Local Travel is Lekker – Dawn from the Incidental Tourist

If you’re a South African, I’m sure you’re familiar with the Local is Lekker phrase. It celebrates and promotes everything proudly South African. This phrase was the inspiration for a new series on my blog – Local Travel is Lekker. I’m an avid supporter of local South African travel and feel extremely blessed to live in this beautiful country. I’ve therefore decided to feature like-minded bloggers and travellers who share my Local Travel is Lekker sentiment and hopefully this series will inspire our South African citizens to get out there and explore this exquisite country.

This week’s featured blogger is Dawn Jorgensen-Bradnick from The Incidental Tourist.

1) What do you love most about South Africa?

The tenacity of the people, the endless landscapes that invite exploration. The diversity of experiences on offer, be they urban, remote countryside or ocean based. The natural beauty, incredible wildlife and fact that I get to call it home.

2) What is your first local travel memory?

As I grew up in the Free State, my earliest travel memories are of road tripping with my parents on our annual holiday to Cape Town with a picnic basket filled with egg sandwiches and a flask of coffee, the endless Karoo landscape and the lay-bys we stopped at along the way. The mood one of anticipation and excitement as we got ever nearer to the sea.

3) What’s your favourite place to visit in your hometown?

I’m lucky enough to live in Cape Town on the Bloubergstrand side of the city, and having only been here for 18 months, I simply can’t get enough of walking on the beach and taking in the best views of Table Mountain.

4) What is the best South African food you’ve had on a local road trip or getaway?

As a vegetarian my food experience is somewhat different to most. One of my best indulgent memories being the vegetarian tasting menu at the La Sosta Restaurant in Swellendam. Even though it wasn’t strictly South African cuisine, all of the ingredients were locally sourced and the contrast of exceptional fine dining in a small historical mostly Afrikaans town, with wine from the region, charmed me beyond measure.

5) What’s on your South African travel bucket list?

I’ve travelled extensively in South Africa and am lucky enough to say that I know it well. One thing I’d love to do though is a few days on a walking safari in the Kruger National Park. Being that close to nature, ideally off the grid and in the company of precious wildlife, would be very good for the soul.

6) What are your top tips for planning a local getaway?

In South Africa, the luxury of time allows you to veer off course, leave the highway and explore the lesser-known towns that give the country character. It is made for road tripping. Never underestimate the distances though, pace your journey out gently and allow enough time in each destination. Everywhere is worthy of exploration. Also always speak to your hosts, waiters and strangers you may come across along the way, they are the characters that bind our country.

7) Where can we follow your blog?

Website: http://theincidentaltourist.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DawnJorgensen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheIncidentalTourist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnjorgensen

It’s Monday and I’m yearning for the hills of the Overberg🏞 If you could ditch your desk, where would you rather be today?

A post shared by South African Travel Blog (@tulipsandphoenixes) on Jan 21, 2018 at 11:29pm PST

How Do I Jump on the Local Travel is Lekker taxi?

That’s a wrap on this week’s Local Travel is Lekker blogger feature. Be sure to stop by every week to be inspired by another local traveller and awaken your own wanderlust for local South African travel. Join the conversation on social media with the Local Travel is Lekker hashtag. And if you’re interested in participating, get in touch with me!