south-africa TRAVEL BLOG

Search our Blog

close
FEATURED
What $100 can buy you in these five countries
Michaila Knauff By: Michaila Knauff March 16, 2021

What $100 can buy you in these five countries

We’ve decided to test what $100 can buy you in specific countries across the globe.

Read Blog
close
Kelly Anne Ellis By: Kelly Anne Ellis July 16, 2019
jordan | vietnam | uganda | arctic | south-africa | peru | Travel Inspiration

8 Bucket-list travel destinations to visit in 2020

From iconic destinations to lesser-known gems, we have chosen eight amazing destinations to add to your travel bucket list in 2020.

Read Blog
Jarred Manasse By: Jarred Manasse October 21, 2019
egypt | morocco | India | nepal | jordan | cambodia | lebanon | vietnam | turkey | greece | south-africa | bhutan | israel | maldives | sudan | Travel Tips

Everything you need to know about our small group tours

Interested in booking one of our small group tours but you're not sure what to expect? This handy guide will provide you with everything you need to know. 

Read Blog
Tara Jenneker By: Tara Jenneker November 18, 2019
south-africa | africa | Travel Cuisine

What type of food to expect to eat in South Africa

South African cuisine is a lot like the countries diversity and rich history -  with delicacies coming from the Cape Malay to recipes deriving from the Dutch settlers.

Read Blog
Tara Jenneker By: Tara Jenneker November 19, 2019
south-africa | Destination Guides | Travel Tips

Best time to visit South Africa.

Planning your holiday is easier when you know how to pack and plan so here's a guide on when is the best time to visit South Africa.

Read Blog
Tara Jenneker By: Tara Jenneker January 13, 2020
egypt | morocco | India | nepal | jordan | lebanon | turkey | south-africa | maldives | Travel Inspiration

2020's Best adventure travel destinations

To help fuel your wanderlust, we tapped into 2020’s best adventure travel destinations – ranging from epic Nepal to the Rainbow Nation of South Africa, dreamy Morocco, and more.

Read Blog
Tara Jenneker By: Tara Jenneker January 13, 2020
south-africa | Destination Guides

Why you should visit South Africa in January

South Africa in January is often believed to be the peak season of the summer. The activities and the places to visit aren’t short on excitement, so there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t plan your trip at the start of the year in this dazzling country.

Read Blog
Kelly Anne Ellis By: Kelly Anne Ellis January 13, 2020
south-africa | africa | Destination Guides

Top 10 things to do in Cape Town

Explore and experience the world-famous city of Cape Town with our pick of its top ten activities. 

Read Blog
Kelly Anne Ellis By: Kelly Anne Ellis January 31, 2020
India | jordan | vietnam | greece | south-africa | sudan | Travel Inspiration

Best destinations to visit in March

March is a transitional period in many countries, a bridge between summer and winter. We've picked the best destinations to travel to during March. 

Read Blog
Kelly Anne Ellis By: Kelly Anne Ellis February 23, 2020
India | jordan | greece | south-africa | africa | sudan | Travel Inspiration

Recommended Tours: March 2020

We've chosen some of the best small tour packages that we have on offer for March 2020. Destinations include India, Greece, the Balkans and more.

Read Blog
Tara Jenneker By: Tara Jenneker June 1, 2020
botswana | tanzania | kenya | south-africa | namibia | africa | Travel Tips

What is overland travel?

At Encounters Travel, our adventure overland tours take in many of destinations cultural, scenic and wildlife highlights - often travelling through several countries to give you a truly in-depth experience. 

Read Blog
Tara Jenneker By: Tara Jenneker June 9, 2020
tanzania | uganda | kenya | south-africa | namibia | africa | Destination Guides

How long are overland tours

It’s no secret that taking on Africa in the form of an overland safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The rewards are rich and varied; endless horizons, unspoilt bushveld, truly wild places and truly wild animals. 

Read Blog
Tara Jenneker By: Tara Jenneker January 11, 2021
egypt | morocco | nepal | jordan | turkey | kenya | greece | sri-lanka | china | laos | norway | arctic | south-africa | namibia | bhutan | israel | maldives | Travel Tips

The benefits of private tours

Are worried about travelling with a group of people you don't know? Our private tours might be the solution for you.

Read Blog
Michaila Knauff By: Michaila Knauff March 16, 2021
thailand | India | nepal | south-africa | Travel Inspiration

What $100 can buy you in these five countries

We’ve decided to test what $100 can buy you in specific countries across the globe.

Read Blog
Tara Jenneker By: Tara Jenneker March 29, 2021
egypt | nepal | tanzania | kenya | south-africa | Travel Encounters

Meet Cynthia Covell: Seven-time Encounters Traveller

We chatted to Cynthia Covell to find out more about the seven tours she's travelled with us.

Read Blog
Jarred Manasse By: Jarred Manasse June 22, 2021
south-africa | Travel Cuisine

Four local dishes to try in South Africa

Travelling to South Africa but don't know what to eat? We've got you covered.

Read Blog
Tara Jenneker By: Tara Jenneker October 11, 2021
botswana | tanzania | uganda | kenya | south-africa | africa | Travel Tips

What should I pack for an African overland tour?

Need some help packing your bag for your African overland adventure? This handy guide will give you some tips on what to include in your travel bag.

Read Blog
Tara Jenneker By: Tara Jenneker June 20, 2022
thailand | greece | south-africa | maldives | Travel Inspiration

The best beaches in the world

No matter what beach you prefer, whether it's remote and rustic or lively and well-equipped, this list will show you some of the best beaches around the globe.

Read Blog
Jarred Manasse By: Jarred Manasse November 16, 2023
south-africa | Destination Guides

Orange River: A travel guide

Discover the Orange River in Southern Africa, the longest river in South Africa. Dive into its captivating journey as this river flows and forms in our exploration.

Read Blog
Jarred Manasse By: Jarred Manasse January 12, 2024
south-africa | Travel Encounters

Taking the leap: My bungee jumping adventure with Face Adrenalin at the Bloukrans Bridge

Recently, I had the exhilarating opportunity to conquer one of the world's highest bungee jumps at Bloukrans Bridge in Tsitsikamma.

Read Blog
Tamerone Manasse By: Tamerone Manasse February 15, 2024
south-africa | Destination Guides

Celebrations, Holidays, and Cultural Festivals in South Africa

Discover South Africa's rich and diverse culture through festivals like the Jazz Festival. Celebrate African festivals year-round on stunning beaches.

 

 

Read Blog
Tamerone Manasse By: Tamerone Manasse February 15, 2024
south-africa | Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit South Africa

Discover when's the best time to visit South Africa for your dream safari or exploring Cape Town. Plan your trip based on what you want to experience.

Read Blog
Tamerone Manasse By: Tamerone Manasse February 15, 2024
south-africa | Destination Guides

Ultimate South Africa Packing List - What to Pack for South Africa Tours - Essential Items to Include in Your Luggage

Discover the ultimate South Africa packing list for your Kruger safari, Cape Town adventures, and beach excursions. Pack for South Africa with everything you need, including essentials for the diverse climate and iconic destinations like Table Mountain and the Garden Route.

Read Blog
Tamerone Manasse By: Tamerone Manasse March 12, 2024
south-africa | Destination Guides

The Best South Africa Photography Spots

Discover the top South African photography spots for photographers. Explore stunning landscapes and capture the essence of South Africa.

Read Blog
Tamerone Manasse By: Tamerone Manasse March 20, 2024
south-africa | Travel Cuisine

The Best Things to Eat and Drink in South Africa

Discover the rich tapestry of South African cuisine and drinks, from braai to street food, wine to biltong, in this exploration of South Africa's culinary delights.

Read Blog
Mariska Knoesen By: Mariska Knoesen April 16, 2025
tanzania | kenya | south-africa | namibia | Travel Encounters

Why Our Expedition Trucks Are the Ultimate Way to Overland

Discover why our expedition trucks are more than just transport — they're your ticket to true overland adventure. Designed for comfort, built for rugged travel, and perfect for unforgettable journeys off the beaten path.

Read Blog
Mariska Knoesen By: Mariska Knoesen April 17, 2025
botswana | tanzania | kenya | south-africa | namibia | Destination Guides | Travel Encounters

Meals on Overland Tours: What to Expect from the Camp Kitchen

On an Encounters Travel overland tour, mealtimes are more than just a chance to refuel — they’re an adventure in themselves. Gather around the camp kitchen for fresh, hearty meals and unforgettable moments shared under the open sky.

Read Blog
Mariska Knoesen By: Mariska Knoesen May 29, 2025
botswana | tanzania | uganda | kenya | south-africa | namibia | Travel Inspiration | Destination Guides

Natural Beauties And Wonders On Our Overland Expedition Trips

From towering dunes and ancient rock formations to thundering waterfalls and wildlife-rich plains, our overland expedition trips are packed with nature’s finest. Discover the raw, breathtaking beauty that defines every step of the journey.

Read Blog
Mariska Knoesen By: Mariska Knoesen April 24, 2025
botswana | tanzania | uganda | south-africa | namibia | Travel Tips

What I Wish I Knew Before the Trip: Packing Smarter & Traveling Lighter

Before my overland adventure, I overpacked and underestimated how much easier travel is with less. From choosing soft luggage that fits the truck to packing multi-use, weather-ready clothing, smarter packing makes the journey smoother, lighter, and far more enjoyable.

Read Blog
Martin Hosie By: Martin Hosie October 1, 2025
south-africa | Travel Inspiration

15 South African Bucket List Experiences for the Ultimate Adventure

South Africa is a land of contrasts, where ocean cliffs meet rolling vineyards and wild safaris. On our Shoestring tours in South Africa, we guide you through 15 unforgettable experiences that belong on every bucket list adventure holiday. From penguin colonies and wine farms to bungee jumps and safaris, this journey is about discovery, exhilaration, and memories that last a lifetime.

Read Blog