I remember when I first started working in travel, two of my colleagues—both who are now dear friends—were headed on a FAM trip to South Africa. At the time, I was brand new to the industry, pregnant with a toddler at home, and honestly, felt like that was a lifetime away. I would never be able to take that kind of trip. It felt so far out of reach.
Fast forward four years, and I found myself leading a FAM trip through South Africa with a group of incredible Explorateur advisors. It felt like such a “pinch me” moment—one of those full-circle experiences that makes you pause and realize just how much can change in such a short period of time
24 Hours in Johannesburg
We kicked off our South Africa journey with a quick but impactful 24 hours in Johannesburg. Our home base was the stunning Saxon Hotel, an urban sanctuary that feels worlds away from the city bustle. It was the perfect place to ground ourselves after the long journey—beautiful rooms, warm hospitality, and one of the most peaceful spas I’ve ever experienced. Even with limited time, we made the most of it. A guided visit to the Mandela House and surrounding historic sites offered meaningful perspective and set the tone for the days to come. It was a reminder that travel isn’t just about seeing the beauty of a place—it’s also about understanding its heart.
Starting in the Wild: Royal Malewane
Our first stop was Royal Malewane, a luxury safari lodge in the GreaterKruger area, and wow, what a way to kick things off. From the second we arrived; it was clear we were somewhere truly special. The level of service, the beauty of the property, and the knowledge of the guides. Every minute there blew us away.
We couldn’t even make it through our welcome greeting without stopping to take in the incredible wildlife right outside the camp. Lions laying on the bank of the watering hole, a leopard lounging under a shady tree, hippos splashing in the water, and an elephant grazing nearby—three of the Big Five before we even had our luggage in the room. That moment set the tone for the rest of our stay.
We’d wake up before sunrise for game drives (coffee and Amarula in hand, of course), and within minutes, we were spotting lions, elephants, rhinos, and more. The wildlife experiences were incredible, but just as memorable were the laughs, gathering around the table for meals, playing mahjong by our private pool, and swapping stories under the stars.
On our final evening, we shared a heartfelt farewell dinner, one of those nights that felt like the perfect blend of celebration and reflection. There were toasts, happy tears, and the kind of deep connections that only happen after sharing something truly special together.
Before we left, we also had the chance to participate in a Pack for a Purpose. Our team, both those attending the FAM and those back home, selflessly donated money and supplies for us to deliver to the local community. It was a small gesture, but such a meaningful reminder of how travel can make a difference. Leaving wasn’t easy—none of us were quite ready to say goodbye—but we left full of gratitude, inspiration, (a few tears) and a renewed love for what we do.
City Comforts & Cape Town Charm
From the bush, we headed to Cape Town, where we stayed at the legendary Belmond Mount Nelson. If you’ve ever seen the iconic pink façade of “The Nellie,” you know it’s one of those hotels that instantly makes you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere classic and meaningful.
The location was perfect for exploring, whether we were heading up Table Mountain, wandering the neighborhoods, or visiting the nearby Winelands. And yet, we always looked forward to coming back to the hotel. Afternoon tea on the terrace, cocktail making in the gardens, and the most comfortable beds after full days of adventure. It was truly the best of both worlds: city energy and peaceful retreat
Wrapping It Up in Style: The Silo Hotel
We wrapped up the trip with a short stay at The Silo Hotel, in the V&A Waterfront. This property is just… stunning. The bold architecture, the giant pillowed glass windows, the rooftop views, it all felt like a scene from a movie or from the inside of jewelry box.
It was the perfect way to end the trip: elevated (literally) and inspiring. We spent our last nights reflecting on everything we’d experienced and feeling so grateful to experience it all with an amazing group of advisors who have come to be dear friends.
Why It Mattered
This trip was about building relationships with our hotel partners and getting to know the destination more intimately. But for me, it was also deeply personal. It was a reminder of how much can change in just a few short years and how quickly travel can stretch and surprise you. And as special as it was to be here with our advisor team, I can’t help but dream about returning one day with my family to share this magic with them too.
If this destination is on your radar, or if it’s a dream you’ve tucked away for someday, we’d love to help you plan it. Because I can tell you firsthand: it’s absolutely worth the wait.
