Why you’ll fall in love with South Africa – Epic’s new destination

“It’s nature, food, people, the animals, adventure… it’s the constantly changing landscape. South Africa is a huge country with a long coastline, and everywhere has a different feeling, different energy,” says Epic South Africa’s Semwano.

“Everywhere you go and everything that you do, take the opportunity to keep your eyes and your ears open. Be curious. Be interested in people! We add so much colour and so much value in each other’s lives, if we are open and curious about what else exists out there.”

Meet Sam, our South Africa expert

Semwano – better known as Semwa and or her nickname Sam – is the vivacious force behind Epic South Africa, our newest destination. Her unusual name, meaning “she who offers comfort” or “she offers help,” is a fitting reflection of the role she’s played for more than 25 years: crafting extraordinary safaris, journeys and experiences across Africa with care, passion and heart. 

Sam proudly calls Cape Town home and embodies what we at Epic believe most deeply – that it’s people who transform travel into something unforgettable.

“I’m thrilled about Epic launching in South Africa because I get to introduce a brand new wave of people to South Africa for the first time. Each person is going to arrive here as a visitor and leave as a storyteller,” says Sam.

It’s exciting to add South Africa to our stable of amazing destinations that includes Morocco, Portugal, the Azores and São Tomé & Príncipe.

Explore… Epic South Africa

What’s the first stop with any visitor to South Africa?

“Table Mountain. I really believe there is some sort of magical power in this mountain,” says the resident local. “If we can’t go up that mountain, I’d take you for a hike up Lions Head, or to Signal Hill where you can pay homage to the beautiful city while gazing at the City Bowl, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s breathtaking.

“It takes less than a day to fall in love with South Africa. If you arrive from the airport, just the short scenic drive on the way to your hotel will have you hooked.”

Read next… What makes an Epic destination?

How long do you need in South Africa?

“One week minimum. Two weeks for a taste of it all,” Sam suggests, adding that it’s a long-haul destination for most travellers. “If it’s your first time coming to South Africa, you 100% have to have a safari.” 

“A safari stills your heart, affords you the opportunity to understand and appreciate your place in this world. To see the true majestic beauty of the planet we live on. The Big Five will leave you in awe. The beauty of the birds, the landscape, the flora will silence you, and then turn you into a storyteller. You will experience sunrises and sunsets so breathtaking, you might think, for a moment, you have surely been bewitched. I say this tongue in cheek, but really, you will be moved!”

With just a week, you could squeeze in a luxe safari experience along with visiting Cape Town, where there’s unique access to world-class wineries, fine dining, shopping, adventure, contemporary galleries and a marine safari (if it’s not whale-watching season, go shark cage diving!). If there’s time, add a day trip to Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach to see African penguins.

“Michelin would be given a run for their money if they were to come here,” Sam says. It’s a real foodies destination, with top-tier restaurants and the joyous communal culture of South African braai (barbeque).

“If people have two weeks, I would do it all more slowly plus I would either take them up the Western Cape’s West Coast – Namaqualand is a nature lover’s paradise in spring – or to the interior of KwaZulu Natal, where tropical forests, endless summers and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains beckon. Yes! I love mountains!,” says Sam.

“I would even visit Lesotho, which is an independent country and mountain kingdom fully enclosed within South Africa.

“If you have time, I would encourage slower, more immersive travel. This way travellers can appreciate the constantly changing landscapes of South Africa and really take in the beauty and culture of the land.”

Read next… See South Africa from the sky with a private air safari

People make the place

But it’s not just the scenery and safaris that makes South Africa unique. “The people make this place,” she said. “There is so much joy here, despite the fact that there’s some hardships and challenges. People sing when they’re happy. People sing when they’re sad. You are welcomed just about anywhere with genuine friendliness and warmth. 

“If you can look people in the eye and say hello – your waiter, your cab driver, your doorman – and spend more than 30 seconds actually getting to know who they are, you’ll make strong connections and you’re coming back.”

The feeling on the ground at Epic South Africa

“The energy of everybody here at Epic South Africa is amazing,” says Sam. “I can feel the goodness and the soul of how dedicated the team is to making travel not just ‘we’re taking you from destination A to B.’ No – it’s, ‘We are your partners in making sure your story is incredible when go home.’ 

“That’s what excites me about being the Epic lead on the ground here.

“For many years I have said: this continent has a beautiful story to tell. Our story is rich and diverse, loud and beautiful. It’s glorious and tastes amazing. I cannot wait to welcome our first Epic guests to South Africa.”

Ready for an Epic adventure to South Africa? Reach out to start planning your dream custom trip – info@epic.travel

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