pondered and poured over the most amazing treehouse and starbed experiences the African continent offers, and here is our Top 14 most gorgeous, romantic and magical open air suites:

François is totally sold on number 9, while JD lost his heart on number 12. If you could spend a night with your beloved in any one of these, which one would you choose?

Africa’s 14 Most Spectacular Open-Air Suites

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 17:41:05 GMT

Strikingly beautiful starbeds and treehouses for stargazing and game viewing while snuggled under your duvet.

There are few ways to better experience the magic of Africa than a night sleeping out in the wilderness, from where you can admire the southern skies. Never mind 5-star, this is the ultimate million star experience, and one that will stay with you all your life.

Falling asleep under a star-studded canopy that shimmers and dazzles like a De Beers diamond sorting table, and waking up as the first ochre morning rays steal through the acia treetops while a herd of elephants graze peacefully in the distance – this is travel gold, and the type of experience we go gaga for at The Travel Cafe.

So here are they, our 14 favourite, magical, and most unforgettable treehouse and starbed experiences in Africa to spend an alfresco night with your loved one. Happy travelling! :)

1. Chalkley Treehouse, Lion Sands Game Reserve

Where Is It? Greater Kruger Region, South Africa

Best For: Romantic adventurers keen on a splash of luxury

Lion Sands in the dreamy Sabi Sands Private Game reserve (which forms part of the famous Greater Kruger) offers two beautiful treehouses, where you can spend a night under the stars in ultimate luxury. Whether you choose to stay at hopelessly romantic Chalkley or modern and edgy Kingston, you will experience the same sense of wonder falling asleep to the sounds of the African bush. After your Big 5 game drive your ranger drops you off with a dinner basket filled with gorgeous treats and a 2-way radio so you can reach them at all times. Once they leave, it is just you and beautiful unspoilt bush as far as the eye can see.

For more details about the Kruger Park , including the best times to visit and what to see, click here for The Travel Cafe destination guide.

2. Treehouse Suite, Victoria Falls River Lodge

Where Is It: Victoria Falls , Zimbabwe

Best For: First time safari enthusiasts

Located in the natural beauty of the Zambezi National Park, these elegant double story treehouses create the perfect platform from where to admire the scarlet hues of an African sunset as it illuminates the Zambezi river, while being close enough to the mighty Victoria Falls to hear its thunderous roar in the distance. This treehouse is perfect for first-time safari goers – should you find yourself slightly nervous, you may head to your closed bedroom at anytime, which is conveniently located one floor down. After falling asleep with views of the Milky Way, you can enjoy daytime activities that include Big 5 safaris, champagne river cruises or a swim in the infamous Devil’s Pool on the very edge of the Victoria Falls.

For more details about the Victoria Falls, including the best times to visit and what to see, click here for The Travel Cafe destination guide.

3. Star Suite, Kagga Kamma

Where Is It: Cederberg, South Africa

Best For: Otherworldly remoteness amongst ancient rock formations

Located a mere three hours drive from Cape Town in the hauntingly beautiful Cederberg Mountain range, the Star Suite at Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is a honeymooner’s dream come true. The Star Suite is true open air bedroom nestled underneath a gargantuan overhanging boulder, and boasts all the comforts of a spacious luxury suite, and yet guarantees complete intimacy. Forget about 5 star, this special suite allows you to enjoy million star hospitality while admiring the spectacular views surrounding you. The Cederberg region is famous for its ancient San rock art, and Kagga Kamma is essentially an open-air gallery with hundreds of these beautiful paintings, with some of the art dating back as much as 20,000 years.

For more details about the Cederberg, including the best times to visit and what to see, click here for The Travel Cafe destination guide.

4. Skybeds, Hyena Pan

Where Is It: Moremi, Botswana

Best For: Night-time game viewing at an active waterhole

One of the more rustic lodges in this list, we absolutely love these three-story Skybeds, located in one of Botswana’s prime safari destinations – Moremi. What makes these rooms so amazing, is that they’ve been built in front of an incredibly active waterhole, hidden deep in the Khwai Private Reserve in Botswana. Imagine watching the sun set over the Botswana bush with a glass of something bubbly in your hand, while you watch from your private viewing platform as a heard of elephants come for their own sundowner sip at the waterhole just metres away. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll get the best night’s sleep of your life with all the animal activity around, we can promise you will leave with memories to last a lifetime.

For more details about Moremi, including the best times to visit and what to see, click here for The Travel Cafe destination guide.

5. Little Kulala Camp, Namibrand Reserve

Where Is It: Sossussvlei, Namibia

Best For: Sleepout under the desert sky

The Namib Desert is just about one of our favourite places in the world – wild, timeless and utterly remote. It’s hard to describe the feeling of awe when taking in the highest dunes in the world, in the oldest desert of the world, with sand that almost shimmers in a kaleidoscope of colours. Combine this with a night under the stars and you have a winning combo. Little Kulala offers just that with their 11 beautifully furnished suites, that also boasts a rooftop skybed for a night of glamping under the stars. Treat yourself to a hot air balloon experience and you will 48 hours of day and night magic in Sossussvlei.

For more details about Sossusvlei, including the best times to visit and what to see, click here for The Travel Cafe destination guide.

6. Meno a Kwena

Where Is It: Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

Best For : Authentic cultural encounters

This experience is for the true adventurer at heart. You will quadbike your way to the ancient and remote Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in order to reach your basic little sleep out camp, set up right on the vast shimmering expanses of crusted salt. While very rustic, this will be one of the wildest most magical experiences you will ever live! No need to worry, the lack of water in this region makes life too unhospitable for most animals including even mosquitoes, so you will be absolutely safe and will instead focus on your cultural immersion surrounded by your San bush guides. However, don’t forget to pick your season carefully for this experience, as during the summer rains from December to March those same barren expanses suddenly turn into lush wetlands and a favourite flamingo breeding hotspot!

For more details about Makgadigadi Pans , including the best times to visit and what to see, click here for The Travel Cafe destination guide.

7. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

Where Is It: Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania

Best For: Out-of-this-world treehouse luxury

Forming part of the world-renowned Tanzanian safari circuit, the staggeringly gorgeous Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is situated in the national park it takes its name from. Famous for amazing elephants and lion sightings, this stunning eco-friendly lodge consists of nine spacious and luxurious treehouse suites, suspended high off the ground amongst the tree canopy. If you are looking for sophistication and elegance while conducting a spectacular East African safari, this is the treehouse for you. From the safety of your suspended deck, you can enjoy a private gourmet dinner, paired with an extraordinary selection of wines and liquors, while watching as elephant and other visitors go about their lives below you.

8. Tok Tokkie, NamibRand Nature Reserve

Where Is It: Namib Desert, Namibia

Best For: Up-close exploring the Namib desert on foot

Whereas the other experiences in this list are more accommodation focussed, Tok Tokkie is a three-day hiking trail that leads you to some of the most pristine and remote corners of the staggeringly beautiful Namib desert. The trail is not physically demanding, and can easily be done by anybody with a reasonable amount of fitness, and you only carry a light daypack. During the day your expert guide will point out fascinating facts about the nature and wildlife, while at night you’re treated to a sumptuous feast amidst the dunes, surrounded by desert wilderness and utter quiet. Falling asleep in your cozy campbed as you watch the Milky Way tilt from one horizon to the other, and watching a lonely oryx saunter through the dunes at sunrise, helps make this one of The Travel Cafe’s most unforgetable experiences in Africa.

For more details about Sossusvlei, including the best times to visit and what to see, click here for The Travel Cafe destination guide.

9. Ruckomechi Starbed

Where Is It: Mana Pools, Zimbabwe

Best For: The quintessential armchair safari experience

Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe , where Rukomechi is located, is the up and coming star in the African safari circuit. For now it is still a hidden gem, largely unknown by the greater public, but Rukomechi has perfected the art of the armchair safari. The area is so rich in game, guests at Rukomechi often choose to forego the safari drives altogether and just spend lazy days at the lodge, sipping on G&Ts, and observing the wildlife all around you.

Our favourite way of spending an evening at Rukomechi is to first spoil yourself with an outdoor bath with a view of the surrounding bush, before retreating to your romantic starbed – perched among the branches of a gorgeous Ana tree and overlooking a busy waterhole.

10. Baines' Camp Botswana

Where Is It: Okavango Delta, Botswana

Best For: Game viewing while enjoying an outdoors bath

Romantic and yet unassuming, Baines' Camp is blessed with one of the best locations in Botswana, right in the heart of the spectacular Okavango Delta, The Travel Cafe’s number one favourite safari destination. The lodge consists of six suites, all raised on stilts and wooden walkways, for sublime views of the Boro River below, home to a pod of hippos and the main source of water for dozens of other species coming to quench their thirst, which makes for first class game viewing. Each of the suites not only boasts a beautiful outdoor bathtub, but allows you to wheel your bed out onto the deck, for a unforgettable outdoor Okavango Delta experience. Baines' Camp’s rangers have become friends with the local elephant herd, so don’t miss out on some friendly elephant interaction during your safari of a lifetime.

For more details about the Okavango Delta , including best times to visit and what to see click here for The Travel Cafe overview.

11. Bisate Lodge

Where Is It : Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Best For : Architectural elegance and gorilla encounters

While the six stunning thatched forest villas at Bisate Lodge do not technically qualify as treehouses, they blend into their lush forest setting that we felt they deserved an honoury mention in this list.

Bisate is true a masterpiece – combining quirky, traditional and contemporary elements to create a unique lodge showcasing the beauty of the Rwandan rolling forested hills. What we love most about Bisate, is the depth of the experience. Not only do you spend your days exploring the breath-taking Rwandan landscapes, meeting forest gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys – which is already an extremely rewarding experience. But by staying at this lodge, you also become part of far deeper and more transformative journey by connecting with the local community in a meaningful way, planting a tree as part of a reforestation project have a positive transformational impact become part of a positive change.

12. Malori Starbed, Tswalu Kalahari Reserve

Where is It: Kalahari Desert, South Africa

Best For: Desert sleep-outs in the lap of luxury

“Malori” is the Tswana word for “dreamer”, and there is no denying that the Malori Starbed is one of the most dreamy destinations on the African continent. This truly is the epitome of African romantic luxury. Not only are you spoilt with top-end service and accommodation, but you also get to enjoy the ultimate luxury of raw nature, endless space and starry skies that stretch from horizon to horizon. Priceless! Located deep in the remote und unexplored Northern Cape of South Africa, this is the best place in the world to see the extremely endangered pangolin, along with aardvark, cheetah, brown hyena and some other rare desert species you seldom (if ever!) encounter at other safari destinations. The Malori Starbed will offer you a truly decadent under-the-stars experience with every detail lovingly taken care of by your private butler. Pictures truly cannot do justice to this once in a lifetime treat.

For more details about the Kalahari region, including best times to visit and what to see click here for The Travel Cafe overview.

13. Milky Way Star Bed, Samara Private Game Reserve

Where Is It : Great Karoo, South Africa

Best For: Honeymoon couples looking for once-in-a-lifetime safari experience

The Great Karoo is a vast arid semi-desert that takes up most of central South Africa. It is a hauntingly beautiful part of the country that many visitors never get to experience, but definitely deserves your attention. At first the Karoo might appear harsh – barren, vast, almost inhospitable. But beneath this severe outer shell is a magical charm that will truly bewitch you, and at The Travel Cafe we are huge Karoo fans. Samara’s Milky Way Star Bed is the ultimate destination to experience the Karoo’s beauty, ancient landscapes and rich history. A night spent on this sleep-out platform will stay with you the rest of your life. From the strikingly beautiful Karoo sunset to the billions of stars, planets and sattelites visible from the comfort of your romantic four poster bed, while cuddling with your beloved.

14. Treehouse, Tongabezi

Where Is It: Victoria Falls, Zambia

Best For: River safaris near the largest waterfall in the world

Perched on the banks of the Zambezi river, the setting of Tongabezi’s Treehouse is fairy-tale-perfect! Built amongst the branches of an old ebony tree, this charming chalet offers the perfect mix between old world charm and modern comforts. The house is entirely open-planned for incredible views of the river below. Spend a day exploring the mighty Victoria Falls, embark on a unique river safari and finish your day by relaxing in your open-air bathtub, before falling asleep to the sounds of some elephants coming for a sip or a lonely hippo grunting in the distance.

For more details about the Victoria Falls, including the best times to visit and what to see, click here for The Travel Cafe destination guide.

#PostCovidCations

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 14:25:34 GMT

As lockdown restrictions continue to ease in South Africa, we are finally able to indulge in our favourite passion: TRAVEL!!! ��☀️✈️

Where did we choose to go for our very first #postCovidcation? To the Cederberg Wilderness Area, one of jewels in CapeNature 's crown. Located about 4hrs drive from Cape Town, this is a spectacularly beautiful and utterly unspoilt part of South Africa renowned for:

- Towering rock arches

- Otherwordly stone formations ⛰️

- Ancient Khoisan rock art dating back 10,000+ years

- Very precious wild leopards that roam free in the mountains ��

- World class rock climbing ��‍♀️

- Jaw-droppingly beautiful stargazing ��

At The Travel Cafe we love sharing unspoilt destinations that are so far off the beaten track, you don't generally see them in travel agents' cookie-cutter tours. The Cederberg is easy to combine with a visit to Cape Town, Safari destinations, Victoria Falls, the Garden Route and the West Coast village of Paternoster.

François and JD had the best time ever, and snapped away like crazy. Click through the photo album to dig deeper, or visit our dedicated Cederberg destination page .

Are you ready to plan some #postcovidcations? Hit us up , we'd be happy to help you discovery the most stunningly beautiful parts of the African continent.

South Africa is Travel Ready

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 13:37:31 GMT

"When will I again be able to travel to South Africa?" is the one question we've heard more than any other since Covid-19 caused borders to shut and airlines to be grounded.

And although we do not have 100% confirmation yet, according the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, the country may be ready for international travel as early as 1 September 2020! Woohooo!!! �� The local tourism industry is working very hard to make sure we can welcome visitors for the summer season (September to March), while ensuring safety from a Covid-19 perspective.

We'll keep you posted when we hear more, but in the meantime we're crossing our fingers and looking forward towards a reopening to international tourism on 1 September ��

PS: JD is feeling especially hopeful since his birthday is on 1 September and is certain this is a good luck omen (not to mention a wonderful birthday gift) ��

Level 3 Bonus

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Today we at The Travel Cafe, like the rest of South Africa are feeling tremendously hopeful for the future as we enter the next stage of deconfinement after our strict lockdown.

After what feels like forever (in actuality 2 months and 4 days to be precise), South Africa has finally moved to the next stage today - Level 3. A major bonus of Level 3 is that we can again go for long walks and runs in our beloved Table Mountain National Park, which we've missed like crazy! A seco nd huge advantage is that business travel is allowed under Level 3, so airlines and hotels can start operating again (with the required safety measures in place of course). We look forward to general travel resuming very soon :-)

The SA Government introduced a 5-Level system in April based on the country's infection rate and ability to cope with Covid19 infections. In the system, Level 5 = complete lockdown and Level 0 = no lockdown whatsoever. We moved to Level 4 on 1st May, and now SA moved down to Level 3. Woohoo!!!!

PS: The real reason why everybody is feeling hopeful, however, is because SA can from today again buy alcohol, after that was prohibited under Level 5 and 4 ��

# TableMountainNationalPark

Crowdfunding For a Warm Meal

Fri, 15 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

In many ways the greatest Covid19 victims in South Africa are the many thousands who are healthy - but utterly destitute.

Two months of # southafricalockdown means no income, and no food. Literally unable to feed themselves or the many other hungry mouths around the dinner table. As if life wasn't already hard enough, even before a virus turned the world inside out.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*
We are already over half-way with our crowdfunding target!! :-) Can we have a little push from our friends? Pretty please?
Can you spare £1, $1 or €1 to put a warm bowl of soup and some bread in someone's hand? Or maybe a little more?
*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Through Isibane se Afrika Afrika, the choir-for-a-change we care for deeply, and with your help, we can truly reach hundreds.

�� ❤ �� ❤ �� Click Here to Donate �� ❤ �� ❤ ��
https://gogetfunding.com/whataboutussa/

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
François, JD
And The Travel Cafe Team

Covid - 19 Flights Rebooking

Mon, 11 May 2020 11:00:23 GMT

Pulling your hair out with frustration to get your flights sorted following Covid-19? �� We know the feeling! Which is why we pooled all our experience of changing dozens of flights into one convenient page to help travellers across the globe. Please share - this can hugely help your friends and family # taketotheskiesagain .

www.thetravelcafe.capetown/covid19-rebooking

# insidertravel # thetravelcafecapetown # covid19 # coronavirusflight # flightrebooking

#locationworthy: Location 5 - The Karoo

Fri, 08 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

During these weeks of confinement, JD has been hankering for one space more than any other: The Karoo.

With its wide open plains, vistas that stretch to the horizon, striking sunsets and warm people this semi-arid region that covers much of South Africa's interior is this country's equivalent to the Outback.

It is here you will find Samara Private Game Reserve , our 5th and final # lockdownworthylocation . And as far as JD is concerned - with this incredible feeling of space - it takes his top spot (François being more of a water-baby prefers Paternoster �� ) and is the first place he will head to for a # postcovidcation

Click through the gallery for the wonderful photos shared by Samara's GM Marnus of how they've been keeping busy during lockdown.

Creative Spirit

Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

As South Africa takes its very first few steps towards the easing of lockdown restrictions on 1st May 2020, we'd like to take a moment to salute the wonderful creative spirit of our country and beyond.

All around the world, ordinary people have discovered new talents or rediscovered old hobbys. While here at The Travel Cafe JD and Francois have focussed on our yoga and reached new heights of culinary skills, it pales in comparison compared to what our brilliant and talented S outh African designers and artists have been up to. ��

From fashion designers to fine art artists, we bring you a first glimpse of new proudly South African made-during-lockdown masterpieces. For the fashion conscious, we have included some of the the most fashionable facemasks you can buy ��

At the Travel Cafe we offer our heartfelt thanks to all these artists, who have put solidarity over profit at this time and have committed a portion of every sale to help the countless Africans in need. We hope flicking through these photos inspires you as much as it inspired us

#locationworthy: Location 4 - The Victoria Falls

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The Victoria Falls are at their highest level in decades following a serious drought, making this our next # Lockdownworthylocations !

Be sure to visit our Instagram account for more spectacular images of the Falls in full flow, especially since no tourists are allowed to visit during the lockdown.

We are beyond happy to see the Falls and the Zambezi River looking so healthy, and cannot wait to visit again in the very near future!

#lockdownworthy: Location 3 - The Greater Kruger Region

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

# Lockdownworthy Location Number 3: The Greater Kruger Region

There's nothing normal about a "normal day in the office" for Dr. Joel Alves, who spends his days removing snares from wild dogs, collaring elephants, transporting lions by airplane or darting rhinos from a helicopter. Even during lockdown in South Africa, Joel continues with his extremely valuable wildlife conservation work as an essential worker – making us more than a little envious to be able to roam about the b eautiful Greater Kruger Park region, which is definitely a # lockdownworthylocation .

“Smack bang in the middle of lockdown I was called to dart two sub-adult cheetah. They had gone missing for about 5 weeks and were suddenly spotted (excuse the pun) out of the blue," Joel told The Travel Cafe. I rushed to the reserve and we were able to safely immobilise them and move them into a temporary holding facility where they will be held until their translocation to a new reserve.” According to Joel Cheetah are translocated between reserves to ensure the best genetic health of cheetah populations on small fenced reserves across the country.”

Show Joel some love and follow his fascinating Instagram profile @the_conservation_vet. Planning a # postcovidcation to South Africa? Get in touch with us The Travel Cafe Cape Town to design an itinerary that includes life-changing wildlife conservation experiences.

#Lockdowngame

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Let’s play a little # lockdowngame . It might not bring you fame, but fun is guaranteed. The rules are simple. The aim is sweet. It goes something like this: Where oh where in the world is this? �� ✈️ ��

Hint #1: You’ll find this paradise in Africa

Special prize to the first correct guess �� . If more than one person gets the right answer, they will enter into a draw - so get your entry in! Be as specific as possible ��

#Locationworthy: Location 2 - Paternoster

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

# Lockdownworthy Location 2: Paternoster, South Africa

Just more than an hour’s drive from Cape Town is the picture-perfect village of Paternoster, with its quaint white-washed fisherman cottages, beautiful blonde beach and deep blue Atlantic surf.

It is here that Abraham is currently spending his lockdown "manning the fort", which definitely makes us a little green with # lockdownenvy . Abraham is general manager at the strikingly gorgeous Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel , and gets to spend his lockdown soaking up stunning vistas of the beach that guests often have to go on a waitlist to experience.

“I love Paternoster, because here you can leave the world behind,” says Abraham. "Here, heaven meets earth on the shores of the Atlantic. It is not another place, it is another world.” Not surprising, Paternoster and the West Coast is our top-pic for a # postcovidcation to get rid of all cabin fever when all of this is behind us. In the meantime, we can

# paternoster # westcoast # lockdownworthylocation

#Lockdownworthy: Location 1 - Botswana

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Where do you consider to be #lockdownworthy !? In what place could you quite happilly spend 21 days (or even longer) and love every second of it?

Like you, we quickly came to the stark realisation that not all lockdown locations are equal. We might be stuck in a postage-size house (that’s François, JD, Nanny Portia, our daughter Isabella and our adorable mix-breed mutt Charlie all cramped together). But let's be honest, some people got a much better deal than others for spending lockdown.

Which is why over the next few days we’ll be sharing with you our 5 ultimate #lockdownworthy locations. These are places where real people we know and work with through The Travel Cafe, are currently spending their lockdown. Today’s pick: Botswana ! �� And oh wow, what a treat you’re in for! Those ellies frolicking in the water is just PURE JOY (check out the full video on Insta @thetravelcafecapetown), it's well worth it!

For the last two years Botswana has been struck badly with drought. We are beyond excited to let you know that thanks to very good rains, the water levels are rising beautifully! Thankfully the rains arrived just in time for high season (June/July) by which time all the travel bans will hopefully be lifted�� . We can’t wait to indulge our wanderlust again following this virus with a quick #postcovidcation ��

Thank you so much to Fasiega from Wilderness Safaris for sharing with us this footage captured by the staff at the gorgeous @JaoCamp and @MomboCamp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. WOW!!! What wonderful footage.

We could definitely - and quite happily so - spend the entire lockdown there! What location do you think is #lockdownworthy ? Let us know below��

#thetravelcafecapetown #okavangodelta #botswana2020 #wildernesssafaris

LOCKDOWN WORKOUT

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Just because our bodies aren't allowed to leave the house, doesn't mean we can't still travel with our minds! :-) We've been working out at home every morning during lockdown, with breathtaking images of Cape Town as our background �� ⛹‍♂ ��‍♀ �� .

You can check out the really cool workout mix here featuring our beautiful Mother City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Ybk59-ztY .

How are you staying fit and healthy during confinement? Share please!

AMY FOUNDATION

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

You have to love the power of "Word Of Mouth"! :) My Dutch friend Annelies recently asked me to nominate a worthwhile charity for a donation they wanted to make to help children in Africa. I straightaway thought of Amy Foundation South Africa ! And here we go. Donation done ✅ The money was so well received, appreciated and even more needed now with the 21-day lockdown. If you want to contribute & empower youngsters, aged 5 – 35 yrs from challenging and vulnerable communities in South Africa, visit www.amyfoundation.co.za , they do such wonderful work!

COVID - 19 LOCKDOWN

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

We have to stay home today. So we can travel tomorrow. But know this: when things clear up and you can visit us, we'll welcome you with open arms. Our beautiful African sunshine will remain undiminised, our spectacular natural scenery as gorgeous, our people as warm and caring, our wildlife as abundant as always. But to travel tomorrow, we have to stay home today. Much love from The Travel Cafe Cape Town during Covid-19 lockdown. #stayhomesa #stayhome #covid19 #ilovesouthafrica

COVID-19

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

There is no denying that we live in challenging times, as Coronavirus/Covid-19 continues to sweep through the world. This evening South Africa's president announced "drastic measures" to curb the spread of the disease during a national address.

This includes a travel ban on nationalities from "high-risk countries" including the UK ��, Spain �� and France ��. Currently Namibia ��, Botswana ��, Zimbabwe ��, Zambia �� and Tanzania �� have not announced any travel bans.

To our guests who were due to arrive in SA in the coming weeks, rest assured that we will work closely with you to find the best workable solution for you in these challenging times.

Please also visit our dedicated Coronavirus page on our website here: www.thetravelcafe.capetown/coronavirus

To guests for whom we have designed beautiful itineraries due to travel in 2+ months, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you posted on any changes that might affect your travel plans ✈��.

Let's hope that strict measures like these - challenging though they may be - will help bring the spread of this virus to a swift halt.

In the meantime know that our spectacular natural scenery, beautiful wildlife and undiminishable African spirit will still be here, and waiting for you, as soon as the travel ban is lifted ��❤��.

Making Dreams Come Alive

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Big thank you �� Valentin and Pauline for mentioning Le Travel Café in your wonderful souvenir video after your trip �� to South Africa ��. I allow myself to share it on our page to let all our future customers see what they are waiting for ��! We hope to see you again very soon in ��, Namibia ��, Botswana ��, Victoria falls or why not Tanzania ��. Good luck!

Click the link below to view the video:

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DAVEDSRS1Sxg%26fbclid%3DIw...

At The Right Place At The Right Time

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Well hello there Flipper! How lucky were our guests from France/Switzerland this morning, right!? Seeing wild dolphins, wales, sharks and all the other beautiful marine creatures in their unspoilt habitat is always a pleasure.

For Valentin & Pauline it was the perfect cherry on the cake to finish a 10-day adventure that included Johannesburg, Blyde River Canyon & Kruger Park. Cape Town has so much to offer that we always recommend a minimum of ideally no less than 5 nights, and as many as 10 in the city and surrounds.

Thanks for sharing Valentin!

Journey To The Origins Count Down

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

We could not be more excited for the retreat adventure we are planning with Edward in the beautiful Cederberg Wilderness area of South Africa. It is going to be sooooo special with everything we have lined up! ��

This! This is what guests on the Journey to Origins retreat will be enjoying: ultimate peace and luxury glamping and gorgeous colourful food. Everything you nee d to pause, relax and press reset.

Imagine waking up in your private tent in the middle of the wilderness, the sounds of nature around you, the sun gently waking you from a deep and restful sleep.

Then imagine making your way to a gorgeous breakfast table set up in nature, covered in colourful fruits, juices, smoothies and more.

The Travel Cafe are planning something truly magical for us, designed specifically to support the personal transformation and self-discovery that will take place over the 5 nights and 6 days of the retreat, for optimum relaxation, rejuvenation and integration.

Curious? Try a free guided visualisation to see whether the retreat is right for you, or get in touch to have a friendly chat.

More info at edwardpike.net/retreat . Link in bio.

The Reason Why We Love What We Do

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

This is why we LOVE what we do. No matter how many beautiful adventures we design, we ALWAYS get a kick out of the happy smiles of our guests once they've finished an itinerary we created for them... Thank you SO much for your beautiful words Mary ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Pack For A Cause

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

This Christmas we feel super grateful for all the lives we’ve been able to touch, thanks to our generous guests. ��❤️��

When guests book a holiday to South Africa �� through The Travel Cafe Cape Town, we share our “Pack For A Cause” list with them, with some items that are badly needed in the poor communities (pens, soccer balls, sports gear, sanitatry pads, books...) and give them the option to fill a bit of spare space in their suitcase with these items. We’ve been so touchedby how many guests have taken us up on our invitation to be a force for good.

Thank you from our heart to yours for helping us touch so many peoples’ lives. You won’t believe the difference items we take for granted makes. ��

Special thanks to Isabela from Canada ��, Celine and Sylvia from Belgium ��, Denise, Christiane & Marie-Pierre from France ��, Mary from UK ��and many many more for your amazing generosity.

If you want to know more about the charities we are helping, visit our landing page

Return To Origin Retreat

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

At The Travel Cafe HQ, François and I often talk to the team about "creating travel magic". ��✨�� Because that is truly what we set out to do when we design a new adventure or holiday itinerary for our guests. But never before have we created magic like the beautiful Return To Origin Retreat that we co-conceived with our great friend, the inspirational Edward Pike . Check it out here: http://www.thetravelcafe.capetown/retreat .

Next April we will transport 12 fortunate individuals to an ancient and rugged Wilderness Area for an experience they will remember the rest of their lives.

For 6 Days and 5 Nights guests will stay in an exclusive glamping camp ⛺️, booked in its entirety just for our tribe from all corners of the earth, while working through some transformational experiences.

Highlights include the following:

- Jaw-droppingly beautiful landscape in the Cederberg Wilderness Area, a region so removed from city life that leopards still roam wild in its more secluded kloofs ��

- Ancient rock art dating back more than 20,000 years to our earliest human ancestors ��

- Otherworldly rock formations that turn a shade of burnt ochre in the setting African sun. ��

- Transformational teaching from three talented and skilled practitioners incl. sound therapy, conscious dance and body-mind-spirit work. ❤️

- Traditional African drumming, crackling bonfires, and surrendering to the infinite silence of the mountains. ��‍♂️

- Disconnecting from the outside world ��, and reconnecting with your deeper self. ��

If this sounds like something that resonates with your heart, or that you feel somebody else might be able to benefit from, then please send us a direct message or comment below, and we will word you a beautiful ebrochure with more details. In the meantime you can read more about this spectacular event here: http://www.thetravelcafe.capetown/retreat .

Much love,
JD

Enjoying Sundowners with Our Guests

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

There are many things we love about our job (if you can call it a “job” to make people’s travel dreams come true). But top of the list must be hanging out with our guests when they arrive in Cape Town ❤️ �� ☀️

Tonight we actually got to enjoy sundowners �� with two different travel groups, Iron from Netherlands �� and Celine & Sylvia from �� Belgium. Summer is in the air, I wonder which country flag we’ll welcome next ��

🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 GO BOKKE!!! 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

Sat, 02 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Everywhere you turn in South Africa at the moment it’s just green and gold, the official colours of the Springbok national team who are playing the Rugby World Cup final today.

We couldn’t be prouder of our boys taking on England, regardless of the outcome (though we are definitely crossing our fingers for a win, obviously �� ). One Team, One Nation. Go Bokke!

Hike Up Devils Peak

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 11:18:51 GMT

We started the new year very much on a high - quite literally at 1,011m - with an early morning hike up Devil's Peak.

Many overseas visitors only ever think about hiking up Lion's Head, but if you fancy getting away from the droves to get some solitude, we highly recommend this hike instead. We only came across 6 walkers all morning (whereas Lion's Had probably had a few hundred today) and we had the summit all to ourselves - UTTER BLISS!

May 2019 be a year that takes you to new heights and be one filled with adventure, joy and incredible travels.

Heritage Day Spent With The VIP Guests

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Today we celebrated Heritage Day in South Africa, and we did so in proper royal style. Literally ��

So, so proud that the township choir we support and champion as one or our Giving Back Projects, Isibane se Afrika , was asked to perform for Prince Harry and Meghan Merkle during their state visit to SA ❤ ️ ��

Oh how we loved watching the choir share some local Xhosa heritage with the royals and many other VIP guests. François and I truly feel beyond priviledged to live in such a beautifully diverse country.

!Ke e: // xarra /ke! = Diverse People Unite

Great Feedback Means Happy Clients & That Is One Of Our Aims.

Sun, 22 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

It is messages like this text from Lorenzo that makes us love what we do so much, and makes all the hard work we put in worthwhile. ��

We received the brief �� from Lorenzo and Sara to design a 10 day holiday for them to see Cape Town, the Winelands, visit Cape Point and the penguins, and see the whales. ☀ ️ ��

It was such a joy to share so many beautiful parts of our city and country with them. And knowing this was ”the best journey they ever had, more beautiful than their ho neymoon” is the best feeling in the world for us!!! ��

We are so grateful that our business is to make your African travel dreams come true ��❤ ️

The Biggest Green Canyon In The World!

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

After an amazing week of safari and game drives, it's time to head home. But not before visiting one of the region's most spectacular sights - Blyde River Canyon.

It is a breathtaking sight! Although this the 3rd biggest canyon in the world - after Grand Canyon in the US and Fish River Canyon in Namibia - both of which are in very arid regions, giving it very unique bragging rights for its "green" status.

Staying at the spectacular umVangati House with its endless views of the canyon, was definitely one our adventure's most special highlights.

We hope you enjoyed our little break to the Kruger Region. Fancy visiting SA and seeing it with your own eyes? You will not be disappointed. Get in touch and we'd be happy to share the best of our beautiful continent with you.

Adventure In Timbavati & Balule

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

From the southern parts of Kruger we’ve driven further north to Balule and Timbavati. Both of these private game reserves are also part of the “Greater Kruger”, just like Sabi Sands, and are connected to the Kruger National Park without any fences which gives you the chance to see the same animals.

One of the huge advantages of the reserves in the north are that they are extremely easily accessible thanks to Hoedspruit air port, which boasts direct flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg. These reserves are also home to some incredibly budget-friendly lodges that are huge on value but don’t skimp on the game drive experience.

We’ve been thrilled to see cheetah, lion, loads of elephant, civet, amazing birdlife, hyena, giraffe, buffalo, scores of antelope and more. On our last game drive we were treated to one of the most amazing safari experiences ever - but more about that later. It truly deserves a post of its own ��

Lions, Lions & More Lions

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

There are many things that’s amazing about being in the bush. Internet connection is not one of them, hence the slight delay ��

We are SO in love with the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve �� The wildlife is off the charts, with phenomenal sightings of lion, elephant, buffalo, all sorts of antelope, giraffe and more. Especially amazing was a herd of elephant that was hanging around for ours at our lodge, the stylish Lion Sands.

Many guests asks us: Do I really need to go to a private reserve, or can I just go to Kruger. The answer is, if you have a short amount of time and want close-up encounters, without a doubt head to a private reserve.

The expert trackers and rangers of private reserves can find way more animals than you can on your own, and because they are allowed to go off-road for Big 5 sightings, you can get extremely close to these beautiful creatures.

Enjoy the photos! ��

Kruger Region: Panoramas, Waterfalls & Leopards

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Oh wow, what an amazing start to our road trip! We've only just begun, and already seen so many amazing animals and beautiful sights ��

Today we took the car (we decided to drive to take in more of the scenery and see some new sights). Our first stop was the adventure town of Graskop, where we tried out the new Graskop Gorge Lift, explored some of the Panorama Route and continued to our first lodge for the week - Dulini Private Game Reserve.

Amazing Safaris

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

��☀��

Fancy joining us for an adventure in the Kruger region? Then check out our posts over the next 7 days ��

The two of us will be heading to this iconic safari destination to do some research - you know, checking out amazing new lodges, spotting loads of wild animals while on safari, eating gorgeous food. It's a tough life, we know �� Oh the lengths we go to for our guests to ensure they have the bestest time ever while in Africa! ��

Is there anything you'd like to know about Kruger, what animals you can see there, when the best time is to go, how much it costs, how it compares to Botswana or Namibia, anything else? Then drop us a comment below
��

In the meantime keep your eyes open for regular updates on our adventure and new discoveries.

Warm and sunny regards from Pretoria,
François & JD

Never Take Water For Granted

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Cape Town's dams are filled to bursting! Two years ago our beloved hometown suffered a serious freak drought, and the media beamed the depressing images of empty dams across the world and talked of "day zero" when our taps would run dry ��

We are happy to tell you that after amazing rainfall (and our rainy season isn't even over yet), our dams are looking better than ever. Some of them are even overflowing! Of course you won't read this on the front page of your local newspap er - we get it, the media faaaaar prefers negative news - but we just had to share this happy turn of events with you. And we hope you will help us share it with the rest of the world �� .

Never again will we take water for granted �� , and the good water-saving habits we adopted during the drought will continue. There is no denying that globally our water supply is under tremendous strain and we all need to do our part. But know this: Cape Town has plenty of water to welcome all the beautiful people from across the world to our shores! ☀�� ✈

Hope to see you here soon ��

SATSA - Official Wesgro Cape Town Etc CapeTownMagazine.com Love Cape Town

We Look Forward To Seeing You In the Near Future

Sat, 10 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

As much as we enjoy having lovely interns at The Travel Cafe Cape Town, it does break our heart a little when they leave ��. Thank you Audrey for your amazing work these past two months, you helped us sooooo much! And we also had loads of fun showing you around and letting you see why we are so crazy about this place. We will miss you! ❤️��☀️

Charities we support at The Travel Cafe Cape Town

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 14:57:40 GMT

Different Ways We Give Back

Many companies talk about "social responsibility" and that time they painted the wall of a local school. Perhaps they even built a school. Such actions are nice, but do they lead to lasting change? We don't believe they do. Because who will run the new school when the patron leaves? Has the local community learned how to build other schools, or even how to successfully operate and manage a school? Does painting a school wall have a truly positive impact on the community?

At The Travel Cafe Cape Town we have decided not to follow the pattern of handouts, which only strip people of their power. Instead we believe the ultimate way to contribute is by empowering people, and to help them take charge of their own life and their destiny.

That is why we are so proud of the amazing projects on this page which we have been able to work with since we started The Travel Cafe Cape Town. And watch this space, we'll add more projects - as we grow our company so we will also be able to expand our impact.

Check all the charities we support!

Nelson Mandela Day

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Happy Nelson Mandela day! This internationally recognised day - and birthday of the great man himself - is all about doing something good. Something that leaves the world a little bit better, following Madiba's example �� .

How did we at The Travel Cafe Cape Town contribute this year? By adopting the cutest little penguin who had injured his leg. We are super proud that this is just one of several charitable initiatives we champion, and we intend to do even more in the coming year ♥��

For more information on how we work hard to make a difference �� , please have a look here: www.thetravelcafe.capetown/charities .

1. The heart-warming African choir: Isibane se Afrika
2. Philanthropic township tours: Uthando South Africa
3. Empowering women through crafts: Ekhaya Ekasi
4. Adopting a cute little penguin: SANCCOB saves seabirds

Franschhoek The Home Of Delicious Wine & Fabulous Food

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Bon 14 julliet! �� Today we headed to the picturesque village of Franschhoek to celebrate Bastille Day. In fact, Franschhoek in Afrikaans literally translates to “French Corner”, and the locals are mighty proud of their “tradition française”. ��

It was in this gorgeous region that protestant French Huguenots settled when they fled from religious persecution in Europe. With them they brought the skill to make delicious wine, fab food and tasty crêpes. All of which we enjoyed today ��.

Keen to explore the Cape Winelands? Hit us up and we’d be happy to share some of our favourite must-visit finds with you.

Up Close With The King Of The Jungle

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

We just loooooove getting beautiful pictures from our guests while they’re enjoying the African adventure we designed for them, like these stunning shots from Samih & Sarah who are currently on their romantic honeymoon �� in Tanzania. ��☀�� ‍ ♂

The newlyweds wanted to combine a classic safari in the Serengeti and views of Kilimandjaro with some much-deserved downtime on Zanzibar’s beaches, and we were happy to oblige �� . From June to October is our favourite time to visit Ta nzania �� : Pleasant temperatures and little rain in Zanzibar, while the spectacular Wildebeest migration also sweeps across the Serengeti plains.

Have you always dreamed of seeing Kili, going on safari in the Serengeti or chillaxing on Zanzibar? Get in touch with us, and let’s make that dream a reality ��

Voting In The Hopes Of A New Leader

Wed, 08 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Today South Africa has its national election. But perhaps voting in South Africa is more emotional - and less taken for granted - than anywhere else. And as I reflect on the journey of my country, it fills my heart with with joy to see how far we as a nation have come. Do we have some more work to do? Absolutely. But just look how far we've come...

From a nation divided by the amount of melanin in your skin, one that teetered on the edge of civil war, filled with hate and hur t so thick you could cut it. And then in 1994, thanks in large part to the blood sweat and tears of Nelson Rohlihlala Mandela - our beloved Madiba - the country had its first democratic elections. Many people got to cast their vote for the very first time in their life. Not surprising then that we still take the "right to be able to have your say" pretty seriously.

As the country heads to the voting booths today, let's remind ourselves of the spirit of Mandela. The spirit of ubuntu (a Xhosa expression that roughly translates to "all humans are brothers and sisters". May the country select a leader who is pure of intention and filled with a bright vision for who we as a country can become.

Much love,
JD

Wild Coast Has Many Stunning Blonde Beaches

Sun, 28 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Whoa! What a spectacular trip we’ve just returned from all along the Wild Coast. Stretching roughly between East London and Durban (see the map image), it is hands-down the most unspoilt coastline in SA with beautiful blonde beaches where you are often the only soul in sight. Anybody want to escape with us next time for a digital detox? ��

We Look Forward To The Next One

Sat, 20 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

This weekend Cape Town is buzzing with thousands of runners ��‍♂️��‍♀️taking part in the Two Oceans Marathon #OMTOM2019 . Known as “the most beautiful marathon in the world”, it covers some truly breathtaking stretches ��⛰. Of course the two of us had to take part in the fun and completed a beautiful off-road trail race against the slopes of the mountain. Our legs may be aching like crazy ��, but our hearts are full with pride ♥️��

Stunning Creatures

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Many of our guests can't wait to spot the "Big 5", but when they arrive they're blown away by how many other amazing animals you get to see on just one trip to South Africa. Who knows the proper names of ALL these gorgeous creatures? :-)

We Will Continue To Keep Those Standards High

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Celebration Time!!! We’re feeling super proud that The Travel Cafe Cape Town is the newest member of the South Africa Tourism Services Association ( SATSA - Official ). This milestone means we have met several rather strict criteria to ensure we only deliver the best, safest and most professional service to our guests ��♥️��

A Little Further Off The Beaten Track

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

First time visitors to SA understandably want to check off heavyweights attraction like Cape Town, Kruger and the Garden Route first. But there are so many jewels a little further off the beaten track that justify a second or third trip to this beautiful country.

Namaqualand and the Karoo is one such area with its wide open plains where you can just stop. And breathe. Feeling super grateful for the opportunity to reconnect and recharge in such beautiful surroundings.

Top 9 Most Romantic African Wedding Locations

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

As destination weddings in Southern & Eastern Africa continue to explode in popularity, we've hand-picked the most romantic, iconic and down-right special African locations to say "I do".

When you consider how blessed this region is with achingly beautiful locations, not to mention a very favourable value-for-money options and a good sprinkling of the exotic, and it really isn't hard to see why so many couples opt to say "I do" on our shores.

At The Travel Cafe we love helping couples and wedding guests plan all things travel-related on and around the Big Day: From daytrips and excursions for the wedding party to extensive trips for guests through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Victoria Falls and further afield before or after the wedding. And then there’s our favouritest favourite: designing unforgettable honeymoons for the newlywed lovebirds. For more details of our wedding-focussed services please click here

So here you have it, our hand-picked Top 9 venues and locations for tying the knot - from heart-thumpingly gorgeous desert beaches and remote tropical islands to the ultimate bush wedding locations. And aren’t they just dreamy!? Do you have a favourite that you feel we definitely should have included? Let us know!

1. Wolwedans

Where: NamibRand Nature Reserve, Namibia

Why: Complete solitude in a spectacular sea of sand

As the heels of your wedding shoes sink into the warm ochre sands of the ancient Namib desert, you gaze out from under the white and gold temporary chapel that has been erected here, in the middle of absolutely nowhere, just for you Big Day. In the distance a pair of regal Oryx antelope trot across the horizon This is Wolwedans, a spectacularly beautiful and unique lodge in Namibia’s NamibRand Nature Reserve, one of the most remote places on earth. With its six unique camps, Wolwedans is as special as locations get with endless vistas, a bright blue sky etched against the backdrop of rust-coloured dunes, and a type of silence that seems sacred.

2. Bosjes Estate

Where: Tulbagh, Western Cape Winelands
Why: Striking architecture and jaw-dropping mountain setting

At first glance the chapel at Bosjes Estate looks like something that landed in this gorgeous Winelands setting somewhere from outer space. But once you step inside this beautiful intimate space it all makes sense. Nestled between two strikingly beautiful mountain ranges, the chapel’s generous use of windows give the wedding couple and guests unparalleled views of the surrounding scenery. We firmly vote this modern chapel South Africa’s most beautiful church.

3. Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve
Where: Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
Why: Magical combination of bush and beach

There are not many places in Southern Africa that can rival Oceana’s unique combination of beach and bush, all nicely wrapped into one spectacularly scenic package. Weddings take place on the beach deck that overlook the flowing dunes and crashing Indian Ocean waves below. Perhaps best of all, for your wedding photographs you needn’t choose between posing on a rugged safari jeep with the bush as your backdrop, or standing barefoot on a pearly white beach – because you can have both!

4. Fundu Lagoon
Where: Pemba Island, Tanzania
Why: Barefoot luxury in a laid-back Robinson Crusoe setting

If your idea of a romantic location is pretending you’re a castaway on a tropical island somewhere in the Indian Ocean, well then look no further than this dreamy lodge. Positioned on the beach of a secluded island just north of Zanzibar off the Tanzanian coast, here you can wiggle your toes into the sand of a tranquil beach during the wedding ceremony, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean lapping just metres away while the bright red hibiscus flowers scattered around you spread their fragrance. Once the nuptials are finished, dive into the gin clear water and enjoy some of the best diving in the world of this property that was recently voted Best Marine Safari in Africa.

5. Tintswalo Atlantic
Where: Hout Bay, Cape Town
Why: Serene ocean setting around the corner from central Cape Town

Widely known as one of Cape Town’s brightest hidden gems, the award-winning 5 star Tintswalo Atlantic is nestled at the foot of Chapmans Peak, with stunning views over Hout Bay harbour and formidable Sentinel Peak within the greater Table Mountain National Park. Wedding ceremonies take place on a deck located at the foot of the ocean, with exquisite views over the bay and mountains beyond. What makes this venue truly special is that it less than 45mins drive from Cape Town, yet it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city with just the sound of the crashing waves lulling you to sleep at night.

6. Moremi Crossing
Where: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Why: Romantic natural waterways makes this Africa’s Venice

If your idea of the dream wedding is gliding in across a waterway in a romantic mokoro dug-out canoe, and saying "I do" while being serenaded by a chorus of wild birds instead of a church choir – then Moremi Crossing is the stuff your dreams are made of. Every year seasonal floods turn the Okavango Delta that surrounds the lodge into a water wonderland with tiny canals crisscrossing the landscape. In Africa water means life, and as the water arrives so does the wildlife. In massive droves. Situated on a tiny, picturesque island, Moremi Crossing is only accessible by chartered flight and the surrounding wilderness is best explored by mokoro, a traditional dug-out canoe.

7. Livingstone Island
Where: Victoria Falls, Zambia
Why: Africa’s most adventurous setting amidst a thunderous cascade

It was on Livingstone Island that British explorer David Livingstone first gasped when he saw the mighty Victoria Waterfalls, exclaiming: “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. And spectacularly beautiful it is, not to mention oh so romantic. With a setting blessed by such natural beauty, it is no surprise that adventurous couples love tying the knot on this tiny island in the middle of the Zambezi river, just metres away from where the Zambezi river thunders and crashes down to the gorge below, sending up huge clouds of mist and painting the sky with many rainbows.

8. Serengeti Tanzania Four Seasons
Where: Seregenti National Park, Tanzania
Why: Exotic wild setting surrounded by Maasai warriors

For the ultimate “Out of Africa” experience, the Serengeti Tanzania Four Seasons is hard to trump. You’ll struggle to find somewhere more exotic, untamed and wild. Yet you’ll never want for luxury at this plush lodge with its 5-star credentials. Here you can experience a true bush ceremony in the Serengeti National Park, amid the security of Maasai warrior. As the sun sets over the African plains the wedding party gathers around a huge bonfire to witness a tribal dance before tucking into a magical bush dinner underneath a canopy of brightly sparkling stars.

9. Bushmanskloof
Where: Cederberg, Western Cape
Why: Rugged natural beauty in an ancient landscape

Nestled among the toes of the strikingly beautiful Cederberg Mountain range, just 5 hours drive from Cape Town, Bushmanskloof is a true gem in South Africa and a multi-award winning retreat for good reason. On your Big Day you can say your vows while admiring the view that extends across the ancient wilderness, steeped in San Bushman heritage, and generously sprinkled with ancient rock art over 10,000 years old. This area is South Africa’s equivalent of an ancient open-air Louvre, so generous were the San with their artwork.

Are you planning a wedding in Southern Africa or Tanzania? Or dreaming of heading here for you honeymoon? Please get in touch, we’d love to help you to have the most amazing time of your life.

Top 9 Romantic Wedding Venues In Africa To Inspire The Hearts

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Know anybody tying the the knot under a heart-thumpingly romantic African sky? Please share this blog with them of our Top 9 most gorgeously romantic wedding venues in Africa to inspire the hearts. JD's favourite is Number 1, but François is sold on Number 6. Which one makes your heart yearn!? �� ❤️

http://www.thetravelcafe.capetown/romanticweddings

We Make Your Dream Trip To Southern Africa Come True

Sun, 30 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

We're often asked: "Why should we use your service when we can book everything ourselves through Booking .com and Tripadvisor!?"

Well, the thing is - although the web has made it possible to easily find accommodation and so on, that is just one small piece in a giant puzzle we build for our guests.

Because we know the region inside out and live "on the ground" the holidays we design for our guests are rich in recommendations of authentic experiences, avoids tourist traps and are always bang up-to-date. We hand-pick activities, scenic routes, Instagrammable pitstops, truly unique eateries and magical moments which all come together to create the holiday of a lifetime.

Can you figure it all out on your own? Maybe, if you're prepared to spend months in-depth researching your trip. Alternatively you can take the short-cut route and let us save you time, hassle, frustration and money. And why wouldn't you? Especially since it DOESN’T COST YOU MORE THAN IF YOU DID IT ALL ON YOUR OWN! ��

But don't take our word for it, you can read here how we've helped other guests have unforgettable holidays in SA, Namibia, Botswana, Victoria Falls and Tanzania.

Isibane se Afrika

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

A year ago we started working with a choir from Khayelitsha township, to help them tap into their potential and have an even bigger positive impact in the community ��. So proud of them today performing at a township senior citizen year-end function ��❤️

Greetings From South Africa’s Heartland - The Karoo.

Sun, 04 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

After a gorgeous few days on safari where we saw the most adorable cheetah furball cubs �� we’re now soaking up the silence of this vast and remote region, recharging our batteries and marvelling at the brightest starry skies imaginable. So contend ��❤️

Happy Birthday The Travel Cafe Cape Town 🎊🎈🎉🎁🎈

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Already one year! Déjà un an ! Un año ya!

Exactly one year ago today, The Travel Cafe Cape Town was born! Armed with little more than a dream to share the most magical parts of Southern Africa with our friends, family and the world at large, these two wide-eyed wanderers took the plunge. And what an incredible journey it has been - welcoming dozens of guests, designing hundreds of eye-opening itineraries, and expanding our business into Namibia and Botswana to Mozambique (and most recently even Tanzania).

Thank you to each and every one of you, our guests - past present and future - for being part of the adventure. For trusting us to help you design an unforgettable experience in what we truly believe is the most beautiful corner of this earth. Without you, The Travel Cafe Cape Town would have no reason to exist.

Enkosi Kakhulu. Baie dankie. Merci beaucoup. Muchas gracias and thank you in all the beautiful languages of the world.

With all our love,
François & JD

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Il y a exactement un an aujourd'hui, le Travel Cafe Cape Town est né! Avec en rêve de partager les parties les plus magiques de l’Afrique australe avec nos amis, notre famille et le monde entier, ces deux vagabonds ont franchi le pas. Et quel incroyable voyage: accueillir des dizaines d'invités, concevoir des centaines d'itinéraires et étendre nos activités en Namibie, au Botswana, au Mozambique (et plus récemment en Tanzanie).

Merci à chaque invité- passé, présent et futur - de faire partie de l'aventure "Travel Cafe". De nous faire confiance, de vous aider à concevoir une expérience inoubliable dans ce que nous croyons vraiment être le plus beau coin de la terre. Sans vous, The Travel Cafe Cape Town n'aurait aucune raison d'exister.

Enkosi Kakhulu. Baie dankie. Merci beaucoup. Muchas gracias et merci dans toutes les belles langues du monde.

Avec tout notre amour,
François et JD

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hace exactamente un año, nació Travel Cafe Cape Town. Con el sueño de compartir las rincones más mágicos de África meridional con nuestros amigos, nuestra familia y el mundo. Estos dos aventureros han dado el paso. Y que viaje tan increíble: bienvenidos a decenas de invitados, diseñocientos de rutas y expandir nuestro negocio a Namibia, Botsuana, Mozambique (y más recientemente en Tanzania).

Gracias a cada invitado - pasado, presente y futuro - por ser parte de la aventura "Travel Cafe", de confiar en nosotros, ayudarnos a diseñar una experiencia inolvidable en lo que realmente creemos que es el rincón más hermoso de la tierra. Sin ti, The Travel Cafe Cape Town no tendría razón de existir.

Enkosi Kakhulu. Dankie Bay. Merci beaucoup. Muchas gracias y gracias en todos los bellos idiomas del mundo.

Con todo nuestro amor,

François y JD

Life is just a bowl of cherries in Cape Town

Tue, 20 Feb 2018 20:37:08 GMT

Especially when that means you get to pick them yourself at Klondyke Farm (which means you only choose the sweetest and ripest ones on the tree). Who has any good cherry recipes for us!? We have a HUUUUUUGE bowl of them to turn into something yummy now

Drone Flight over Camps Bay and Clifton in Cape Town

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Early morning aerial flight for Facebook Live over Camps Bay and Clifton in Cape Town.

Best Tropical Diving in South Africa

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 14:02:34 GMT

Blessed by a coastline that stretches over more than 2,500km, there is no shortage of amazing diving opportunities in South Africa. And while the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Town makes for rather frigid conditions, further up along the North Coast the warm tropical water of the Indian Ocean stand in strong contrast. Here are our favourite diving hotspots for those after a tropical experience.

1. Sodwana : This is the most popular diving spot on the North Coast, and for good reason. There is a great number of reefs to explore ranging from really easy to pretty challenging with an abundance of tropical reef fish, pelagics and the occassional whale, shark and whale shark (especially between October and February). The area also has a really cool chilled out vibe to it. Only downside to diving in these parts is that you have to launch through oftentimes choppy waves and most operators use small “rubber duck” inflatable boats which can take it out of you a bit, but the diving more than makes up for it.

2. Mabibi : Very close to Sodwana and only a little further north on the tropical, humid Indian Ocean coastline in the far north of South Africa. The area is less mainstream than Sodwana and has a quieter more exclusive feel to it. Most diving is along coral reefs with a great variety of hard and soft coral species. Along with the usual reef fish you can see ragged tooth sharks, whales and whale sharks.

3. Mozambique : we highly recommend considering Mozambique as an add-on country to South Africa for any passionate diver - and ideally heading to destinations further north in Moz than just Ponto de Ouro (which is just across from the SA border). Not only does it add a really great exotic flavour with its Portuguese heritage, but the country also has some of the best diving in Southern Africa. The Bazaruto archipelago has been a protected area since the 1970s and has frequent sightings of dolphins, turtle, dugongs and whales and mantas. Other areas in Moz that are worth considering is Inhambane (they’ve got a decent airport too) which is bang in the middle of the humpback whale migration route and the less explored Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Moz with its 27 beautifully unspoiled tropical islands where you can expect to see dugongs, sharks, whales and reef fish in the expansive coral reefs.

4. Aliwal Shoal : Back in South Africa, this popular site is best known for “shark alley” and its rich population of ragged tooth sharks, hammerheads and tiger sharks. The launch is very similar to Sodwana, on an inflatable RIB through the surf but the ride out to the site is a little longer (about 20mins).

5. Sardine Run : One of the greatest migrations of any animal in the world, the annual sardine run is a true natural spectacle that occurs around June and July when massive schools of sardines migrate north along the Indian Ocean coast. Dives are quite shallow (5m to 7m) to see dolphins, whales, sharks, sea birds and fish of prey taking part in this feeding frenzy. This isn’t the easiest or cheapest dive as operators have to constantly adapt depending on where the large schools are and often use helicopters to spot the shoals from the sky to coordinate with the boat crews, but it is truly unforgettable.

Keen to take the plunge and get some diving booked in South Africa? Send us a message now , and one of our travel experts would be happy to share some free tips and advice to make your trip unforgettable. We could even take all the headache out of planning a trip. Once we’ve designed your dream itinerary we’d be happy to help book and finalise everything so you just have to show up and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

5 Table Mountain Secrets You Didn’t Know

flebrun53@hotmail.com (Francois Lebrun) — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:52:42 GMT

From a hidden beach to labyrinths and skeletons, here’s a handful unexpected facts of our favourite mountain.

Table Mountain is the number one show-stopping attraction of Cape Town. Every year just shy of 1 million people make their way to the table’s top by cable car, but here are a few things you didn’t know about the Mother City’s darling…

1. Sandy blonde beach: Cape Town is home to many famous beaches – Camps Bay, Clifton, Blouberg to mention just three – but none of them are more unusual than the one on top of Table Mountain. Located at the far end of the Hely-Hutchinson dam, the bright white sandy stretch is the unexpected by-product of the dam and the powerful South Easter wind working its magic.

2. A rocky maze: High above Camps Bay, Table Mountain has been eroded into a craggy labyrinth of fissures and stone towers up to 5m high. The Tranquillity Cracks are notoriously difficult to reach, but well worth the effort – especially as you are likely to have them all to yourself to enjoy in quiet peace.

3. A trail for skeletons?: While most people head straight for the cable car to go up Table Mountain, but starting in Kirstenbosch at the back of the mountain there’s a far more rewarding option. The trail is pretty strenuous but straightforward, and fine if you’re of average fitness and ok to go slow. Besides, with striking urban vistas like those on offer, you’ll want to pause plenty often.

4. Older than the Alps: Or the Andes, or the Himalayas, or the Rocky Mountains. Coming in at 260 million years old, Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world and was practically already a grandma by the time those other mountains were born. Do you really need further proof that Cape Town rocks (pun definitely intended)?

5. Elephant nephews and nieces: Look carefully in the rocky crevices of Table Mountain and you’re likely to spot a furry creature known locally as a dassie (pronounced dah-see). It might more closely resemble a guinea pig, but the dassie’s closest living relatives are surprisingly elephants and manatees thanks to their tiny tusks, position of their teats and their flat nails.

Have any specific questions about "Table Mountain" and South Africa? Drop us a message and we’ll be happy to help!

To car or not to car

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:51:32 GMT

Should I get a rental car to travel through South Africa?

This is by far one of the questions we receive most frequently, and the short answer is: It depends on where you want to go. The longer answer is: You’ll probably need a car for some of your time in SA, but very likely not for all of it. Allow me to explain.

South Africa doesn’t have anywhere near the public transport infrastructure of Europe and North America, but we are making progress. In Gauteng (the area around Johannesburg and Pretoria) there is the very efficient and safe Gautrain which connects many key areas – including the airport. In Cape Town the MyCiTi rapid bus network does the same, and is a very cost effective way of getting around.

We personally find driving in the city – any city – annoying and impractical. For those inner-city instances when you do need a car, Uber is a great option and is available in Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

If you already know you need to rent a car then check our Car rentals special offers!

Road-tripping in the RSA

So if your trip only involves a week in Cape Town, the Peninsula, Winelands or Gauteng you could manage pretty easily with a combination of public transport, Uber and organised day tours. Planning some road-tripping? Then you’ll definitely need some wheels for at least part of your holiday.

The most popular road trip route by quite some margin starts in Cape Town and heads along the Garden Route to Knysna or further to Port Elizabeth. From there you can either fly onwards to the North for some safari time, or drive back to Cape Town along the alternative Route 62. Unless you go with a package tour, this trip is almost impossible to do without a car. Besides, you’ll likely miss out on all the unique little finds we love and that makes this trip so special.

Have any specific questions about driving in Cape Town and South Africa? Drop us a message or visit our Car rental special offers and we’ll be happy to help!

Is South Africa safe?

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 13:28:49 GMT

Eager to explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world but worried about how safe (or unsafe) it is? Allow us to set your mind at ease.

When reading the UK government’s travel guidelines for South Africa, it is easy to understand why you might want to run in the opposite direction with your tail between your legs. It is one terrifying litany of biblical and modern-day plagues: Terrorist Attacks! Sharks! Gang violence! Ebola! Murder! Rape!

But things are nowhere as bad as the media might like you to believe.

South Africa definitely has its share of challenges – crime being one of them. The divide between those who have lots and those who have very little creates issues, and the country is still working hard (and making good headway) at repairing the scars of the past.

But while crime is something to be mindful about, there is no need for paranoia nor to cross South Africa off your dream destination list. Most incidences of violent crime tend to occur in townships and remote isolated areas far away from normal tourist areas. The situation is not dissimilar to Brazil’s favelas. In fact, local authorities and police go to great lengths to ensure visitors have a pleasant and hassle-free experience, and the areas generally visited by tourists are often far safer than international metropolises like New York and London.

See the latest video from Cape Town tourism https://youtu.be/5rkkvq4ghl4

When travelling in South Africa a few common-sense tips go a long way:

- Don’t be flashy . For all its natural abundance the country has more than its fair share of poverty. Not only is a wallet stuffed with dollars or diamond encrusted fingers not sensible, it’s also insensitive.

- Be aware. This is good advice in any large city around the world, being aware of your surrounds, remaining alert and following your intuition. If a dark and dingy alley gives you the heebie jeebies, avoid it.

- Use common sense. Avoid deserted areas at night (especially if you’re solo), don’t leave valuables in the car (lock them in the boot instead), leave your passport and holiday cash in the hotel safe and use only registered taxis (or even better, Uber).

When travelling through South Africa you do have to think about safety more than, say, when you’re visiting Stockholm. But far from the warzone the media makes it out to be, you memories when visiting our country will far more likely be about the warm people you meet, the stunning natural scenery and the striking wildlife. Not crime.

Have any specific questions about safety in Cape Town and South Africa? Drop us a message and we’ll be happy to help!

The Travel Café Blog

First Namibia Travel Café Mini group March 2026

First ever Namibia Mini group organised by Travel Café

Private Game Reserve VS. National Park🦁🦒

What’s the difference between these two, and which safari option is right for you?

Test Title

What’s the Difference & Which Safari is Right for You?

What is a National Park (NP)?

What is a Private Game Reserve (PGR)?

Examples of Both

Pros & Cons: Private Game Reserves vs. National Parks

Private Game Reserves – Pros:

Private Game Reserves – Cons:

National Parks – Pros:

National Parks – Cons:

Did You Know? Private Reserves Are Often Part of a National Park

The Concept of “Greater Kruger”

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

❄️ WINTER IN SOUTH AFRICA 🇿🇦🏔️

🌿 Did You Know? The Travel Café has an Eco Mountain Lodge in Montagu! 🌿

✨ Your Big Day Should Be About You – Not Logistics ✨

🇿🇦Name a better way to start off your day in Cape Town🌎🧗🏼‍♀️

🌍 TODAY’S DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA 🛶🐘

Your dream destination awaits!!!🌎✨

THROWBACK // SOSSUSVLEI & THE NAMIB DESERT

🌄 Golden hour at Fish River Canyon—a moment we won’t soon forget.

✨ Tailored Namibia Itineraries — Just for You ✨

🌍 TODAY’S DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA 🦁🌿

Kenya, tailored to you. 🧡🇰🇪

PROCHAIN ​​DÉPART POUR L'AFRIQUE DU SUD 🇿🇦

🌍 TODAY’S DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: SERENGETI, TANZANIA

Etosha // Ghost elephants 🐘🦓

Spitzkoppe & Damaraland ⛰️🌞

Walvis Bay & Swakopmund 🦎🌊

Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert 🐫🏝️

Ghost Town: Kolmanskop 🏚️🏜️

Fish River Canyon in Namibia 🌵🌅

Paddle down Orange River 🚣‍♀️🇳🇦!

Next stop Namibia! 🇳🇦☀️😎🏜️🥰

VOYAGE PETIT-GROUPE AVRIL 2024 🇿🇦

VOYAGE EN AFRIQUE DU SUD ���� ORGANISÉ PAR FRANÇOIS DU TRAVEL CAFÉ CAPE TOWN (groupe de 8 personnes + 1 guide francophone)

Voyages petit-groupe mars 2024 🇿🇦

VOYAGE EN AFRIQUE DU SUD ���� ORGANISÉ PAR LE TRAVEL CAFÉ CAPE TOWN (groupe de 8 personnes + 1 guide francophone)

NEW: We are launching our own Peninsula Tour 🤩🐧

Happy festive season 🇿🇦

Circuits accompagnés décembre 2023 🇿🇦

Donations to Isibane Se Afrika

Circuits accompagnés 17 novembre au 2 décembre 2023 🇿🇦

South Africa's locally grown Rooibos

South Africa: not just your standard safari destination

Pint-sized powerhouse

A safari for every season, and species

Movies and documentaries for an African adventure

Liyana (2 ﻿ 017)

Into the Okavango (2018)

Penguin Town (2021)

Paradise: A family tale (2022)

Aerial Africa (2017)

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

Vanishing Kings: Desert Lions of the Namib (2015)

I am Samuel (2020)

Whale Season is here! 🐋

Dazzling night skies

The Smoke That Thunders🤩

🇫🇷 CIRCUIT ACCOMPAGNÉ - March 2023 🇿🇦

Street art in Cape Town 🇿🇦

❗NEW❗Golden Triangle, All-Inclusive mini group✈️

One of our favourite travel experiences of 2022

🇫🇷 CIRCUIT ACCOMPAGNÉ - NOVEMBRE 2022 🇿🇦 = SUCCÉS 👏🏽

Lune de Miel en Afrique du Sud 🇿🇦

Wonderful Vitamin Sea

Isimangaliso - the “miracle land of lakes”

Kwazulu Expedition

South Africa’s North Coast

CIRCUIT ACCOMPAGNÉ FRANCOPHONE 🇫🇷 - AFRIQUE DU SUD 🇿🇦 - MARS 2023 et NOVEMBRE 2023.

The Conscious Kitchen

Heritage Day in South Africa

We are recruiting!

The Travel Café Cape Town is 5 years old! 🎊🎉

Isibane se Afrika - Rugby Sevens World Cup opening ceremony!

PROCHAIN DÉPART POUR L'AFRIQUE DU SUD 🇿🇦

VOYAGE EN AFRIQUE DU SUD �� ORGANISÉ PAR FRANÇOIS DU TRAVEL CAFÉ CAPE TOWN (groupe de 8 personnes + 1 guide francophone)

VOYAGE EN AFRIQUE DU SUD �� ORGANISÉ PAR LE TRAVEL CAFÉ CAPE TOWN (groupe de 8 personnes + 1 guide francophone)

Liyana (2 017)

Finally! After 15 months, we finally welcomed some Travel Cafe guests from Europe to South Africa ��! Judging by their photos, they are having a grand time in the country right now

It's here...at long last... our beautiful, sparkly, new Travel Cafe intro video ��. And we couldn't be more proud of the final result. ��