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• 11 Films And Shows About...

11 Films and Shows About South Africa to Watch on Netflix

Freelance Writer - instagram.com/andrewthompsonsa

Movies and shows about South Africa , or by South African filmmakers, are starting to break into international streaming services. The pickings are still slim, and ironically, in many cases the shows are only available on the international versions of the websites, but there are some that are definitely worth seeking out. As with many shows on Netflix, these come and go and availability will depend on your region, but here are a few of our favourites to keep an eye out for.

Miracle rising: south africa.

This documentary, which makes regular appearances on Netflix, tells a remarkable story of South Africa’s political transformation. The documentary makes use of personal accounts from key figures to personalise South Africa’s transition to democracy, and provides a good overview of the country’s impressive achievements.

21 Up South Africa: Mandela’s Children

Wild Safari: A South African Adventure

If you’re looking for a cutting-edge nature documentary on South Africa, you might want to look elsewhere, but this regular fixture on streaming services provides some interesting footage and insights into the country’s remarkable wildlife and nature reserves, and takes viewers beyond the documentary and into what it feels like to be there in person.

You Laugh But It’s True

South African comedian Trevor Noah has made waves around the world since he took over hosting of The Daily Show . One pleasant byproduct of his rise to international fame has been a resurgence of the live standup comedy shows that he built his name upon. You Laugh But It’s True offers fascinating insights into Noah and South Africa’s history as he prepares for his first one-man show.

Wildlife Quest

Wildlife Quest is another nature television show that’s not exactly groundbreaking, but still worth a watch if you have a hankering for insight into the country’s diverse wildlife. The series is a regular feature on Netflix and takes viewers on a safari through a private nature reserve in South Africa.

The Power of One

Based on the seminal book of the same name, the 1992 film The Power of One didn’t quite live up to expectations. But if you can’t get hold of the book, or simply want to relive one of the more intriguing stories spanning South Africa’s transition into democracy, this regular Netflix movie might be worth a watch.

Soccer City

The 2010 FIFA World Cup took South Africa by storm, and the Soccer City stadium in the heart of Soweto was the venue for the final. Now, the Soccer City documentary allows us to relive those golden weeks as the world descended to soak up the atmosphere at one of the most remarkable events to take place in democratic South Africa.

South African movie Inxeba may just have been effectively banned from local cinemas thanks to a new adults-only rating, but it’s available to stream on Netflix around the world. It’s a moving story about a young man undergoing ritual initiation, and his struggles to keep a secret in a largely patriarchal and intolerant environment.

Invictus was one of the first films exclusively about South Africa to feature A-list actors. Starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, the movie tells the story of South African President Nelson Mandela’s attempt to unite the country by enlisting the national rugby team on a remarkable mission: to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom , starring Idris Elba, is perhaps the best cinematic take on the remarkable life of Nelson Mandela . It charts his life from his time as a young lawyer fighting against oppressive apartheid laws, through to becoming the country’s first democratically elected president.

Ayanda is a vibrant South African film that tells the story of a trendy 21-year-old with a talent for bringing neglected furniture back to life. Eight years after her father’s death, Ayanda aces the difficult task of resuscitating her father’s cherished auto-repair garage, which is deep in debt. It’s a powerful, moving film.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Cape Town: Approaching Day Zero

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Go Deeper: What to Read, Watch, and Download Before Visiting Cape Town

Don’t show up in the Mother City without doing your homework.

Read these…

Long Walk to Freedom Much of Nelson Mandela’s riveting 1994 memoir was written during his time imprisoned at Cape Town’s Robben Island. An essential read to learn not only about the life of a great man, but to understand the context behind the country’s turbulent history.

The Cape Town Book: A Guide to the City’s History, People, and Places Nechama Brodie’s 2015 book paints a vivid portrait of the many layers of a complex city, enriched with a selection of rare pictures.

The Institute of Taxi Poetry Imraan Coovadia’s novel takes a whimsical approach to the hierarchical world of minibus taxis, a fixture of South African life.

An Imperfect Blessing Author Nadia Davids’ debut novel dives into the lives of members of Cape Town’s Muslim community at the brink of independence.

The Other City A collection of poems about Cape Town by the late Stephen Watson, an English professor who worked at the University of Cape Town.

Watch these…

Searching for Sugar Man A 2012 cult documentary about the unlikely success of American musician Rodriguez in apartheid South Africa — completely unbeknownst to the singer himself. The film traces the attempts of two Cape Town fans trying to track him down.

Long Night’s Journey Into Day: South Africa’s Search for Truth and Reconciliation Academy Award–nominated documentary following four hearings during South Africa’s groundbreaking and heart-wrenching Truth and Reconciliation commission, meant to help the country address its past crimes as it moved into its post-apartheid future.

Listen to these…

Freshlyground Though this band’s members span South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, they came together with their Afro-fusion beats in Cape Town in 2002. They have a following all over the world — you might remember them from Shakira’s theme song for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Jimmy Nevis This pop heartthrob is Cape Town born-and-bred.

Bookmark these…

Cape Town Magazine The comprehensive guide to the city, covering everything from events to new hot spots to local personalities you should know about.

Eat Out The South African food bible covers all the major restaurant news, and also puts out the country’s definitive restaurant awards .

Download this…

FeastFox This homegrown app brings Cape Town’s best dining to your fingertips: Browse for restaurants at the last minute and book a table in just a few taps.

Follow these…

For Cape Town tips and ideas for where to find the city’s best angles, follow these local Instagram accounts: @lovecapetown , @tailsofamermaid , @bakedonline , and @heyomphi .

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CAPE TOWN: BEHIND THE BEAUTY (2019) - South Africa Mini Documentary

In March 2019 we visited Cape Town to find out what it's like to live in a place that the World Bank calls the most unequal city in the world. directed by https://www.instagram.com/melanie_sim... camera by https://www.instagram.com/georgmoeller/ Feel free to share. Camera Kit we used: https://kit.co/georg_moeller/camera-kit Additional Drone footage: https://www.instagram.com/lukemaximob...

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23 Binge-worthy Travel Documentaries on Netflix (2024)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 14, 2024

If you enjoy watching travel shows (whether for inspiration or research) you are in for a treat with this selection of the best travel documentaries on Netflix in 202 4

This eclectic list of Netflix travel documentaries and series will take you across every continent to meet the people, cultures, history and geography, natural wonders and wildlife that make up our beautiful planet.

Chosen by travel bloggers this is a selection of the best travel documentaries available on Netflix around the world.

Please bear in mind that not all these shows may be available on Netflix in your location ! If you would like unrestricted access to 15 Netflix libraries around the world (including Germany/USA/UK) we recommend Surfshark VPN. You only need 1 subscription to cover every gadget in your house. Click here for more information about Surfshark

Taco Chronicles

With surfshark vpn you can, dark tourist, down to earth, grand tours of the scottish islands, expedition happiness.

• Chef's Table

Somebody Feed Phil

Extreme engagement.

• Joanna Lumley's India

Chasing Coral

Magical andes, cuba and the cameraman, jack whitehall travels with my father, restaurants on the edge, tales by light, christiane amanpour: sex & love around the world, the serpent, the dawn wall, my octopus teacher, anthony bourdain: parts unknown, street food series (latin america and asia), more tv shows & movies from countries around the world, 23 best travel documentaries on netflix.

If you didn’t love the idea of eating tacos in Mexico City already, Taco Chronicles will make sure you do! In fact, you’ll discover that there’s even more to authentic Mexican tacos than you ever knew about.

In Taco Chronicles, you’ll go on a taco journey to Mexico City and beyond, to discover the unique types of tacos eaten in Mexico’s various regions and states. The show does start off in Mexico City, with the king of Mexican tacos — the taco al pastor.

From Mexico City, enjoy a virtual Mexican culinary food tour to its neighbouring state of Hidalgo, home of barbacoa (BBQ) tacos. Beyond Central Mexico, this food and travel documentary takes you all over Mexico.

In subsequent episodes of this two-season show, you’ll discover cochinita pibil (slow-roasted suckling pig) tacos in the Yucatan Peninsula, fried fish tacos in Baja California state on the west coast, cabrito (goat) tacos in Northern Mexico, and more.

Places/countries featured – Mexico

Chosen by Shelley of Travel Mexico Solo

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Over recent years, the public’s fascination with dark tourism destinations has boomed. Sites such as Chernobyl and Auschwitz draw in thousands of tourists every year. With so many of the population sharing a fascination for dark history, it is no wonder that so many have tuned into Netflix’s ‘Dark Tourist. 

The show follows journalist David Farrier as he travels around hoping to experience the most macabre destinations that the world has to offer. Farrier’s quest to unearth the morbid takes him to several high profile dark tourism destinations, including the site of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, on a JFK assassination tour and he even witnesses an exorcism in Mexico City.  

Although Farrier sometimes comes across as a mediocre Louis Theroux, this thought-provoking travel show succeeds in its aim and transports you into the unknown. The result is an interesting series that explores the darker side of life (and death).

Chosen by Sheree   of Winging the World

In the Netflix series Down To Earth , actor Zac Efron and wellness author Darin Olien travel across the globe learning about the wellness and sustainability efforts being made in numerous destinations.

Each of the eight episodes focuses on a different location and aspect of sustainability or personal wellness.

In the first episode, you’ll learn all about harnessing the earth’s energy in Iceland. From there, travel to Paris to see their efforts to reduce bottled water impacts, learn about sustainability in Costa Rica, and nutrition in Sardinia.

Also included in the series are food education in Lima, post-hurricane sustainability in Puerto Rico, London pollution reduction efforts, and Iquitos wellness in the Peruvian Amazon.

In one of the most intriguing segments, they learn about tap water differences from a water sommelier. The series lends a glimpse into some beautiful destinations and what locals are doing to keep them beautiful for decades to come.

Chosen by Samantha of PAonPause.com

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Historian and film-maker Paul Murton brings you on a fascinating journey to many Scottish islands over four seasons. He meets with locals; finds hidden gems; and explores the rich, unique, and sometimes tragic history of each of the islands. 

You may be surprised to find yourself binge-watching this relaxing travel documentary series. You will get caught up in Murton’s contagious curiosity about its people and his great admiration for its beauty. Every episode is filled with stunning scenery. The high production quality and engaging soundtrack heighten the enjoyment of the show. Fans can follow this up with his three other Scottish travel series.  

Queue up, Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands to enjoy some dreamy armchair travel or to gain a deeper understanding of the islands as you plan your trip to Scotland .  

Places featured: Isle of Skye , Islands of Loch Lomond, Hebridean Islands, Orkney Islands, and many more

Contributed by Erica at Trip Scholars

Expedition Happiness is a home movie/travelogue that follows the story of a German couple as they give up their life in Germany to do an epic road trip in the Americas with their dog Rudi.

The couple, whose names are Selima and Felix, purchased a yellow school bus in Florida for 9500 USD. After working on it for three months, they transformed it into their “Loft on Wheel”, a comfortable, spacious, and well-equipped adventure bus. 

The itinerary was to start in Alaska near Denali National Park , drive all the way down to Central America, cross over to South America, and finish in Argentina.

On their adventure, they documented all the incredible landscapes they saw, the people they met, and more.

Whether they were able to finish their epic adventure or not, you will have to find out on Netflix! 

Chosen by Sean of Living out Lau

Chef’s Table

Even if you’re not a foodie but love to travel, be sure to watch Chef’s Table on Netflix. This documentary series features renowned Chefs from around the world who are creating inspired culinary experiences.

Now in its 6th season with 30 episodes, the series doesn’t just showcase a chef’s creations, but takes you on a journey through each of their personal stories that has led to their creativity.

World renowned chefs like Italy’s Massimo Bottura will inspire you with how he came from humble beginnings to being on the world culinary stage. But one chef in particular has inspired us to travel for her food — Chef Ana Rôs, owner of  Hiša Franko restaurant  in Kobarid, Slovenia. 

After initially pursuing a career track in business, she spent years honing her craft and experimenting with the local foods of her native Slovenia. Today, she is now one of the top chefs in the world, Hiša Franko is one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World and newly Michelin-rated — and our dinner there on my birthday might possibly be the best meal of my life.

Watch the series and decide where your next culinary adventure will be.

Chosen by Lori of travlinmad.com

In “Somebody Feel Phil”, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Phil Rosenthal, travels the world to indulge in the scrumptious local cuisine and to learn more about the culture of these destinations.

There are currently four seasons on Netflix and each episode features a different city around the world. This documentary does a great job of portraying local customs and traditions and viewers will feel like they’re actually in that city with the locals.

Phil has a childlike wonder to him when he’s learning about the different cultures and he answers basically any potential questions the viewers could have about the destination. One of the best parts about the documentary is watching Phil turn the strangers he meets into his family. 

Places featured – Bangkok, Saigon, Tel Aviv, Lisbon, New Orleans, Mexico City, Venice , Dublin, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen, Cape Town, New York City, Marrakesh, Chicago, London, Seoul, Montreal, Rio De Janeiro, San Francisco, Singapore, the Mississippi Delta, and Hawaii. 

Chosen by Disha of Disha Discovers

While most people get engaged and then begin planning their perfect wedding, Tim and PJ, stars of the Netflix show Extreme Engagement, do anything but that. Instead, Tim and PJ get engaged and then set out on a worldwide exploration of marital traditions around the world. 

The couple journeys to places such as Mongolia, Brazil, China, Nigeria, and Papua New Guinea facing challenging experiences along the way that has them questioning their relationship and each other. 

You get to see a glimpse inside the cross-cultural challenges associated with a new romance along with an interesting insight into how other cultures celebrate love and marriage. 

Chosen by Michelle Snell from That Texas Couple

International travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach cross the world and push their limits on an expedition to find genuine, unforgettable experiences.

DEPARTURES is an international award-winning and inspiring television travel series that will take you on the journey of a lifetime and beyond. From epic landscapes to unforgettable culture, learn what it takes to make it all happen through personal successes, crushing disappointments and memorable new friendships that could only be made by travelling abroad.

With two episodes for every continent, DEPARTURES will arm and reassure your wanderlust with hours of riveting programming that captures the beauty, drama, wonder and humor of taking a leap abroad.

DEPARTURES covers every aspect of world travel, showing you exactly what to expect at destinations around the globe. From beaches in Bali and cruising in the South Pacific Islands, to trekking on Mt Kilimanjaro and sailing up icebergs off Greenland, DEPARTURES takes you straight into a location’s unique atmosphere… giving viewers insight into a whole new way of life.

Places featured – Nearly 30 countries around the world including Japan, New Zealand and Russia

Chosen by Casandra of Karpiak Caravan Adventure Family Travel

Joanna Lumley’s India

Joanna Lumley is a British actress probably most well-known for her role as the outrageous Patsy of Absolutely Fabulous. What is perhaps less known about her is that she was born in Kashmir, India, in 1946, and the descendent of British colonists in India going back to 1777.

Originally aired in 2017 with three episodes, Joanna Lumley’s India takes viewers on a personal trip across the country where she explores modern India and finds connections to members of her own family and the experience of being and speaking English in India .

Lumley has also hosted travel shows on Japan, the Silk Road, the Caribbean, and the Trans-Siberia express train.

Places featured:  Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Gujarat, Mumbai, Ranthambhore National Park, Delhi, and Srinagar, Kashmir.

Chosen by Mariellen of Breathedreamgo

Chasing Coral is a fascinating documentary about the disappearance of coral around the world. In this chasing coral, a team of divers, researchers and photographers set out on an ocean adventure to document the bleaching of Coral in warming seas. This phenomenon is when corals lose their beautiful and vibrant colors to become white, dying shortly after. 

The point of this documentary is to show that the coral’s death is the result of climate change and the rise in temperatures that are absorbed by the oceans. 

The documentary takes us to some of the most beautiful destinations in the world such as the Florida Keys, Hawaii and the Bahamas. More than that, this documentary also shows the important damage climate change has done to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. 

I definitely recommend this documentary to anyone who wants to really understand the impact of human activity on the ocean’s ecosystem. 

Chosen by Camille from Everything Yoga Retreat

Magical Andes is one of the best travel documentaries on Netflix if you are looking to learn about the natural gems of South America. When searching amongst the 100’s of other documentaries you’ll find this particular docuseries created by Luis Ara and Alexandra Hardorf concentrates solely on the magical landscape of the Andes mountain range. 

This docuseries not only shows you all about the longest continental mountain range in the world, but talks about the wildlife, lakes, and forests, deserts, volcanoes, and other Mother Earth creations that exist in that region. 

Magical Andes focuses on truly stunning imagery and gives you a look into some of the  best places to visit in South America  that you simply wouldn’t see passing through in a car.

Places featured  – In season one, the Netflix documentary features spectacular views from Argentina and Chile. Then from the Aconcagua desert in Bolivia over to some of the more ancient cultures in Peru. The lush mountain of Colombia and Ecuador are also featured.

Chosen by Daniel of LayerCulture.com

If you’ve ever thought of visiting Cuba there are many Cuban movies and documentaries to help you to research your trip, but none are as epic as this one. 

Many people believe that Cuba is a country frozen in time, but this Netflix documentary features Jon Alpert’s travels to Cuba over a span of nearly five decades. 

And while the relationships between the United States and Cuba has been fragmented at times, he visited each time as an American journalist. It starts in 1970s, just over a decade since the Cuban revolution when the country was thriving. 

Instead of giving his perspective on Cuba, he interviews three families who share their own stories of every day life. He continues to visit Cuba to find these families to update their stories. Over the decades the political situation and relationship with the United States changes quite dramatically.

And while he also interviews Fidel Castro, most of the film is really about everyday Cubans and their highs and lows.

Chosen by Ayngelina of Baconismagic.ca

Jack Whitehall is a British comedian who attended private school and has a somewhat disjointed relationship with his father Michael because of this. Jack also never got to take a gap year before going to university so season one of Travels with my Father is all about Jack finally embarking on a traditional ‘gap year’ trip to Southeast Asia. The twist is he takes his father with him so they can strengthen their bond.

The series takes place in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and highlights some of the gap year activities that can be done including full moon parties on the beach and visiting Angkor Wat. By the end of their travels, they reflect on what they have learned about each other and themselves.

The show continues in a similar fashion in the subsequent seasons where Michael takes Jack on a culture and history tour around Europe, Jack shows Michael everything the US has to offer, and both his mother and father join him for a road trip in Australia.

Chosen by Steph from Book It Let’s Go!

If you love travel, design and food, Restaurants on the Edge needs to be on your Netflix list. In each episode, the show highlights a restaurant in a stunning location. 

The restaurants get a makeover from a design expert and the menu often gets an upgrade from the show’s chef, the goal is to take struggling restaurants and make them sustainable for the business owners. 

There are currently two seasons of Restaurants on the Edge on Netflix, with locations throughout the world. 

In season one, you’ll be treated to beautiful ocean views in Malta, as well as stunning architecture. The views continue with a cliff side restaurant in Costa Rica. 

Season two will take you around the world again, with restaurants in Finland, St. Croix and Arizona. 

Not only is it fun to see the upgrades these restaurants go through, but it’s also inspiring to see the impact the changes have on each person’s life making this show a must-watch. 

Chosen by Alenis of seasaltandfog.com  

If you are a fan of Italy, Italian art and History, then watch the gorgeous and surprisingly brutal history of the famous Medici’s of Florence.

The Netflix show is so well done with gorgeous cinematography, beautiful costumes and stage settings. The show includes all the surrounding countryside and historic sites that document the Medici Family and their major influence on Florence, Venice, and even Rome (two popes were related to the Medici family).

It also showcases early Catholic power and greed. The Pope had absolute power and a religious mission that seemed corrupt whichever person was Pope and ruler. 

The Medici focus really hits the major sites of the city and also the start of the Renaissance period in Italy. The crowning of the main dome in the cathedral was a major achievement during this time frame and it was really fascinating to see how this was depicted and shown in development and the struggles of the Medici family to get this undertaking done.

Also, it was interesting to see how easy it was during that time frame to create wealth and also lose it depending on your affiliations and business relationships with the pope and other influential rulers of that time.

Watch the Medici’s on Netflix and if you visit Florence, you’ll gain a better understanding of the Medici fame and fortune in the area.

Chosen by Noel of Oahu Travel Now

Below Deck is a series of reality TV shows. Each show is set on a luxury yacht which is rented out by wealthy charter guests, but the real action is with the young yacht crew, or yachties, who serve them, the characterful captains who lead them and the stunning locations. The original Below Deck was so successful that it rapidly gained two spin offs, Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

The original Below Deck saw the crew sail around Sint Maarten in the Caribbean, followed by seasons in the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, Tahiti, Thailand and Antigua.

Below Deck Mediterranean’s locations have included Mykonos in the Greek Islands, Split and Cavtat in Croatia, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, the Cote d’Azur in the south of France and Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. Below Deck, Sailing Yacht has only had one series, set in Corfu.

Contributed by Helen of HelenOnHerHolidays.com

The documentary series “Tales by Light” follows renowned professional filmmakers and photographers as they visit worldwide destinations and capture fascinating content which highlights different features of the natural world. 

Every episode focuses on a different subject such as wildlife, the oceans, landscapes, adventure activities, or cultural practices and traditions. The distinct approaches of the featured photographers really help to bring the stories to life and this program presents many less well-known countries and regions in a compelling way using panoramic landscapes and stunning visuals. 

The first season explores multiple destinations per episode, with visits to Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Alaska and Colorado in the United States, Vanuatu, the Himalayas, Antarctica, Ethiopia and Uganda.

The second season covers Kenya, Norway, Brazil, the Bahamas, India and Namibia, and the third season highlights Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Australia.

This series presents a journey across the globe and is sure to inspire travellers who are looking for their next adventure.

Contributed by Claire from  Claire Pins Travel  

In this cultural travel show, CNN journalist Christiane Amanpour (who in the past has covered major stories from countries like  Iran , Rwanda, and Pakistan) travels to six different cities around the world to explore women’s love lives across multiple cultures. She talks to experts in the field as well as everyday people — revealing facts and details that give a very insightful glimpse into the culture and values of women around the world. 

Christiane is a natural at asking just the right questions and at shining a spotlight on the stories of the women in each city.

While this show focuses heavily on love and sex, viewers will get to learn a whole lot about the overall mentality and life approach of each country — making this a perfect travel show that fosters deeper cultural appreciation.

Places featured – Tokyo (Japan), Delhi (India), Beirut (Lebanon), Berlin (Germany), Accra (Ghana), Shanghai (China)

Chosen by Jiayi of The Diary of A Nomad

Released at the beginning of 2021, The Serpent is not a travel show in and of itself, but it will inevitably allure travelers into visiting the many places explored by the main characters.

Aired on Netflix, the series tells the real story of Charles Sobhraj, a French serial killer of Indian and Vietnamese origins who in the mid-1970s drugged, robbed and killed a large number of backpackers travelling between Thailand, India and Nepal. 

Sobhraj and his Quebecoise girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc were finally identified as the authors of the crimes thanks to the work of Dutch diplomat Herman Knippenberg, who, albeit the many reservations of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand, set to investigate the disappearance of a Dutch couple and through a series of lead eventually managed to uncover the culprits.

Places featured: Over the course of 8 episodes you will be taken to Bangkok, the coast of Thailand, the peaks of Nepal, the streets of several Indian cities and even to Paris .

Chosen by Claudia Tavani of My Adventures Across The World

When Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson free climbed the Great Wall of the El Capitan rock face in the Yosemite National Park in 2018, the news spread like wildfire.

Dawn Wall is a US documentary about this story of perseverance and adventure.

Cameras follow these legendary free climbers as they undertake this nearly impossible task. It took Cadwell 7 years to reach the goal and we are given a detailed look into the events that led to this decision and the struggles that were involved throughout the journey.

There’s one constant theme that runs throughout the story and that is the strength of the human spirit.

This captivating documentary with great visuals should not be missed. The documentary is in English, but subtitles are available in different languages that include Spanish, French, and Chinese. 

Places featured : Yosemite National Park

Chosen by Rai from A Rai of Light

My Octopus Teacher is an award-winning and very heart-touching documentary on Netflix that covers how a filmmaker spent a year trying to capture a wild octopus on camera and also form a friendship with it. 

For about a year, Craig Foster films a wild octopus he came across while trying out free-diving through an underwater kelp forest in South Africa.

Over the period, Craig and the octopus develop a bond with the octopus almost showing Craig around and not being uninhibited by his presence as he follows it.

Craig watches as it protects itself, loses an arm to an attack and then regrows it too. At the end of the documentary, the octopus naturally passes away after mating and trying to protect its eggs. 

Filmed entirely near Cape Peninsula in South Africa, this beautiful documentary is not to be missed as it covers an offbeat relationship between man and nature. 

Places featured – A kelp forest off False Bay near Simon’s Town in South Africa

Chosen by Lavinia of Continent Hop

For the foodies of the world, who travel the world, and are strident realists about the world, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown” is an absolute must-watch.

Rugged, painfully honest, internationally renowned chef Anthony Bourdain travelled the globe in search of authentic food, people and life experiences. With no time for nonsense and all the time in the world for simple food done to perfection, he takes the viewer to eating establishments from tiny street food stalls to the finest of fine dining.

In his search for amazing food in amazing places, he guides you from the brutality of the Bornean jungle to the madness of Seoul’s foodie nightlife and the pure joy of a perfectly cooked steak in an Argentinian steakhouse accompanied by a glass of locally bottled Malbec. 

Parts Unknown leaves you an appetite for dinner and a bigger one for travel. Wanderlust is baked into every episode.

Chosen by Rosie of the Flying Fluskeys

The Street Food series is one for foodie lovers around the world to enjoy! Each episode follows the story of a local chef and how they started their now-famous street food shops.

From family restaurants to cultural fusions, you learn about a destination through food from the people who make it possible.

Volume one takes place in various Asian destinations, such as Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Delhi (India), Seoul (South Korea), and others.

The second volume takes place in Latin America, highlighting food in Salvador (Brazil), Bogota (Colombia), Lima (Peru), Oaxaca (Mexico), and more.

It is a delicious docuseries that will keep you salivating and also inspire you to understand how food and travel are one. Street Food will also encourage you to get out of your comfort zone if you normally avoid street food!

It is the ideal blend of travel and food for everyone to indulge in from home.

Chosen by Sojourner of Sojournies.com

📺 If you are looking for more travel inspiration on Netflix check out these posts:

• 39 Very Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust
• Best Spanish Series on Netflix (Binge-worthy TV for 2021)
• 10 best movies about South Africa to watch before you visit
• Best Netflix series set in Denmark
• 15 best Scandinavian & Nordic Noir Netflix series you can’t miss
• Best French series on Netflix

📖 If you enjoy reading about a country before you visit check out these posts

• A Complete Guide to the Best Books from Around the World
• Best books about Croatia (or set in Croatia)

The perfect holiday in Cape Town

An insider guide to Cape Town, the South African city that excels in natural splendour

You really can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town . First, there’s the in-your-face beauty of a craggy mountain range that drops precipitously into a glittering sea, its flanks carpeted in greens and delicate florals. Then there’s the pristine white beaches lapped by – it must be said – a chilly Atlantic, their curves defined by giant granite boulders to bake on, and burbling mountain streams in dappled forests. And no visit is complete without at least one full day exploring some of the surrounding vine-carpeted valleys, their rich terroir spawning not only award-winning wines but superb produce.

Yet Cape Town has a cool urban edge, too: excellent art galleries, hip bars, world-rated restaurants, and design-savvy shops. It's also home to many of Africa's innovative artists and designers, drawn by the city's innate beauty, and with MOCAA the city is now home to the biggest repository of contemporary African art. In short, this pulsating city will leave you hungry for more.

For more Cape Town inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels , restaurants , bars and attractions . For further inspiration, read our expert's ultimate two-week holiday in South Africa.

In this guide

How to spend your weekend, insider tips.

When should I visit Cape Town?

Where to stay in Cape Town

What to bring home

Essential information: what to know before you go

Day one: Morning

Schedule Table Mountain for the morning, when the wind is least likely to blow. It’s a relatively easy two-hour walk up along Platteklip Gorge, the oldest, most direct route, following a well-constructed trail up the front face of the mountain, but the five-hour Skeleton Gorge route that starts from Kirstenbosch Gardens is far more scenic albeit challenging.

To ascend by cable car, purchase the ticket online , dated for the day of your arrival; this single-use ticket is valid for one week and can be refunded during that week if the cable car is unable to operate. If you are here during peak season it is definitely worth purchasing a Fast Track ticket for R950 return and skip the queues. Note that the cableway usually closes for maintenance from mid-July to end-August.

The cable car starts running at 8am in summer and 8.30am in winter. How long you spend exploring the top is entirely up to you but it can be done in an hour or you can combine it with several wonderful hikes that include burbling streams and a dam dips – best do this with a seasoned Table Mountain guide like Riaan Voster, owner of who will tailormake the walk around to your interest and fitness level.

If you want to see a different angle on how Table Mountain dwarfs the city, head to the Waterfront to visit Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of the 27 years he was imprisoned. Be sure to get to the Nelson Mandela Gateway , the Robben Island ferry departure point, 30 minutes before departure. Note that it is essential to prebook, and that you must take some form of identification with you. Tours depart 9am, 11am, 1pm and this is a three-hour trip (including an approximate one-hour round-trip by ferry).

Virtually next door to the Nelson Mandela Gateway is the MOCAA , worth a visit just to see how Thomas Heatherwick and his local team repurposed the 1930s grain silo that today houses Africa’s largest contemporary art collection. Great little museum shop too.

A plethora of lunch choices within easy strolling distance – opposite MOCAA is The Yard, or stroll over to Den Anker, with its marvellous view of Table Mountain and Belgian-inspired menu. Or try Cape Town’s new Time Out Market: a selection of 13 food stalls with signature dishes from some of the city’s top chefs – something for everyone, all good enough to consider coming back for more – enjoyed canteen-style at long shared tables in a historic dockyard building.

Freshen up, then head out to Camps Bay to watch the sun sink into the Atlantic Ocean from vibey Chinchilla. Or head directly to Salsify, where Chef Ryan Cole – awarded 2023 Chef of the Year at the Eat Out awards – serves up his delicate and delicious tasting menu in the 18th-century Round House, tucked into Camps Bay Glen, with tree-fringed views of the ocean. As the last rays bathe the walls in pink, sommelier Victor Okolo further delights the senses with an aptly named “gem” wine pairing to match Cole’s layered creations.

To fully grasp the natural splendour of the city, you need to go on a drive that loops around the peninsula, tooling along the west-facing coastal road that hugs the Atlantic to Cape Point, then exploring the village-like suburbs that look across False Bay, with its magnificent backdrop of craggy mountains like cardboard cutouts against a big blue sky. Note that you can choose to do the route described below in reverse, and enjoy new views from a different angle.

Make a start at 8am to get to Cape Point National Park before the crowds, winding your way along the coastal road that connects Camps Bay to Hout Bay. Stop to enjoy the view halfway up Chapman’s Peak Drive before paying the toll and traversing the narrow road carved into the perpendicular cliffs high above the Atlantic Ocean. Cross Noordhoek Valley, skirting Misty Cliffs and Scarborough, to get to Cape Point National Park, also known as the Cape of Good Hope.

Depending on time, take one of the detours, looking out for baboons, antelope and ostrich, or head to one of the beaches like Buffels Bay beach that the coaches can’t reach… or do as most and head straight to the Cape Point lighthouse to enjoy vertiginous views from the most southwesterly point of Africa.

Next stop is at Boulders Beach  to visit the endangered colony of African Penguins – bring a costume and take a dip with the penguins if the weather’s fine.

There are no stand out restaurants in Simonstown, so time allowing push on to Harbour House or Live Bait in Kalk Bay mostly for the fabulous location, right above the sea on the edge of the quay. If you’d prefer something quick and casual, nearby Kalky’s for fish and chips, or Olympia Café on the high street, as popular with the local community as the visitors that flood this seaside village in season.

After lunch, stroll Kalk Bay’s high street, enjoying the village vibe, with quaint galleries – make time for Kalk Bay Modern – and an interesting array of clothing shops, from the eclectic selection at the aptly named Oh So Boho to elegant linens and pretty florals at Jane Valken , authentic African jewellery from Soul Design and statement pieces at Anpa .

End your peninsula tour with a walk around Kirstenbosch , or a winetasting or two in Constantia , the oldest wine-growing region in the New World. With beautiful 17th-century Cape Dutch buildings and a small wine museum, Groot Constantia has the history (it’s vineyards been producing wines for 332 years) but oenophiles should head to Klein Constantia, not least to sample the estate’s Vin De Constance, a dessert wine that Jane Austen described in Sense & Sensibility as a “balm for the broken heart”.

Tonight we serve up an equally stunning view, this time of Constantia’s vineyard-clad slopes from Chef’s Warehouse Beau Constantia . Executive chef Liam Tomlin elevates the concept of tapas-style sharing plates to fine dining without overly artsy presentation – alongside sister restaurant Chef’s Warehouse Tintswalo (located at the base of Chapmans’s Peak) with super oceanside setting) this is relaxed, unpretentious, delicious. 

For an excellent city centre option, the tasting menu at excellent-value  Belly of the Beast  will not disappoint, nor will sister outlet Galjoen ... or if you prefer a more a la carte experience, book at table (preferably in the courtyard) at Elgr .

End the evening with a drink at  The Athletic . Vintage cool and cosy, this artfully decorated Victorian attracts a wide variety of clientele, with live music or DJ in the basement, an excellent restaurant at street level, and a classy gentleman’s club-style bar on the second floor, with lovely nooks and doors opening onto a lacey wrought-iron balcony.

Neighbourhood watch

The East City – in and around Harrington Street – just gets cooler, mixing old stalwarts such as old-fashioned Portuguese diner-style dive Dias Tavern and Western-themed bar Dust and Dynamite with trendy creperie Swan and fine dining Belly of the Beast and Galjoen .

Panoramic city views

Hike Lion’s Head just before sunset, and you will be rewarded by the most spectacular 360-degree views: the huge horizon deepening to pink, burnishing the ocean, while below the city lights start to twinkle. That said it’s popular, and some days the hike can feel more like an on-foot commute rather than communing with nature – a quieter (and easier!) alternative is to head up to Kloof Corner.

Attractions

There are more plant species on Table Mountain than the entire British Isles, and the easiest introduction to this rich floral kingdom is a visit to Kirstenbosch . With terraced lawns that blend seamlessly into the steep indigenous forests that pelt the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, it’s a spectacular botanical garden. Entrance is R220 but this includes access to one of the free guided walking tours, starting from Gate One on weekdays at 10am, 11am and 2pm. I’d also highly recommend arranging a walk with fynbos expert Dominic Chadbon aka the Fynbos Guy, who will tailor a walk somewhere in Table Mountain National Park taking into account your fitness level, the weather, what’s flowering and where you are based (R2400 for half day guiding, including transfers; +27 72 992 5636). 

Restaurants

If you find the choice in restaurants overwhelming, browse the reviews in Eat Out for guidance and star ratings. Eat Out annual restaurant ratings are incidentally sponsored by Woolworths – while the retailer has relations with M&S this is the closest South Africa gets to a Waitrose; great for a one-stop gourmet picnic (fabulous cheese selection) or if you have access to a kitchen.

You can visit Cape Town pretty much any time of year. Summer is the most popular, with peak season falling between mid-December and early January.

Another surge of visitors descends during the hot months of February and March. In April, the temperatures are balmy, the light is softer, the Cape Doctor (the southeasterly wind that howls through the city) is dormant and the sunsets are spectacular.

The temperate winter sometimes starts in May, more often June/July. Sunny days alternate with downpours that bring verdant relief, the mountain streams gushing into rocky gullies and watering the winter-flowering fynbos, including proteas, lilies and aloes. This is the most exhilarating time of year to explore the slopes of Table Mountain on foot.

July to November is the time when the southern right whales migrate to calve and nurse, providing the best land-based whale-watching in the world – but be warned, July and August can be wet. October to November is when the Cape floral kingdom again wows with a new cycle of flowering species, while the beaches, still relatively empty, sparkle in the temperate sun. This is when some of the best deals of the summer season are to be had – especially if you book early.

Where to stay

Luxury living.

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is a green oasis right in the centre of the city, with a palm-lined driveway leading to art-strewn lawns, magnificent flower beds, two pools and tennis courts. Cape Town's iconic pink lady originally opened her doors in 1899, and has attracted a well-heeled mix of loyal guests ever since. Service is impeccable, interiors are glamorous and the number of restaurants, bars and city sights within strolling distance of its doorstep are plentiful.

Designer digs

For absolutely jaw-dropping views of Table Mountain and the twinkling city below, fabulously quirky décor and an atmosphere that feels more like a gorgeous home than a hotel, check into Dorp . A Georgian-style compound edged with fairytale gardens, this hotel defies categorization. The work of the late creative maverick Gail Behr, it is both sumptuous salon – designed to attract local reprobates and playful misfits – and private hideaway, with gorgeous en suite rooms and self-catering apartments, and a decadent, impalpable nostalgia. You simply won’t want to leave.

Budget bolthole

For a great location, fantastic hosts and bargain rates, look no further than Hotel Lola . Creatively fashioned from a double-storey Victorian terrace home by owners Russel and Alan, the five en-suite bedrooms are each uniquely decorated; breakfasts are memorable breakfasts and service exceptional. The Waterfront or city are a 15 minutes stroll away (5 minutes by car); Alan and Russel can arrange tailormade trips in and around Cape Town and have their own in-house driver, Lino, at your disposal. Book soon.

Rooibos tea is probably South Africa’s best known export beverage but for a really unique drink, take home a box (or more – makes a great gift!) of loose-leaf Pinotage Rooibos from local tea merchants Enmasse Tea Merchants . Made from dried pinotage skins and Cederberg-picked rooibos, it’s alcohol- and caffeine-free, and utterly delicious, hot or cold.

For exquisite heirloom-quality woven goods (towels, linen, cushions, throws, wraps) made from high-quality natural fibres in stripey colour combinations to rival those of Paul Smith, head over to Mungo .

The South African Print Gallery  specialises in fine art investment prints – so much easier to transport than canvas or sculpture. There is a great selection of celebrated South African artists, from Tinus de Jongh to William Kentridge, as well as selected new talent.

Know before you go

Essential information.

• British High Commission:  Cape Town; 00 27 21 461 7220
• British Consulate:   021 405 2400; gov.uk
• Emergency services:  dial 082 911 or 084 911 (ambulance), 10111 (police and fire). To contact any emergency service from a mobile phone, dial 112
• Medical care:  to find the nearest private clinic, or to contact a specialist, see  netcare.co.za . For travel-specific queries, see travelclinic.co.za
• Tourism offices and information:  Contact the centrally located Cape Town Tourism (0861 322 223) in Darling Street. Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-1pm.

Local laws and etiquette

• As in any large city, crime is an ongoing concern, but note that most incidents occur away from tourist areas. That said, take the usual precautions: don’t flash your wealth, don’t visit no-go zones (your host or concierge will advise), don’t walk when there are no other people around, don’t leave anything in your car (if you leave something in the boot make sure it’s locked), and keep a close eye (and hand) on your belongings.
• Cape Town’s dams have recovered after the 2023 wet winter but visitors are asked to remain mindful of how precious water is to the city.
• Currency: South Africa Rand (R or ZAR)
• Telephone code: From the UK, dial 00 27 for South Africa, followed by 21 for Cape Town. From within South Africa, dial 021 for Cape Town.
• Wi-Fi: All hotels and guest lodges offer free Wi-Fi.
• Time difference: +2 hours or +1 hour depending on time of year
• Flight time: London to Cape Town is under 12 hours direct

About our expert

Pippa has been researching and writing about travel in Southern Africa for 25 years, author of seven editions of Frommer’s South Africa and The Hedonist Guide to Cape Town, and a regular reviewer and contributor on all things travel. 

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Top adventure documentaries and vlogs to add to your watchlist

With a large bowl of popcorn and a line-up of top travel documentaries and vlogs in tow, embark on an epic adventure from the comfort of your couch…

Best adventure doccies & vlogs

Here’s a list of the top adventure documentaries and vlogs worth getting stuck into:

Anything by Werner Herzog, really

Renowned German director Werner Herzog’s style is all about diving deep.

He’s got an intense curiosity and a knack for finding extraordinary characters, and tackling subjects that others might shy away from. Herzog’s films often have a strong focus on nature, the depth and beauty of people, and the far-flung destinations of our planet. His signature voiceovers are reason enough to watch any one of his documentaries.

The White Diamond , 2004.

Into The Inferno , 2016

Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach are just regular guys who got bored. So they decided to hit the road. Tagging along with their cameraman, Andre Dupuis, this series captures their journey through amazing places like Jordan, India, and Cambodia.

Departures , 2008.

Yes Theory is a group of friends and content creators who seek discomfort – in all shapes and forms – to find personal growth. They do so in far-flung adventures around the world, documenting their journey on YouTube. From travelling the globe’s most dangerous road to walking across a country without a map and exploring forgotten space colonies – the adventures appear endless.

Yes Theory , Youtube.

Dark Tourist

New Zealand journalist David Farrier shares a fresh perspective on adventure with his dark tourism series on Netflix. Each episode sees him trekking to the globe’s weirdest and often eeriest destinations that are historically associated with death and tragedy – not for the faint of heart, but interesting nevertheless. Farrier’s adventures include documenting a death-worshipping cult in Mexico, a radiation tour in Fukushima and a vampire meet-up in New Orleans.

Dark Tourist, 2018.

Documentaries you need to add to your watch lists right now

Feature Image: IMDB / Into The Inferno, The White Diamond

Savanna Douglas

Let us help you create your ultimate holiday to any of the countries in Southern or Eastern Africa. One that’s even better than you can dream up on your own. And oh so much easier!

Africa Is... Intimate

Fall asleep to the sounds of the bush. This will stay with you all your life.  

- Kruger Region, South Africa -

Africa Is... Wild

Raw. Pure. Alive. The natural beauty of Africa is guaranteed to stir your soul. 

- Moremi, Botswana -

Africa Is... Vast

Breathe in the expansive openness and feel how life returns to you.  

- Namib Desert, Namibia -

Africa Is... Tropical

Take a dive in gin clear azure waters. 

- Zanzibar, Tanzania -

Africa Is... Active

Kayak with dolphins, snorkeling with seals or let the mountains enfold you on a hike. 

- Cape Town, South Africa -

Africa Is... Family Friendly

Give your loved ones the lasting gift of a mind that is open to diversity and a heart filled with adventure 

- Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania -

Africa Is... Romantic

Reconnect with your Special Someone and create unforgettable new memories. 

- Manyara, Tanzania -

Africa Is... Unexpected

Prepare to be treated to an experience unlike anything you've ever experienced before. 

- Serengeti, Tanzania -

Africa Is... Otherworldly

When your toes sink into the ochre red sand of Deadvlei in Namibia you won't be able to help wonder what planet you're on. 

Africa Is... Powerful

Stare into the eyes of one of the planet's greatest predators, and sense its strength.  

- Chobe National Park, Botswana -

Africa Is... Majestic

Feel the cool spray of Victoria Falls settle on your cheek as you gaze upon the Falls deemed so beautiful that "angels must have looked down upon it in their flight". 

- Victoria Falls, Zambia -

Africa Is... Open

Learn about different cultures and traditions through authentic tribal encounters.  

- Greater Kruger Park -

Africa Is... A Bucketlist Destination

Soar in a hot air balloon, serenely suspended in the air as you float over Tanzania's Serengeti.

How does it work?

Step 1:  complete questionnaire, step 2:  tweak & reserve, step 3: , start dreaming :), which country would you like to discover.

South Africa

Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls marks the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and can be accessed from both countries, each offering their own distinctive beauty and activities. But the waterfall is just the beginning. The Victoria Falls are framed on both sides with beautiful national parks, and the local wildlife is thriving. You can start a day with visiting the majestic Falls, and finish your day with a safari experience of a lifetime by tracking rhino on foot. 

Botswana is justly considered the crème de la crème of African safari destinations. 

This is not surprising, since the diversity of habitat boggles the mind – desert, rivers, salt pans, savannah and lakes to mention a few. And diversity of habitat leads to incredible diversity of wildlife and breath-taking animal sightings. 

This is the Africa we all fell in love with the first time we watched the Lion King. Between its remarkable people and local cultures, its thriving wildlife, its fairy-tale landscapes and the beautiful exotic beaches of Zanzibar and other smaller islands, Tanzania truly is an unforgettable holiday destination.

The island of Mauritius, with its 160km of picture-perfect beaches and azure waters, its lush interiors and sparkling waterfalls, is one of the most popular destinations in the Indian ocean. Easily accessible by direct flight from Johannesburg, this very affordable destination is malaria free, and a favourite place for honeymooners, families and young adventurers alike to unwind after an unforgettable African safari. With over a hundred beaches and distinct regional differences, this extremely versatile island truly offers something for everyone.

Picture yourself lying on a white sandy beach, palm trees above you rustling from a gentle breeze, the waves lapping at your toes, while you lazily sip on your lavish cocktail. The only decision left to make for the day is whether or not to take one more dip in the gin-clear waters in front of you before heading off to your romantic candlelit champagne dinner, or to go for a romantic massage... Cliché? Perhaps, but in this case the cliché really does exist.

The Seychelles is what most people will automatically picture when dreaming of a secluded paradisiac island. As the chosen location for movies such as Castaway and Robinson Crusoe, it is easy to see why this island nation has become a quintessential honeymoon destination - it is truly gorgeous.

And yet, the Seychelles is so much more than just a collection of beautiful white sandy beaches. The nation is comprised of 115 islands, of varying sizes and characteristics, some rocky and mountainous, others lush with dense forested areas, and others still are exotic with palm trees overlooking dreamy beaches and low-lying coral reefs. 

Kenya is the birthplace of the world renowned African safari, literally. Meaning “journey” in Swahili, the word safari was first introduced to the English language in the 1850s by an intrepid adventurer called Sir Richard Francis Burton. Kenya’s mystical pull over the rest of the world has not diminished over the centuries since then.

Unspoiled and untamed, with over 2,500km of uninterrupted coastline and clusters of postcard-perfect islands dotting its shore, Mozambique is a little corner of paradise. Its pristine white sands and turquoise waters can rival those of the Maldives or Seychelles, yet it is more affordable than these islands. It is also less built-up than most Indian ocean islands. For now, Mozambique is still well-off the beaten tourist track, however it is fast becoming the place to go for those searching for some sand, sea and sun in Africa.

Contact us now!

Howzit! Thanks so much for sending us a message, we will get back to you quick as you can and hope we will get to design a magical African adventure for you in the very near future.

 If your request is urgent, please call or WhatsApp us on +2763 639 8522 (JD - English, Afrikaans, German and Dutch) or +27 79 977 5995 (François - English, French and Spanish). 

You can also connect with us socially on Facebook and Instagram or email us at [email protected]  

Warm and sunny regards from Cape Town,

JD + François & The Travel Cafe Team  

Join our next Guided Small Groups

Explore our small group scheduled departure itineraries below, which are fully supported and guided from beginning to end for the ultimate hassle-free and stress-free adventure. All our itineraries focus on travelling deeper, more authentically and in a way that uplifts the communities you visit to ensure a long lasting positive impact.

DISCOVER NOW

CAPE PENINSULA

This full day tour takes in all the heavyweight sights of the Cape Peninsula. Guests are collected from their central accommodation and can look forward to the following: Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach penguin colony, Kalk Bay, Chapmans Peak Drive and Camps Bay.

Includes: 

+ Qualified tour guide 

+ All National Park entrance fees 

+ Chapman’s Peak toll fee 

+ Light lunch 

+ Instagram-worthy stops

+ Spectacular scenery by the bucketloads

+ Dreamy seaside stops

Why book with The Travel Café?

We Know Our Stuff

We are passionate , we build your dreamtrip, authentic travel to experience southern & eastern africa's soul  .

Jaw-dropping Natural Beauty

No matter where you go in Cape Town, spectacular nature is never far away.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is rightly considered one of the world’s most romantic honeymoon destinations.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Sossusvelei: Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction!

Serengeti, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Conservancy in Tanzania is home to the densest population of wild animals in Africa. 

Cultural Melting Pot

With eleven official languages, South Africa’s people make for a beautiful rainbow of culture, race and believes.

Wining and Dining in the Winelands

Most of the Cape’s finest wine farms are just 30mins drive from the city centre, and boasts equally impressive cuisine

~Cape Winelands~

Boulder's beach, Cape Town

Much though we love the Big 5, the Cape has no shortage of smaller but equally adorable creatures

~Cape Town~

Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. Almost nowhere else can you see so many species coexist side by side.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Standing guard over Cape Town, the hulk of Table Mountain cradles the city centre

Tanzania - This is the Africa we all fell in love with the first time we watched the Lion King.

The Serengeti in Tanzania is one of the most famous wildlife parks on earth.

Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

The Kilimanjaro Nationall Park is the home to Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

The Rainbow Country

Cape Town: European culture meets African tradition to create an intoxicating and exotic mix.

Chobe, Botswana

Chobe National Park in Botswana: whether you follow its course by boat or vehicle, you’ll soon lose count of the animals you encounter. 

Freedom Fighter

Although South Africa hasn’t always had it easy it now boasts one of most advanced constitutions in the world.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta in Botswana: hundreds of tiny islands surrounded by a network of water channels.

Okavango Delta, Chobe

The Okavango Delta in Botswana: dotted with lush wilderness, swamps, permanent marshlands and seasonal floodplains, as well as tiny islands.

The Victoria Falls: recognised as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it is utterly gorgeous. 

Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

The Makgdikgadi Pans are so spectacular it is worth visiting twice in your life, once in winter and once in summer.

Slide title

Be guided on a magical inner and outer journey to rediscover who and what you are, and to live with more fulfilment, purpose and meaning.

~SA Detox Retreat~

Sossusvelei National Park in Namibia: most spectacular and best-known attraction!

Damaraland, Namibia

Damaraland, Namibia: the locals have dubbed this area Little Arizona!

The Victoria Falls: Livingstone exclaimed in wonder that “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.

Fish River Canyon, Namibia

Fish River Canyon, Namibia: second largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the USA!

The Victoria Falls are framed on both sides with beautiful national parks, and the local wildlife is thriving.

Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Namibia

Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Namibia: the crown jewel of the national park is undoubtedly Deadvlei, the large white salt pan with its blackened fossilised Acacia trees.

The Victoria Falls: one of Africa’s greatest adventure capitals, and daredevils will delight in all the options available. 

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

The Skeleton Coast in Namibia: one of most remote, desolate, and least populated areas in the world! 

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François and JD organised our romantic trip to the Kruger for us and everything was perfect. They were very quick to suggest a list of different options for us, matching our needs and budget. They took care of all the admin and details and we didn't have to worry about a thing! I've never been so at ease about a holiday, as I usually take care of everything myself. The travel app is really well designed and personalised. I loved the service and I absolutely recommend them for your next African trip!

Aurélie , France

JD, Francois & The Travel Cafe are brilliant. Everything from the start of our trip to the finish has been wonderful & taken care of. Personally, this has been the best experience with any travel agents/trip-planners (and I have dealt with many). They take away all your sorrows and we got to see so much more than when we would have booked by ourselves. They made us feel at ease and maximized our enjoyment of the trip.

All in all, fantastic.

Iron, Netherlands

The Travel Cafe is exactly what any traveller wants (and needs)! Personal, swift, full of hidden gems, and tailored to your wishes and budget! They will share all their secrets with you, to ensure you get the best out of your holiday. Be prepared to be amazed from start to finish. JD, Francois and their team will continue to exceed your expectations in every single way!

We admire the passion you have put into every single part of our holiday! It was the perfect escape from our daily life back home. Thank you all a million and hope to see you again soon!

Sophie , Netherlands

Visit our lodge in the Little Karoo

Starry starry night ⭐⭐n.

Located on the iconic Route 62, between Montagu and Barrydale and a quick 2½hr drive from Cape Town, Starry Starry Night eco mountain reserve is located in the foothills of the rugged Langeberg Mountains. Conveniently close to surrounding towns yet far away for that middle-of-nowhere feeling so you can properly switch off. The reserve is perfectly positioned as a midway stop-over between Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Our reserve is blessed with two stunningly beautiful rivers, waterfalls, hiking routes, natural rock pools, views that seem to stretch into the future, an abundance of stunning fynbos, organic herb and veggie garden, tranquillity, fresh air, dazzling night skies and the chance to truly disconnect from the busy-ness of everyday life and properly recharge your batteries. Our accommodation is pet-friendly to sociable and well-behaved dogs by prior arrangement (maximum of 2 dogs per cottage).

We recommend a stay of 3-nights or longer to truly get to experience everything our beautiful eco mountain reserve and its surrounds have to offer.

As one of our recent guests observed: “Starry Starry Night is tonic for the soul. Plain and simple”. We cannot argue with that – why not book and come see for yourself?

THE PAUSE RETREAT - Starry Starry Night

In these challenging times, you are being invited to journey within to reconnect with your power and sovereignty.

Join us in South Africa in October 2024  for a 5-day retreat  at Starry Starry Night in the Little Karoo, Montagu.

Date:  Monday 14 to Friday 18 October 2024

More information  

 We are RECRUITING at The Travel  Café

 junior travel designer position.

(fluent in English and/or French, Cape Town-based job)

Calling all romantic adventurers and passionate travellers. We are growing our merry band of passionate explorers and travel designers and we are looking for a Junior Travel Designer to work from our Cape Town office. Strong language skills in English and/or French are a major bonus. Are you the one we’ve been looking for?

More information about the job and how to apply at www.thetravelcafe.capetown/jobs

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Calling on Cape Town

This Traveltalks visit to Cape Town, South Africa includes grand vistas from atop Table Mountain, varied architecture in the city center, trips to suburbs to see a winery and the former esta... Read all This Traveltalks visit to Cape Town, South Africa includes grand vistas from atop Table Mountain, varied architecture in the city center, trips to suburbs to see a winery and the former estate of Cecil Rhodes, and a seaside resort. This Traveltalks visit to Cape Town, South Africa includes grand vistas from atop Table Mountain, varied architecture in the city center, trips to suburbs to see a winery and the former estate of Cecil Rhodes, and a seaside resort.

• James A. FitzPatrick
• 3 User reviews

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Did you know

• Trivia The ship shown in the harbor named African Endeavor began her life as the SS Debrasil, a cargo-passenger liner built for the Delta Line's New Orleans to South American service in 1940. During World War 2 she was requisitioned, turned in to a troop transport and renamed USS George F. Elliott (AP-105) in 1943. She participated in the invasions of the Marianas and the Philippines in 1944-45. In 1948 she was sold to the Farrell Lines and renamed as seen here for cargo and passenger service between New York and South Africa. Passengers were accommodated in 82 cabins, all first class. She was retired in 1960, laid up in reserve, and finally scrapped in 1972.

James A. FitzPatrick : [at Groote Schuur] The bronze plaque over the main entrance commemorates the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck, who was commissioned by the Dutch East India Company to establish the first white settlement in South Africa.

• Connections References Gone with the Wind (1939)
• Soundtracks Symphony No. 6 in F Major, op. 68 'Pastoral' (uncredited) Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven Performed by studio orchestra

User reviews 3

• May 2, 2020
• November 22, 1952 (United States)
• United States
• James A. FitzPatrick's Traveltalks: Calling on Cape Town
• Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
• Loew's
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CAPE TOWN FOR CAPETONIANS

5 Netflix documentaries you need to watch

Netflix has been pumping out some incredible documentaries recently, but deciding where to start can feel slightly overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a shocking weekend watch or an entertaining weekday stream, here are a few Netflix documentaries that need to be on your must-watch list:

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey (2022) 

A truly shocking documentary that takes a closer look at the grim story of Warren Jeffs, an American religious leader and convicted child rapist. He is the head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, a polygamous denomination of the Latter-Day Saint Movement. The documentary gives a platform for victims of Jeffs to speak out and takes a closer look at the terrible incidents that occurred and continue to occur.

Watch the trailer below: 

Our Father (2022) 

Our Father  feels like something out of a twisted horror novel and tells the strange and shocking tale of Indianapolis fertility doctor, Donald Cline. Cline was considered the top fertility specialist at the time with hundreds of women heading to him in order to fall pregnant. The dark and shocking twist? Cline used his sperm to impregnate dozens of his patients, without the women’s consent or knowledge.

Trainwreck: Woodstock ’99 (2022) 

Woodstock ’69 was an incredible time in history for both music and social justice. Unfortunately, that was not the case for its successor which took place in 1999. This Netflix documentary is a horrifying look at what happened during the notorious Woodstock ’99 festival and places a spotlight on misogyny and the terrible aspects of human behaviour. You won’t want to look away from this trainwreck.

The most hated man on the internet (2022) 

There are some people in this world who simply do not have any remorse for the pain and suffering they cause to their fellow humans. The Most Hated Man on the Internet follows one such man, Hunter Moore. Moore was a self-proclaimed “professional life ruined” and was one of the most notorious purveyors of “revenge porn” thanks to his website: Is anyone up? It’s definitely a must-watch.

The Tinder Swindler (2022)

The Tinder Swindler grabbed the world’s attention and is possibly one of Netflix’s most buzzed about documentaries to date. What makes this documentary so attention-grabbing is the fact that being  swindled  could happen to anyone. “Simon” uses his expensive watches, suits and jet-setting lifestyle to lure women on Tinder in, before pulling the rug out from under them and conning them out of thousands. If you haven’t

Also read: 

5 of the most disturbing true crime documentaries on Netflix

Picture:  Pexels

Article written by Lynn Cupido

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Theta Films is a specialist documentary production company driven by a passion to tell stories and a desire to spark the imagination. Our talented team of filmmakers combine a high-quality cinematic style with raw emotion to reveal planet earth, and the lives of those living on it, in a way that is both imaginative and inspiring, captivating and critical. The company has three key elements; producing original non-fiction films and series, servicing international productions filming in Africa, and distributing African media internationally.

Documentaries, documentaries are an artistic portal into the world, giving light and form to our shared experiences. they are a visual exploration of the passion, the pain, and everything in between, portrayed in cinematic moments. theta films exists for these moments. to witness them, capture them, and deliver them to the viewer. we are focused on producing high-end non-fiction – series, feature docs and shorts – for film, television and digital platforms. we also bring our cinematic documentary style to epks and commercials, when producers are seeking to add a raw reality to their productions., filming in africa can be a challenge. let our team assist with your production to make your filmmaking experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. from logistics and permits, to creative and crew, we're here to help. at theta we specialise in sony and red cinema cameras for our productions,  while our modified toyota land cruisers are fully equipped to transport film crews through any african terrain.  all of our kit is prepped, ready for production, and available for hire., distribution.

As non-fiction specialists with 15 years of experience, we offer a bridge between production and distribution for African filmmakers.

Co-producing with Theta is available at any stage, from treatment right through to delivery. We pride ourselves in personal partnerships, and commit to making sure your story is told.  

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• 15 Travel Documentaries That Tell Inspiring & Compelling Tales Of Wanderers

“The impulse to travel is one of the hopeful symptoms of life.” – Agnes Repplier

How true. For a die-hard traveler, every bend in the road is a new opportunity vying to be explored. The visceral feeling to flee to a new spot and finding the divine sense of joy in ticking a new destination on the map on your bedroom wall, can only be felt by the hopeless traveler.

Unadulterated and unhampered, travel documentaries showcase the chronicles of travelers and focus on their share of perilous and euphoric moments. Whether it is a planned excursion to a beach or an instinctive venture to a remote location, if you are seeking inspiration for your next travel, travel films can act as the fodder for your famished nomadic soul.

Here I bring you a list of best travel documentaries that will push you out of your boring couch (read; routine) and compel you to move out and travel the world.

Top 15 Travel Documentaries From Around The World

Here is a list of the best  travel documentaries from around the world , read on what these contain and add these to your list of must watch films & documentaries.

• Around The World In 80 Days (1989)-  Excitement Of Venturing
• Baraka (1992)-  A Kaleidoscopic Retreat
• Sahara With Michael Palin (2002)-  Explore The Hidden Gems
• A Map For Saturday (2007)-  A Solo Traveler’s Love
• Antarctica-  A Year On Ice (2013)
• K2- Siren Of The Himalayas (2012)
• Sacred Planet (2004)-  Know The Mesmerizing Places
• 180 Degree South (2010)-  An Epic Tour
• Encounters At The End Of The World (2007)-  All About Fascination
• The Maidentrip (2013)-  A Great Watch
• Hit The Road-  India (2013)
• The Edge Of Never (2013)-  About A Group Of Skiers
• Austin To Boston (2014)-  A Musical Documentary
• Life In A Day (2011)-  An Insight To Amazing Things
• Frozen Planet (2011)-  Fall For The Ice

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1. Around the World in 80 Days (1989)- Excitement Of Venturing

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Runtime: 7 episodes of 52 minutes each IMDb Rating: 8.8 Genre: Globetrotting Filming Locations: 17 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia

Synopsis: Around the World in 80 Days is a 7 part BBC travel series written and presented by actor-comedian, Michael Palin, based on the famous adventure novel by Jules Verne with the same name. Similar to the novel, Palin accepts the challenge to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days and closely follows the road and sea route, as taken by the protagonist in the novel.

The 80 days adventurous voyage showcases the excitement of venturing into new lands and filming exotic locations through numerous gridlocks. Considered as one of the best travel documentaries ever, the series broadcasted in 7 episodes follows Michael Palin’s travel and exploration across 17 countries. He takes you across Europe, Africa, Asia and North America through nearly every possible means of transport, except for the aircraft. This is no doubt one of the must watch  best travel documentary.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The novel was published in 1873 when there was no air travel and Michael Palin and his crew replicate the same sea and land route. From crossing the English Channel, passing through the Alps, traversing through the arid regions of the Middle East, entering Bombay on a dhow to voyaging through the South China Sea and finally arriving in the United States, Michael Palin shares his adventures of traveling the world in eighty days.

Do you really need more reasons?

Must Read: Scuba Diving In Red Sea: Actualise A Dream And Conquer Your Fears In 2022

2. Baraka (1992)- A Kaleidoscopic Retreat

Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes IMDb Rating: 8.6 Genre: Nature and philosophy Filming Locations: 150 locations in 23 countries

Synopsis: Baraka, also known as among some of the best travel documentaries ever is non-narrative documentary is a kaleidoscopic retreat into the different hymns of nature and its impact on various cultures. From the cacophonic chants of hundreds of monks huddled together for a cosmic yajna to the frenzied thumping of the whole village, the documentary highlights the phenomena of nature and how it forms the core of various cultures.

Baraka ventures its viewers into the hidden realms of the nature while focusing on the man’s prowess to destroy his countless blessings.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: Baraka is a satirical take on the unabashed human nature with cinematic brilliance featuring the most spectacular pictures, on one hand, would enrich your love for nature and the perils of industrialization and destruction of nature, on the other, move you deeply. Should definitely add this to the best travel documentary series.

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3. Sahara with Michael Palin (2002)- Explore The Hidden Gems

Runtime: 4 episodes of 50 minutes each IMDb Rating: 8.1 Genre: Exploration Filming Locations: 10 countries in Northern and Western Africa

Synopsis: The travel documentary is a colorful account of the various cultures and regions dotting the beautiful Sahara desert. From the arid beaches in Morocco, refugee camps in Algeria, to the mysterious deserts of Timbuktu and spectacular starlit nights in Nigeria, this 4 episode feature also considered as one of the best travel documentaries of all time dwells deep into the seductive African odyssey.

Apart from exploring the various hidden gems of the great desert, the feature also includes Palin’s rendezvous with numerous Muslim scholars, tribes and refugees to highlight the various religious and cultural beliefs which the people of the desert abide by.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The documentary not only highlights the vastness of the isolated desert locations but also beautifully highlights the various prevalent cultural influences in Africa and practices such as polygamy and female genital mutilation.

Suggested Read: 20 Things To Do In Egypt In 2022 That No Travel Guide Will Ever Tell You About

4. A Map for Saturday (2007)- A Solo Traveler’s Love

Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.9 Genre: Backpacking and Solo Travel Filming Locations: Australia, Thailand, India, London, Brazil and Nepal

Synopsis: Every day is like a Saturday when you are on a long travel around the world. Solo traveling is not only about meandering through unknown lanes of a forbidden place. But it is also a great way to delve deep inside one’s own existence. The story brings out the chronicles of trekkers on four different continents. The documentary also includes interviews from other backpackers and highlights how the road can form unbreakable bonds.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: A Map for Saturday is a beautiful insight into the life of a backpacker. A must watch for people who believe that there is more to life than the confined walls of their office or workstation. It also highlights that if the intent to travel is immense, nothing can deter you in your quest. Looking for best online travel documentaries? Try watching A Map for Saturday! It is one of the best travel documentary  that you should definitely add to your list.

Suggested Read: A 4000 Year Old Tomb In Egypt Has Just Been Opened For Public & It’ll Leave Your Mind-Boggled!

5. Antarctica: A Year on Ice (2013)

Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.6 Genre: Expedition Filming Locations: Antarctica

Synopsis: How is it like living on the coldest place on earth for a year? The harsh climatic conditions make Antarctica almost inhabitable and an enigma for the world. This visual masterpiece highlights the inhabitable features of the continent and traverses the viewers through the lives of technicians and scientists living in isolation on the continent, braving the unforgiving winters. If you are a nature lover, you will appreciate its opulence even in its bitter hardness.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: Traveling is not just about pristine beaches, romantic lanes, and verdant valleys. Living in a place where the sun doesn’t shine for months and when it does, it forgets to set, is something that you ought to experience. Ever heard of Survival of the Fittest? You ought to witness one of the best travel documentaries of all time. Get up, close and personal with it here!

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6. K2: Siren of the Himalayas (2012)

Runtime: 1 hour 15 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.3 Genre: Mountaineering Filming Locations: Mount K2

Synopsis: K2: Siren of the Himalayas is a multilingual travel film shot in English, German, and Nepalese. The travel documentary forays into the dangerous world of high altitude mountaineering and follow a group of mountaineering experts as they venture on this epic journey to mark Duke of Abruzzi’s 1909 expedition. This  best travel documentary is a peep into the mountaineering group as they try to scale the perilous Mount K2 and meander their way through its deathly cliffs, braving the hideous climate.

The spectacularly captured snow-covered mountains pitted against the vast expanse of the blue sky and the exclusive footage from the world’s second highest, yet most challenging peak will leave you out of breath.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: If you want to know why mountaineering is considered as a rewarding activity, then you must watch it.

Suggested Read: 12 Picturesque Beaches In Egypt For A Travel Experience In 2022 You’ll Never Forget

7. Sacred Planet (2004)- Know The Mesmerizing Places

Runtime: 40 minutes IMDb Rating: 6.3 Genre: Biodiversity Filming Locations: Malaysia, Sarawak, Mulu

Synopsis: The earth is a queer place and this documentary encapsulates the beauty of the most mesmerizing places, people and wildlife on the planet in straight 40 minutes. Narrated by Robert Redford Jr., this Walt Disney production will take you up on an enchanting roller coaster ride starting from the ancient ruins of Thailand, canyons of Arizona, deserted lands of Namibia to underwater mysteries of Borneo, white sand beaches of New Zealand and many such exceptional places that our good old earth houses. Sacred Planet is one of the best travel documentary films you have seen in awhile.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The awe-inspiring odyssey not only takes you deep into the magical realms of the earth but also makes you take a stand for preserving our beautiful planet and its biodiversity.

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8. 180 Degree South (2010)- An Epic Tour

Runtime: 1 hour 25 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.7 Genre: Drama, Sport Filming Locations: Chile, Mexico, California, Columbia, Equador, Peru, Pacific, California

Synopsis: 180 Degree South is an assimilation of the memorable journey undertaken by Jeff while recreating the epic tour pulled off by Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins during their road trip in 1968. Jeff’s journey was more adventurous as he chose to surf, sail, and climb before finally making it to Chile.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: Watch it for exciting adventures, gritty traveling, and the proper technique devised before pulling off such endeavors.

Suggested Read: The Mightiest National Parks In Africa For The Love Of Wildlife And Adventure

9. Encounters at the End of the World (2007)- All About Fascination

Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.8 Genre: Documentary Filming Locations: Antarctica

Synopsis: Encounters at the End of the World is a further investigation of McMurdo Station in Antarctica. In the documentary, the filmmaker travels all the way to explore the hidden riches and beauty of the pole, and take a peep into the lifestyle of everyone surviving there. While people at the research station had exciting tales to narrate, the plight of living beings there left the director moved.

A powerful travel film, Encounters at the End of the World features some amazing shots taken by the filmmaker.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The extreme conditions at the poles, lovely escapades, and exciting tale of survivors make this travel documentary a must-watch.

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10. The Maidentrip (2013)- A Great Watch

Runtime: 1 hour 22 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.6 Genre: Adventure, Biography Filming Locations: Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Ecuador, Panama, French Polynesia

Synopsis: One of the best travel documentary series ever, The Trip is a remarkable journey of a 14-year-old who sets to sail around the world and is a great watch. Laura Dekker’s a year and a half journey takes her to St. Martins, Panama, the Galapagos Islands, Australia, and the Cape of Good Hope before getting back to St. Martins. The youngest person ever to sail around the world, Dekker is a true inspiration for all the aspiring travelers.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: Dekker captured the world in her lens, presenting the beautiful places along with all her experiences thus making it an incredible story.

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11. Hit the Road: India (2013)

Runtime: 1 hour 20 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.8 Genre: Documentary, Sport Filming Locations: India, Armenia

Synopsis: Recognised by Lonely Planet as one of the best travel documentaries of 2012, this film is a story of two friends participating in rickshaw rally from Chennai to Mumbai spanning for 12 days covering over 2000 km.

The uniqueness of the movie lies in the way both the guys pull off this trip, battling adverse climatic conditions in the difficult terrains. Rickshaw being one of the lightest motor driven vehicles in India turns out to be cost effective and an easy drive. Yes, they had to suffer plenty of breakdowns along the way.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: 2 guys racing through the coast and ghats in southern India driving one of the lightest vehicles make it a rally worth a watch.

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12. The Edge of Never (2009)- About A Group Of Skiers

Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.3 Genre: Documentary Filming Locations: USA, Canada, France

Synopsis: Shot in the snow clad mountains in the North America region, this travel documentary is about a group of skiers who scale treacherous mountains in the pursuit of accomplishing what was left incomplete by the mentor’s father, who died skiing in Chamonix, France. Full of adventure, thrill, and surreal landscapes, this documentary is for extreme travelers.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: Skiers challenging the biggest and extreme mountains in the world.

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13. Austin to Boston (2014)- A Musical Documentary

Runtime: 1 hour 12 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.2 Genre: Documentary, Music Filming Locations: USA

Synopsis: The film is a musical documentary, that narrates an exciting tale of a group of bands on the move. They travel thousands of miles from Austin to Boston, and en route live memorable moments. The journey has everything from traveling places, to pulling off adventures, to making memories, and also surviving through the hardships.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The journey of musical bands spanning over 2 weeks and covering 3000 miles, performing at places, looks like a dream journey. Highly recommended for all the music lovers who travel!

Suggested Read: UAE Tourism Holds An Exclusive Abu Dhabi Week In Kochi And Kolkata For Indian Travelers!

14. Life in a Day (2011)- An Insight To Amazing Things

Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes IMDb Rating: 7.7 Genre: Drama Filming Locations: Multiple locations across Earth

Synopsis: This travel film is a jukebox of thousand of hours from the lives of as many people on July 24th, 2010. The submitted videos containing beautiful and personal moments that people lead every day gives an insight into amazing things happening around us and how we choose not to acknowledge and celebrate them. This best travel documentary inspires everyone to be more thankful for things around and cherish beautiful moments.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The assimilation of thousands of video clips containing precious moments from the lives of people make you realize what a beautiful life you have been leading all this while.

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15. Frozen Planet (2011)- Fall For The Ice

Runtime: 1 hour IMDb Rating: 9 Genre: Documentary Filming Locations: Arctic, Antarctica, Greenland, Russia, Norway, USA, Canada

Synopsis: Primarily focussed on the life and environment in the Arctic and Antarctica, Frozen Planet highlights how the climatic change is affecting the earth and its inhabitants. The winner of 4 Emmy award winner TV show has critically put forward the challenges faced by the polar animals like bears and wolves for their survival. Striking the right chord with a grave environmental issue, this mini-series is a must – watch.

What makes it an interesting read for travel lovers: The engrossing narrative, spectacular locales, and enchanting music are all that it takes to charm a discerning traveler. A perfect set-up for travel-lovers!

For those with an insatiable hunger for exploration and action, documentaries are a way to discover what explorers around the world are living and experiencing. The thrill of venturing into the unknown – exclusively shot, felt, and expressed by real people – has an impact on the mind of the viewers that cannot be measured.

Further Read: 20 Best Travel Movies That Will Ignite The Wanderlust In You

With list of best travel documentaries live the adventures of world’s finest explorers and yes, don’t forget to share your favorites from (or outside of) the list!

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Documentaries

Is it feasible to travel during Covid-19?

As the travel industry is opening up slowly, yes traveling is feasible abroad and across India during Covid-19. But make sure you follow the given guidelines and precautionary measures for Covid. Also, remember to read the latest updates for Covid before making any travel plans.

What are the top 5 best travel films?

Other than the above-mentioned list of 15 best travel documentaries and films, here are 5 best travel films that you should definitely watch: The Way, Lion, On The Road, Captain Fantastic, Into The Wild.

Where can you watch the travel films?

You can watch the travel films on various OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sony Liv, Hotstar, Airtel Tv, and many others. Apart from these platforms you can simply search the films online and find the links on google.

Which are the top locations for film shooting?

Although there are many locations for film shooting, here are the top 8 places for film shooting: Monument Valley, London, Prague, New Zealand, Cape Town, Greystone Mansion, Morocco

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