From touching elephants to racing around on quad bikes; driving through forests and shopping for home-made chocolates. It's been an incredible day.

We started our morning off with a visit to the Elephant Sanctuary in Hazyview, where we met 22-year old Casper and nine-year old Kitso - two magnificent African Elephants.

A team of knowledgeable and friendly guides introduced us to these amazing animals whose lives were spared when they were brought to the sanctuary. Touching, feeding, walking and riding the elephants is an incomparable experience - one that without exception - moved every person in the group.

It was the calm before the storm though, because next up was quad-biking at Induna Adventures. A first-time experience for the majority of us, a briefing and practice session was followed by a ride through citrus orchards where the fragrance of the fruit perfumed the air. We followed the trail up and down hills, through a forest and some pretty rough terrain. For some of us - a bit of a 'hairy' experience, but nevertheless loads of fun!

Needless to say we'd worked up a good appetite by this stage, but a visit to the Casterbridge shopping centre and restaurant soon sorted that out. Situated just outside the pretty town of White River, all the shops in the centre face onto gorgeous gardens - which makes for a wonderfully tranquil shopping experience. The centre also boasts a kids petting farm, a theatre and a history a motor museum.

Armed with yummy 'Zarms' (sandwhiches) and irresistible home made chocolates, we departed for the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden.

The institute is a place of safety and rehabilitation for an array of chimps that have been rescued from the most appalling conditions imaginable and we learned a great deal about the meat trade (yip, there are people around the world who pay a premium for chimpanzee meat), the pet trade and even the impact of deforestation on chimps - who are fast facing extinction.

It was terrible to learn that the wooden furniture many of us have in our homes probably came from a forest that was once home to a family of chimpanzees, but good to learn that wood from sustainable forests is available, as are a number of programmes that allow one to contribute towards the survival of this incredible species. Visit www.chimpeden.com for more. 

The evening saw us arriving at Dawson Game and Trout Lodge, where their chef taught us how to prepare the most delicious trout (which comes from one of the area's many trout farms) in a matter of minutes.  A scrumptious three-course meal, loads of laughter and conversation later, it was off to bed.

Another tough day in South Africa... and we've only scratched the surface. Apparently there are hot air balloon rides, birding excursions, bungee jumping and a crocodile and reptile park.

There are horse riding trails and the Sudwala caves and even a dinosaur park. There's white river rafting, fishing and hiking, waterfalls and the largest green canyon in the world. There's Pilgrim's Rest - a town that's a living museum from the gold rush days, an orange winery, and golf courses galore.

It's been awesome, it's been warm. It's been friendly and safe. South Africa has exceeded our expectations. We all agree - we'd love to come back for more.

24 hours: individual comments:

Jenny: "The day's highlight was getting a big, sloppy kiss from Kitso the elephant and being scared to death quad-biking - all before lunchtime! Fantastic!"

Tarryn: "There's not just one thing that has stood out. Everything has. It's totally amazing."

Helen: "Although I was up for the Skyway trail yesterday, I wasn't quite up to the quad bike challenge. But... I was delighted to be invited on the back of Oscar's (a guide) bike as a passenger, which allowed me to enjoy every minute with no stress at all."

Emma: "Being on the back of an elephant was just absolutely amazing. I'd never considered South Africa as a family destination before, but I'm definitely bringing my kids back."

Louise: "I can't believe how reasonable everything is here. It's really good value for money."

Laura: "The South African guys are lovely... so polite, so well-mannered and so gorgeous!"

It was with heavy hearts (and a few tears from a couple of people in the group) that we left Mala Mala for Hazyview - a village set in mountainous countryside where lush forests, banana plantations and fruit orchards create a magnificent backdrop.

On arrival at Skyway Trails - where the thrill of going on Africa's longest aerial cable trail awaited - emotions soon changed. Standing on the first of 10 platforms looking at the forested valley below and a 230m cable ahead, adrenaline pumped and legs started to shake.

Securely harnessed and clipped onto the cable, one glides down 9 sections of the trail, stopping at platforms along the way to admire the natural vegetation and birdlife. It didn't take long for terror to change to enjoyment and by the time the trail was over, most of us felt well pleased at having risen to the challenge.

We spent the evening at the Protea Hotel in Hazyview, where we enjoyed a buffet dinner accompanied by some excellent South African wine - which at the equivalent of three quid a bottle is great value for money.

Speaking of value, we were amazed to discover that fuel in South Africa costs half of what it does in the UK. (With the excellent roads and range of accommodation that's available, a self-drive holiday becomes exceptionally affordable.)

One can enjoy a substantial 2-course meal for around £6, an English breakfast for £2 and to the delight of the smokers in the group, buy a packet of cigarettes for £1.50.

A few of us (names will be withheld!!!) spent a fun night around a fire chatting to some of the gorgeous local guys, listening to their music, enjoying a drink or two and learning about having a 'loop dop' - literally translated, a 'walk drink' - or 'one for the road'. In true South African style, one 'loop dop' turned to three and it was 2am in the morning before some of us got to bed.

24 hours: individual comments:

Doreen:  "I've never done a sky trail before, but I have to say it was exciting and exhilarating."

Nicola: "While taking a photo of the stunning view at Hazyview, I saw the safari images on my camera and couldn't believe I'd taken them!"

Emma: "Staring into the eyes of a leopard cub on our last game drive was exceptional - as was getting out of my comfort zone on the sky trail, which was scarily exciting."

Rob: "Everything we've done this week has been amazing, but if I had to choose one highlight, it was sitting with Mr and Mrs Rattray (the owners of Mala Mala) at dinner, listening to their stories about their time in Africa."

Laura: "I absolutely loved sitting in the bar surrounded by true South Africans. Learning about their culture fascinated me!!"

Rod: "The first section of the skyway was hair-raising, but after that it became an exciting way to view the Sabie Valley from above the treetops."

While most of you woke up this morning to the sound of alarms, hairdryers and traffic, we were treated to a thick cloud of mist drifting through the valley surrounding our hotel.

Yesterday's after dark arrival yet again proved to be a blessing in disguise. When the cloak of darkness finally lifted off the mountains we were treated to the Drakensberg in all its glory. It was as if the mountain was boasting with its snow capped peaks.

Day two of our trip through the Drakensberg had officially begun and, to be honest, breakfast couldn't have come a second too soon.

After all the travelling, we finally had our legs back and were looking forward to a day of activities. For some, however, it took a bit longer to find our feet.

A condition that's brought about by consuming generous quantities carefully fermented liquids - or combinations thereof. One such combination, considered a local delicacy, is called a Springbokkie. It's a mixture of peppermint liqueur and Amarula Cream and, even though it goes down like honey, it attacks you like an angry badger. Isn't that right, Jess?

After breakfast, our only task was to select our activities for the day. One such activity, scheduled for later in the afternoon (I'll get back to the other ones later) was a visit to the Drakensberg Boys Choir.

Yes, I know what you're thinking...a choir!? Especially if you keep in mind that other things to do include quad biking through the mountains and helicopter rides. Some of us were rather cynical about the idea of watching a bunch of boys in their early teens singing. Including me.

I guess it's best to say that I was wrong then, very wrong. The Drakensberg Boys Choir is world renowned for their vocal prowess and has entertained audiences all over the globe.

But to see them perform on their home pitch - so to speak - was downright unbelievable. From classics by Queen and The Beatles to indigenous South African songs, they caused goose bumps with every note.

After their performance, each and every one of us was in concurrence that this was the best thing we could have done. I suppose the moral of the story is that overseas travelling has many twists and turns. And the only way to get to the end of that road is to explore every possible avenue. It's the only way to discover the unexpected.

But enough of that, back to the rest of the day.

The fun started with quad biking and as our guide said, "The wetter the better." We had a bit of rain last night, which meant that the trail was a rather muddy affair. Add to that a bunch of people who have never ridden a quad bike and, well, you can imagine.

One person in particular, Kerry Anne, volunteered herself as the day's laughing stock. Her first detour through the bushes could have been excused if it wasn't for the fact that there weren't really bushes around.

However, her second excursion off the path was a gem. Coming down a steep hill she had to take a sharp bend to the right. Problem is, she didn't turn, and in a complete malfunction of her motoring skills, neglected to brake too. Without warning our convoy had been reduced to six bikes. Luckily, apart from a bruised ego and two guides wrestling her bike from the bushes everything turned out just fine.

While all this was going on, another part of our group visited the Didima Rock Art Centre. It's a cultural centre dedicated to the San people's (Bushmen) rock art.

It takes a close look at their 4000-year history and relationship with the local wildlife, especially the eland (large African antelope). It's a world class facility and Jan, our resident history buff, was particularly impressed with the way it's all presented.

One thing that seems to be true about all these activities is that they make you hungry. And here's where an old adage couldn't be more relevant - when in Rome do like the Romans do.

Our eyes set upon the menus like ravenous dogs and for many of us the temptation of a cheeseburger proved too much. It was only once the ostrich steaks (very local) wrapped in bacon and grilled in a red wine reduction arrived, that Daniel and Hannah's burgers didn't look, or taste, very Roman.

After that we headed off to the choir performance and then back to the hotel. And what did I say about these activities? They make you hungry. Right now there's a buffet with my name written all over it, just sitting there, waiting.

Who knows, maybe I'll eat something I've never had before. It could make for an interesting South African story.

Until tomorrow. 

Watching the orange glow of the sun slowly emerge out of the early morning mist was a spectacular way to start the day.

After some tea and coffee we all set off in anticipation of another eventful game drive.

Lion, rhino, giraffes and a family of warthogs were just some of the things we saw. We also came across another vehicle sitting at the sighting of a cheetah.

Unfortunately, the cheetah decided to lie down in the long grass just before we arrived and none of us managed to see her. Having such a beautiful animal just yards from us but invisible was hugely frustrating. However, that is all part of the excitement of going on game drives.

We were all very sad to leave Zintulo and even though we had spent only one night there, the wonderfully hospitable welcome we received had made us feel part of the family. 

Clemmie Hervey, Black Tomato

We left St Lucia and stopped at the craft market to purchase some local carvings and hand weaved bowls before making our way to Zintulo, a lodge with a stunning setting in the foothills of the Drakensburg Mountains.

Zintulo Lodge was stunning in itself but its real beauty was the 21,000 hectares of wild African bush surrounding it.

In the afternoon we were treated to a very memorable game drive with our hugely knowledgeable ranger.

The highlight was being 20 feet from two magnificent male lions when they decided to roar.

The sheer might and sound of the roar left us all breathless and was something that we all talked about into the night.

Kerry Sims, Bath Travel

An early rise to catch the sun rising on another beautiful day and a venture into the big 5 territory of the Hluhluwe National Park.

Seeing two of the big five was exciting, but sitting and watching a troop of baboons playfully making their way through the bush was a highlight.

 Getting so close to the animals, especially a pair of white rhinos, was a real treat.

We then made our way over to the St Lucia Wetlands which has been designated a Unesco World heritage site. Our lunch was a sea food braai (barbeque) on the edge of the Indian Ocean.

We all sat and ate our lunch in one of the most beautiful settings. This wild coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometres and we virtually had it to our selves.

A great day ended with us enjoying sundowners whilst watching the hippos wallow in the estuary.

Ricky Coates, Key2Holidays

Getting up close and personal with elephants was always going to be exciting. I always knew elephants were big, but meeting Rambo and Rachel at Bayete Lodge was a real eye opener.

To have the opportunity to hand feed and look into the gentle eyes of these magnificent animals was a real treat. Their intelligence, gentleness, strength and humour left us all mesmorised and we all felt blessed by our special encounter.

We then checked into Ubizane Tree Lodge for the evening where we were greeted by cheeky monkeys swinging through the reception, warthogs grazing in the garden and iridescent coloured birds.

After an afternoon game drive we were treated to a bush dinner under the stars. What a way to end a fabulous day.

We've almost had another 24 hours here in paradise. None of us can believe we're leaving shortly. Most of us want to stay here. Forever.

People here refer to 'African time'... if this experience is anything to go by, then that can only be described as fast, full and exciting.

Before starting off on the evening game drive, we visited Rattray's on Mala Mala.

This - the new newest establishment in the Rattray Group is nothing short of exceptional.

Catering for just 16 guests - who are accommodated in eight luxurious, private suites complete with exquisite his and hers bathrooms, a plunge pool and perfect views over the Sand River - one can't imagine a better safari experience.

From personal rangers and trackers, a well appointed gymnasium and spa facilities, to a substantial cellar, library and walls graced with photographs of the likes of Nelson Mandela and Gary Player, Rattray's undoubtedly competes with the best in the world.

It was here that we learned of the reserve's rich and colourful past. Once an area famed for its hunting, it was in the 1960s that the Rattray's created South Africa's first private reserve.

It's incredible to think that but for their foresight and strong conservation ethic, this pristine piece of wilderness with its rich and diverse wildlife may not have existed.

Neither would one of the two leopards we saw on last night's game drive have been around. It's difficult to accurately put into words the thrill of seeing a cat as majestic as this nimbly descending from a tree and walking stealthily into the bush - almost within reach of one's hand - not to mention within earshot of one's furiously beating heart! 

It's just as challenging to describe the wonder of sighting rare white-backed vultures in flight and how difficult it is to hear that they're a threatened species.

We saw hippo and crocodile, an African rock python and giraffe.

There were nyala and kudu, a Goshawk and a wonderful pack of Baboons. It's humbling, inspiring. It's an exceptional privilege.
     
We were taught the Shangaan (one of South Africa's 11 official languages) word for lion - ngala, and in the next breath the word for thank-you - nkomu.

It's a word we use often here - this place where nothing seems to be too much trouble, where smiles are as wide as the sky is expansive; where the evening's entertainment is a never-to-be-forgotten showcasing of vibrantly harmonised praise songs and dance, stories of the bush and the animal kingdom and exquisite cuisine - all in soft glow of flickering flames. 

We're leaving for Hazyview soon, where a skyway trip over a canopy of trees awaits. But more about that later.

And here are some commnets from the agents: 
Rob: "Seeing the Big five in a matter of hours, can only be described as astonishing."
Helen: "Sitting quietly at the pool, I felt an incredible sense of peace. At the same pool - not much later, a 20-strong herd of elephant walked by. The peace then became exhilaration."
Doreen: "The fruit here is amazing. The papaya - mmmm! There's only one thing to do... get some more!"
Emma: "If I died tomorrow, I'd be fulfilled. Truly. And I'd be happy. I've experienced something exceptional."
Chloe:  "This is the only place I've ever visited where I was treated like royalty and yet felt like I was a part of the family."

Jenny Chaplin

Mornings in Mala Mala start pretty early. But it starts with a gentle knock on one's door, a steaming pot of coffee and home-made biscuits.

Knowing that another game drive awaited, we all soon made our way up to the vehicles - eager to start our next adventure. And what an adventure it proved to be.

Goose bump sightings for the day included:

• a herd of elephant crossing the reserve's private runway
• bush buck - there are three grazing just metres from my deck at this very moment
• a rare, very privileged sighting of a leopard and her cub playing around - the cub stalking some noisy grey loeries with only an ungraceful fall from a tree to show for it
• a klipspringer
• not one, but two cheetahs
• a pride of lion taking a siesta under the shade of an acacia tree;
• buffalo and rhino
• a host of incredibly beautiful birds, including a giant aagle owl, an African hawk eagle and a bateleur.

It wasn't just the animal life that surprised us though. A sumptuous hot and cold breakfast was served - believe it or not - in the middle of the bush amidst many oohs and ahs!

We may have ended our morning filled to overflowing, but the sights, sounds, scenery and of course food here are so amazing, one can't help but want more!

No doubt, if the last 24-hours are anything to go by, loads more will follow. We'll keep you posted.

And here are some comments from the agents: 
Laura: "Wow! I feel like I'm the Lion King!"
Nicola (on seeing the Leopard and her cub): "This is the very best birthday present I could ever have wished for."
Louise: "I was a bit apprehensive about coming out here, as I'm not really an outdoors kind of person. But... I've been more than pleasantly surprised. This is incredible!"
Annie: "The rooms are just beautiful. Thank you so much"
Chloë: (whilst enjoying the bush breakfast): "I don't ever want to leave"
Emma: "I've never seen anything like this night sky. Not even at the planetarium in London. It almost looks like a heavenly city. Makes me feel quite small"
Nicola: "Ellies on a runway?!!! Where else in the world would you see that?!"

• Other surprises
  the Kruger Mpumalanga airport - absolutely gorgeous and with its thatched roof, really unique
• the roads - they're really good
• the knowledge of the rangers - impressive to say the least.
• the food. Mmmmmmmm!
• the friendliness of the people.

Jenny Chaplin

Thanks to the organisational prowess of Travel Counsellor Zoe Dean and David World Travel¹s Catherine Wassell our group has managed to squeeze even more out of our trip. ­

We¹re fitting in an unscheduled tour of Johannesburg and Soweto on our final morning.

The sprawling township is a particular eye-opener. Alongside corrugated iron shacks are posher suburbs, with homes worth millions of rand.

We¹re all moved by a visit to the Hector Pieterson Memorial, where we learn about student resistance to apartheid.

Our last hours in South Africa are spent at the cricket club. All the fam groups come together to learn to braai ­- the Afrikaans for barbecue -­ and to swap stories of what we¹ve been up to.

It sounds like everyone has had a rather exciting week.

Jo Booth, Travel Weekly

If you¹d asked me before I met Michael Lutzeyer whether anyone could get a group of 12 travel agents and one journalist to run before breakfast I would have been dubious.

But the owner of the Grootbos private nature reserve near Hermanus is almost as good at motivating others as he is full of energy himself.

After staying overnight at the beautiful lodges on site Michael takes us on an early tour of the reserve, explaining the social responsibility programme as we jog between the stables and greenhouses.

Michael not only trains unemployed members of the local community as gardeners ­ by sending them to Cornwall to train at the Eden Project­ but has also persuaded Barclays and the Premiere League to help fund a sports centre for the local townships.

Coaxing a light jog out of members of the travel industry must be a walk in the park in comparison.

Jo Booth, Travel Weekly

Sitting here on a private wooden deck overlooking a river bed, accompanied only by the rustling of a gentle breeze through the trees and the sound of birdsong and Impala moving through the dry grass, it's seems almost impossible that it was just a day and a half ago that we left bustling London.

An overnight flight to O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg, followed by a quick one hour connecting flight to Nelspruit in the scenic province of Mpumalanga and a one-and-a-half hour bus transfer later, we found ourselves - a group of 15 UK-based Travel Agents - in Mala Mala.

This privately owned game reserve may be situated right in the heart of the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve which adjoins the world-renowned Kruger Park - but actually, it feels like we've arrived in heaven!

From the moment we stepped off the bus, we were greeted by warm, friendly smiles, our luggage was whisked away and we were shown to our beautifully appointed rooms, where every comfort - from a personalised welcome note, gorgeous bath and slippers, to decadent body lotions and reading material had been thought of.

Not the wild South Africa many of us first-time visitors were expecting. In fact, with it's superb airports and excellent roads, quite the opposite!

Having said that, some nerves (mine included) were a bit aflutter at the thought of our first game drive - most of which would take place at night.

Our personal ranger and tracker looked pretty relaxed through and after they had set a few ground rules, we went off with hot water bottles on our laps to keep the evening chill at bay.

When going on safari at night, the tracker looks for nocturnal animals such as lion and leopard, as their eyesight is not affected by the spotlight that gets used to find them. 

As it turned out, we smelt lions - or should I say their kill - before we saw them, and what a sighting it was. Just metres from our open vehicle, lay a pride of three adults and six cubs, lazily digesting what was left of a Kudu they'd killed the day before.

Above us the Southern Cross, Scorpio and what seemed like billions of stars left us speechless. We thought it couldn't get better. But it did, when just minutes later, our tracker spotted a 6-month old leopard cub sprawled on the branch of a tree.  

Back at camp meanwhile, preparations for our return were in full swing. And when we arrived there it was to a blazing fire in an open boma, women singing to the beat of drums and a feast of traditional food - including the most incredible venison pie I've ever eaten.

A day, it has to be said, sweet dreams are made of!

Jenny Chaplin

The minibus hugs the coastline as we make our way towards Hermanus.

Beyond it lies Grootbos nature reserve, and the lodge we're staying in. Set in hundreds of acres of protected land, both the old and new lodge are exquisitely designed and offer horse-riding, nature walks and extensive programmes for kids.

With a glass of champagne in hand we admire the new lodge's sleek design from its terrace, which overlooks an infinity pool with views out across the bay.

Before long we're climbing aboard a boat bound for the bay itself, leaving from Kleinbaai harbour. Wrapped up in garish orange coats we're all laughing at how silly we all look until our skipper accelerates and the sensation of skipping across the waves gets us all gasping.

We're enchanted by the site of a line of penguins making their way in civilised single-file across the bay, and are cooing with delight at the seal colony on Dyer Island until  the wind changes and the smell - of guano and old fish - washes over the boat.

Then a piercing whistle goes up. Our eagle-eyed watcher on top of the boat has spotted what he thinks may be a whale.

I'm staring intently at the water, wondering if that's a whale or just the shadow of a wave, when I spot it. There's no mistaking the two huge jets of water across the bay to our left. Then another shout goes up - there's another plume to our right. This one is a double flume, in the shape of a V - an idiosyncracy of the Southern Right Whale.

We decide to pursue the two whales to our left, and minutes later we catch our first close up glimpse of two Humpbacks breaching the surface.

Crown Travel's Lorraine Whewell and I watch in astonishment as the huge creature get nearer and nearer to our boat, and suddenly we're rushing from port to starboard shouting in excitement - the 14m whales have swum underneath our 11m craft and are continuing on their way up the coast towards their mating grounds.

Just when we think things can't get any more exciting, someone spots a shadow in the shallows. It's a large Great White Shark, complete with sinister fin. Only about 3m away from the boat, we can see the fish clearly.

It's been a personal goal for GTA's Tina Kovac, an ex-diving instructor, to see a Great White for many years, so she is over the moon to have had her own Jaws moment.

You'd be hard pushed to find a better place to celebrate than round a roaring fire at Grootbos New Lodge. After a champagne toast we're seated in the dining room and polish off a five course meal before heading to the bar - we fear we're getting spoilt.

And that's before we've seen the rooms - each is within its own individual building spread out through the reserve. The bath is the size of a bed, and the beds are the size of my flat. We consider refusing to leave...

Crown Travel's Lorraine Whewell and I watch in astonishment as the huge creature get nearer and nearer to our boat, and suddenly we're rushing from port to starboard shouting in excitement - the 14m whales have swum underneath our 11m craft and are continuing on their way up the coast towards their mating grounds.

Just when we think things can't get any more exciting, someone spots a shadow in the shallows. It's a large Great White Shark, complete with sinister fin. Only about 3m away from the boat, we can see the fish clearly.

It's been a personal goal for GTA's Tina Kovac, an ex-diving instructor, to see a Great White for many years, so she is over the moon to have had her own Jaws moment.

You'd be hard pushed to find a better place to celebrate than round a roaring fire at Grootbos New Lodge. After a champagne toast we're seated in the dining room and polish off a five course meal before heading to the bar - we fear we're getting spoilt.

And that's before we've seen the rooms - each is within its own individual building spread out through the reserve. The bath is the size of a bed, and the beds are the size of my flat. We consider refusing to leave...

It's lucky that Sandra, our small but very well-informed tour guide, is around.

Tourists in Stellenbosch must get lost all the time - the street name signs, instead of being raised up to the normal level, are set into the kerb where you wouldn't notice them unless you knew better.

The town itself is incredibly well preserved, all pristine white Dutch colonial houses round a green square and many, many churches.

The staunchly Calvinist town feels pretty deserted until around midday when suddenly all the church services finish and the citizens spill out on to the streets.

Despite the residents' holy ways, the town hasn't had much in the way of divine protection - it's burned down and been completely rebuilt three times since it was founded.

The fact that it's Sunday doesn't put the brakes on our busy drinking schedule. We're off to Constantia Uitsig for more wine tasting and lunch.

Perched on hay bales on the back of a truck we bump through the gorgeous vineyard, with the Western Cape's mountains rising around us into the blue sky.

It's not hard to see why this is a popular tourist spot - only difficult to see how people manage to leave.

The weather is perfect today, and Table Mountain's top isn't shrouded by one single wisp of cloud. South Africa Tourism's Adam Weatherby, who has been expertly shepherding us and putting up with our whims and patchy time-keeping, again indulges us by squeezing in an unscheduled trip back into Cape Town so we can see the view from the top.

A cable car rushes us up to the summit in no time at all, and though independent agent Alan Wilman worries that the height and speed may make him feel a little bilious there are no unfortunate incidents inside the crowded cab.

The view is truly breathtaking, with Cape Town itself on one side, and on the other the final stretches of the continent - then there's nothing but ocean until you hit Antarctica. We're overjoyed not to have missed such an awe-inspiring and unforgettable sight.

Jo Booth, Travel Weekly 

With my leather jacket on and a helmet strapped to my head I'm starting to think I look like a real biker. The impression is somewhat shattered the minute I climb on the quadbike at Kamazooo Quads and take off at a snail's pace.

But before long my nerves disappear, and we're zipping through the vineyards in the warm autumn sun. The experience is exhilarating, and Thomas Cook Signature's Candy Bass admits to hanging back until the group has left her behind, just so she can enjoy the acceleration of catching up.

Our driving over with for the day, it's safe to start drinking.

The finer points of brandy-making are explained at the Van Rhyn Cellar, and we're treated to a show of the ancient art of barrel-making. At the end we're given three samples to taste, though many of us prefer the chocolate we're given on the side to the brandy itself - we must be philistines.

It's time to put our chefs' hats back on at the Volkskombuis Restaurant as we're shown how to make our own starters.

We take it in turns to swap shifts making fish filo parcels, boboti filled vine leaves, samosas of waterlily and chocolate truffles. We eat our handywork accompanied by a few of the regions finest wines.

Then we're off to the Spier hotel for cheetah interaction. We can't believe it when we're told we can actually go into the enclosures and stroke the animals - it's part of a programme designed to heighten awareness of the plight of these beautiful creatures, whose numbers in the wild are reaching a dangerous low.

We're told to approach the animals from behind and stroke them on the back rather than the head - which once you've seen their razor sharp teeth opened in a yawn doesn't seem a bad idea!

As dusk falls it's off to Moyo for dinner. To beat of drums and the sound of pipes guests help themselves to springbok sausages and racks of lamb at the huge buffet, and our faces are painted with traditional designs.

Jo Booth, Travel Weekly

There's nothing like the sight of Table Mountain looming over Cape Town bay to wake you up after an 11 hour flight.

The mood on the South Africa Tourism minibus is upbeat and excited as we negotiate the Friday morning traffic and head towards the Mandela Rhodes hotel in the centre of the city.

After checking into our huge rooms - all neutral tones and contemporary chic - we're off for our first taste of South African cuisine.

Soon the 12 agents are hard at work in the kitchens of award-winning Cape Malay restaurant Nyoni Kraal. Colin Nyoni has picked up many awards for his food and is palpably passionate about his traditional recipes.

Travel Counsellor's Marc Fitchett impresses his fellow agents with some Jamie Oliver-esque chopping skills as one group prepare boboti, a spicy mince dish covered with an egg custard.

In another corner, others are working away making pap, a kind of maize meal mash to go with steaks, and vegetable roti.

After polishing off the delicious results we're off to the V&A waterfront for a spot of shopping in the upmarket malls and tourist curio shops of the area.

Design Holiday's Nicky Bicknell is overjoyed to find a child-size Zulu spear and shield set for her son Asher, though there's a danger she won't be able to fit it in her case and get it back to Brighton.

Then we're treated to dinner at the Radisson, after drinks on its terrace only metres from the seashore.

Jo Booth, Travel Weekly

 Well.....what a stay!!!

We were first given a tour of the properties at Lion Sands, which were beautiful. We then enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch on the river deck, whilst watching the elephant on the banks below us. Our buffet consisted of some lovely dishes including impala....yum yum.

J Marnus the ranger then performed an entertaining presentation about the history of Lion Sands and we were then escorted to our suites.

We were staying in the newest property, 1933. Our room was just gorgeous!!! It was designed to perfection with huge windows, an outdoor rain shower, massive bath and a big bottle of wine!

It was now  time to cook. We prepared various cuisines ready for our evening meal. It felt like we were on Ready, Steady, Cook! Very fun!

We were then picked up for our game drive, we set out at sunset and spotted rhino, leopard, buffalo, giraffe and wilderbeast. Such a great experience, especially watching the leopard and her cub.

Upon arriving back at our lodge we were treated to a boma dinner. The food was very nice and the drink was even better! We sat round the fire enjoying being hypnotised by the flames and listening to the rangers' exciting stories.

We were woken up at 05.30am for our final game drive. This morning we spotted Harry the hippo, a pair of rhino and best of all a group of hyena and vultures tucking into a buffalo.

It was then time for our last meal, breakfast at the river lodge. We have had a thrilling time here at Lion Sands, and will never forget it!!

Sarah Williams and Emma Brasnett

Arriving at Lion Sands we were greeted by the friendly staff and one of the owners of the hotel. 

We were treated to refreshments and shown around the property which was breath taking - and we were lucky enough to see a bull elephant feeding at the side of the Sabi River whilst we had lunch. A sight I will never forget. 

We were then taken to our rooms which were very luxurious and had the most amazing views over the Sabi River. 

We were taken on a game drive and were lucky enough to see a further three of the big five, which left only the lion to see. 

Whilst on the game drive we saw various animal which were all very impressive, it was great to see these animals in their natural habitat and not in a zoo. 

We were then treated to a fabulous dinner out in the open under the stars beside a open fire which again is something I will never forget. 

I look forward to coming back some day to enjoy more of the sights and experiences.

Victoria Hammell, Destinology

Arrived in the Sabi Sands yesterday and I was blown away!

Lion Sands is just stunning and Brit and the guys have made us feel completely at home here in the bush.

The food has been incredible and it was definitely an experience using the outdoor shower watching out over the river for wildlife. I think the highlight was watching a leopard and her cub grooming on the ground, I felt so privileged to be able to watch them both and they were so relaxed.

On our early morning game drive we had chance to see four hyenas eating a buffalo chasing away waves of vultures. I am already planning my trip back!

Laura Pattinson, Mahlatini

The drive from Misty Valley took us up to the Lion Sands Lodge, and what a great experience the party was in for.

After a freshen up in our immaculate facilities we embarked on an evening game drive.

I have been lucky enough to have been on a number of these drives in the past at various game lodges. This was by far the most exciting  as we were treated to four of the big five with the pinnacle being a leopard and her cup with a fresh kill.

We then returned and enjoyed a bomi dinner under the stars. Wow, what a day.

Mal Willden, Penmark Tours

We left Misty Valley Lodge early for our three hour journey to the gate to the Sabi Sands.

We met with a cool drink and were transferred to our home for tonight Lion Sands.

We were shown their three lodges. Ivory, River and 1933.

On our arrival we were met by a large male elephant grazing in the dried up river bed in front of the lodge. We relaxed in the afternoon and enjoyed some more African hospitality and then at 1933 under the expert guidance of head chef Janine we prepared three bush dishes that we ate that evening in the Boma.

The highlight of the day was the game drive. We were lucky to see four of the big five. Within twenty minutes we had seen rhino, buffalo and a leopard with it's cub.

The leopard had stored an impala in a tree and went back to it for a snack. A rare sight indeed. A wonderful day indeed.

The staff at Lion Sands were very welcoming. The rangers' knowledge about the animals and their environment added to the experience. It was truly fascinating.

Simon Fryett, Tailor Made Travel

Yet another amazing day. It was very sad to leave misty Valley Lodge where we had been made to feel so welcome by the proprietors, management and staff. It was a great start to our African adventure.

Highlights were learning how to do an African handshake in a township, eating kudo in a boma and watching the more intrepid of our party launch themselves into space from the top of a cliff face.

The journey to Kruger was a lot further than I was expecting, though probably just a short hop by South African standards.

It was interesting to see the transition from rolling highlands to the Lowveld and the air became noticeably hotter and more sultry the nearer we got the Kruger. 

Our home for tonight is Lion Sands. After a guided tour of this amazing lodge we were treated to an excellent lunch taken on the river decking under the watchful eye of a grazing elephant.

The suites are stunning all overlooking the Sabie river and Kruger and beyond.

The game drive in the evening was such an adventure, and thanks to the expertise and knowledge of the brilliant trackers and some real Indiana Jones driving of Marnus we were priviledged to see a leopard and her cub, which is an experience I will never forget.

Dinner later at the boma was a great way to end the day, eating food that we had all helped prepare under the expert guidance of Janine, Lion Sand's chef extraordinaire. Looking forward to tomorrow. Lalani Kahle, Hilary.

Hilary Lopez, Prestbury Travel

Today was my first experience of a safari. 

We arrived at Lion Sands in time for lunch. We saw most of the big five (buffalo, leopard, elephant and rhino). I hope that we will see a lion tomorrow. 

The whole experience was amazing.  We even had time to stop for sundowners - a new experience for me. 

The tracker was brilliant. He took us straight to the leopard. I never would have believed that you could get that close to the animals in their natural environment. 

The accommodation at Lion Sands is truly five star with a contemporary feel to it and a very friendly ambience. I would certainly recommend this to my clients when I get back home.

Janice, Althams Travel

Landing in South Africa, the journey to the Misty Valley Lodge was very scenic, the location of the lodge was breathtaking and we were made very welcome by the management and staff. Relaxed and homely. 

That evening we experienced a traditional South African potjie made with Kudu, washed down with good South African wine.

A very sociable evening  - got to mix and mingle with the other tour operators today I experienced two new things fly fishing and abseiling which is something I never thought I would experience and really enjoyed it.

Janice Davidson, Althams Travel Services, Halifax

Well where to begin? It's been an amazing trip so far, we have seen and done so much. 

First day on arrival at Misty Valley Lodge we had a lovely lunch and some fantastic wine! 

Later in the afternoon we had a traditional  South African dinner of Potjie, which we all got stuck in and jointly assisted in the  preparation. Slept very well (probably due to the wine!) 

Saturday was very full and fun packed adventure, starting with fly fishing then on to rock climbing - which was an experience, then abseiling - which was where I chickened out!!

We also got a look at some stunning views including a gorgeous waterfall.

What a fantastic experience so far and has also been very educational, I feel I am learning a lot about the culture of South Africa

What's next?!

Charlotte Glancy, Virgin Holidays

It has been such a whirlwind trip I don't know where to start with telling you what we have done so far.

I've had chance to do so many things for the first time, but definetly not the last! Highlights have been eating Kudu around the boma on our first evening at Misty Valley Lodge and enjoying the great company, fly fishing this morning (despite not catching anything, but it has made me more determined for next time!) and the rock climbing and abseiling we did today.

Being a bit scared of heights I was so proud of myself that I did it, especially the abseil in such beautiful surroundings. The view of the waterfall from dangeling half way down was stunning, well worth the fear factor!

Looking forward to enjoying all the other new experiences I'm sure South Africa still has to offer.

Laura Pattinson, Mahlatini

Flew BA to Johannesburg and was greeted at the airport by our guide for the week Hanneli and Joe our driver.

From the newly appointed airport buildings we set of for Misty Valley Lodge, where we spent the night.

Today had to proceed up to the top of a cliff face of approximatly 200 feet, and after some debate it was decided to go over the top and absail down.

Now none of the party had done this and I was one of them, but we bit the bullet and heroicly led by Hanneli seven of the group decended. Boy that will live with me and the rest of the group for a long, long time.

Mal Willden Penmark Tours Ltd (UK) 

Arrived yesterday afternoon and were welcomed to Misty Valley Lodge.

We had a wonderful meal of Kudu, which the staff had shot themselves, washed down with a few glasses of red - South African of course.

Today we did a spot of fly fishing in the morning which I was useless at. Then we had a huge meal of pap and barbecued chicken in the township.

We worked this meal off with an exhilarating afternoon rock climbing and abseiling, with the stunning backdrop of hills and a beautiful waterfall. 

Simon

Agents on South Africa Tourism's trip to Cape Town got an eyeful of the Welsh rugby team on their BA flight from Heathrow.

Those with an uninterrupted view of the first class seats saw the burly team members amble on to the plane fully suited and booted, but barely had the plane taken off than the sporting internationals stripped down to their boxers to change into more comfortable garb. 

I was temped to get a digital camera out to record the moment but quickly decided against it as the thought of hundreds of stone of angry rugby player accusing me of stalking was enough to put me off.

Joanna Booth, Travel Weekly

After our overnight flight to Jo'burg, we caught our connecting flight down to Durban and arrived to a beautiful sunny day - it's 23C and the middle of winter.

A few hours of rest, a deep sea catamaran cruise and a few South African delicacies, namely South African wine and some Castle Lager, and we were fully relaxed and settling into the Durban pace of life.

It's an early start tomorrow for our elephant interaction so make sure you join us again to hear all about our first full day of adventures.

The time has finally arrived and all the lucky agents are very excited about meeting at Heathrow before embarking on their wonderful itineraries. After tonight's flight a new day will break in South Africa and the adventures will begin. Be sure to join us for our daily updates.