There is something wonderful that happens when you look at photos, the memories that it triggers, no matter how long ago or recent those photos are; it somehow always seems to make me smile as there are always such beautiful memories attached to them.  With that being said, I could not think of a better way to make use of these photographic memories of local visits to share with you, my dear readers.

This post is not a review of any of the establishments/destinations, but instead a mere photographic journal of some of the places we have had the pleasure of staying at or visiting over the recent years.

In no particular order of preference, here are some of the photos we captured whilst being out and about:

1. Entabeni Safari Conservancy – Hanglip Mountain Lodge

   About a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg, there are five properties you can choose to stay at on this reserve. We have stayed at three of them; Kingfisher Lodge, Ravineside Lodge, and Hanglip Mountain Lodge.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

2. Arniston Beach

To me, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa – which I have been to. I love the white sand dunes and the colour of the ocean. I didn’t enjoy the long walk down the steep stairs there as we didn’t carry any water with and it was a very hot day and if you know me, you will know that I find the humidity unbearable – even though I grew up in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal.  Looking at these photos, I want to visit again soon!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

3. Timamoon Lodge – The most seductive lodge on the planet

My husband blew me away when he surprised me when he booked a few nights for us to stay at Timamoon, which they say is the most seductive lodge on the planet. I haven’t travelled the world so I can’t vouch for that, but what I can say is that it is certainly a romantic and very private getaway. As I mentioned earlier, this isn’t an establishment review, so let me share some of the photos we took during our stay there…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

4.  Hot Air Balloon Ride – AirVentures

I had always wanted to experience a hot air balloon ride. My hubby booked us one when he booked our stay above at Timamoon Lodge, however, the weather wasn’t permitting., so we had to remove that from our itinerary.  We did experience our first hot air balloon ride together for one of hubby’s birthdays. It was a sunrise one and it was romantic and beautiful, even better than I had imagined it would be.

Beautiful sunrise, sipping on champagne, watching wildlife below, with the wind blowing in my hair, with the one I loved.  I think that this is something everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. It was a remarkable experience.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

5.  Alpine Heath Resort – Drakensburg

This place will always hold a special place in my heart as it was where my husband had popped the question. I wrote a post on that which you are welcome to read more about by clicking here.

Here are some of the photos from that weekend…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

6.  The Johannesburg Zoo

I can’t count the times that I have visited this zoo and although I don’t enjoy the idea of animals kept in captivity, it is a good place to go to with kids and/family.  In case you’re wondering why I’m sharing these pictures – for me, it’s about that specific visit, where my close family from Durban went with, which makes it more memorable, so these photos are from that day.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Just in case you’re wondering why it’s mostly photos of myself, that’s because my husband is a more private person than I am. Hence you don’t find me posting many photos of him on social media. I most certainly would be sharing much more in content and photos if it were all up to me entirely.

I’m not complaining, it’s good to keep some things private and I’m grateful that my husband encourages this.

I have lots more photos and I’ll save those for other posts on another day.  I’d love to know, if you like me, also enjoys looking at photos? Comment below and let me know…how often do you do this and if you believe in capturing the moments along the way?

---