My First Taste of Africa – A Love Letter to South Africa

Published Thursday, June 19th 2025 - Updated Thursday, June 19th 2025
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Around the world with Kimberley and Tim

My First Taste of Africa – A Love Letter to South Africa

There’s something about Africa that clings to your soul. It's in the air—the scent of earth warmed by sun, wild grasses dancing in the breeze, and a hint of smoke from distant fires. When I first moved to South Africa, I didn’t just arrive—I was enveloped. Africa didn’t whisper. It sang.

The first thing I remember is the smell. Yes, the smell of Africa. It’s wild and grounding, with a deep connection to nature. You don’t just smell it—you hear it in the rustle of acacia trees and taste it in the wind. There’s an ancient rhythm to the land that grabs your heart and never lets go.

South Africa was my gateway to the continent, and what a magnificent welcome it gave me. The openness of the people mirrors the wide, endless plains. There’s no pretending here—people speak from the heart. You feel it in their generosity, their music, their stories. Whether you're sipping rooibos tea on a farmhouse porch or sharing laughs with strangers around a braai (a beloved South African barbecue), there’s a realness that’s hard to find elsewhere.

And then there’s the wild.

I’ll never forget my first safari. No cage, no glass—just you and the wild, breathing the same air as elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes. You feel small. Humbled. In awe. The world quiets down, and all you hear is the rustle of dry grass and the occasional roar in the distance. You learn respect. You learn patience. You remember how to wonder again.

South Africa also knows how to spoil the senses. The Cape Winelands are pure magic—Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl are bursting with award-winning vineyards and picturesque rolling hills. A crisp glass of Chenin Blanc with a sunset view? Absolute bliss. The food scene is equally divine: think bobotie (a spiced minced meat dish), biltong (South Africa’s version of beef jerky), and freshly caught seafood from the coast.

Some of my favorite places to visit:

  • Comments

    Anne Tudhope
    Mon, Jun 23rd 2025 at 12:48pm
    Love your heartfelt poetic descriptions. May the rest of your trip bring you more joy. Maybe you will even get to visit Kimberley.

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