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. Therefore I’ve 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 Jared from Jared in CPT.
1) What do you love most about South Africa?
Few other countries offer the variety of travel options that South Africa does. There’s an almost never-ending stream of small towns, remote beaches, and interesting people to profile!
2) What is your first local travel memory?
Travelling to Mpumalanga in the back of my parents 4×4 bakkie. There was only one row of seats and so my sister and I had a mattress in the back of the bakkie to share. We’d communicate with my parents using walkie talkies.
3) What’s your favourite place to visit in your hometown?
My hometown is Pietermaritzburg, and being one for view points, I’d regularly make the drive up the hills that surround the town, until I reached World’s View. The name says it all, and I could sit there for hours, mesmerised by the vistas that opened up before me.
4) What is the best South African food you’ve had on a local road trip or getaway?
Undoubtedly the best food I’ve had on a travel trip, was visiting Hartford House in the Natal Midlands. This stud farm has a boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant, and the remarkable thing is the chef prepares a unique menu every day of the year, so it’s always a surprise what you’re eating.
5) What’s on your South African travel bucket list?
I’d love to visit Augrabies Falls, Magoebaskloof and Phinda Game Reserve.
6) What are your top tips for planning a local getaway?
Research in advance what others have suggested in the area through geographically relevant Instagram hashtags or geotags and Trip Advisor. However, always try match that with some level of spontaneity and discover something off the beaten track. I also love asking locals what they love to do in their town and try some of their suggestions. I also try to make sure I’ve packed for as many eventualities as possible. I’d hate to arrive at some remote dorpie, only to discover that they have one of the country’s most beautiful hikes, and I didn’t have suitable gear!
7) Where can we follow your blog?
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!
Nice story – but why open up with a seascape pic from somewhere in Asia? I’m a tad confused ….
Excellent observation Sylvia. Unfortunately those were the photos provided for the post but I’ve changed the featured image as you’re 100% correct – it doesn’t make sense. Thanks for reading!