South Africa – The journey I was (almost) too afraid to take

I never imagined myself going to South Africa alone.

I’d always wanted to go — for the landscapes, the culture, the history… and to verify the rumor that South Africans might just be the most beautiful people on Earth (especially the women — had to check that one personally ahahahah).

But the safety warnings? The horror stories? Yeah, those had me convinced it wasn’t gonna happen.
Carjackings, muggings — I mean, a few friends who lived there made it sound like that kind of stuff happened before breakfast. So I told myself: If I ever go, it’ll be with someone who knows the country like the back of their hand.

Then one day in November, during my 7-month solo break across Africa, Europe, and Asia, a friend who’d spent a year in South Africa said:
“You’re so close now. Just go.”

And… I did.

(After about 47 hours of Googling, double-checking hostel reviews, and annoying 5 different people with my questions. I’m sorry, but safety is always my rule number 1)

Johannesburg — fear, growth, and unexpected connections

I landed in Joburg from Zambia, nervous as hell (especially after someone found my tiny souvenir from Hungary… let’s just say, not ideal 🫣).

The original plan? Stay 3 days, then head to Lesotho.
What actually happened? I panicked… and stayed.
Then I extended.
Then I extended again.
And again.

The first few days were tight. Like, tiiiiight.
Wake up. Workout. Breakfast. Uber to a mall or café. Sit there. Uber home. That was it. I wasn’t exploring — I was just trying to exist safely.

I was staying in a hostel (solo room at first — bougie backpacker style). But when I kept extending, I had to move into the dorms. And that’s when everything changed.

Dorm life isn’t always my fave. When you’re on a long trip, sometimes you just wanna close the door and pretend the world doesn’t exist.
But sharing a space forced me into the common areas.
Capricorn me? I was out of my comfort zone it was almost funny. But that’s why I am travelling.

Then… people started talking to me.
The staff noticed me.
“Are you South African?” they’d ask.
Apparently, I looked like a local — and it helped. Conversations felt easier, more natural. Especially in Johannesburg, where people actually talk to strangers.

I ended up staying 10 days. And honestly? I could’ve stayed more.

The Garden Route — landscapes, questions, wonder

Next stop: the Garden Route. I flew to Port Elizabeth and started my little coastal road trip.

I had no idea what to expect.
But wow. Just… wow.
Mountains. Clean roads. Wine estates. Forests. Whale sightings. Everything felt easy, peaceful, safe.

And — real talk — it almost didn’t feel like “Africa” anymore.
(I hate saying that. But it’s true, and it made me think.)

Why was this level of structure, comfort, and development still such an exception across much of the continent?
Why did most of the people I see here look like foreign tourists?

Still — every stop was stunning. Every view, a gift. It was the kind of road trip where you feel lucky just to be alive.

Cape Town — color, creativity, and comfort

Cape Town was my final stop.
I had dreamed of seeing the penguins (which, yes, turned out to be kinda underwhelming — but whatever, dream checked ✅).

Cape Town is a city designed for travelers — stunning hikes, creative neighborhoods, good food, deep history.
But also contradictions everywhere.
Natural beauty right next to visible inequality.
European-style cafés next to stories that still feel unfinished.

One thing that really hit me: South African history doesn’t begin with colonization.
I wanted to hear more about the cultures and civilizations that existed before (and still exists) Europeans arrived. That narrative felt missing.

But I fell in love with the energy:

• Many hostels and guesthouses for every budget
• Local skincare and wellness brands proudly made in Africa
• Fashion designers killing it with their bold, unapologetic style
• Affordable, high-quality restaurants

---

I stayed nearly three weeks in South Africa.
It became one of the most meaningful parts of my entire journey.

I met incredible people.
I challenged myself.
I pushed past a fear that had been with me for years.

And that’s what travel is all about.
Showing you how wrong your assumptions can be — in the best possible way.

South Africa, I’ll be back.
(And next time, maybe I’ll bring someone with me… just for the car rides 😅)

“Travel doesn’t just show you the world — it reshapes how you see it.”

✨ Want to have the South African guide ?
Travel guides

→ Subscribe for the next releases.

---