6. SA: Western Cape

Our first night with the tour group found us travelling through South Africa's western cape to Highlander's Camp, a vineyard nestled in the Cederberg Mountains. We settled in, then went to the bar where we watched a rugby game (with some very passionate local fans) before dinner, and got to know the rest of our group a bit.

Our group of 12 (+ a driver and tour leader) includes representation from the U.S. (just us), Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Ireland, Singapore, and Zimbabwe. The tour offers 2 sleeping options: tent camping or accommodated (indoor room). We opted for the latter, while 9 others are camping.

Our tour truck is named "Shashe". At first I was a bit disappointed as several of the features they advertised (tables throughout the bus for people to sit at, charging stations, and overhead storage for day bags) were not available. That said, we have cheerfully adapted and are gradually falling into a routine.Read more