Ep 190 w/ Dave Seminara - Inside South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini: Dave’s Ultimate African Adventure Guide
In this week’s episode, I sit down once again with writer, journalist, YouTuber and seasoned traveller Dave Seminara, who has just returned from an epic journey across South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho. This conversation dives deep into one of the most fascinating regions on the planet, and Dave takes us right into the heart of it—through national parks, vibrant townships, mountain kingdoms and some unforgettable encounters along the way.
We start in Cape Town, where Dave shares his experience navigating one of the world’s most spectacular cities, from its dramatic geography and unpredictable weather to the realities of inequality and the history woven into its suburbs. He takes us for a raw and honest look at the Cape Flats, where he met community leaders working to interrupt gang violence and support local youth. It’s eye-opening, powerful and adds an important layer to any understanding of South Africa.
From there, Dave describes the magic of going on safari for the first time, including what it’s like to stay on a restored luxury train in Kruger National Park, the thrill of spotting wildlife up close, and why safari is both the most rewarding and unpredictable style of travel. He shares practical tips on budget, expectations and what to do when your game drive luck runs cold. We also talk about the difference between national parks and private game reserves, the food (which sounds absolutely unbelievable), and the guides who bring the whole experience to life.
Dave then takes us into the Drakensberg Mountains for hikes, ancient Bushmen rock art and one of the most unique lodge stays he’s ever experienced. And of course, we cross borders into Eswatini and Lesotho, exploring the logistics, the culture and why both mini-kingdoms are absolutely worth adding to any Southern Africa itinerary.
This episode is packed with insights for anyone dreaming of Africa, planning a first visit or simply curious about what travel looks like beyond the iconic highlights. Dave brings his humour, honesty and deep curiosity, and by the end you’ll understand why this trip made him rethink his entire travel focus.
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Want to see more? Check out Dave's website and YouTube vlogs below.
Dave Seminara
Website - https://daveseminara.com/
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@MadTraveler
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Timestamps
00:00 — Intro, podcast opener & welcome
04:15 — Dave checks in from St. Petersburg and opens the conversation
13:03 — The long-haul flight, the “Africa barriers” and paying for comfort
14:31 — Is South Africa dangerous? Dave’s honest first impressions
15:31 — Why South Africa? Value, safari choices and comparing regions
17:36 — What South Africa offers that East Africa doesn’t
18:53 — Sports culture and why SA is a dream destination for fans
19:16 — The Cape Flats: history, crime, inequality and meeting a violence-interruption priest
28:03 — The Trump “white refugee” policy and South Africans’ reactions
31:03 — Race, identity, how tourists are viewed and township hospitality
32:13 — The universal kindness Dave experienced in poorer areas
34:05 — Cape Town’s geography, beauty and the struggle of winter weather
35:49 — The irony of perfect weather on day one
37:12 — Cape Town’s food scene, markets and coffee culture
38:27 — Prices, tipping, affordability and value for travellers
39:16 — Cape Malay cuisine, braai, and diverse flavours
51:41 — Safari Part 1: Wildlife sightings in Kruger, the wins and the misses
52:21 — Safari Part 2: Public vs private reserves and the real differences
54:35 — Safari advice: luck, patience, multiple drives and not comparing sightings
57:03 — Managing expectations and dealing with slow game drives
1:02:19 — Drakensberg Mountains: hikes, guides, Zulu culture and Bushmen artwork
1:04:09 — Logistics of crossing into Eswatini and Lesotho
1:05:33 — Durban impressions: beaches, food, weather and crime reputation
1:06:47 — Transition into the Lesotho and Eswatini segment
1:07:08 — Lesotho: “Kingdom in the Sky,” mountains, snow and Maliba Lodge
1:09:06 — Meeting the legendary Lesotho guide and visiting local communities
1:25:38 — Eswatini and Lesotho on a budget: surprises and affordability
1:27:23 — Tourism’s importance and how locals view travellers
1:28:47 — Vaccinations, malaria pills and health advice
1:29:31 — Cash vs card, street vendors and the $10 police bribe story
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Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond
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