In May 2022, we kickstarted our South Africa tours once again. After a more than two-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, the whole Expat Explore team, as well as our travellers, were overjoyed to be back on the road again in this incredible country!
Expat Explore co-founder Jakes Maritz joined the first South Africa Escape tour of 2022 and had an absolute blast! During his time on tour, Jakes embraced the opportunity to press play on travel in his home country. Here, he had the chance to reconnect with travellers, enjoy South Africa’s world-famous hospitality and rediscover the joy of travelling.
We chatted to Jakes about his tour experience. The three words he would use to describe the tour are ‘relaxing’, ‘variety’ and ‘exceptional’! Find out more about his favourite destinations, best lessons learned and more below.
How did it feel to be back on tour with Expat Explore in South Africa?
There are so many emotions coming up when I think about being able to be on the road again: gratitude, relief, extreme joy, happiness and many more. Being back on the road is something I’ve been dreaming about constantly for the last two years. It being in South Africa, which was totally isolated from international travellers during the pandemic, makes it even more special. I had a chance to rediscover the joys of travelling and meet new people from all over the world.
Can you tell us about the other travellers on the tour?
We were a fairly small group of mostly Expat Explore veterans. Since this was the first South African tour in more than two years it was more about getting back on the road than numbers. And what a joy it was…one of the nicest group experiences I’ve ever had in all my years of travelling.
We had people from the USA, Ireland, Australia, Kenya, South Africa and the UK. As I said before, they were all return travellers, some on their 8th Expat Explore tour! The group got on like a house on fire. Everyone understood the Expat Explore model, had great times with the company before and were so happy to just be back on the road that it resulted in such a meaningful experience that surpassed everyone’s expectations. As a group, we certainly became friends. We are already trying to align our future travel plans.
What was your favourite memory of the 2022 South African Escape tour?
The people I met and the fact that I got to be a tour leader again for a couple of hours! On the last day, I had a chance to explain to everyone what it means to us at Expat Explore to be back on the road. The fact that everyone shared the joy and appreciation was the highlight of my tour.
What optional excursions do you recommend on this tour?
Tree canopy ziplining in Tsitsikamma and the Cape Peninsula driving tour. Both add so much value to your tour experience.
What is it like to embark on a tour of your home country?
I loved it. When you grow up in a country you often get used to what it has to offer. I’ve been privileged to travel to many wonderful places all over the world, but to rediscover the uniqueness and quality that South Africa offers tourists made me incredibly proud.
What are some of your old favourite destinations that you were able to revisit on this trip?
The Tsitstikamma village in the heart of the Tsitsikamma forest is an all time favourite. The setting is absolutely stunning, the hotel, with its spacious rooms, is a treat and the 60s themed restaurant is such a fun place for a good party. Also, the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn always blow my mind as you’re able to see formations and cave systems which are nearly 20 million years old! I also love the town of Hermanus where I spotted three whales!
Were there any challenges with it being the first South Africa tour since 2020? If so, how did Expat Explore overcome these challenges?
Yes, there were. However, two of our core values are to find solutions to complex problems and support each other – which is exactly what happened. Our aim was to provide a life changing experience to our guests and that’s actually what we did, relying on 18 years of experience and each other to deliver. I’m incredibly proud of our staff and how they dealt with challenges. It shows that the future is bright when you have support like that.
Why do you feel South Africa is a must-visit destination?
The variety in such a small geographical area, the food that always blows everyone’s mind, the natural beauty, the sometimes unexpected world class facilities, and experiencing wildlife like nowhere else.
Did you learn anything new while on tour?
With Expat Explore, you always learn something new. Apart from all the fun facts (some which I’ve never heard before), I learned that this tour, after the unprecedented two years we’ve had, was the perfect way to replenish the soul and rediscover the joys of travelling.
Are you also ready to rediscover the joys of travelling in South Africa? Now is the time to do it! Take a look at our range of South Africa tours and book your next trip. Whether you journey along the picturesque Garden Route or enjoy a wildlife-filled adventure in the Kruger National Park, the magic of this beautiful country is sure to stay in your heart forever!