Girls Getaway in Europe: Our 1-Week Ireland Road Trip Itinerary

This month I was lucky enough to have my 2 sisters and 2 of my best friends come and travel with me in Ireland and Northern Ireland. My sisters and I had been talking about doing a road trip in Ireland for a while, and earlier this summer we came across an incredible flight deal to Dublin, so we made the split-second decision and booked it. Since everyone had work and school commitments back at home, we only had 1 week to travel together, but I think we got to see quite a bit of both countries during our time there.

For anyone thinking of doing a similar road trip, here's a 1-week Ireland road trip itinerary that highlights what I think are some of the best spots around the island:

Our Ireland Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring Ireland with Family and Friends!

Day 1: Dublin
On the first day I picked up my two sisters, Ashley and Arielle, and my two friends, Alyssa and Raakel, from the airport and we then manoeuvred our way into the city. That was my first time driving on the opposite side of the road! Since most of the girls were feeling a little jet-lagged from the trip, we didn't get to cover a lot of Dublin, but we did make time to eat at The Brazen Head (which is the oldest pub in all of Ireland!), go shopping along Grafton Street, and then go out in Temple Bar for some live music and a few ciders.
Day 2: Dublin > Glendalough > Glen of Aherlow
On Day 2, we packed up the car and started driving south towards Glendalough to soak in a little bit of nature in County Wicklow. Glendalough means The Valley of the Two Lakes and there's an old medieval monastic settlement there that dates back to the 6th century (though some of the structures there date much later). We spent some time walking around and visiting the Round Tower, the Priest's House, and the Cathedral.

There are also quite a few different nature trails in Glendalough, so after visiting the ruins we chose the path leading towards the Upper Lake and went for a really scenic walk - we even got to see deer and they didn't seem at all disturbed by the cameras or all the attention they were getting from curious visitors.
After our visit to Glendalough we drove to the Rock of Cashel, however, by the time we got there it was late afternoon and it had already closed to visitors. My sister, Ashley, saw a local lady in her 70s walking by and stopped to ask her if she knew the opening hours and she instantly made a new friend.
Once the lady discovered we were tourists she became really interested in showing us around, so she came souvenir shopping with us and then invited us to come back the following morning so she could be our personal guide in Cashel. Since we didn't have any other plans set in stone, we agreed to meet up the following morning, and we drove on to our accommodations in the Glen of Aherlow for the night.
Where we stayed: Since there were 5 of us, we booked a lodge at the Aherlow House Hotel which had 3 bedrooms. We had a communal kitchen where we cooked dinner, a cozy living area, and plenty of space to spread out at night. We also had beautiful views of the mountains outside our window!
Day 3: Glen of Aherlow > Cashel > Blarney Castle > Killarney
The morning of Day 3 we woke up early and drove back to the town of Cashel. It was a bit rainy and I was doubting whether our new friend Eileen would be there, but she was smiling under her rain jacket as we pulled up the street.
She ended up walking us through the Rock of Cashel, which is one of the most visited sites in all of Ireland, and because we got there as soon as it opened, we were some of the few visitors there.
Tip: There is a free admission ticket to the Rock of Cashel if you spend  €15 in one of the participating Chamber of Commerce businesses in the town which include select souvenir shops and restaurants. The ticket is valid for 2 people and I think it's a pretty cool system that encourages visitors to help the local economy. Alternatively, you can pay the admission cost which is €7 per person, but why not stimulate the local economy for the very same price?

After visiting the Rock of Cashel, we walked down to Hore Abbey which we had spotted off in the distance. This involved hopping across a few fields, but when in Ireland do as the Irish do.
Eileen then invited us for tea and scones, so we walked to Granny's Kitchen, a bright pink little cafe that's just down the parking lot from Rock of Cashel. We were all sad to have to say goodbye to such a sweet lady who made our trip so memorable, but we swapped contact details and she'll be getting some of the photos from the day in the mail. She was without a doubt one of the unplanned highlights of our Ireland road trip itinerary.

From there we hopped back in the car and drove down to Blarney to visit Blarney Castle, which was both impressive and terrifying. Climbing to the top took me to dizzying heights and at times I felt like crawling rather than standing, but at least I made it up there to snap some photos of Ashley and Alyssa dangling backwards to receive the gift of gab.
After that action-packed day, we drove into Killarney to grab some food and get some rest for the night.
Where we stayed: That night we stayed at the Killarney View House B&B, which was on the other side of the river, but still within walking distance to the restaurants and the pubs. We booked the family room, but I'd recommend going for the 2-bedroom apartment if you want a bit more space.
Day 4: Killarney > Ring of Kerry > Dingle Peninsula > Scarriff
We didn't get the earliest start on Day 4, so there wasn't much time to explore Killarney or Killarney National Park aside from what we saw on the way out. From there, we drove a small portion of the Ring of Kerry before continuing towards the Dingle Peninsula, and that is where Ireland blew me away.
I don't like to pick favourites, but I have to say the Dingle Peninsula had some of the most majestic landscapes I saw all week! We spent the day driving the Wild Atlantic Way and we kept wanting to pull over to snap 'just one more picture'.

By the time we pulled into Dingle Harbour it was right around lunchtime so we found a spot serving up seafood - it's hard to go for anything else when you're by the seaside! After a filling meal, we spent a bit of time exploring the town on foot, and then we continued the drive down the Connor Pass, which again, was my favourite drive of the week!
The Connor Pass is a bit of an unnerving journey - all I kept hearing from the back seat was "oh my gosh" and "how is this even a road!" - but it was amazing! Picture a narrow little lane that's wide enough for one car but that somehow has to accommodate two-way traffic, and now let's add the fact that this narrow little lane is on a winding mountainside so that you have a wall of rock on one side and a drop with a low barrier on the other. It's a challenge and it's an adventure.
That afternoon we drove onto the small town of Scarriff, which isn't exactly a tourist destination, but our reasoning was that we wanted to get closer to the Cliffs of Moher so that we'd have a short distance to cover in the morning. We booked a small bed and breakfast here, but it wasn't our favourite spot since it felt a bit isolated.
Day 5: Scarriff > Cliffs of Moher > Benbulbin > Donegal
After checking out of our bed and breakfast in Scarriff on Day 5, we drove on towards the Cliffs of Moher. The weather didn't exactly cooperate and it rained for a good part of the morning, but I think this only made the cliffs look more dramatic. We spent some time snapping photos and walking along the coast (sadly no puffins were spotted), and then we continued the drive north.
This was our longest day of driving, but we pushed hard because we wanted to make it to Northern Ireland for the last part of our road trip. The only other stop we made along the way was at Benbulbin because I kept insisting that it was one of the most beautiful mountain ranges I had seen whilst doing research on the internet, but when we arrived there was a thick curtain of fog shielding our view. We still did the Benbulben Forest Walk, but it was a bit underwhelming in the rain. Alas, that's the weather in Ireland for you - you just never know what you're going to get.
Where we stayed: That evening we stayed at Rosswood Cottage, which sits right across from a mansion and overlooks Donegal Bay. It was really cozy and we had fun cooking together.

Day 6: Donegal > Mussenden Temple > Bushmills
On Day 6 we crossed the border into Northern Ireland. The second we crossed that boundary we started spotting the differences - the roads were suddenly a bit wider, the speed limits were a bit slower, and the union jack was flying proud.

We spent the morning driving up to Castlerock where we visited Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House. This place is home to Mussenden Temple, the ruins of Demesne House, and beautiful gardens. We ended up meeting a gentleman there who took us under his wing and walked us through the gardens revealing all the little secrets of the vegetation we were looking at. It was another one of those unplanned encounters that made our day all the more memorable.
Where we stayed: From there we drove to our accommodations in Bushmills, where we got a beautiful cottage at Ballylinny Holiday Cottages only a short walk from Giant's Causeway - the location couldn't have been any better! This was was my favourite property of the whole trip; it was bright, it was cozy, and it came equipped with puzzles and board games.

Day 7: Bushmills > Giant's Causeway > Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge > Belfast
Day 7 was supposed to start with a sunrise walk over to Giant's Causeway, but when the howling wind acted as our alarm clock, we figured it was best to stay snuggled under the blankets. We had a leisurely brunch, and then once the day warmed up a bit, we walked down to Giant's Causeway where admission is free of charge, contrary to popular belief!
Tip: There is a visitor's centre that charges an 'admission fee' for using their bathroom, going on a guided walk, or parking in their lot, but the fine print states that admission to Giant's Causeway by foot is free of charge, so don't let them fool you. I had 2 different locals warn me that you don't have to pay even if they make it seem that way.
The Giant's Causeway was fascinating. It was a decent walk to reach the water, but seeing those mighty basalt pillars was so worth it! The pillars are the result of an ancient volcanic eruption, but according to local legend, the Causeway was built by an Irish giant named Finn McCool who was challenged to a fight by a Scottish giant. The Causeway was meant to act as a bridge to Scotland, and if you visit Fingal's Cave in Scotland you'll see that the same basalt pillars are found on their shores.

After visiting Giant's Causeway, we drove on to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which is cool but was also a little underwhelming. That's not to say some visitors weren't freaking out as they walked across it, but it was much shorter than what I had pictured in my mind. Still, you do get some nice views of the white chalk cliffs along the coast (similar to those I saw in Germany's Ruegen Island).

From there we drove through the Dark Hedges, which is one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones. I don't follow the show (the only episode I ever watched was the Red Wedding after people wouldn't stop talking about it on social media a few years back - apparently that's a big no-no if you don't know who the characters are...) but I still enjoyed seeing the place even if it was only for its natural beauty.
After driving through the Dark Hedges we started making our way back to Belfast for one last dinner together.
Day 8: Belfast > Dublin
On Day 8, I stayed behind in Belfast, while everyone else drove back to Dublin in the early morning to drop off the car and catch their flights, and just like that our week together was over.

We had a very ambitious schedule for the week and I know that our Ireland road trip itinerary only covered a fraction of everything there is to see and do in Ireland and Northern Ireland, but you have to start somewhere! Looking back, I wish I'd had at least 2 weeks to cover all the places I still wanted to get to but didn't have enough time for - Cork, Skellig Michael, Connemara, the Aran Islands, and driving the full Ring of Kerry.

Ireland Road-Trip Planner & Tips

7-Day Quick Planner (distances, drive windows, backups)

DayStart → EndDrive time*Must-stops (short & sweet)Rainy-day backupEats you won’t regret1Dublin (base)—Liffey walk, Trinity quad peek, St. Stephen’s Green loop, Ha’penny BridgeEPIC Immigration Museum or Chester BeattyOld-school pub fare + live trad (Temple Bar is lively, but duck into side streets for better value)2Dublin → Glendalough → Glen of Aherlow~3.5–4 h total (with stops)Monastic city gate & Round Tower, Upper Lake boardwalkWicklow Mountains Visitor Centre exhibits + teaPicnic by Upper Lake; soup + brown bread in Laragh3Aherlow → Cashel → Blarney → Killarney~3.5 h drive + site timeRock of Cashel at opening; quick amble to Hore Abbey; Blarney gardens + (optional) stoneCashel Folk Village (tiny, crammed, fascinating)Cashel: scones + tea; Killarney: seafood chowder, sticky toffee pud4Killarney → Ring of Kerry sampler → Dingle Peninsula → Scarriff (or Ennis)~5–6 h, broken upSlea Head Drive lay-bys, Coumeenoole Beach, Conor Pass (if confident driver)Muckross House & Traditional Farms (indoor bits)Dingle: fish ’n’ chips + Murphy’s Ice Cream5Scarriff/Ennis → Cliffs of Moher → Donegal~5–6 hSouth–North cliff path section (stay well back), quick Burren lay-byAillwee Cave tour (bone-dry, dramatic)Road-trip picnic: farmhouse cheese, apples, crisps, “99” cone6Donegal → Mussenden/Downhill → Bushmills~3–4 hDownhill Demesne ruins + Temple cliff-edge viewBushmills Distillery tour (bookable, indoor, warm)Bushmills: carvery or pub pies; treat = sticky toffee anything7Bushmills → Giant’s Causeway → Carrick-a-Rede → Belfast~2–3 h (pre-Belfast)Early/late Causeway hexagons; rope bridge time slot; Dark Hedges drive-throughTitanic Belfast, Ulster MuseumBelfast: market grazing at St George’s (weekends)

*Drive times are wheels-turning estimates—pad generously for photo stops, sheep traffic, and tea.

Driving Both Irelands: Calm & Confident

Side & speeds

Left-hand driving. Roundabouts go clockwise; signal left to exit.

Republic (IE): limits in km/h. Northern Ireland (UK): limits in mph. Your dashboard shows both—double-check when you cross.

Road types & etiquette

Single-track with “passing places”: pull into the nearest bay on your side; wave thanks.

Conor Pass: narrow, windy, superb—skip with large vehicles or if the driver is anxious.

Watch for sheep, cyclists, spray, and sudden squalls. Low beams in mist.

Tolls & admin

Dublin’s M50 uses barrier-free tolling (eFlow). If your rental doesn’t auto-bill, you (or the agency) must pay online same/next day. Other motorways have normal booths.

Parking discs exist in some towns—look for signs or ask locally; many machines take cards now.

Fuel & parking

Petrol = unleaded, Diesel = diesel (many rentals are diesel—confirm before pumping).

Pay-by-plate or pay-and-display; never block farm gates even “just for a snap.”

Insurance

In Ireland you’ll see CDW with an excess; Super CDW lowers that excess. Add a second driver officially if you’ll share miles.

Cross-border permission: tell the rental company you’ll enter NI; some add a small fee.

Border Basics: Money, Mobiles, Plugs (and post-Brexit quirks)

Currency: Republic = EUR €; Northern Ireland = GBP £. Cards are widely accepted; contactless is king. ATMs in both; check fees.

Roaming: The Republic is EU, Northern Ireland is UK. If your plan isn’t “roam like at home,” grab an eSIM that covers both or toggle data off when you cross.

Plugs: Both use Type G (UK) three-prong. One universal adaptor each is golden.

Language & names: You’ll see bilingual signs (Irish/English). Dingle / An Daingean, Derry / Londonderry—names can be sensitive; follow local lead.

What to Pack In Your Car

EssentialsNice-to-HavesWeather WildcardsAdminWaterproof shell + warm mid-layerCompact umbrella (windproof)Spare socks in a zip bagLicence + booking printoutsSturdy waterproof shoes/bootsSeat-back organizer for snacks/mapsMicrofiber cloth (lens & glasses)Cross-border authorizationPhone mount + USB-C/Lightning leadsPower bank (big one)Quick-dry towelToll info (M50)Offline maps (Google/Maps.me)Mini first-aid + motion reliefHand warmers for cliff windsTravel insurance detailsReusable bottle + snack kitHead torch for pre-dawn shootsPackable picnic rugBackup card for fuel

Photo & Timing Playbook (sun, wind, and wow)

Glendalough: Be there at opening—mist over Upper Lake + quiet monastic ruins.

Rock of Cashel: First slot wins; soft side-light and fewer tour groups. Quick stroll to Hore Abbey for the postcard frame.

Blarney: If you’re kissing, go early; otherwise linger in the gardens (underrated, photogenic).

Slea Head / Coumeenoole: Golden hour makes those cliffs glow; check tide for beach access.

Conor Pass: Mid-morning sun can rake across the corrie lakes—watch wind gusts.

Cliffs of Moher: Golden hour or moody late morning with low clouds = drama. Stay well back from cliff edges (really, really back).

Mussenden Temple / Downhill: Late afternoon light on the temple rim = chef’s kiss; explore arches of Downhill House for frames.

Giant’s Causeway: Sunrise (fewer people) or late blue hour (basalt shines). Rocks are slick—good traction matters.

Dark Hedges: Early morning before buses; keep to the verge and respect residents.

Camera quickies

Tripod on promenades? Fine. On cliff edges? Only if safe and stable. On boats? Clamp + short exposures.

Phone night mode: prop against railings, drop exposure a smidge, avoid flash.

Food & Drink Trail (regional bites that travel well)

Republic favourites

Seafood chowder + warm brown bread (butter is half the joy).

Boxty (potato pancakes), coddle (Dublin), full Irish breakfast (black/white pudding).

Apple tart with cream; a “99” (soft-serve with a Flake) for road smiles.

Bulmers cider (called Magners in NI), and yes—Guinness does taste different in Dublin.

Northern Ireland & north coast

Bushmills (distillery tastings), champion soda farls & potato bread with breakfast.

Carveries, steak & Guinness pie, and anything with champ (buttery mash + scallions).

Any weather, any day snack kit

Local farmhouse cheese, apples/pears, crisps (try Tayto), chocolate, and a thermos for tea on windy viewpoints.

Trad music etiquette

If a singer starts a sean-nós (unaccompanied) song, no chatter. Clap softly at the end, buy the musicians a round if you linger, and don’t poke at instruments during breaks.

Rain Plan: Ready-Made Swaps For Atmospheric Days!

OriginalIf the weather howls…Why it still rocksWicklow hikeGlendalough Visitor Centre + café lingerAudio displays + warm mugsBlarney towersBlarney House tour (seasonal) or Crawford Art Gallery (Cork)Dry + prettyKillarney outdoorsMuckross House, craft workshop demosHeritage hitCliff timeAillwee Cave or Burren perfumeryAtmospheric + indoorsNorth coast walksBushmills Distillery tourScience, tastings, warmthBelfast wanderingTitanic Belfast, Ulster Museum, Crumlin Road GaolSuperb museums

Smarter Booking & Budget Notes

Spring & autumn (shoulder seasons) = friendlier rates, moody skies, fewer coaches.

For groups, cottages/apartments beat two B&B rooms; kitchens save €€ on breakfasts/dinners.

Book Dingle and north-coast stays early (small inventory).

Guided gems worth the fee: Titanic Belfast, Bushmills, Muckross House—book timed slots.

Skip surprise charges: check cleaning fees, extra guest fees, and parking rules before you click “book.”

Micro-Manners & Safety (a wee word to the wise)

Cliffs: Stay behind barriers; gusts are no joke. Keep drones grounded where banned.

Farms: Close gates, stick to stiles, never trample crops for a selfie.

Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out—even biodegradable bits.

Respect signage & names: Locals lead; politics can be sensitive—kindness travels.

Tiny Gaelic & Ulster-Scots Phrasebook

Dia dhuit (DEE-a ghwitch) — Hello

Go raibh maith agat (Guh-rev mah-ah-gut) — Thank you

Sláinte! (SLAWN-cha) — Cheers!

Craic — Fun/chat (“Great craic last night!”)

Wee — Small (“a wee walk”), grand — good/fine

FAQ: Ireland & Northern Ireland Road Trip (11 Quick Answers)

1) Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?Usually no. If your licence is in English and uses the Roman alphabet, a full, valid licence is fine. Bring the physical card (not a photo).

2) What’s the minimum age to rent a car—and are automatics easy to find?Most agencies rent from 25+ (some allow 21–24 with a “young driver” surcharge). Automatics exist but are fewer and often pricier—reserve early if you want one. Expect a hold on your credit card for the security deposit.

3) Can I cross the border in my rental without drama?Yes—just tell the rental company you’ll enter the other jurisdiction so they note the insurance. You’ll likely pay a small cross-border fee. The border itself is open—no routine checks—but watch for these changes:

Speed units switch: Republic = km/h; Northern Ireland = mph.

Some road rules signage styles change; driving stays left in both.

4) How do tolls work (and what’s the M50 thing)?

Republic of Ireland: A few motorways have toll plazas (pay cash/card on the spot). Dublin’s M50 uses barrier-free e-tolling—no booths. Your plate gets photographed and the fee must be paid online/by app the same/next day unless your rental auto-bills it. Ask your agency so you don’t trigger a fine.

Northern Ireland: No motorway tolls.

5) What’s the best time of year for this loop?

May–June & Sept–Oct: Sweet spot—longer light, lively but not swamped.

Jul–Aug: Peak crowds/prices; book stays and timed attractions well ahead.

Nov–Mar: Moody skies and deals; short daylight (pack hi-vis, torches).Weather is variable year-round. Plan a rain plan daily and chase the clear patches.

6) How much driving is “too much” in a day?Aim for 3–4 hours wheels-turning max, then add time for photo stops, tea, and sheep delays. Single-track vistas (Slea Head, Conor Pass) are slow by design—they’re the point. If your schedule stacks >5 hours, trim a stop or split the segment.

7) Roughly what will fuel and parking cost for a week?It depends on your route, car, and prices that week, but a simple way to ballpark:

Total distance for this 1-week loop: ~1,200–1,400 km (750–870 mi).

If your car averages 6.5 L/100 km (~43 mpg UK / 36 mpg US), you’ll burn ~80–90 L. Multiply by current price per litre for a rough fuel total.

Parking: Budget €2–€4 per hour in towns, more in city centres. Some heritage sites include parking in their ticket; village lay-bys can be free (obey signs).

8) Are the big ticket sights timed/paid—and can I see them for free?

Giant’s Causeway: The stones are free by foot; the Visitor Centre (parking, exhibits, guided walks) is ticketed. Park elsewhere or walk from your cottage/accommodation to enjoy the columns without the centre.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: Timed tickets; book ahead in summer/holidays.

Blarney Castle: Ticketed; go first thing to avoid the stone queue and enjoy the gardens.

Titanic Belfast, Bushmills Distillery, Muckross House: Strongly prebook high season.

9) I’m nervous about left-side mountain roads—what are my options?

Choose wider scenic routes (Ring of Kerry main N70 vs tiny peninsular spurs).

Do the Dingle loop clockwise so sea-side pull-ins are on your side.

Skip Conor Pass if winds are roaring or your vehicle is large—use the N86.

Not driving? Base in Dublin/Galway/Belfast and use day tours to Cliffs, Causeway, and Dingle; mix in train + Bus Éireann/Translink for hops.

10) Money, mobile, and tipping—what’s normal?

Currency: Republic = €; Northern Ireland = £. Cards/contactless everywhere; keep a little cash for small cafés and rural parking.

Roaming: Crossing the border can switch you between EU/UK networks. Consider an eSIM that covers both, or set data to manual network select.

Tipping: Optional but appreciated—10–12% for sit-down table service; round up at pubs/counters; round up for taxis.

11) Is it safe—and what about cliffs, drones, and emergencies?

Cliffs: Stay behind barriers; gusts are serious. Grippy footwear, no edge selfies.

Drones: Many sites ban or require permits (two regulators: IAA in the Republic, CAA in the UK/NI). Heed on-site signs.

Emergencies: Dial 112 or 999 anywhere on the island. Carry a charged power bank, basic first-aid, and high-vis in the boot.

Have been to Ireland and/or Northern Ireland?What other places would you add to this Ireland road trip itinerary?


Glasgow for Foodies: Where to Eat & What to Eat Food Guide!

You know you're in a foodie city when you spend more time hopping from restaurant to bar to cafe to brewery than you do sightseeing, and Glasgow is just that kind of place!

I've managed to visit this city twice in the span of a year, and when I think back on these trips, I covered maybe a handful of attractions, but more food establishments than I can remember. Not that I'm complaining - food and drink are reason enough to visit a place in my opinion! - so today I thought I'd share some of my favourite restaurants in Glasgow, featuring a little mix of everything.

Want to join a guided Glasgow food tour? This one visits 4 unique venues for taster plates plus you get to try 3 drinks!

Best Restaurants in Glasgow, Scotland: Top Food & Drinks For Hungry Travellers

Monty's

We found this place by chance after visiting the University of Glasgow and we ended up having a delicious brunch. First up, the interior was super fun with a giant map of the world on the ceiling.

Sam had the Scotch pancakes with maple syrup and smoked bacon and it was a match made in heaven. The combination of the salty, crispy bacon with the sweetness of the maple was just perfect. Smoked bacon should always accompany pancakes!

I had the toasted sourdough with avocado smash and a poached egg (my go-to breakfast order), and nothing was left on the plate.

Address: 9 Radnor Street, Glasgow

Cafe Gandolfi

Another great breakfast spot is Cafe Gandolfi. We ate there on our last day in Glasgow and I wish we'd come across it sooner because not only was their breakfast amazing, but the place also had a super warm and cozy vibe that made me want to linger long after I'd finished my food.

For my breakfast, I ordered the Gandolfi Vegetarian Breakfast, which came with fried halloumi, field mushrooms, tomatoes, potato scones, beans and eggs, with a side of sourdough toast. It was a fun twist on the traditional Full Scottish Breakfast, and I loved the combination of mushrooms and halloumi. It was so tasty!

To be honest, I could have ordered anything off their menu and been happy; they had french toast, pancakes, omelettes, muesli, and everything sounded amazing. I was that person glancing over at other people's plates thinking, "Mmmm, I wouldn't mind having a bite of that!"

Address: 64 Albion Street, Glasgow

A’Challtainn

Another favourite restaurant of mine was A'Challtainn, located inside Barras Art and Design (BAaD). The restaurant is set in an old market turned multi-functional space, which is home to cool murals, independent shops and a nice selection of eateries, but aside from that, the venue also hosts flea markets, concerts, and other events.

But going back to the restaurant, A’Challtainn means “the hazel wood" in Gaelic, and they specialize in Scottish fish and shellfish dishes, as well as a few meat and vegetarian dishes.

For my starter, I went with the dish of the day which was a squid ink risotto with sea bass. Their risotto was simply divine - rich and creamy, the way it should be! It almost made me wish they served it as a main because I would totally devour a plateful of that.

Then for my main, I had the lamb leg steak with baby carrots, beetroots, turnips, and seared tomato; the meat was tender, juicy, and flavourful.

And because the beauty of being married is that your husband has to share his meal with you, I also tried some of Sam’s roasted red pepper pearl barley risotto, which was served with zucchini, eggplant and the catch of the day - sea bass.

You'd think we'd be full after a meal like that, and we were, but their desserts sounded so delightful that we decided to share one. We got the lemon posset (creamy and similar to a custard) with a strawberry and pink peppercorn salsa. Again, simply wonderful!

Address: 54 Calton Entry, Glasgow

The Drugstore Social

If drinking your way to health is a thing, The Drugstore Social is the closest you’re going to get to this. This bar is all about experimenting with natural sweeteners, herbaceous garnishes, and ingredients that have medicinal properties. Their motto is "live well", not only through food and drink in its nutritional sense, but also by bringing people together.

Also, coincidence or not, this bar is set in an old-fashioned pharmacy, which seems very fitting!

We had fun sampling a few different drinks; I started out with Heart Beet, a beetroot infused mezcal with Italian bitter liqueur and sake. It was a bit strong for my taste (I should have known this after doing a mezcal tasting session in Mexico last year!), but the drink lived up to its name - the giant block of ice in my glass really made it look like a heart!

Sam went with the Goodnight Kiss, which had pisco with coconut liqueur, honey water, lavender, lemon, whites and Prosecco. This one was an instant hit! After several trips to Peru, we've both grown to love our pisco sours and this was a fun twist on the drink, so I drank most of his.

If I were a local, I'd be hanging out at this bar all the time; the drink names were all so enticing and the combinations so unusual and fun.

Address: 67 Old Dumbarton Road, Glasgow

The Finnieston

Another Glasgow restaurant I really enjoyed was The Finnieston, a seafood restaurant and gin bar.

The restaurant itself felt very historic; the building dates back to the early 1800s when it was used as a drovers' tavern, and over the course of two centuries it has housed a cabinet-making workshop, a hotel, and even a dairy farmer and his cattle.

The restaurant had a small yet focused menu, and since seafood is their specialty, we went with that. I actually tried oysters for the first time and I don't know what took me so long! I was making all these faces at Sam thinking I wouldn’t like them, but I did. In fact, I enjoyed my first oyster so much, I didn’t even remember to add lemon or tabasco sauce or anything they had brought to the table.

And since gin is their other specialty with more than 60 gins on offer, we had to get a little tipple to go with the oysters!

Address: 1125 Argyle Street, Glasgow

Porter & Rye

There’s one thing you come to Porter & Rye for and that is steak! Now I like to think I know my steak pretty well, especially considering I’m half Argentinean (meat is a religion in that part of the world), but I actually got to try something completely new: aged steak.

But why would you want to eat aged beef, you ask? Well, beef ageing is a process that results in the concentration of the meat's natural flavour, plus you achieve a very tender cut of meat. It's quite the process, so it's not a very common practice outside steakhouses, but the results are undeniable.

Sam and I sampled two different steaks for dinner that night: one that had been aged 50 days and another that had been aged over 120 days.

Having heard other people talk about their experiences eating aged steak, I was expecting it to have a very strong flavour, almost a little too overpowering, but on the contrary, I found the intensification of flavours present but subtle enough.

As for sides, I tried another new-to-me dish that night: bone marrow macaroni and cheese. People have been telling me to try bone marrow forever and I finally know what the fuss is all about! The result was a dish with a creamy and slightly buttery texture. Another fantastic meal!

Address: 1131 Argyle Street, Glasgow

Gamba

Now going back to seafood, another restaurant I really enjoyed in Glasgow was Gamba.

This restaurant is located at basement level right in the heart of Glasgow's city centre and they specialize in fresh, local and sustainable seafood.

For my entree, I had the yellowfish tuna sashimi, which was served with filleted king scallops, wasabi, pickled ginger, and a tamarind dipping sauce. And having already tried the scallops, I knew what I was getting for my main: the seared king scallops with celeriac puree (it looks like a cross between a celery and a turnip!), Stornoway black pudding and pancetta crumbs. It was a bit unexpected to have black pudding in a seafood dish, but it added a nice saltiness to the meal, plus how very Scottish.

And to drink, of course, I got some more gin (my gin obsession began on last year's trip to Scotland). This time around I tried Daffy's with a fresh mint and lime garnish. Refreshing!

Address: 225A W George Street, Glasgow

Drygate Brewery

I've been talking lots about food and gin, but what about Glasgow's craft beer scene?

That's where Drygate Brewery  comes in!

This is a place that Sam had been to on our last trip to Glasgow and he had nothing but praise for the beer, so I too was excited to visit.

We did the ‘Through the Glass Tour’, where you get to learn about the whole brewing process from behind the glass, just like the name suggests. Since we were going to be sampling some beers, we also turned this into a lunch and ordered some food to go along with our drinks, but let’s start with the beers.

First of all, I have to say, I loved the names of Drygate's beers! They were quirky and inventive, and it turns out most of the names had a story behind them; the Disco Forklift Truck involves a little incident at the brewery, but you'll have to take the tour to find out the story.

We sampled 4 of Drygate's core beers including:

Chimera - an India Pale Lager that was light but a little bitter at the end.

Disco Forklift Truck - A pale ale that was fruity and tropical thanks to someone's genius idea to add mango juice. This one was my favourite of them all!

Ceol Mor - A Scotch ale that had a bit of sweetness that reminded me of baked bread and toffee.

Orinoco - A breakfast stout with coffee and chocolate hints, which I think makes it socially acceptable to drink for breakfast.

And to go along with my 4 beers, I ordered the jerk ox cheek sandwich with smoked cheddar, the house slaw, and watercress. I first tried ox cheek in Laos and I hadn't seen it on a menu since, so it was time to order it again! The meal was served as a fix it yourself sandwich board with sourdough bread, so I made mine an open face sandwich and happily feasted.

I also ordered a side of truffle mac and cheese which was amazing! Seriously, Glasgow is on a roll with its gourmet mac and cheese dishes - my KD dinners are forever ruined.

Address: 85 Drygate, Glasgow

The Bungo

Glasgow's Southside may not be a tourist hot spot, but the beauty of having local friends is that they can introduce you to some great local eats. One such find was The Bungo Bar & Kitchen.

I got the Goan seafood thali which had fish, mussels and prawns in a delicious masala curry, with saffron rice, papads (thin, crispy wafer), spiced onions, mint raita (yoghurt-based sauce), and garlic pickle. Aside from the great food, the restaurant had a very lively atmosphere and it was packed, so it's a nice place to go with friends.

Also, I should mention that they have set menus every night of the week (except weekends) and Mondays are beer and curry night, so all the more reason to go!

Address: Nithsdale Road, Glasgow

The Crafty Pig

And I've saved a super casual one, but one of our favourites, for last: The Crafty Pig!

We discovered this spot on our very first visit to Glasgow and it instantly became one of our go-to restaurants. It's one of those places where we tried one dish, it was amazing, and we just kept coming back for more of the same. The culprit: their pulled pork sandwich. So tender, so juicy, and slowly cooked to perfection. What's not to love?

Throw in some chilli cheese fries and their massive milkshakes, and there was basically no getting rid of us for the duration of our time in the city.

But seriously, if you go, also try the cookies and cream milkshake with vanilla ice cream, oreos, chocolate chip cookies, and whipped cream. It may result in a temporary food coma, but no regrets.

Address: 508 Great Western Rd, Glasgow

Making the Most of Glasgow as a Foodie: Tips, Food Culture & More Bites to Try!

🍽 Glasgow Food Culture: The Heart of the City

If there’s one thing that stands out about Glasgow, it’s how unpretentious and welcoming the food scene feels. You can dress up for an aged steak and a night of Scottish gin. Or you can rock up in jeans for BBQ and mac and cheese. No one will blink an eye.

What makes Glasgow such a great food city?

Diversity:Alongside Scottish classics, you’ll find everything from Goan curries and Persian stews to vegan donuts and Mexican street food. This is a city that loves to try new things—and welcomes everyone to the table.

Value:From gourmet tasting menus to lunch deals and BYOB curry houses, Glasgow has options for every budget.

Community:Many restaurants and cafes have a neighborhood vibe. Staff are chatty, portions are generous, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with the table next to you. Don’t be surprised if you leave with a new foodie friend or two!

🥇 Ultimate Glasgow Food Bucket List

Iconic Glasgow Eats & Drinks

Full Scottish Breakfast:Potato scone, square sausage, black pudding, beans, eggs, toast, mushrooms, and grilled tomato—bonus points for haggis!

Fish supper from a local chippy (with “salt ‘n’ sauce” or vinegar).

Mac ‘n’ cheese at a gastropub (truffle oil and bone marrow optional, but encouraged!).

Aged Scottish steak (Porter & Rye or similar).

Seafood platter or oysters by the River Clyde.

Cullen skink (smoky haddock chowder—perfect on a rainy day).

Pulled pork sandwich and chilli cheese fries at The Crafty Pig.

Pancakes or French toast for brunch at Monty’s or Cafe Gandolfi.

Vegan eats at Mono, Stereo, or The 78—Glasgow is vegan paradise.

Tablet or Tunnock’s Tea Cake for a sugar fix.

Milkshake or boozy shake (The Crafty Pig or Tantrum Doughnuts).

Scottish gin or whisky—try a tasting flight at The Pot Still or Gin71.

Drygate craft beer flight—bonus points for Disco Forklift Truck!

Unique Glasgow Experiences

Guided food tour (Eat Walk Glasgow or Secret Food Tours).

Pub crawl in Finnieston or Ashton Lane—combine craft beer, cocktails, and old-school pubs.

Street art & food markets in The Barras.

Kibble Palace picnic in the Botanic Gardens (grab local cheese, baked goods, and fruit from a farmer’s market).

Late-night curry on Sauchiehall Street—many are BYOB.

🗺 Neighbourhoods to Eat Your Way Through

Central Glasgow:

Great for quick eats, late-night dining, and classic pubs.

Best for: Gamba, The Pot Still, Cup Tea Lounge.

West End (Hillhead, Kelvingrove):

Brunch central, with quirky cafes, gastropubs, and vintage shops.

Best for: Cafe Gandolfi, The Crafty Pig, Ashton Lane, Hanoi Bike Shop (Vietnamese).

Finnieston:

Trendy, youthful, and foodie-forward with innovative restaurants and bars.

Best for: The Finnieston, Porter & Rye, Crabshakk, Six by Nico.

Southside:

Multicultural, indie, up-and-coming food scene with cozy local gems.

Best for: The Bungo, Gnom (Scandi café), Southside Slice (pizza).

East End:

Home to The Barras market, BAaD, and some of the city’s best street art and events.

Best for: A’Challtainn, Van Winkle (BBQ), Cathedral House.

📊 Quick-Reference Glasgow Food Guide

MealWhere to TryLocal’s TipBreakfastCafe Gandolfi, Monty’sArrive early on weekendsBrunchThe Brunch Club, Singl-endVegan and veggie options aboundLunchDrygate, The Crafty PigPair with a local beerDinnerPorter & Rye, Gamba, A’ChalltainnBook ahead for weekendsDessertTantrum Doughnuts, RiverhillRotating flavors, arrive before closeDrinksThe Finnieston (gin), The Pot Still (whisky), The Drugstore Social (cocktails)Try the house specials!

🌟 Tips for Foodies in Glasgow

Book ahead: Dinner reservations are strongly recommended for top spots, especially Friday–Sunday.

Lunch specials: Many restaurants offer fantastic value at lunch, with set menus or daily deals.

BYOB curry houses: Bring your own bottle for a budget-friendly dinner out—just ask when booking.

Chat with staff: Glasgow’s hospitality shines. Servers love to recommend their favorites—trust them!

Try the vegan/veggie scene: Even if you’re a meat-eater, the plant-based dishes here are seriously creative and delicious.

Ask for “wee” portions: Many places offer half-portions or “wee” sizes—perfect for sampling more dishes.

Embrace the sweet tooth: Scottish desserts are rich, decadent, and not to be missed.

🚇 Getting Around & Foodie Logistics

On foot: Central Glasgow and the West End are walkable—bring comfy shoes for those cobbles.

Subway (“Clockwork Orange”): Handy for quick hops between city centre and West End.

Buses & trains: Useful for Southside, East End, and late-night eats.

Taxis/Uber: Great for late returns after a night of pub crawling or gin tasting.

🏨 Where to Stay: Foodie-Friendly Glasgow

Luxury:

Blythswood Square Hotel – five-star, close to top bars and restaurants

Kimpton Blythswood Square – spa, chic vibes, city centre

Mid-range:

Dakota Glasgow – modern, great in-house restaurant

Grasshoppers Hotel – boutique, breakfast included

Budget:

citizenM Glasgow – stylish, social, central

AirBnB – great value and more choice in West End or Southside

Glasgow for Foodies — 12-Question FAQ (Best Eats, Drinks, Neighborhoods, Budgets, and Practical Tips)

1) What makes Glasgow a great city for food lovers?

Glasgow combines unpretentious vibes with serious cooking: Scottish seafood, modern bistros, creative vegan spots, stellar curry houses, craft beer, and world-class gin/whisky bars—often at friendlier prices than other UK hubs.

2) Where should I go for a standout brunch?

Monty’s for Scotch pancakes with maple + smoked bacon, or avocado sourdough with poached egg. Café Gandolfi brings cozy vibes and a superb vegetarian “Full Scottish” riff with halloumi, mushrooms, potato scones, and sourdough.

3) Which seafood restaurants are can’t-miss?

The Finnieston (oysters + gin list) and Gamba (local, sustainable seafood—think scallops with celeriac, black pudding, and pancetta crumbs). For market-hall atmosphere, A’Challtainn at BAaD does refined fish dishes and excellent risottos.

4) I’m a steak fan—where should I book?

Porter & Rye for dry-aged Scottish beef (50–120+ days) and decadent sides like bone-marrow mac ’n’ cheese. Reserve for weekends.

5) Any cocktail bars with a twist?

The Drugstore Social plays with botanicals, herbal notes, and creative garnishes (mezcal beets to pisco-lavender riffs) in a vintage-pharmacy setting. Also explore Finnieston’s cocktail corridor for inventive menus.

6) Where can I tap into Glasgow’s craft beer scene?

Drygate Brewery offers behind-glass tours and flights spanning fruity pales (Disco Forklift Truck) to breakfast stouts—plus comfort-food pairings (jerk ox cheek sandwiches, truffle mac ’n’ cheese).

7) What neighborhoods should I eat through?

West End (Kelvingrove/Hillhead) for brunches and gastropubs; Finnieston for trend-forward dining (Porter & Rye, The Finnieston); City Centre for seafood and classic pubs (Gamba, The Pot Still); Southside for indie gems like The Bungo.

8) What classic Scottish bites should be on my hit list?

A Full Scottish Breakfast (potato scone, black pudding, eggs), a chippy fish supper, cullen skink (smoky haddock chowder), oysters, gastropub mac ’n’ cheese, and a sweet tablet or Tunnock’s Tea Cake for dessert.

9) How do I pair drinks with meals like a local?

Seafood sings with a gin + tonic (local gins abound) or a crisp pale ale; steaks love a Speyside/Highland whisky or robust stout; brunch pairs well with specialty coffee or a cheeky boozy shake at comfort-food spots.

10) Any budget tips for eating well?

Look for lunch set menus, pre-theatre deals, and BYOB curry houses. Share plates to sample more, and ask for “wee” portions when available. Food tours can be good value if you’re short on time.

11) Do I need reservations?

For top dinner spots (Fri–Sun), book ahead—especially Porter & Rye, Gamba, and The Finnieston. Brunch queues build on weekends; arrive early or join the list.

12) What’s a simple 1-day foodie route?

Breakfast: Café Gandolfi → Coffee walk through Merchant City → Lunch & flight: Drygate Brewery → Afternoon oysters + G&T: The Finnieston → Dinner: A’Challtainn or Porter & Rye → Nightcap: The Drugstore Social or The Pot Still (whisky).

And there you have it, those are some of my favourite restaurants in Glasgow based on two visits. Clearly, we spent a lot of our time eating! If you have any other restaurants that you think are worth checking out, feel free to add your suggestions in the comments section so we can all find new places to eat in Glasgow!

What are some of your favourite restaurants in Glasgow?


Going Off-The-Beaten-Path Things To Do In Central Java & Yogyakarta

I recently spent a week travelling across Central Java and Yogyakarta, a part of Indonesia that is often overshadowed by its more popular beach destinations - I'm looking at you Bali! Prior to travelling here I knew very little of what this area had to offer. The only place on my radar was Borobudur, because it's been on my bucket list for years, but aside from that I wouldn't have been able to name any other landmarks or top attractions. It wasn't until I started reading blogs and browsing online guides that I learned there were also volcanoes, unique art forms, and local specialties waiting to be sampled.

In many ways, this trip was off-the-beaten path. While I encountered many Indonesian tourists exploring the beauty of their own country, once I left Yogyakarta and ventured into Central Java, I came across very few foreigners. I counted a grand total of 7 during my 2 days in Solo/Surakarta, and then only 1 when I went up to Semarang - he seemed just as startled to see me as I was to see him.

Today I thought I would share some of the highlights from that week-long trip, and hopefully inspire you to visit a part of Indonesia that you may not have previously considered.

What to Do, See, Eat, Drink & Experience in Yogyakarta & Central Java, Indonesia

Yogyakarta (3 Days)

Climb to the top of the largest Buddhist temple
Technically, this place is in Central Java, but if you're coming all the way to Yogyakarta, you're going to want to make the day trip to Borobudur to see the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It's about an hour's drive north of the city, and you can easily arrange for a driver to take you out there either through a tour agency or through your hotel.
Like with Angkor Wat in Cambodia, many travellers like to get up early to go watch the sunrise. Just make sure you check the forecast in advance to ensure you'll have clearly skies. We chose to visit later in the morning because the forecast was calling for overcast skies, but thankfully that cleared by the time we got there.
The temple itself consists of 9 platforms: the lower 6 are square and the top 3 are round. At the top, the central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues each seated in a stupa, and across the temple you'll find a whopping 2,672 relief panels. Imagine the amount of work it took to carve all that!
Admission to Borobudur is $20 USD just for Borobudur, but I would pay $32 for the Borobudur-Prambanan package, which grants you access to another temple east of Yogyakarta.

Go on a jeep adventure on Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi, also known as Fire Mountain, is perhaps the most famed volcano in the region as it happens to be the most active.
Though we did contemplate hiking Mount Merapi (like we did with Mount Batur in Bali), we ultimately decided that a jeep ride would be best. We were a little bit short on time, plus the drive back from Borobudur would bring us really close to the volcano, so why not swing by since we were already in the vicinity?
Our driver took us as far up the mountain as we could go, and then he dropped us off at a tour operator where we got a jeep and a driver to take us the rest of the way. The tour cost the equivalent of $25 and the loop took just under two hours (it all depends on how much time you spend taking pictures).
Along the way, we visited Museum Sisa Hartaku, which was established in a home destroyed by the volcanic eruption of 2010. We also went past communities that were abandoned after the eruption, stopped at a giant rock known as 'Alien Head' which was launched out the volcano, and visited a former bunker that unfortunately was not able to provide adequate shelter during the last blast.

Visit Prambanan Temple and watch the Ramayana Ballet
Prambanan Temple is located in the outskirts of Yogyakarta in the east end of the city right on the boundary with Central Java. It is a is a 9th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the Trimurti, which is the trinity of Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), and Shiva (Destroyer).
I would say the best time of day to visit is in the early morning if you want the sun lighting up the temples, or in the late afternoon if you want to catch the sunset.

Another activity I would recommend is watching the Ramayana Ballet which takes place in the evenings just behind the temple. This is a Javanese dance interpretation of an Indian epic poem. Some evenings they perform the full Ramayana while other evenings focus on highlights of the Ramayana or showcasing Java's music and dance heritage, so make sure you check the schedule and plan accordingly.
We decided to watch the full Ramayana Ballet, which was a 2-hour performance with a very brief intermission. I personally found the story a bit hard to follow (though they did have slides every so often that explained what each scene was about), that being said, it was still fascinating to see the colours and the movements, and things really heated up towards the end when they lit part of the stage of fire (all part of the performance, of course).
If you're interested in cultural dances, you can get more information about the Ramayana Ballet here. And if you don't want to go all the way out to Prambanan at night, they do stage similar performances in Yogyakarta.
Solo / Surakarta (2 Days)

Learn the art of batik and shop for your own
Batik is a technique were wax is added to textiles and then dyed to create elaborate patterns. Many of the patterns are symbolic and associated with certain rituals, and these can either be added by hand or using a stamp.
Indonesian batik is considered a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, so this is something that we wanted to see first hand while in Java. In order to do so, we made our way to the House of Danar Hadi, a private museum in Solo that contains around 10,000 pieces of rare and historical batik from all over Indonesia. And because it would be impossible to exhibit this many pieces at once, every 6 months they change their displays for visitors.
Aside from the artifacts inside the museum, the most fascinating part for me was seeing the making of the batik in the workshop. Here I watched as women blew on tiny pipes to keep the wax warm and then drew patters on the fabric. There were a total of 4 women working in the first workshop and the most experienced of them had 37 years of practice under her belt. I learned that applying the wax by hand to one piece of cloth can take up to 2 weeks, and a total of 3 months until the dyeing and sewing process is complete. Now would you believe all of this work is to create just 1 shirt?
From there, we moved onto the second workshop where we saw the wax being applied with an iron stamp. Using a stamp is more time efficient, so the pieces are finished sooner and are more affordable, so this is something to take into consideration if you're in the market for a batik.
After visiting the workshops, we browsed the shop inside the House of Danar Hadi, where they had a massive selection. Sam ended up walking away with a red batik that everyone kept complimenting for the rest of our time in Indonesia.
As a note, all visits to the House of Danar Hadi are guided, and no video or photography is allowed in the museum, though you can pull out your camera in the workshops.

Fun and games at Sriwedari Park
So we originally came to Sriwedari Park because we heard this was the place to catch a shadow puppet performance (wayang kulit), which is an important part of the art heritage in Solo. However, what we didn't realize is that the schedule changes throughout the week. On the particular night we visited they had an Indonesian rock band playing, which wasn't what we came for, but it still turned out to be a lot of fun. There's little to no information online about these performances and no one at our hotel seemed to know the schedule either, so you may have to chance it and see what's on when you visit.
But there's more to Sriwedari Park than just that! This place is actually a small amusement park, so aside from enjoying whatever performance they have on any particular night of the week, you can also buy tokens to go on the rides. Sam and I were all about the bumper cars, but they had other carnival games and rides to choose from.

Shop for antiques at Triwindu Market
Another highlight of our visit to Solo was getting to visit the Triwindu Market, which is the place to be if you're a collector of antiques.
The market is spread out across a series of two-story buildings and inside you'll find everything from wrought-iron chandeliers and leather puppets, to old phonographs and Dutch porcelain. It's a bit of a maze with tables full of knick-knacks spilling out of the shops, and a mix of lamps, lanterns and masks dangling from the ceiling, but it's the kind of place where you could easily lose hours just snooping around.

Feast on chocolate coconut pancakes
And now let me tell you about the most delicious pancakes I've had in my life!
Serabi is a pancake that is made from rice flour and either coconut milk or shredded coconut and it can be found across Asia, however, if there's one recipe to rule them all, it may very well be the one from Serabi Solo Notosuman.

We arrived mid-morning craving a snack, and we ended up sampling the fluffiest, milkiest, sweetest, coconut pancakes with chocolate sprinkles on top. It was nothing short of magical, and it was so good that we had to go back and order more. The pancakes are a little crispy on the exterior with a moist interior, and they are served on banana leaves so they're easy to handle.
You need to track this place down, even if it's the only thing you do in Solo!
Semarang (2 Days)

Explore the Dutch Quarter on foot
Kota Lama is the name given to the Old Dutch Quarter in the north end of the city. Though the wall that demarcated the "walled city" is no longer there, many of the buildings from the Dutch colony still remain. The area itself is a bit run down and it could use a little bit of TLC, but according to this article from the Jakarta Post published earlier this year, the municipality has plans to restore many of the historical buildings in this area. In the meantime, you can browse some of the little antique shops or enjoy a walk along the waterfront.

Visit Sam Poo Kong Temple
Sam Poo Kong is the oldest Chinese temple in Semarang and it was originally established by Zheng He, a Chinese Muslim explorer. The year of the temple's foundation is disputed, but story has it that Admiral Zheng’s expedition stopped here after one of his lieutenants became ill. Together, the crew found a cave to use for shelter and prayer, and people later built a temple on this very site to commemorate the Admiral.
Devour the famed Semarang spring rolls
Last but not least, there is one specialty you should try in this city: Lumpia Semarang! These are spring rolls filled with bamboo shoots, dry shrimp and chicken or prawns. The dish originated in the Chinese community but these days it can be found on just about every street corner. We found a little road side stand and sampled some there. The spring rolls are served with a sweet chilli sauce that's sweetened with coconut and thickened with tapioca flour.

Central Java & Yogyakarta Planner: More Trip Ideas and Tips

One-Week Loop at a Glance

DayBase / OvernightMorningMiddayAfternoonEveningLittle Bonus1Yogyakarta (Kraton / Prawirotaman)Arrive → gentle walk in Malioboro for first snacksKraton (Sultan’s Palace): guided halls + mini performancesTaman Sari Water Castle → kampung muralsAlun-Alun Kidul pedaled neon cars or riverside caféTry wedang ronde (ginger broth) before bed2YogyakartaPrambanan Plain temples: Prambanan when gates openSewu & Plaosan twins (5–10 min hops)Ratu Boko hilltop complexRamayana Ballet (book seats behind the orchestra)Sunset silhouettes at Boko’s stone gates3YogyakartaTransfer to Borobudur (sunrise if clear forecast)Climb galleries clockwise; hunt your favorite reliefRural brunch & village bike (optional)Return via Punthuk Setumbu viewpoint if you skipped sunriseSpa foot scrub + night market nibble crawl4YogyakartaChoose-Your-Adventure: Merapi jeep loop or Jomblang CaveIf Merapi: museum house + Alien Rock; If Jomblang: light-beam rappelGunungkidul coast add-on (Timang gondola) or café + gallery time in townCasual angkringan (sit-low stall) dinnerPack for tomorrow’s move5Solo / SurakartaTrain to Solo (40–60 min) → House of Danar Hadi (batik museum)Kampung Batik Laweyan: mini wax-pen classTriwindu Antiques market treasure huntSriwedari Park show night (wayang/music rotates)Dessert: hot serabi Notosuman (choc coconut)6Wonosobo / SemarangEarly drive to Dieng PlateauKawah Sikidang + Color LakesSikunir viewpoint (if overnighted) or village strollContinue to Semarang (or stay Wonosobo)Evening lumpia tasting in Kota Lama7SemarangKota Lama photo walk + coffee in a warehouse caféSam Poo Kong temple complexOptional Ambarawa Railway Museum (heritage ride days)Fly/train onwardBuy bakpia boxes for the journey

Prambanan Plain: Temple Tetris

ClusterTime NeededFrom Central JogjaTickets & NotesBest LightPro TipPrambanan (Hindu)1.5–2 hrs17 km / 40–60 minBig-site ticket; museum insideEarly morning or golden hourWalk the outer path first to frame photos without crowdsSewu (Buddhist)45–60 minInside same archaeological parkIncluded with Prambanan park accessMid-morning side lightThe guardian dvarapala statues are moody portrait backdropsPlaosan (Buddhist, twin)45–60 min3–4 km from PrambananSmall local ticket; quietLate afternoonBring a light scarf—wind can be strong across the plainRatu Boko (hilltop palace)60–90 min3–5 kmSeparate ticketSunsetStay after official sunset—staff often allow a few extra minutes for glow

Volcanos & Caves: Pick Your Thrill

ExperienceDurationFitnessBringGood to KnowMerapi Jeep Loop1.5–2 hrs on-mountain (plus transfer)EasyBuff/hat, sunglasses, small cash for stopsRoutes vary by activity status; expect dust and bumps (fun ones)Merapi Sunrise Hike (local viewpoint)3–5 hrs round tripModerateHeadlamp, layers, trail shoesOnly with local guidance; plans change with alertsJomblang Cave (rappel)~4–5 hrs door-to-doorModerate (mud, ladders)Closed shoes you don’t love, socks, change of clothesAim to be inside ~11:00–12:30 for the light column; slots limitedTimang Beach Gondola1–2 hrs on siteEasy (but nerve-tingly)Dry bag, quick-dry wearSalt spray is real; there’s also a footbridge alternative

Eat the Region: Bite-Sized Crawl Map

City/AreaMust-Try DishWhere (type)Why It’s GreatBackup SnackYogyakarta – Kraton/PrawirotamanGudeg (sweet jackfruit set)Heritage warungIconic Jogja comfort plate; sweet/savory playBakpia (Pathuk) warm from the ovenYogyakarta – BantulSate Klathak (lamb on iron skewers)Roadside grillsChar + juicy; minimal spice lets meat singEs dawet (iced coconut jelly)SoloSerabi NotosumanSignature shopCrisp rim, custardy center, choc sprinklesTimlo Solo soupSemarang – Kota LamaLumpia SemarangClassic stallsBamboo shoot + shrimp/chicken, sticky chili sauceWingko Babat coconut cakes

Street-smart: Join the busiest line, ask for fresh off the grill, and go sambal light on day one.

Getting Around (Cheat Sheet)

RouteBest ModeTypical TimeNotesYogyakarta ↔ PrambananGrab/Gojek or rental car40–60 minCombine with Sewu/Plaosan; go earlyYogyakarta ↔ BorobudurPrivate car/driver60–90 minPre-dawn if doing sunrise; check forecastYogyakarta ↔ Merapi BaseCar/driver60–90 minJeep operators are clustered; choose loop length on siteYogyakarta ↔ SoloCommuter train40–60 minFrequent, comfy, cheap; stations centralSolo ↔ SemarangIntercity train or car2–3 hrsTrains avoid traffic; lovely paddy viewsSemarang Airport (SRG) ↔ Kota LamaGrab/Taxi25–45 minTraffic spikes at rush; add buffer

When to Go (Weather & Crowds)

SeasonTemps & SkyProsConsPlan MovesDry (Apr–Oct)Warm days, clearer mornings; cool highlandsBetter sunrise odds, easier road daysPopular periods (Jun–Aug)Book Ramayana & Borobudur slots early; pack a light layer for Dieng nightsWet (Nov–Mar)Afternoon showers; lush landscapesFewer crowds, dramatic cloudsCave light beam less reliable; road sprayFront-load outdoor mornings; keep a poncho & dry bag in your daypack

Budget Snapshot (per person, rough)

ItemShoestringMid-RangeNotesLodging (dbl/twin)$10–20$35–80Homestays vs boutiques/heritage hotelsMeals (day)$6–12$12–25Street eats vs cafés/restaurantsLocal Transport (day)$3–10$8–20Ride-hail/trains vs private car shareBig Tickets (per site)$2–5 small sites$20–35 majorsBorobudur/Prambanan are the priciestDay Driver (car)—$45–70 per carSplit 2–4 ways; fuel typically included

What to Pack (By Activity)

ActivityWearPack ExtrasTemples & Old QuartersBreathable tops, knees/shoulders covered, comfy sandals/sneakersLight scarf, hat, refillable bottle, hand fanMerapi (jeep/hike)Quick-dry tee, long bottoms, trail shoesBuff for dust, sunglasses, light jacket, wet wipesJomblang CaveOld tee + long socks, closed shoesSpare clothes, small towel, dry bag for phoneDieng PlateauLayer: tee + fleece + wind shell, jeans/trek pantsBeanie/buff, thin gloves, thermos for hot teaShow Nights (Ramayana/Sriwedari)Casual-smart (breezy dress/shirt)Light layer for outdoor seating, mozzie repellent

Culture & Etiquette (Tiny Habits, Big Respect)

Dress modestly at sacred sites; rental sarongs exist but bringing a scarf helps.

Right hand (or both hands) to pass or receive items.

Ask before photos of people, offerings, and inside temple halls.

Bargain kindly at markets—smiles work better than hard lines.

Touts & “today-only batik shows”: Some are fine; if you prefer no pressure, shop in Laweyan/Kauman or museum stores.

Trash & trails: Pack out tissues and plastics (especially around Merapi & beaches).

FAQ: Yogyakarta & Central Java (Trip-Planning Essentials)

1) How many days do I need?

If you’re only doing Yogyakarta city plus one temple day, 3 days works. For a fuller loop (Prambanan plain, Borobudur, Merapi or Jomblang, plus a hop to Solo and Semarang), plan 6–7 days. Add Dieng Plateau or Karimunjawa and you’re at 8–10 days.

2) When’s the best time to visit?

The dry season (Apr–Oct) brings clearer mornings and easier road days—ideal for sunrises and outdoor shows. Wet season (Nov–Mar) means greener landscapes and fewer crowds, but expect afternoon showers; front-load outdoor plans for the morning and keep a poncho in your daypack.

3) Is Borobudur sunrise worth it and how do I plan it?

Sunrise is magical when skies cooperate, but it’s weather-sensitive. Check the forecast the night before. If clouds look heavy, visit later in the morning and consider sunrise at Punthuk Setumbu (hill viewpoint) instead. Bring layers, a headlamp, and small cash for local parking/tea stalls.

4) What should I wear at temples and performances?

Keep shoulders and knees covered at sacred sites (carry a light scarf/sarong). Breathable fabrics and comfy shoes are best—there are stairs and uneven stone. For Ramayana Ballet, smart-casual is perfect; bring a light layer for outdoor seating and a small insect repellent.

5) How do I get around—car, train, or ride-hailing?

Within Yogyakarta/Prambanan, Grab/Gojek or a private driver works well if you’re chaining multiple sites. Yogyakarta ↔ Solo is easiest by commuter train (40–60 min). Solo ↔ Semarang is best by intercity train (2–3 hrs) for scenery and to avoid traffic. For Merapi/Jomblang, a private car/driver is most efficient; tours handle logistics if you prefer.

6) How do tickets work for Borobudur & Prambanan?

Ticketing and access change from time to time. In the original post, there was a Borobudur ticket and a Borobudur–Prambanan combo; availability and pricing can vary. Bring photo ID, arrive early to avoid queues, and check the official on-site counters or park websites a day or two ahead for the latest rules, stair access, and time slots.

7) Merapi jeep vs. hiking—what’s better?

Jeep loops are fun, dusty, and easy—great if you’re short on time or traveling with mixed fitness levels, with stops at the museum house, Alien Rock, and viewpoints. Hikes offer sunrise ridgelines but require an early start, fitness, and local guidance; routes change with volcanic activity. In both cases, bring a buff/hat, sunglasses, and expect conditions to change—guides know current safety limits.

8) Is Jomblang Cave safe and do I need to book?

Operators manage safety with harnesses and guides, but you must be comfortable with mud, ladders, and a controlled rappel. Daily slots are limited—reserve ahead, aim to be in the chamber late morning for the light beam, and wear closed shoes you don’t mind ruining. Pack spare clothes, a small towel, and a dry bag for your phone.

9) Foods to consider eating?

In Yogyakarta, try gudeg (sweet jackfruit set meal) and sate klathak (lamb skewers on iron rods), and snack on bakpia (Pathuk area). In Solo, don’t miss Serabi Notosuman (coconut pancakes—get the chocolate-topped ones). In Semarang, seek out Lumpia Semarang (bamboo shoot spring rolls) and wingko babat (coconut cakes). Join the busiest stall, ask for fresh off the grill, and go easy on sambal on day one.

10) Where should I base myself?

In Yogyakarta, stay near the Kraton for heritage sights or Prawirotaman for cafés and easy dining. In Solo/Surakarta, base along Jalan Slamet Riyadi (walkable to museums/parks). In Semarang, choose Kota Lama for photo-friendly façades and cafés or Simpang Lima for malls and parks. Pick walkable pockets to minimize traffic time.

11) Are Solo and Semarang worth adding if I’m short on time?

Yes—Solo is batik heartland (House of Danar Hadi museum plus Laweyan workshops) and has fun evenings at Sriwedari Park. Semarang offers the Chinese-Javanese blend at Sam Poo Kong, atmospheric streets in Kota Lama, and its signature lumpia. If you can spare one night each, you’ll get a very different flavor than Jogja.

12) Any etiquette, money, and phone tips I should know?

Use your right hand to give/receive; ask before photographing people or prayers; bargain with a smile, and dress modestly in temples. ATMs are common in cities; keep small notes for parking, snacks, and village stops. Pick up a local SIM (Telkomsel/XL) at the airport or convenience stores; ride-hailing and maps will be your best friends. Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated—round up bills, add 5–10% for great service, and tip guides/drivers based on time and effort.

And that's just a quick taste of what the region has to offer. We only had a week there, so in a way I feel like we barely scratched the surface; seriously there is so much more to see and do in Yogyakarta and Central Java. We highlighted a few more activities in this video guide below, but if you have any other suggestions you'd like to share with travellers, feel free to do so in the comments below.

Have you been to Yogyakarta or Central Java?What were some of your highlights?


Going on safari in Kruger National Park Guide! Our 4 Day Itinerary

I don’t know about you, but when I think of travel in South Africa, a safari in Kruger National Park is one of the first things that comes to mind.
Who doesn’t want to see a pride of lions roaming in the wild or a pod of hippos lazily cooling off in a watering hole?
Sign me up!
Safaris also have a reputation for being pricey experiences, however, after embarking on my own safari in Kruger National Park, I’m here to tell you that all safaris are created different and that you can find one that fits your budget and allows you to experience South Africa’s wildlife at its finest.
Sam and I joined Selous African Safaris and Tours for a 4-day safari in Kruger National Park and we ended up having an incredible time spotting the Big Five and soaking in the raw, natural beauty of South Africa.
Here’s a look at what that experience was like complete with pricing and other important details listed at the bottom:
Epic Kruger National Park Safari in South Africa

Day 1: Travel to Kruger National Park
The day started early with a 5 a.m. wake up call. This is where we met our driver Goodman, who picked us up from our hostel in Johannesburg.
Now I have to warn you, the first day of this tour is the longest day of travel, since you have to cover close to 500 kilometers to reach the campsite which is just on the outskirts of Kruger National Park. That being said, it is an incredibly scenic drive that will keep you glued to the window.
We did make a few stops along the way to grab breakfast, snap those postcard-perfect views of the Drakensberg Mountains at the J. G. Strijdomtonnel lookout point, and t0 eat some lunch in Hoedspruit.

From there we continued on to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where we spent the afternoon learning a bit more about the local wildlife and the challenges some of the local animals face. Our visit started off with a very informative presentation that targeted some of the main issues affecting animals, like loss of habitat, traps and snares, power lines and even poisoning. It was at times hard to look at some of the images they were showing, but at the same time I think it’s important to be informed. For every beautiful cheetah that you see roaming free through the park, there are also plenty of others who’ve become entangled in snares and lost part of their limbs, or been poisoned by frustrated farmers who keep losing their cattle and their livelihood.
During our visit, we learned that some of the animals at Moholoholo are rehabilitated in order to be released back into the wild, while others end up calling this place home because the extent of their injuries will never allow them to be able to hunt and survive on their own.
After this sobering truth, we set out to meet the animals that currently call Moholoholo home. We met lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, vultures, eagles, and a funny little honey badger, who is quite the trickster and apparently has become a bit of a YouTube celebrity.

Some of the animals, such as the lions, we respectfully observed from a distance, while others, like the eagles, we were able to approach and admire up close. I also got to feed a vulture out of my hand (with a thick leather glove, of course) and as you can probably tell from the photo it was a slightly terrifying experience. Those birds are massive and have a huge wingspan. Our guide had also just finished telling us that when vultures come across a carcass, the first thing they eat are the eyeballs – hence why I refused to look that bird in the eye!
We then continued on to the Klaserie Caravan Park and arrived just as the sun was beginning to set. There was the option of staying in tents or upgrading to a small lodge with an en suite bathroom and electricity, so Sam and I went with the latter option; as nice as it is to spend time outdoors, I do enjoy coming back to a few comforts at the end of a long day!
Dinner was then prepared by our guide Lloyd, while our group of Canadians, Germans, and a Brit sat around sipping wine (yes, there was free wine at the campsite!) Lloyd managed to make a delicious Chicken a la King even with the power outage, and the meal was so good that we went back for seconds and thirds. We then topped off the evening with a little campfire and got to know our group a little bit better.

Day 2: Full Day Safari in Kruger National Park
After another early wake up call, our group gathered round for a hot cup of tea and cereal. By 5:30 a.m. we were on the road, bundled up in blankets and our warmest layers for an early sunrise drive through Kruger National Park.
We arrived at the gates of Kruger just as the sun was beginning to come up, and this is where the fun began.
First we spotted the wildebeest, which our guide joked is the last animal God created and therefore it looks like a mixture of a horse, goat, and antelope – basically a mishmash of leftover parts.
We also came across impalas, wart hogs, baboons, kudus, vultures, mongoose, springboks, grey duikers, ostriches, elephants and giraffes, just to name a few. Basically, we saw more animals than I ever expected we’d come across in one single morning, and the majority of them were so close by!

One of the unspoken rules of safari is that people share information about sightings, so it wasn’t long after we arrived in Kruger that two separate cars stopped us to tell us about a lion sighting ahead. We followed their directions down a small dirt road, and sure enough, we came across a pride of lions lounging less than 10 meters from the main path.
There was a lioness with about 4 or 5 cubs, sleepily passing the day. We pulled over to admire them, and soon enough one of the cubs woke up and started to playfully roll around on its back while the lioness gave him his daily bath. Then, just as we were getting ready to continue on our drive, we spotted the alpha male himself – the leader of the pride. The lion was a bit removed from the rest of the group and he was also having a bit of a lazy day just hanging around. Eventually he decided it was time for a nap and fully stretched out on his side while we stared in awe. We ended up spending a good 45 minutes just watching their lives unfold before us.

We drove through the park until about 10:00 a.m. and then it was time for brunch. Our guide Lloyd took us to a little picnic spot (where we spotted our first water buffalo of the day), and he prepared a delicious breakfast of fried onions, scrambled eggs, bacon, and fried tomatoes while the rest of us continued running around taking photos of the animals. When else are you going to enjoy brunch with a view of impalas grazing in the distance?
During breakfast, Sam also had the great fortune of getting crapped on by a bird, not once, but TWICE! Surely a sign of good luck, and we joked that this certainly meant he would get to spot the ever elusive cheetah. (He didn't see a cheetah...)
After a wonderful brunch, it was time to return to our campsite for a short afternoon break. We had time for a quick mid-afternoon nap, and then it was time for a sunset safari.

For the sunset drive, we made our way to the Motlala Game Reserve, which was just a short distance from our campsite. Motlala is a private owned reserve and it’s quite exclusive with only 3 safari operators having access to it. This meant we didn’t see a single vehicle the whole time we were there - it was just us and the wildlife in the bush.
This turned out to be a dream come true as we got to spot so many giraffes! There was one shy giraffe trying to hide behind a tree, which was quite amusing considering we could see its modelesque legs popping out from the bottom and it’s long neck craning out from the top of the branches. We also saw two young male giraffes having a bit of a duel as they swiped at each other with their sturdy necks. Again, it was so interesting to watch because their graceful movements almost made it seem like they were being playful, but our guide explained that they were actually trying to establish dominance.
We also saw plenty of water buffalos, zebras, jackals, and a variety of antelopes. Then, just as the sun was beginning to set, we made our way to a nice lookout spot to enjoy the sky as it turned from periwinkle and lavender to fiery shades of pink and orange. It was one of the most beautiful African sunsets I have ever seen, and it didn’t hurt that there was wine and cookies to go around.

The sunset drive then turned into a night drive, as our guide used a floodlight to spot animals in the dark. We didn’t get to see any cats (which are quite active at night) but it was a fun adventure nonetheless.
Our second evening on safari then came to an end with a bunny chow dinner (no bunny in this dish, it's more of a curry!), and an early bedtime to get rested for the day ahead.

Day 3: Big 5 in Kruger National Park
Yes, our safari in Kruger National Park called for lots of early mornings, but those 5 a.m. wake up calls meant we got to enjoy some of the most beautiful sunrises ever. On this particular morning, we had to pull over and park the car to get a shot of this fiery red sunrise that was taking place before our eyes. It was one of my favourite moments on safari.

Our morning then got off to a very exciting start when we spotted our first leopard. We pulled over to the side of the road when we saw that there were several vehicles expectantly gazing into the bush, and sure enough, a few moments later a leopard crossed the road right in front of us. The leopard can camouflage itself so well that we didn’t even see it approaching until it was right in front of our vehicle. Talk about getting your heart pumping!

That same morning we had another cool encounter when a herd of elephants crossed the road right in front of us. It was a massive herd made up of 15 to 20 elephants and it was so cool to see them crossing together in such an orderly fashion as they made their way towards a water source.

Our next stop was a large watering hole, which on that particular morning was buzzing like a beehive. There were so many different animals drinking from the source, and so many little things were unfolding that it was almost hard to know where to look. A crocodile caught our interest when we noticed that it was making its way to the shore to try and catch his prey. There were a few impalas and wildebeests that nearly ended up on the lunch menu, however, they were spooked at the last minute leaving the crocodile hungry another day.

The afternoon was filled with lots of cool sightings of zebras, giraffes, and all manner of birds. However, the highlight came just as we were about to leave the park. Up until that point we had only spotted 4 animals out of the Big Five – the rhino was still missing – but less than 2 kilometers from the gate we were flagged down by a vehicle whose front passenger was pointing at the bush in front of us. Sure enough, a lonely white rhino was munching away. We could hardly contain our excitement when we saw him – not just because we had ticked the Big Five, but because the rhino is such a majestic creature that is really hard to spot in the wild. There was lots of silent hooting and fist pumping in our group, and then we just sat there and soaked in the moment. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to end our safari.

Our final evening at the camp concluded with a delicious braai dinner (South African barbecue), songs around the campfire, and a few glasses of wine while we gazed up at the stars.
Day 4: Views and Back to Johannesburg
On our last morning we had a leisurely breakfast, got our bags ready and packed up the car for the drive back to Johannesburg.
Along the way we took a little detour towards the Blyde River Canyon - the largest green canyon in the world - to break up the trip and enjoy the spectacular views. We also saw The Three Rondavels, which is a rock formation that looks a lot like three traditional round huts. And just like that our 4 day tour was over!

Now, I know I've rambled on for almost 3000 words, but I wanted to give you all a detailed idea of what a 4 day safari in Kruger National Park looks like, so now you know! Also, if you're into video, you can check out these two little vlogs Sam and I filmed during our 2 days in Kruger - lots of cool wildlife sightings, that's for sure!

Cost of Safari in Kruger National Park
There are two types of accommodations you can opt for with Selous African Safaris and Tours. The first is the camping safari where you stay in tents. They have a mix of individual tents and double tents on site, and these either have cots or sleeping mats rolled out on the floor of the tent. You will need a sleeping bag, but these are available to rent once you reach the campground for the equivalent of $10 for the whole 3 nights. There are also bathrooms just a short walk away. I think this is a great option if you’ve gone camping before, you’re on a strict budget, and you don’t mind roughing it a little bit.
Rates for camping: 6500 ZAR (~ $546 USD)
The second option was to upgrade from the tents to the nearby lodges. The lodges have real beds, electricity, and an en suite bathroom. The bathroom was what won me over – I think it’s nice having a toilet nearby as opposed to trekking out with a flashlight in hand, but maybe that’s just me!
Rates for lodge: 7500 ZAR (~$631 USD)

Tips for going on safari in Kruger National Park

Pack warm clothes for the early morning drives and late evenings. I would recommend a warm fleece and a windbreaker. You can always peel off the layers as the day warms up. There were also lots of blankets on site, specifically to take on safari since you travel in an open vehicle and it is quite cold when you first set out. You can have a look at what to pack for safari here.
Bring a flashlight. It gets dark relatively early during the winter months, so it’s worth having a flashlight or a headlamp so that you can easily get around the camp. This will be especially handy if you opt to stay in the tents as opposed to the lodge.
Consider bringing binoculars. Sometimes you’re really lucky and you come across a herd of elephants munching away by the side of the road, and sometimes the wildlife is a little ways off wandering across the bushveld. Our guide had a pair of binoculars that he gladly shared with our group, but if you want one of your own, bring a pair.
And last but not least, be patient! I saw so many cars who just zipped by wildlife because they weren’t willing to wait for an elephant to come out from behind the bush, or for a leopard to climb up the ravine. Going on safari requires quite a bit of patience, but the waiting is greatly rewarded when you finally see an animal pop out just a few meters away from you.

Plan Your Kruger Safari: Practical Add-On Guide, Travel Tips, Planner, Itineraries & More!

When to Go (and what that actually means for sightings)

SeasonBush ConditionsBest ForWatch-outsMay–Aug (Dry winter)Sparse grass, fewer water sources; crisp mornings, mild daysBig-game visibility, long drives, fewer mozziesCold sunrise drives—pack fleeces, blankets, glovesSept–Oct (Late dry, hot)Very dry, animals congregate at waterholes; dramatic sightingsPredator action, “documentary” momentsHeat spikes midday; dust—protect camerasNov–Mar (Green season)Lush growth after rains; many newborns; spectacular skiesBirding, babies, dramatic light for photosAnimals spread out; afternoon storms; humidityApr (Shoulder)Drying grasses, warm days, cool nightsBalanced conditions, fewer crowdsTransitional weather—pack layers

Where to Base Yourself: Gates & Areas at a Glance

Gate / AreaBest ForTypical Drive From JoburgHabitat SnapshotNotesPhabeni / Paul Kruger (South-central)Classic first-timer routes, varied game~4.5–6 hrsMixed woodland, rivers, open patchesEasy access to Skukuza area, river loopsCrocodile Bridge (Far south-east)High density of general game, frequent predator action~5–6 hrsOpen grass + thornveldPopular sunrise gate—arrive earlyMalelane (South-west)Balanced sightings, good road network~4.5–5.5 hrsRiverine + bushwillowPairs well with Panorama Route exitOrpen (Central-west)Big plains, cheetah possibilities~5–6.5 hrsOpen savannaNice link to private reserves (Klaserie, Timbavati)Pafuri / Punda Maria (Far north)Fewer crowds, rare species, big treesLongerFever tree forests, riversBirders’ heaven; add days for the distance

Ways to Safari: Pick Your Style

StyleWhat It Looks LikeWhy Choose ItTrade-offsGuided group (budget/mid)Open vehicle, pro tracker/guide, set itinerary (like ours)Spotting expertise, no driving stress, socialFixed schedule; less control over routesSelf-drive (SANParks camps)Your vehicle, rest-camp stays, cookoutsFreedom, flexible budget, long golden hoursYou’re the spotter/driver; stick to roadsPrivate reserve (Sabi Sands/Klaserie/etc.)Lodge, off-road game drives, trackers, night drivesClose predator encounters, limited vehicles at sightingsHigher price; lodge scheduleHybridMix a guided day or two + self-drive daysBest of both worldsExtra planning, two booking systems

Budget Planner (ballpark ranges per person)

We shared our exact tour prices in the main post. Here’s a wider view to help you compare apples to apples.

Line ItemBudgetMid-RangeSplurge4 days guided (shared)6,500–9,500 ZAR10,000–16,000 ZAR18,000+ ZARSelf-drive (fuel + camp + food)1,200–1,800 ZAR/day1,800–3,200 ZAR/day3,500+ ZAR/dayPrivate reserve night—3,500–6,000 ZAR7,000–15,000+ ZARPark fees/conservationCheck latest (per day/vehicle)——Add-onsNight drives, bush walks, upgrades——

Savings ideas: travel shoulder months, share a vehicle, shop at camp stores for braai supplies, and plan one “big” activity (night drive or walk) instead of stacking every add-on.

4-Day Itinerary Variations (copy/paste and tweak)

Wildlife-Max Route (stacks your odds)

Day 1: Joburg → Malelane gate. Short sundown self-drive if you’re in early.

Day 2: Dawn loop along river roads; midday rest; late loop toward Crocodile Bridge.

Day 3: Full day central plains from Orpen (if based west) or south river loops (if based east).

Day 4: Exit via Panorama Route viewpoints for canyon drama.

Mixed Kruger + Private Reserve

Day 1: Joburg → camp outside Orpen. Evening private reserve sundowner drive.

Day 2: Full-day Kruger (open vehicle or self-drive).

Day 3: Morning Kruger loop → afternoon private reserve; night drive.

Day 4: Breakfast with a view → Joburg via canyon stops.

Family-Friendly Pace

Day 1: Joburg → camp with pool; short afternoon loop near camp.

Day 2: Dawn 2–3 hr drive → long brunch at picnic site → pool/nap → short sunset loop.

Day 3: Morning bush walk for adults (age limits apply) or camp activity; evening guided drive.

Day 4: Scenic route home; farm stall stop (padstal) for biltong & pies.

What to Pack (and why each thing matters)

Layers are everything. Sunrise wind on an open vehicle is sneaky-cold, even in summer; midday flips to hot quickly.

Warm layer: fleece or puffer; windproof shell helps in the vehicle.

Neutral clothing: olives/khaki/greys (less insect-attracting than brights).

Footwear: closed shoes for dawn/evening; sandals for camp.

Sun: wide-brim hat, SPF 50, sunglasses.

Binoculars: one pair per two people is perfect (8× or 10×).

Camera notes: long zoom (200–400mm), beanbag for window rests, microfiber cloths (dust!).

Daypack: 1–2 L water, snacks, lip balm, wet wipes.

Health: basic meds, rehydration salts, insect repellent.

Camp life: headlamp/flashlight, universal adapter, small power bank, Ziplocs for dust control.

Game-Viewing Playbook

The Daily Rhythm That Works

Pre-dawn: Gate queue with coffee; first light is magic.

Morning: River loops and waterholes; scan shady thickets for cats.

Midday: Camp brunch/nap/pool (animals rest too).

Afternoon: Short loops near water; linger for golden hour.

Evening: Night drive (guided) to switch on eyes for nocturnal life.

Big Five + Friends: Where & When

AnimalWhere to LookBest TimeBehavior CluesLionSand rivers, shade near waterholesDawn/duskVultures circling, jackals waiting, impalas alarm-callingLeopardDrainage lines, overhanging trees, rocky kopjesDawn/dusk/nightImpalas barking; listen for francolin/kudu alarmsElephantRiverine belts, marula/mopane standsAnyFresh tracks/dung on road = herd nearbyRhinoThickets, dusty wallowsEarly/lateOxpeckers on backs; look for worn “paths” through brushBuffaloRivers and floodplainsEarly/lateBig herds kick dust; dagga boys (older males) lounge in mudCheetahOpen plains (central/west)DaytimeTall termite mounds = scanning postsHyenaDen sites, road edgesNight/dawnPups peeking from culverts; whoops at nightGiraffe/Zebra/AntelopeEverywhereDaytimeCalm herds = predators likely not close (for now!)

Safari Etiquette & Safety (for you and the animals)

Do ThisWhy It MattersStay in your vehicle unless at designated areasYou’re in a wild ecosystem; distance keeps everyone safeKeep voices low at sightingsPredators relax; shy species linger longerNever feed wildlifeHuman food = sick animals + dangerous behaviorTurn off engine when you’re settledQuieter, cleaner, and your ears can pick up alarmsRespect sighting linesEveryone sees; no blocking or crowding the animalGive road-crossers spaceElephants and rhino have right of way—alwaysCarry out your trashBaboons/monkeys get bold if bins overflow

Safari Photography Tips

Settings starter: 1/1000s for moving animals; auto-ISO with a cap; aperture around f/5.6–f/8 for groups.

Burst for behavior: Cubs playing, giraffes “necking,” birds taking off—hold the shutter, then curate later.

Tell the story: Mix tight portraits with environmental shots (animal + landscape + light).

Sighting etiquette: Take your turn at the good angle; swap seats between stops so everyone gets front/back time.

Dust discipline: Change lenses only when parked with windows closed; keep a blower handy.

Food & Camp Life (aka the cozy bits)

Brunch stops in Kruger have gas braais and picnic tables; bring eggs, tomatoes, onions, and you’ve got our favorite “safari fry-up.”

Camp stores stock basics (fresh bread, fruit, biltong, cold drinks).

Braai culture: Evenings are for grilling and swapping sightings—pack your favorite spice rub and marshmallows.

Caffeine game: Instant is king at 4:45 a.m.—or pre-brew and keep it in a flask.

Choosing a Responsible Operator (Green-flag checklist)

Question to AskGreen-Flag AnswerHow many guests per vehicle?Capped at 6–8 in open vehicles so everyone gets a “side seat” feelDo guides adhere to park rules?“We never off-road in Kruger; we keep distance and engine off near cats”What’s your conservation contribution?Clear fees and/or projects supported (anti-poaching, research, community)How do you handle sightings?Rotating positions, time limits at crowded stops, patience for shy speciesWhat’s included?Transparent list (park fees, meals, water, binoculars/blankets)

Side Trips & Scenic Add-Ons

Panorama Route: Blyde River Canyon vistas, Three Rondavels, God’s Window, waterfalls—great on your exit day.

Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre: Learn about rehabbed raptors and predators (we visited on Day 1).

Private reserves: Motlala, Klaserie, Timbavati, Sabi Sands for off-road tracking and night drives.

Local farm stalls (padstalle): Pies, biltong, preserves—stock the cooler for camp.

Save-This One-Page Checklist

Dates picked with season in mind; sunrise/sunset times saved

Gate choice matched to your base and wish-list animals

Accommodation booked early (camp or lodge, inside or just outside the park)

Papers: ID/passport, driver’s license, booking confirmations, park entry details

Dawn bag packed (beanie, fleece, gloves, scarf)

Binoculars + camera sorted; spare batteries/cards; dust plan

Cooler box for brunch stops (eggs, tomatoes, onions, juice, water)

Cash/card for fuel, shops, conservation fees

Night drive or bush walk pre-booked if you want one

Side trip penciled in (Panorama Route or private reserve sunset)

Kruger Safari FAQ (12 Quick Answers)

How many days do I need for a first Kruger safari?Four days is a sweet spot: two full days inside the park, plus travel days with a scenic stop (Blyde River Canyon). If you can stretch to five, add either a private-reserve night or a slower middle day.

Is a dawn start really necessary?Yes—cool temperatures and first light make animals active. We had some of our best sightings before 9 a.m.

Self-drive or guided—what’s better?They’re different good. Guided = pro trackers, no stress, learn a ton. Self-drive = freedom, budget control, linger where you like. Many travellers do both.

Which area has the “best” sightings?It changes daily. South/central often feel more productive for first-timers; add a private reserve for off-road predator time.

What are my chances of seeing the Big Five?High across several days, but nothing is guaranteed. We only ticked our rhino near the gate—persistence pays.

Do I need a 4×4 for self-drive?No. Kruger’s main roads are tarred; gravel loops are passable in a standard car. Drive slowly and watch for corrugations after rain.

How cold does it get on the vehicle?Colder than you think at sunrise—windchill on an open vehicle bites. Bring a fleece, shell, and light gloves.

What binocular specs should I bring?8×32 or 10×42 are versatile. If you’re sharing one pair, 8× is steadier for beginners.

Are night drives worth it?Yes, at least once. You switch from diurnal game to eyeshine and predators on the move; guides know where to look.

Can I go off-road in Kruger to get closer?No—off-roading isn’t allowed in the national park. If you want off-road tracking, book a private reserve drive.

What about bugs and malaria?Seasons and zones vary—use repellent, wear sleeves at dusk, and follow current medical advice for prophylaxis where indicated.

What’s the best “unexpected” add-on?The Panorama Route on your exit day—ending a wildlife trip with canyon views is a top-tier palate cleanser.

Have you ever been of safari in Kruger National park?What was your experience like?

Thank you to Selous Safaris for hosting me. All opinions expressed are my own.For more info on travel in South Africa visit Travel Now Now.