Travels with Janet Ellis

Like other members of our group, I felt a little nervous about travelling alone with strangers, but I thought it was a great opportunity to get out there and meet new people. Having lost my husband John in 2020, going on this trip initially took a lot of courage, but I soon found my feet and got to know other travellers, who all had their different reasons for coming along.  

It was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to speak to my wonderful fellow travellers over dinner and hear their fascinating life stories.  

And of course, there is the security of having your Holiday Director to guide the way. You really do start as strangers and leave as friends. And it’s surprising just how many similarities you discover you have with other people – never has the idea of six degrees of separation become more apparent than on this tour! 

Just You revealed all the highlights of South Africa with full on but rewarding days, just what you come to expect with their Classic Tour collection. It’s left me feeling both satisfied but hoping to return. Right now, I’m enjoying delving deeper into some of the history of the Rainbow Nation, reading some of the many books recommended to me along the way. 

Finding our beat (and feet!)   

On our second evening in Cape Town, we enjoyed an evening of vibrant African drumming and dance. This was a fun evening to relax and get to know each other better over dinner while revelling in stellar South African hospitality, before a spectacular performance packed with energy and rhythm. Then it was our turn! 
 
Langa Township Tour 

Visiting Langa, or LA as locals call it, could have been hard . We saw such stark and contrasting living conditions. But our guide, Zsuzi, was open, welcoming, and proud of her birthplace. Gaining this insight and hearing about aspects of the apartheid system really brought home not only the undoubtedly complicated history, but just how recent it is and how it still impacts today.   

Wines to hit a high note  

It’s safe to say that we heartily got on board with our wine tasting encounters, visiting two vineyards in quick succession to discover our favourite reds, whites and even a creamy liqueur. We also met with wine expert, Jason at Van Loveren Estate. He really knows his stuff when it comes to South African wines. And the verdict: there's no such thing as bad wine here! 

The Fab Five  

Move over The Beatles. To read about the Big Five and to live the encounter are two entirely different things of course. The chance to see a lioness resting in the shade of a tree, with not a peep from any of us in the group... Or the moment we heard the trumpet of an elephant in the savannah, while learning fun facts along the way, well it quite simply leaves you wanting to spend more time here! 

Click here to read the full story on Janet's adventures in South Africa.