Wild Bear Travel | Destination: South Africa. A Taste of Africa

History, Adrenaline & the Stillness of the Wild

South Africa isn’t just a destination. It’s a story you step into — one that moves from the rhythmic energy of Soweto to the quiet majesty of mountain dawns. Our curated Wild Bear journey offers an immersive, powerful blend of culture, adventure, and comfort — designed for those who seek more than just a vacation.

Stay: Africlassic River Lodge, Johannesburg

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Africlassic River Lodge, perched on the tranquil banks of the Braamfontein Spruit. This boutique lodge blends African-inspired elegance with a sense of calm that feels worlds away from the urban pace. It’s a serene base for discovery — and a place where every detail tells a story.

Dining with Chef Julie – A Private Culinary Journey

Evenings at Africlassic are made even more memorable with a private, in-lodge dining experience hosted by Master Chef Julie. Her menus celebrate South African flavours with a modern twist, using seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets and regional farms. Each meal is a journey of its own — rich in culture, heritage and heart.

Expect menus like:

• Springbok carpaccio with rooibos-infused dressing

• Cape Malay-spiced lamb shank with apricot couscous

• Amarula panna cotta with wild berries and dark chocolate dust

• Vegetarian and pescatarian options crafted to order

Dine beneath the stars on the lodge’s terrace or enjoy an intimate fireside meal. With Chef Julie’s warm presence and storytelling flair, each plate becomes a conversation — a true Wild Bear dining experience rooted in authenticity and soul.

Excursion 1: Soweto & The Mandela Museum

No trip to South Africa is complete without walking the streets of Soweto — the heartbeat of the country’s modern history. Explore Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Peace Prize winners once lived and visit the Mandela House Museum, where the story of resistance, resilience and revolution is etched into every wall.

Experience highlights:

• Street art, shebeens, and local street food

• Guided tours with personal stories from locals

• Insight into South Africa’s past and future

Excursion 2: Hot Air Balloon Safari with Bill Harrop’s

Wake before sunrise and lift off in total silence above the ancient Magaliesberg mountains, one of the oldest ranges on Earth. With Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris, you'll drift over misted valleys, wildlife reserves and golden grasslands as the sun crests the hills. It’s not just a ride — it’s a moment of weightless awe.

What to expect:

• Champagne breakfast post-flight

• Panoramic wildlife views from the sky

• A rare sense of stillness that stays with you

Excursion 3: Zipline Adventure & Rock Climbing, Magaliesberg

Crank up the adrenaline with a Magalies Canopy Tour, soaring between cliff faces on a series of zip lines through rugged mountain terrain. Then, for the grounded and gritty, take on one of the area’s epic rock climbing routes — suitable for both beginners and advanced climbers.

For the bold-hearted:

• 11 zip lines with elevated canopy platforms

• Guided rock climbs with expert instruction

• Views, verticals and pure thrill

Wild Bear Journal Reflections

South Africa delivers contrast like few places on Earth: ancient mountains and modern voices, thrill and stillness, deep-rooted pain and defiant joy. What makes this journey Wild Bear-worthy is how each element — from Soweto’s soul to the Magaliesberg’s cliffs — pushes you to be more present, more grounded and more alive.

And at the centre of it all, Chef Julie’s fireside meals remind you: no matter how far you travel, it’s shared food and connection that make the moments last.

Trip Essentials

• Recommended stay: 6–8 days

• Base lodge: Africlassic River Lodge, Johannesburg

• Essentials: sunblock, hiking shoes, warm layers for early mornings

• Bookable extras: private Soweto tour, balloon safari upgrades, climbing guides, Chef Julie tasting menu

Ready to Go Wild?

Whether you're chasing quiet sunrises or stories that challenge your perspective, South Africa delivers it all. This journey is about more than sightseeing — it’s about encountering life with intention.

This is Wild Bear travel. Raw. Real. Rewarding.