Africa!!! The start of a trip of a lifetime!

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I've been home a couple of days now, but my time in Africa will stick with me forever! I am so thankful to African Travel Inc for the opportunity to go on this life changing trip to learn so much about South Africa. We went to the Winelands, the Cape, and to two different Safari Camps! I'm looking forward to sharing our adventure with you!

 My adventure began with a drive to the JFK airport on Friday, October 25th. I didn't know anyone, including my roommate for the next 8 nights, so that in itself was going to be an adventure! I had spent the past week or so trying to pack for both a "city" trip and a safari trip, with fairly strict luggage requirements because we would be taking a small, charter flight between our lodges. At JFK I finally met my roommate and a couple of the other agents.  There was an excitement in the air, even as we were getting ready to board the plane for our 14 1/2 hour flight! It was going to be a long one! When we arrived in Johannesburg we would find out that there are a total of 11 travel agents and our rep, or group leader from African Travel.  

 When we arrived in Johannesburg we were met at the airport by our escort.  We had a long layover before our next flight to Cape Town, and we were tired.....but excited too!

 Finally it was time to board our flight to Cape Town!



When we arrived we met our guide, Michael.  He would be with us for the next few days while we were in the Cape Town area. After collecting our luggage we had about an hour drive to our first destination, Franschhoek. 







Franschhoek is on the Western Cape and is one of the oldest towns in South Africa. It was settled by the French, which is where it gets its name. Many describe it as the "Food and Wine" capital of South Africa. 

 We checked into our first hotel, Le Quartier Francais.  
























After taking an hour or so to relax, we went to one of the other Leeu properties, the Leeu Estates, to do a site inspection and have dinner. Leeu owns three different hotels in South Africa, and we would get to see each of them during our stay in Franschhoek.


The Leeu Estates is on a vineyard and is a larger hotel than La Quartier Francias. There is a wine tasting room, spa and multi room lodging here as well. It's stunning!





Opening our champagne with a saber!

Gorgeous views from the patio!








Unique artwork! Her missing partner is in the lounge area of a different hotel.











Hotel Lobby






The Spa






The Spa Waiting Area






Looking out onto the Vineyards
The Leeu Estates at night

We had a long, long first day. But it was amazing! We knew we would be in for a very special trip and couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring!

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